1
|
Goebeler ME, Stuhler G, Bargou R. Bispecific and multispecific antibodies in oncology: opportunities and challenges. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:539-560. [PMID: 38822215 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00905-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Research into bispecific antibodies, which are designed to simultaneously bind two antigens or epitopes, has advanced enormously over the past two decades. Owing to advances in protein engineering technologies and considerable preclinical research efforts, bispecific antibodies are constantly being developed and optimized to improve their efficacy and to mitigate toxicity. To date, >200 of these agents, the majority of which are bispecific immune cell engagers, are in either preclinical or clinical evaluation. In this Review, we discuss the role of bispecific antibodies in patients with cancer, including history and development, as well as innovative targeting strategies, clinical applications, and adverse events. We also discuss novel alternative bispecific antibody constructs, such as those targeting two antigens expressed by tumour cells or cells located in the tumour microenvironment. Finally, we consider future research directions in this rapidly evolving field, including innovative antibody engineering strategies, which might enable more effective delivery, overcome resistance, and thus optimize clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Elisabeth Goebeler
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Gernot Stuhler
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bargou
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kopp A, Guan J, Johnston C, Vance S, Legg J, Galson-Holt L, Thurber GM. Design of Crosslinking Antibodies For T-Cell Activation: Experimental and Computational Analysis of PD-1/CD137 Bispecific Agents. AAPS J 2024; 26:68. [PMID: 38862748 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00937-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Bispecific and multispecific agents have become increasingly utilized in cancer treatment and immunotherapy, yet their complex design parameters present a challenge in developing successful therapeutics. Bispecifics that crosslink receptors on two opposing cells can provide specific activation of a receptor only when these cells are in close spatial proximity, such as an immune cell and cancer cell in a tumor. These agents, including T cell activating bispecifics, can avoid off-tumor toxicity through activation only in the tumor microenvironment by utilizing a tumor target to cluster T-cell receptors for a selective costimulatory signal. Here, we investigate a panel of PD-1/CD137 targeted Humabody VH domains to determine the key factors for T cell activation, such as affinity, valency, expression level, domain orientation, and epitope location. Target expression is a dominant factor determining both specificity and potency of T cell activation. Given an intrinsic expression level, the affinity can be tuned to modulate the level of activation and IC50 and achieve specificity between low and high expression levels. Changing the epitope location and linker length showed minor improvements to activation at low expression levels, but increasing the valency for the target decreased activation at all expression levels. By combining non-overlapping epitopes for the target, we achieved higher receptor activation at low expression levels. A kinetic model was able to capture these trends, offering support for the mechanistic interpretation. This work provides a framework to quantify factors for T cell activation by cell-crosslinking bispecific agents and guiding principles for the design of new agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kopp
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | - Jiakun Guan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Greg M Thurber
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA.
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Stoup N, Liberelle M, Lebègue N, Van Seuningen I. Emerging paradigms and recent progress in targeting ErbB in cancers. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:552-576. [PMID: 38797570 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family is a class of transmembrane proteins, highly regarded as anticancer targets due to their pivotal role in various malignancies. Standard cancer treatments targeting the ErbB receptors include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Despite their substantial survival benefits, the achievement of curative outcomes is hindered by acquired resistance. Recent advancements in anti-ErbB approaches, such as inhibitory peptides, nanobodies, targeted-protein degradation strategies, and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), aim to overcome such resistance. More recently, emerging insights into the cell surface interactome of the ErbB family open new avenues for modulating ErbB signaling by targeting specific domains of ErbB partners. Here, we review recent progress in ErbB targeting and elucidate emerging paradigms that underscore the significance of EGF domain-containing proteins (EDCPs) as new ErbB-targeting pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Stoup
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - CANTHER - Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Maxime Liberelle
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172 - LiNC -Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Lebègue
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172 - LiNC -Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Isabelle Van Seuningen
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - CANTHER - Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kopp A, Dong S, Kwon H, Wang T, Desai AA, Linderman JJ, Tessier P, Thurber GM. In vivo Auto-tuning of Antibody-Drug Conjugate Delivery for Effective Immunotherapy using High-Avidity, Low-Affinity Antibodies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.06.588433. [PMID: 38645231 PMCID: PMC11030390 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.06.588433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have experienced a surge in clinical approvals in the past five years. Despite this success, a major limitation to ADC efficacy in solid tumors is poor tumor penetration, which leaves many cancer cells untargeted. Increasing antibody doses or co-administering ADC with an unconjugated antibody can improve tumor penetration and increase efficacy when target receptor expression is high. However, it can also reduce efficacy in low-expression tumors where ADC delivery is limited by cellular uptake. This creates an intrinsic problem because many patients express different levels of target between tumors and even within the same tumor. Here, we generated High-Avidity, Low-Affinity (HALA) antibodies that can automatically tune the cellular ADC delivery to match the local expression level. Using HER2 ADCs as a model, HALA antibodies were identified with the desired HER2 expression-dependent competitive binding with ADCs in vitro. Multi-scale distribution of trastuzumab emtansine and trastuzumab deruxtecan co-administered with the HALA antibody were analyzed in vivo, revealing that the HALA antibody increased ADC tumor penetration in high-expression systems with minimal reduction in ADC uptake in low-expression tumors. This translated to greater ADC efficacy in immunodeficient mouse models across a range of HER2 expression levels. Furthermore, Fc-enhanced HALA antibodies showed improved Fc-effector function at both high and low expression levels and elicited a strong response in an immunocompetent mouse model. These results demonstrate that HALA antibodies can expand treatment ranges beyond high expression targets and leverage strong immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kopp
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Shujun Dong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Hyeyoung Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Tiexin Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Alec A Desai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Jennifer J Linderman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Peter Tessier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Greg M Thurber
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Breitenecker K, Heiden D, Demmer T, Weber G, Primorac AM, Hedrich V, Ortmayr G, Gruenberger T, Starlinger P, Herndler-Brandstetter D, Barozzi I, Mikulits W. Tumor-Extrinsic Axl Expression Shapes an Inflammatory Microenvironment Independent of Tumor Cell Promoting Axl Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4202. [PMID: 38673795 PMCID: PMC11050718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl by Gas6 is a major driver of tumorigenesis. Despite recent insights, tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic Axl functions are poorly understood in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, we analyzed the cell-specific aspects of Axl in liver cancer cells and in the tumor microenvironment. We show that tumor-intrinsic Axl expression decreased the survival of mice and elevated the number of pulmonary metastases in a model of resection-based tumor recurrence. Axl expression increased the invasion of hepatospheres by the activation of Akt signaling and a partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the liver tumor burden of Axl+/+ mice induced by diethylnitrosamine plus carbon tetrachloride was reduced compared to systemic Axl-/- mice. Tumors of Axl+/+ mice were highly infiltrated with cytotoxic cells, suggesting a key immune-modulatory role of Axl. Interestingly, hepatocyte-specific Axl deficiency did not alter T cell infiltration, indicating that these changes are independent of tumor cell-intrinsic Axl. In this context, we observed an upregulation of multiple chemokines in Axl+/+ compared to Axl-/- tumors, correlating with HCC patient data. In line with this, Axl is associated with a cytotoxic immune signature in HCC patients. Together these data show that tumor-intrinsic Axl expression fosters progression, while tumor-extrinsic Axl expression shapes an inflammatory microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Breitenecker
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Denise Heiden
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Tobias Demmer
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Gerhard Weber
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Ana-Maria Primorac
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Viola Hedrich
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Gregor Ortmayr
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Thomas Gruenberger
- Department of Surgery, HPB Center, Viennese Health Network, Clinic Favoriten and Sigmund Freud Private University, 1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick Starlinger
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dietmar Herndler-Brandstetter
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Iros Barozzi
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Madsen AV, Pedersen LE, Kristensen P, Goletz S. Design and engineering of bispecific antibodies: insights and practical considerations. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1352014. [PMID: 38333084 PMCID: PMC10850309 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1352014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) have attracted significant attention due to their dual binding activity, which permits simultaneous targeting of antigens and synergistic binding effects beyond what can be obtained even with combinations of conventional monospecific antibodies. Despite the tremendous therapeutic potential, the design and construction of bsAbs are often hampered by practical issues arising from the increased structural complexity as compared to conventional monospecific antibodies. The issues are diverse in nature, spanning from decreased biophysical stability from fusion of exogenous antigen-binding domains to antibody chain mispairing leading to formation of antibody-related impurities that are very difficult to remove. The added complexity requires judicious design considerations as well as extensive molecular engineering to ensure formation of high quality bsAbs with the intended mode of action and favorable drug-like qualities. In this review, we highlight and summarize some of the key considerations in design of bsAbs as well as state-of-the-art engineering principles that can be applied in efficient construction of bsAbs with diverse molecular formats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas V. Madsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lasse E. Pedersen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Peter Kristensen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Steffen Goletz
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mullin M, McClory J, Haynes W, Grace J, Robertson N, van Heeke G. Applications and challenges in designing VHH-based bispecific antibodies: leveraging machine learning solutions. MAbs 2024; 16:2341443. [PMID: 38666503 PMCID: PMC11057648 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2341443] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of bispecific antibodies that bind at least two different targets relies on bringing together multiple binding domains with different binding properties and biophysical characteristics to produce a drug-like therapeutic. These building blocks play an important role in the overall quality of the molecule and can influence many important aspects from potency and specificity to stability and half-life. Single-domain antibodies, particularly camelid-derived variable heavy domain of heavy chain (VHH) antibodies, are becoming an increasingly popular choice for bispecific construction due to their single-domain modularity, favorable biophysical properties, and potential to work in multiple antibody formats. Here, we review the use of VHH domains as building blocks in the construction of multispecific antibodies and the challenges in creating optimized molecules. In addition to exploring traditional approaches to VHH development, we review the integration of machine learning techniques at various stages of the process. Specifically, the utilization of machine learning for structural prediction, lead identification, lead optimization, and humanization of VHH antibodies.
Collapse
|
8
|
Theuerkauf SA, Herrera-Carrillo E, John F, Zinser LJ, Molina MA, Riechert V, Thalheimer FB, Börner K, Grimm D, Chlanda P, Berkhout B, Buchholz CJ. AAV vectors displaying bispecific DARPins enable dual-control targeted gene delivery. Biomaterials 2023; 303:122399. [PMID: 37992599 PMCID: PMC10721713 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Precise delivery of genes to therapy-relevant cells is crucial for in vivo gene therapy. Receptor-targeting as prime strategy for this purpose is limited to cell types defined by a single cell-surface marker. Many target cells are characterized by combinations of more than one marker, such as the HIV reservoir cells. Here, we explored the tropism of adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV2) displaying designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) mono- and bispecific for CD4 and CD32a. Cryo-electron tomography revealed an unaltered capsid structure in the presence of DARPins. Surprisingly, bispecific AAVs transduced CD4/CD32a double-positive cells at much higher efficiencies than single-positive cells, even if present in low amounts in cell mixtures or human blood. This preference was confirmed when vector particles were systemically administered into mice. Cell trafficking studies revealed an increased cell entry rate for bispecific over monospecific AAVs. When equipped with an HIV genome-targeting CRISPR/Cas cassette, the vectors prevented HIV replication in T cell cultures. The data provide proof-of-concept for high-precision gene delivery through tandem-binding regions on AAV. Reminiscent of biological products following Boolean logic AND gating, the data suggest a new option for receptor-targeted vectors to improve the specificity and safety of in vivo gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A Theuerkauf
- Gene Therapy and Molecular Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | | | - Fabian John
- Gene Therapy and Molecular Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Luca J Zinser
- Gene Therapy and Molecular Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | | | - Vanessa Riechert
- Gene Therapy and Molecular Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Frederic B Thalheimer
- Gene Therapy and Molecular Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kathleen Börner
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petr Chlanda
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Schaller Research Groups, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Christian J Buchholz
- Gene Therapy and Molecular Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Walseng E, Wang B, Yang C, Patel P, Zhao C, Zhang H, Zhao P, Mazor Y. Conformation-selective rather than avidity-based binding to tumor associated antigen derived peptide-MHC enables targeting of WT1-pMHC low expressing cancer cells by anti-WT1-pMHC/CD3 T cell engagers. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275304. [PMID: 38022650 PMCID: PMC10667733 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275304] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell engagers, a category of T cell-retargeting immunotherapy, are rapidly transforming clinical cancer care. However, the lack of tumor-specific targets poses a significant roadblock for broad adaptation of this therapeutic modality in many indications, often resulting in systemic on-target off-tumor toxicity. Though various tumor-derived intracellular mutations provide a massive pool of potential tumor-specific antigens, targeting them is extremely challenging, partly due to the low copy number of tumor associated antigen (TAA)-derived pMHC on tumor cell surface. Further, the interplay of binding geometry and format valency in relation to the capacity of a T cell engager to efficiently target low density cell-surface pMHC is not well understood. Using the Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) oncoprotein as a proof-of-principle TAA, combined with an array of IgG-like T cell engager modalities that differ in their anti-TAA valency and binding geometry, we show that the ability to induce an immunological synapse formation, resulting in potent killing of WT1 positive cancer cell lines is primarily dependent on the distinct geometrical conformations between the Fab arms of anti-WT1-HLA-A*02:01 and anti-CD3. The augmented avidity conferred by the binding of two anti-WT1-HLA-A*02:01 Fab arms has only minimal influence on cell killing potency. These findings demonstrate the need for careful examination of key design parameters for the development of next-generation T cell engagers targeting low density TAA-pMHCs on tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yariv Mazor
- Biologics Engineering, Biopharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhuang W, Zhang W, Wang L, Xie L, Feng J, Zhang B, Hu Y. Generation of a Novel SORT1×HER2 Bispecific Antibody-Drug Conjugate Targeting HER2-Low-Expression Tumor. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16056. [PMID: 38003245 PMCID: PMC10671096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216056] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is considered an ideal antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) target because the gene is overexpressed in many tumors compared to normal tissues. Multiple anti-HER2 ADCs conjugated with different toxic payloads bring benefits to patients with high HER2 expression. However, HER2-targeted ADC technology needs further optimization to improve its effect for the treatment of patients with low HER2 expression. We hypothesized that bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (bsADC) targeting HER2 and Sortilin-1 (SORT1) would overcome this limitation. SORT1 is a suitable target for pairing with HER2 to generate a bispecific antibody (BsAb) since the gene is co-expressed with HER2 in tumors and possesses rapid internalization. We developed a BsAb (bsSORT1×HER2) that exhibited strong binding and internalization activity on HER2-low-expression tumor cells and facilitated higher HER2 degradation. The bsSORT1×HER2 was further conjugated with DXd to generate a bsADC (bsSORT1×HER2-DXd) that showed strong cytotoxicity on HER2-low-expression tumor cells and antitumor efficacy in an MDA-MB-231 xenograft mice model. These results demonstrated that employment of a SORT1×HER2-targeted bsADC may be promising to improve the antitumor efficacy of HER2-targeted ADC for the treatment of tumors with low HER2 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiliang Zhuang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Liping Xie
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jun Feng
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Youjia Hu
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Luke JJ, Patel MR, Blumenschein GR, Hamilton E, Chmielowski B, Ulahannan SV, Connolly RM, Santa-Maria CA, Wang J, Bahadur SW, Weickhardt A, Asch AS, Mallesara G, Clingan P, Dlugosz-Danecka M, Tomaszewska-Kiecana M, Pylypenko H, Hamad N, Kindler HL, Sumrow BJ, Kaminker P, Chen FZ, Zhang X, Shah K, Smith DH, De Costa A, Li J, Li H, Sun J, Moore PA. The PD-1- and LAG-3-targeting bispecific molecule tebotelimab in solid tumors and hematologic cancers: a phase 1 trial. Nat Med 2023; 29:2814-2824. [PMID: 37857711 PMCID: PMC10667103 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02593-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Tebotelimab, a bispecific PD-1×LAG-3 DART molecule that blocks both PD-1 and LAG-3, was investigated for clinical safety and activity in a phase 1 dose-escalation and cohort-expansion clinical trial in patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies and disease progression on previous treatment. Primary endpoints were safety and maximum tolerated dose of tebotelimab when administered as a single agent (n = 269) or in combination with the anti-HER2 antibody margetuximab (n = 84). Secondary endpoints included anti-tumor activity. In patients with advanced cancer treated with tebotelimab monotherapy, 68% (184/269) experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs; 22% were grade ≥3). No maximum tolerated dose was defined; the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) was 600 mg once every 2 weeks. There were tumor decreases in 34% (59/172) of response-evaluable patients in the dose-escalation cohorts, with objective responses in multiple solid tumor types, including PD-1-refractory disease, and in LAG-3+ non-Hodgkin lymphomas, including CAR-T refractory disease. To enhance potential anti-tumor responses, we tested margetuximab plus tebotelimab. In patients with HER2+ tumors treated with tebotelimab plus margetuximab, 74% (62/84) had TRAEs (17% were grade ≥3). The RP2D was 600 mg once every 3 weeks. The confirmed objective response rate in these patients was 19% (14/72), including responses in patients typically not responsive to anti-HER2/anti-PD-1 combination therapy. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03219268 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Luke
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Manish R Patel
- Florida Cancer Specialists/Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | - George R Blumenschein
- Department of Thoracic Head & Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erika Hamilton
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bartosz Chmielowski
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Roisin M Connolly
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Research at UCC, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Cesar A Santa-Maria
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jie Wang
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Andrew Weickhardt
- Austin Health, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam S Asch
- OUHSC Oklahoma City, OK/SCRI, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Girish Mallesara
- Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, Waratah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip Clingan
- Southern Medical Day Care Centre, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Nada Hamad
- St. Vincent's Health Network, Kinghorn Cancer Centre, University of New South Wales, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Notre Dame Australia, School of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hedy L Kindler
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hua Li
- MacroGenics, Clinical, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jichao Sun
- MacroGenics, Clinical, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Paul A Moore
- MacroGenics, Research, Rockville, MD, USA
- Zymeworks, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Orcutt-Jahns B, Emmel PC, Snyder EM, Taylor SD, Meyer AS. Multivalent, asymmetric IL-2-Fc fusions show enhanced selectivity for regulatory T cells. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadg0699. [PMID: 37847758 PMCID: PMC10658882 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adg0699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
The cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) has the potential to treat autoimmune disease but is limited by its modest specificity toward immunosuppressive regulatory T (Treg) cells. IL-2 receptors consist of combinations of α, β, and γ chains of variable affinity and cell specificity. Engineering IL-2 to treat autoimmunity has primarily focused on retaining binding to the relatively Treg-selective, high-affinity receptor while reducing binding to the less selective, low-affinity receptor. However, we found that refining the designs to focus on targeting the high-affinity receptor through avidity effects is key to optimizing Treg selectivity. We profiled the dynamics and dose dependency of signaling responses in primary human immune cells induced by engineered fusions composed of either wild-type IL-2 or mutant forms with altered affinity, valency, and fusion to the antibody Fc region for stability. Treg selectivity and signaling response variations were explained by a model of multivalent binding and dimer-enhanced avidity-a combined measure of the strength, number, and conformation of interaction sites-from which we designed tetravalent IL-2-Fc fusions that had greater Treg selectivity in culture than do current designs. Biasing avidity toward IL2Rα with an asymmetrical multivalent design consisting of one α/β chain-binding and one α chain-binding mutant further enhanced Treg selectivity. Comparative analysis revealed that IL2Rα was the optimal cell surface target for Treg selectivity, indicating that avidity for IL2Rα may be the optimal route to producing IL-2 variants that selectively target Tregs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Orcutt-Jahns
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Peter C. Emmel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eli M. Snyder
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Scott D. Taylor
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Aaron S. Meyer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Narbona J, Hernández-Baraza L, Gordo RG, Sanz L, Lacadena J. Nanobody-Based EGFR-Targeting Immunotoxins for Colorectal Cancer Treatment. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1042. [PMID: 37509078 PMCID: PMC10377705 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxins (ITXs) are chimeric molecules that combine the specificity of a targeting domain, usually derived from an antibody, and the cytotoxic potency of a toxin, leading to the selective death of tumor cells. However, several issues must be addressed and optimized in order to use ITXs as therapeutic tools, such as the selection of a suitable tumor-associated antigen (TAA), high tumor penetration and retention, low kidney elimination, or low immunogenicity of foreign proteins. To this end, we produced and characterized several ITX designs, using a nanobody against EGFR (VHH 7D12) as the targeting domain. First, we generated a nanoITX, combining VHH 7D12 and the fungal ribotoxin α-sarcin (αS) as the toxic moiety (VHHEGFRαS). Then, we incorporated a trimerization domain (TIEXVIII) into the construct, obtaining a trimeric nanoITX (TriVHHEGFRαS). Finally, we designed and characterized a bispecific ITX, combining the VHH 7D12 and the scFv against GPA33 as targeting domains, and a deimmunized (DI) variant of α-sarcin (BsITXαSDI). The results confirm the therapeutic potential of α-sarcin-based nanoITXs. The incorporation of nanobodies as target domains improves their therapeutic use due to their lower molecular size and binding features. The enhanced avidity and toxic load in the trimeric nanoITX and the combination of two different target domains in the bispecific nanoITX allow for increased antitumor effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Narbona
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luisa Hernández-Baraza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- University Institute of Biomedical and Health Research (IUIBS), Las Palmas University, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rubén G Gordo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Lacadena
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Benhaghnazar RL, Medina-Kauwe L. Adenovirus-Derived Nano-Capsid Platforms for Targeted Delivery and Penetration of Macromolecules into Resistant and Metastatic Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3240. [PMID: 37370850 PMCID: PMC10296971 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123240] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Macromolecular therapeutics such as nucleic acids, peptides, and proteins have the potential to overcome treatment barriers for cancer. For example, nucleic acid or peptide biologics may offer an alternative strategy for attacking otherwise undruggable therapeutic targets such as transcription factors and similar oncologic drivers. Delivery of biological therapeutics into tumor cells requires a robust system of cell penetration to access therapeutic targets within the cell interior. A highly effective means of accomplishing this may be borrowed from cell-penetrating pathogens such as viruses. In particular, the cell entry function of the adenovirus penton base capsid protein has been effective at penetrating tumor cells for the intracellular deposition of macromolecular therapies and membrane-impermeable drugs. Here, we provide an overview describing the evolution of tumor-targeted penton-base-derived nano-capsids as a framework for discussing the requirements for overcoming key barriers to macromolecular delivery. The development and pre-clinical testing of these proteins for therapeutic delivery has begun to also uncover the elusive mechanism underlying the membrane-penetrating function of the penton base. An understanding of this mechanism may unlock the potential for macromolecular therapeutics to be effectively delivered into cancer cells and to provide a treatment option for tumors resisting current clinical therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lali Medina-Kauwe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA;
- Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
de Jong D, Das JP, Ma H, Pailey Valiplackal J, Prendergast C, Roa T, Braumuller B, Deng A, Dercle L, Yeh R, Salvatore MM, Capaccione KM. Novel Targets, Novel Treatments: The Changing Landscape of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2855. [PMID: 37345192 PMCID: PMC10216085 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has undergone a paradigm shift. Once a disease with limited potential therapies, treatment options for patients have exploded with the availability of molecular testing to direct management and targeted therapies to treat tumors with specific driver mutations. New in vitro diagnostics allow for the early and non-invasive detection of disease, and emerging in vivo imaging techniques allow for better detection and monitoring. The development of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy has arguably been the biggest advance in lung cancer treatment, given that the vast majority of NSCLC tumors can be treated with these therapies. Specific targeted therapies, including those against KRAS, EGFR, RTK, and others have also improved the outcomes for those individuals bearing an actionable mutation. New and emerging therapies, such as bispecific antibodies, CAR T cell therapy, and molecular targeted radiotherapy, offer promise to patients for whom none of the existing therapies have proved effective. In this review, we provide the most up-to-date survey to our knowledge regarding emerging diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for lung cancer to provide clinicians with a comprehensive reference of the options for treatment available now and those which are soon to come.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorine de Jong
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Jeeban P. Das
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.P.D.); (R.Y.)
| | - Hong Ma
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.M.); (J.P.V.); (C.P.); (T.R.); (B.B.); (L.D.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Jacienta Pailey Valiplackal
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.M.); (J.P.V.); (C.P.); (T.R.); (B.B.); (L.D.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Conor Prendergast
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.M.); (J.P.V.); (C.P.); (T.R.); (B.B.); (L.D.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Tina Roa
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.M.); (J.P.V.); (C.P.); (T.R.); (B.B.); (L.D.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Brian Braumuller
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.M.); (J.P.V.); (C.P.); (T.R.); (B.B.); (L.D.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Aileen Deng
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Novant Health, 170 Medical Park Road, Mooresville, NC 28117, USA;
| | - Laurent Dercle
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.M.); (J.P.V.); (C.P.); (T.R.); (B.B.); (L.D.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Randy Yeh
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.P.D.); (R.Y.)
| | - Mary M. Salvatore
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.M.); (J.P.V.); (C.P.); (T.R.); (B.B.); (L.D.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Kathleen M. Capaccione
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.M.); (J.P.V.); (C.P.); (T.R.); (B.B.); (L.D.); (M.M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Verma S, Breadner D, Raphael J. 'Targeting' Improved Outcomes with Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer-An Updated Review. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:4329-4350. [PMID: 37185443 PMCID: PMC10137214 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30040330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-Drug conjugates (ADCs) are a relatively new class of drugs with a promise to improve the outcomes in specific cancers. By delivering the cytotoxic agent to tumor cells expressing specific antigens, ADCs achieve a better therapeutic index and more potency. ADCs have been approved for several hematological and solid malignancies, including breast, urothelial and gastric carcinoma. Recently, trastuzumab deruxtecan (TDXd) was the first ADC approved for previously treated metastatic HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Many promising ADCs are in the pipeline for clinical development in non-small cell lung cancer, including sacituzumab govitecan, patritumab deruxtecan, datopotamab deruxtecan and tusamitamab ravtansine. There is a hope that these drugs would cater to the unmet need of specific patient populations, including patients with currently untargetable mutations. We hope these drugs, e.g., TROP2 targeted ADCs, will also give more options for therapy in NSCLC to improve outcomes for patients. In this comprehensive review, we will be discussing the recent evidence including targets, efficacy and the safety of newer ADC candidates in NSCLC. We will also briefly discuss the specific toxicities, novel biomarkers, overcoming resistance mechanisms, challenges and the way forward, as these new ADCs and combinations find a way into the clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saurav Verma
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Daniel Breadner
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Jacques Raphael
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Revisiting the Syndecans: Master Signaling Regulators with Prognostic and Targetable Therapeutic Values in Breast Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061794. [PMID: 36980680 PMCID: PMC10046401 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Syndecans (SDC1 to 4), a family of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans, are frequently expressed in mammalian tissues. SDCs are aberrantly expressed either on tumor or stromal cells, influencing cancer initiation and progression through their pleiotropic role in different signaling pathways relevant to proliferation, cell-matrix adhesion, migration, invasion, metastasis, cancer stemness, and angiogenesis. In this review, we discuss the key roles of SDCs in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, the most common malignancy in females worldwide, focusing on the prognostic significance and molecular regulators of SDC expression and localization in either breast tumor tissue or its microenvironmental cells and the SDC-dependent epithelial–mesenchymal transition program. This review also highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying the roles of SDCs in regulating breast cancer cell behavior via modulation of nuclear hormone receptor signaling, microRNA expression, and exosome biogenesis and functions, as well as summarizing the potential of SDCs as promising candidate targets for therapeutic strategies against breast cancer.
Collapse
|
18
|
Nguyen TD, Bordeau BM, Balthasar JP. Mechanisms of ADC Toxicity and Strategies to Increase ADC Tolerability. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:713. [PMID: 36765668 PMCID: PMC9913659 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-cancer antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) aim to expand the therapeutic index of traditional chemotherapy by employing the targeting specificity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to increase the efficiency of the delivery of potent cytotoxic agents to malignant cells. In the past three years, the number of ADCs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tripled. Although several ADCs have demonstrated sufficient efficacy and safety to warrant FDA approval, the clinical use of all ADCs leads to substantial toxicity in treated patients, and many ADCs have failed during clinical development due to their unacceptable toxicity profiles. Analysis of the clinical data has demonstrated that dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) are often shared by different ADCs that deliver the same cytotoxic payload, independent of the antigen that is targeted and/or the type of cancer that is treated. DLTs are commonly associated with cells and tissues that do not express the targeted antigen (i.e., off-target toxicity), and often limit ADC dosage to levels below those required for optimal anti-cancer effects. In this manuscript, we review the fundamental mechanisms contributing to ADC toxicity, we summarize common ADC treatment-related adverse events, and we discuss several approaches to mitigating ADC toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toan D Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Brandon M Bordeau
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Joseph P Balthasar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tapia-Galisteo A, Compte M, Álvarez-Vallina L, Sanz L. When three is not a crowd: trispecific antibodies for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Theranostics 2023; 13:1028-1041. [PMID: 36793863 PMCID: PMC9925307 DOI: 10.7150/thno.81494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the clinical success of the first bispecific antibody approved by the FDA against B cell malignancies (blinatumomab), many obstacles remain such as dosing, treatment resistance, and modest efficacy in solid tumors. To overcome these limitations, considerable efforts have been dedicated to the development of multispecific antibodies, opening up new avenues to address both the complex biology of cancer and the onset of anti-tumoral immune responses. Simultaneous targeting of two tumor-associated antigens is presumed to enhance cancer cell selectivity and reduce immune escape. Co-engagement of CD3, along with agonists of co-stimulatory molecules or antagonists of co-inhibitory immune checkpoint receptors in a single molecule, may revert T cell exhaustion. Similarly, targeting of two activating receptors in NK cells may improve their cytotoxic potency. And these are only examples of the potential of antibody-based molecular entities engaging three (or more) relevant targets. From the perspective of health care costs, multispecific antibodies are appealing, since a similar (or superior) therapeutic effect could be obtained with a single therapeutic agent as with a combination of different monoclonal antibodies. Despite challenges in production, multispecific antibodies are endowed with unprecedented properties, which may render them more potent biologics for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Tapia-Galisteo
- Immuno-oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Compte
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis S.L., Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Álvarez-Vallina
- Immuno-oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Maecker H, Jonnalagadda V, Bhakta S, Jammalamadaka V, Junutula JR. Exploration of the antibody-drug conjugate clinical landscape. MAbs 2023; 15:2229101. [PMID: 37639687 PMCID: PMC10464553 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2229101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) field has undergone a renaissance, with substantial recent developmental investment and subsequent drug approvals over the past 6 y. In November 2022, ElahereTM became the latest ADC to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To date, over 260 ADCs have been tested in the clinic against various oncology indications. Here, we review the clinical landscape of ADCs that are currently FDA approved (11), agents currently in clinical trials but not yet approved (164), and candidates discontinued following clinical testing (92). These clinically tested ADCs are further analyzed by their targeting tumor antigen(s), linker, payload choices, and highest clinical stage achieved, highlighting limitations associated with the discontinued drug candidates. Lastly, we discuss biologic engineering modifications preclinically demonstrated to improve the therapeutic index that if incorporated may increase the proportion of molecules that successfully transition to regulatory approval.
Collapse
|
21
|
Rabia E, Garambois V, Dhommée C, Larbouret C, Lajoie L, Buscail Y, Jimenez-Dominguez G, Choblet-Thery S, Liaudet-Coopman E, Cerutti M, Jarlier M, Ravel P, Gros L, Pirot N, Thibault G, Zhukovsky EA, Gérard PE, Pèlegrin A, Colinge J, Chardès T. Design and selection of optimal ErbB-targeting bispecific antibodies in pancreatic cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1168444. [PMID: 37153618 PMCID: PMC10157173 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1168444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases is a primary target for small molecules and antibodies for pancreatic cancer treatment. Nonetheless, the current treatments for this tumor are not optimal due to lack of efficacy, resistance, or toxicity. Here, using the novel BiXAb™ tetravalent format platform, we generated bispecific antibodies against EGFR, HER2, or HER3 by considering rational epitope combinations. We then screened these bispecific antibodies and compared them with the parental single antibodies and antibody pair combinations. The screen readouts included measuring binding to the cognate receptors (mono and bispecificity), intracellular phosphorylation signaling, cell proliferation, apoptosis and receptor expression, and also immune system engagement assays (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity). Among the 30 BiXAbs™ tested, we selected 3Patri-1Cetu-Fc, 3Patri-1Matu-Fc and 3Patri-2Trastu-Fc as lead candidates. The in vivo testing of these three highly efficient bispecific antibodies against EGFR and HER2 or HER3 in pre-clinical mouse models of pancreatic cancer showed deep antibody penetration in these dense tumors and robust tumor growth reduction. Application of such semi-rational/semi-empirical approach, which includes various immunological assays to compare pre-selected antibodies and their combinations with bispecific antibodies, represents the first attempt to identify potent bispecific antibodies against ErbB family members in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Rabia
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Véronique Garambois
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Christine Dhommée
- GICC, Groupe Innovation et Ciblage Cellulaire, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Christel Larbouret
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurie Lajoie
- GICC, Groupe Innovation et Ciblage Cellulaire, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Yoan Buscail
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Réseau d’Histologie Expérimentale de Montpellier, BioCampus, Université de Montpellier, UAR3426 CNRS-US09 INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Gabriel Jimenez-Dominguez
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sylvie Choblet-Thery
- Plateforme Bacfly, Baculovirus et Thérapie, BioCampus, UAR3426 CNRS-US09 INSERM, Saint-Christol-Lèz Alès, France
| | - Emmanuelle Liaudet-Coopman
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Martine Cerutti
- Plateforme Bacfly, Baculovirus et Thérapie, BioCampus, UAR3426 CNRS-US09 INSERM, Saint-Christol-Lèz Alès, France
| | - Marta Jarlier
- ICM, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrice Ravel
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Gros
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CNRS, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
| | - Nelly Pirot
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Réseau d’Histologie Expérimentale de Montpellier, BioCampus, Université de Montpellier, UAR3426 CNRS-US09 INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Gilles Thibault
- GICC, Groupe Innovation et Ciblage Cellulaire, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Eugene A. Zhukovsky
- Biomunex Pharmaceuticals, Incubateur Paris Biotech santé, Hopital Cochin, Paris, France
| | | | - André Pèlegrin
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jacques Colinge
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Thierry Chardès
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Plateforme Bacfly, Baculovirus et Thérapie, BioCampus, UAR3426 CNRS-US09 INSERM, Saint-Christol-Lèz Alès, France
- CNRS, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Thierry Chardès,
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mak S, Marszal A, Matscheko N, Rant U. Kinetic analysis of ternary and binary binding modes of the bispecific antibody emicizumab. MAbs 2023; 15:2149053. [PMID: 36453702 PMCID: PMC9724730 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2022.2149053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The binding properties of bispecific antibodies (bsAb) are crucial for their function, especially when two antigens are targeted on the same cell surface. Dynamic interactions between each of the antibody's arms and its cognate target cause the formation and decay of a biologically functional ternary complex. How association and dissociation processes work cooperatively, and how they influence the avidity of the ternary complex, is still poorly understood. Here, we present a biosensor assay for the simultaneous measurement of the binding kinetics of the therapeutic bsAb emicizumab (Hemlibra®) and its two targets, the blood coagulation factors IX and X (FIX, FX). We describe an automated workflow to characterize binary and ternary-binding modes, utilizing a Y-shaped DNA nanostructure to immobilize the antigens on a sensor and to emulate conditions on a cell or platelet surface by presenting the antigens with optimal accessibility for the bsAb flown over the sensor as analyte. We find that emicizumab binds FX much stronger than FIX (Kd = 0.05 µM vs. 5 µM, t1/2 = 20 s vs. 1 s) with profound consequences on the avidity of the ternary complex, which is dominated by FX's binding properties and a hand-off mechanism from FX to FIX. Moreover, formation and decay of the ternary complex depend on the bsAb concentration during the association phase. Emicizumab's in-vivo mode of action and the catalytic activation of FX can be rationalized from the analyzed binding kinetics. The assay and workflow are well suited for the screening of bispecific binders in drug discovery and provide valuable new kinetic information.Abbreviations: bsAb: bispecific antibody; FVIII/FIX/FX: coagulation factors VIII/IX/X; SPR: surface plasmon resonance; kon: association rate constant; koff: dissociation rate constant; KD: equilibrium dissociation constant; t1/2: dissociation half-life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nena Matscheko
- Dynamic Biosensors GmbH, Munich, Germany,CONTACT Nena Matscheko
| | - Ulrich Rant
- Dynamic Biosensors GmbH, Munich, Germany,Ulrich Rant Dynamic Biosensors GmbH, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bagert JD, Oganesyan V, Chiang CI, Iannotti M, Lin J, Yang C, Payne S, McMahon W, Edwards S, Dippel A, Hutchinson M, Huang F, Aleti V, Niu C, Qian C, Denham J, Ferreira S, Pradhan P, Penney M, Wang C, Liu W, Walseng E, Mazor Y. Robust production of monovalent bispecific IgG antibodies through novel electrostatic steering mutations at the C H1-C λ interface. MAbs 2023; 15:2273449. [PMID: 37930310 PMCID: PMC10629431 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2273449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies represent an increasingly large fraction of biologics in therapeutic development due to their expanded scope in functional capabilities. Asymmetric monovalent bispecific IgGs (bsIgGs) have the additional advantage of maintaining a native antibody-like structure, which can provide favorable pharmacology and pharmacokinetic profiles. The production of correctly assembled asymmetric monovalent bsIgGs, however, is a complex engineering endeavor due to the propensity for non-cognate heavy and light chains to mis-pair. Previously, we introduced the DuetMab platform as a general solution for the production of bsIgGs, which utilizes an engineered interchain disulfide bond in one of the CH1-CL domains to promote orthogonal chain pairing between heavy and light chains. While highly effective in promoting cognate heavy and light chain pairing, residual chain mispairing could be detected for specific combinations of Fv pairs. Here, we present enhancements to the DuetMab design that improve chain pairing and production through the introduction of novel electrostatic steering mutations at the CH1-CL interface with lambda light chains (CH1-Cλ). These mutations work together with previously established charge-pair mutations at the CH1-CL interface with kappa light chains (CH1-Cκ) and Fab disulfide engineering to promote cognate heavy and light chain pairing and enable the reliable production of bsIgGs. Importantly, these enhanced DuetMabs do not require engineering of the variable domains and are robust when applied to a panel of bsIgGs with diverse Fv sequences. We present a comprehensive biochemical, biophysical, and functional characterization of the resulting DuetMabs to demonstrate compatibility with industrial production benchmarks. Overall, this enhanced DuetMab platform substantially streamlines process development of these disruptive biotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John D. Bagert
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Chi-I Chiang
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Mike Iannotti
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Jia Lin
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Chunning Yang
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Sterling Payne
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Will McMahon
- Process and Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Samuel Edwards
- Process and Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Andrew Dippel
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Fengying Huang
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Vineela Aleti
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Chendi Niu
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Chen Qian
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Jessica Denham
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Sofia Ferreira
- Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pallab Pradhan
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Mark Penney
- Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chunlei Wang
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Wenhai Liu
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Even Walseng
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Yariv Mazor
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sun YJ, Chen YC, Hua WK, Wu SCY, Chan LLY. Comparison of chimeric antigen receptor-T cell-mediated cytotoxicity assays with suspension tumor cells using plate-based image cytometry method. Cytometry A 2023; 103:27-38. [PMID: 35869932 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In the recent decade, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has revolutionized strategies for cancer treatments due to its highly effective clinical efficacy and response for B cell malignancies. The success of CAR-T cell therapy has stimulated the increase in the research and development of various CAR constructs to target different tumor types. Therefore, a robust and efficient in vitro potency assay is needed to quickly identify potential CAR gene design from a library of construct candidates. Image cytometry methodologies have been utilized for various CAR-T cell-mediated cytotoxicity assay using different fluorescent labeling methods, mainly due to their ease-of-use, ability to capture cell images for verification, and higher throughput performance. In this work, we employed the Celigo Image Cytometer to evaluate and compare two CAR-T cell-mediated cytotoxicity assays using GFP-expressing or fluorescent dye-labeled myeloma and plasmacytoma cells. The GFP-based method demonstrated higher sensitivity in detecting CAR-T cell-mediated cytotoxicity when compared to the CMFDA/DAPI viability method. We have established the criteria and considerations for the selection of cytotoxicity assays that are fit-for-purpose to ensure the results produced are meaningful for the specific testing conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jun Sun
- Department of Research and Development, GenomeFrontier Therapeutics, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Chen
- Department of Research and Development, GenomeFrontier Therapeutics, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Kai Hua
- Department of Research and Development, GenomeFrontier Therapeutics, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Sareina Chiung-Yuan Wu
- Department of Research and Development, GenomeFrontier Therapeutics, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Leo Li-Ying Chan
- Department of Advanced Technology R&D, Nexcelom from PerkinElmer, Lawrence, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Allen GM, Lim WA. Rethinking cancer targeting strategies in the era of smart cell therapeutics. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:693-702. [PMID: 36175644 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00505-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the past several decades, the development of cancer therapeutics has largely focused on precision targeting of single cancer-associated molecules. Despite great advances, such targeted therapies still show incomplete precision and the eventual development of resistance due to target heterogeneity or mutation. However, the recent development of cell-based therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells presents a revolutionary opportunity to reframe strategies for targeting cancers. Immune cells equipped with synthetic circuits are essentially living computers that can be programmed to recognize tumours based on multiple signals, including both tumour cell-intrinsic and microenvironmental. Moreover, cells can be programmed to launch broad but highly localized therapeutic responses that can limit the potential for escape while still maintaining high precision. Although these emerging smart cell engineering capabilities have yet to be fully implemented in the clinic, we argue here that they will become much more powerful when combined with machine learning analysis of genomic data, which can guide the design of therapeutic recognition programs that are the most discriminatory and actionable. The merging of cancer analytics and synthetic biology could lead to nuanced paradigms of tumour recognition, more akin to facial recognition, that have the ability to more effectively address the complex challenges of treating cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greg M Allen
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Cell Design Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wendell A Lim
- Cell Design Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Yang H, Karl MN, Wang W, Starich B, Tan H, Kiemen A, Pucsek AB, Kuo YH, Russo GC, Pan T, Jaffee EM, Fertig EJ, Wirtz D, Spangler JB. Engineered bispecific antibodies targeting the interleukin-6 and -8 receptors potently inhibit cancer cell migration and tumor metastasis. Mol Ther 2022; 30:3430-3449. [PMID: 35841152 PMCID: PMC9637575 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simultaneous inhibition of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) signaling diminishes cancer cell migration, and combination therapy has recently been shown to synergistically reduce metastatic burden in a preclinical model of triple-negative breast cancer. Here, we have engineered two novel bispecific antibodies that target the IL-6 and IL-8 receptors to concurrently block the signaling activity of both ligands. We demonstrate that a first-in-class bispecific antibody design has promising therapeutic potential, with enhanced selectivity and potency compared with monoclonal antibody and small-molecule drug combinations in both cellular and animal models of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Mechanistic characterization revealed that our engineered bispecific antibodies have no impact on cell viability, but profoundly reduce the migratory potential of cancer cells; hence they constitute a true anti-metastatic treatment. Moreover, we demonstrate that our antibodies can be readily combined with standard-of-care anti-proliferative drugs to develop effective anti-cancer regimens. Collectively, our work establishes an innovative metastasis-focused direction for cancer drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Michelle N Karl
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for Nano Biotechnology (INBT), the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Wentao Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Bartholomew Starich
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for Nano Biotechnology (INBT), the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Haotian Tan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for Nano Biotechnology (INBT), the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Ashley Kiemen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for Nano Biotechnology (INBT), the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Alexandra B Pucsek
- Department of Oncology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Yun-Huai Kuo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Gabriella C Russo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for Nano Biotechnology (INBT), the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Tim Pan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for Nano Biotechnology (INBT), the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Jaffee
- Department of Oncology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Pathology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Elana J Fertig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Oncology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Denis Wirtz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for Nano Biotechnology (INBT), the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Oncology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Pathology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Oncology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Li M, Mei S, Yang Y, Shen Y, Chen L. Strategies to mitigate the on- and off-target toxicities of recombinant immunotoxins: an antibody engineering perspective. Antib Ther 2022; 5:164-176. [PMID: 35928456 PMCID: PMC9344849 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbac014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Targeted cancer therapies using immunotoxins has achieved remarkable efficacies in hematological malignancies. However, the clinical development of immunotoxins is also faced with many challenges like anti-drug antibodies and dose-limiting toxicity issues. Such a poor efficacy/safety ratio is also the major hurdle in the research and development of antibody-drug conjugates. From an antibody engineering perspective, various strategies were summarized/proposed to tackle the notorious on target off tumor toxicity issues, including passive strategy (XTENylation of immunotoxins) and active strategies (modulating the affinity and valency of the targeting moiety of immunotoxins, conditionally activating immunotoxins in the tumor microenvironments and reconstituting split toxin to reduce systemic toxicity etc.). By modulating the functional characteristics of the targeting moiety and the toxic moiety of immunotoxins, selective tumor targeting can be augmented while sparing the healthy cells in normal tissues expressing the same target of interest. If successful, the improved therapeutic index will likely help to address the dose-limiting toxicities commonly observed in the clinical trials of various immunotoxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Li
- Department of Postgraduate , Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, P.R. China
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute, Nantong, P.R. China
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong, P.R. China
| | - Sen Mei
- Biotherapeutics , Biocytogen Jiangsu Co. Ltd, Nantong, P.R. China
| | - Yi Yang
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute, Nantong, P.R. China
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong, P.R. China
- Institute of Innovative Medicine , Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yuelei Shen
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute, Nantong, P.R. China
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong, P.R. China
- Biotherapeutics , Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, P.R. China
- Institute of Innovative Medicine , Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- Biotherapeutics , Biocytogen Jiangsu Co. Ltd, Nantong, P.R. China
- Biotherapeutics , Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Vukovic N, Halabi S, Russo-Cabrera JS, Blokhuis B, Berraondo P, Redegeld FAM, Zaiss DMW. A Human IgE bispecific antibody shows potent cytotoxic capacity mediated by monocytes. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102153. [PMID: 35718062 PMCID: PMC9293656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) targeting two different antigens opens a new level of specificity and, compared to mAbs, improved clinical efficacy in cancer therapy. Currently, the different strategies for development of bsAbs primarily focus on IgG isotypes. Nevertheless, in comparison to IgG isotypes, IgE has been shown to offer superior tumor control in preclinical models. Therefore, in order to combine the promising potential of IgE molecules with increased target selectivity of bsAbs, we developed dual tumor-associated antigen-targeting bispecific human IgE antibodies. As proof of principle, we used two different pairing approaches - knobs-into-holes and leucine zipper–mediated pairing. Our data show that both strategies were highly efficient in driving bispecific IgE formation, with no undesired pairings observed. Bispecific IgE antibodies also showed a dose-dependent binding to their target antigens, and cell bridging experiments demonstrated simultaneous binding of two different antigens. As antibodies mediate a major part of their effector functions through interaction with Fc receptors (FcRs) expressed on immune cells, we confirmed FcεR binding by inducing in vitro mast cell degranulation and demonstrating in vitro and in vivo monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity against target antigen-expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that the IgE bsAb construct was significantly more efficient in mediating antibody-dependent cell toxicity than its IgG1 counterpart. In conclusion, we describe the successful development of first bispecific IgE antibodies with superior antibody-dependent cell toxicity–mediated cell killing in comparison to IgG bispecific antibodies. These findings highlight the relevance of IgE-based bispecific antibodies for clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Vukovic
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Samer Halabi
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joan Salvador Russo-Cabrera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Bart Blokhuis
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Frank A M Redegeld
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Dietmar M W Zaiss
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Department of Immune Medicine, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Institute of Pathology, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yang Z, Chen S, Ying H, Yao W. Targeting Syndecan-1: New Opportunities in Cancer Therapy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C29-C45. [PMID: 35584326 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00024.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Syndecan-1 (SDC1, CD138) is one of the heparan sulfate proteoglycans and is essential for maintaining normal cell morphology, interacting with extracellular and intracellular protein repertoire as well as mediating signaling transduction upon environmental stimuli. The critical role of SDC1 in promoting tumorigenesis and metastasis has been increasingly recognized in various cancer types, implying a promising potential of utilizing SDC1 as a novel target for cancer therapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge on SDC1 structure and functions, including its role in tumor biology. We also discuss the highlights and limitations of current SDC1-targeted therapies as well as the obstacles in developing new therapeutic methods, offering our perspective on the future directions to target SDC1 for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zecheng Yang
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shuaitong Chen
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Haoqiang Ying
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Wantong Yao
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Camelid Single-Domain Antibodies: Promises and Challenges as Lifesaving Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095009. [PMID: 35563400 PMCID: PMC9100996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of camelid heavy-chain antibodies in 1993, there has been tremendous excitement for these antibody domains (VHHs/sdAbs/nanobodies) as research tools, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Commercially, several patents were granted to pioneering research groups in Belgium and the Netherlands between 1996–2001. Ablynx was established in 2001 with the aim of exploring the therapeutic applications and development of nanobody drugs. Extensive efforts over two decades at Ablynx led to the first approved nanobody drug, caplacizumab (Cablivi) by the EMA and FDA (2018–2019) for the treatment of rare blood clotting disorders in adults with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TPP). The relatively long development time between camelid sdAb discovery and their entry into the market reflects the novelty of the approach, together with intellectual property restrictions and freedom-to-operate issues. The approval of the first sdAb drug, together with the expiration of key patents, may open a new horizon for the emergence of camelid sdAbs as mainstream biotherapeutics in the years to come. It remains to be seen if nanobody-based drugs will be cheaper than traditional antibodies. In this review, I provide critical perspectives on camelid sdAbs and present the promises and challenges to their widespread adoption as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.
Collapse
|
31
|
Thoreau F, Chudasama V. Enabling the next steps in cancer immunotherapy: from antibody-based bispecifics to multispecifics, with an evolving role for bioconjugation chemistry. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:140-169. [PMID: 35360884 PMCID: PMC8826860 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00082a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, immunotherapy has established itself as one of the leading strategies for cancer treatment, as illustrated by the exponentially growing number of related clinical trials. This trend was, in part, prompted by the clinical success of both immune checkpoint modulation and immune cell engagement, to restore and/or stimulate the patient's immune system's ability to fight the disease. These strategies were sustained by progress in bispecific antibody production. However, despite the decisive progress made in the treatment of cancer, toxicity and resistance are still observed in some cases. In this review, we initially provide an overview of the monoclonal and bispecific antibodies developed with the objective of restoring immune system functions to treat cancer (cancer immunotherapy), through immune checkpoint modulation, immune cell engagement or a combination of both. Their production, design strategy and impact on the clinical trial landscape are also addressed. In the second part, the concept of multispecific antibody formats, notably MuTICEMs (Multispecific Targeted Immune Cell Engagers & Modulators), as a possible answer to current immunotherapy limitations is investigated. We believe it could be the next step to take for cancer immunotherapy research and expose why bioconjugation chemistry might play a key role in these future developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Thoreau
- Department of Chemistry, University College London 20 Gordon Street London WC1H 0AJ UK
| | - Vijay Chudasama
- Department of Chemistry, University College London 20 Gordon Street London WC1H 0AJ UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Tapia-Galisteo A, Sánchez Rodríguez Í, Aguilar-Sopeña O, Harwood SL, Narbona J, Ferreras Gutierrez M, Navarro R, Martín-García L, Corbacho C, Compte M, Lacadena J, Blanco FJ, Chames P, Roda-Navarro P, Álvarez-Vallina L, Sanz L. Trispecific T-cell engagers for dual tumor-targeting of colorectal cancer. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2034355. [PMID: 35154908 PMCID: PMC8837253 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2034355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Tapia-Galisteo
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Íñigo Sánchez Rodríguez
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Aguilar-Sopeña
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
- Lymphocyte Immunobiology Group, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Seandean Lykke Harwood
- Protein Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Javier Narbona
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rocío Navarro
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis Sl, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Martín-García
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cesáreo Corbacho
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Compte
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis Sl, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Lacadena
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Blanco
- Biomolecular NMR, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick Chames
- Antibody Therapeutics and Immunotargeting Group, Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Institute Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Pedro Roda-Navarro
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
- Lymphocyte Immunobiology Group, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Álvarez-Vallina
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Immuno-oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mei L, Zappala F, Tsourkas A. Rapid Production of Bispecific Antibodies from Off-the-Shelf IgGs with High Yield and Purity. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:134-141. [PMID: 34894663 PMCID: PMC9104846 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (BsAb) refer to a class of biomacromolecules that are capable of binding two antigens or epitopes simultaneously. This can elicit unique biological effects that cannot be achieved with either individual antibody or two unlinked antibodies. Bispecific antibodies have been used for targeting effector cells to tumor cells, preferential targeting of cells expressing two target biomarkers over cells expressing either target biomarker individually, or to couple two molecular targets on the same cell surface to trigger unique intracellular signaling pathways. Here, we present two related methods that enable direct, rapid assembly of bispecific antibodies from any two "off-the-shelf" Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, in as little as 1 day. Both workflows can be summarized into two steps: (1) attach a small photoreactive antibody binding domain (pAbBD) fused to SpyCatcher or SpyTag (peptide-protein partners derived from the S. pyogenes fibronectin-binding protein FbaB) to each component IgG, respectively; (2) assemble the BsAb through the spontaneous isopeptide bond formation that occurs between SpyTag and SpyCatcher. These approaches enable production of BsAbs from any two IgG molecules without the need to elucidate their amino acid sequences or genetically alter their structure. Binding assays and T cell-mediated cytolysis assays were performed to validate the binding and functional properties of Trastuzumab × Cetuximab BsAb and Cetuximab × OKT3 BsAb, respectively. This approach enables rapid, low-cost production of highly homogeneous tetravalent BsAbs in a modular fashion, presenting an opportunity to quickly evaluate antibody pairs in a BsAb format for unique or synergistic functionalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linghan Mei
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Fabiana Zappala
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Andrew Tsourkas
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104,Corresponding author:, Phone: 215-898-8167, Address: Andrew Tsourkas, Department of Bioengineering, 240 Skirkanich Hall, 210 South 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dicara DM, Bhakta S, Go MA, Ziai J, Firestein R, Forrest B, Gu C, Leong SR, Lee G, Yu SF, Polson AG, Agard NJ. Development of T-cell engagers selective for cells co-expressing two antigens. MAbs 2022; 14:2115213. [PMID: 36206404 PMCID: PMC9553182 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2022.2115213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies (TCEs) are clinically effective treatments for hematological cancers. While the utility of TCEs in solid malignancies is being explored, toxicities arising from antigen expression on normal tissues have slowed or halted several clinical trials. Here, we describe the development of TCEs that preferentially drive T cell-mediated death against target cells co-expressing two tumor-associated antigens. We show that Ly6E and B7-H4 are simultaneously expressed on approximately 50% of breast cancers, whereas normal tissue expression is limited and mostly orthogonal. Traditional bispecific TCEs targeting a singular antigen, either Ly6E or B7-H4, are active when paired with high-affinity CD3-engagers, but normal tissue expression presents a toxicity risk. Treatment with a murine cross-reactive B7-H4-TCE results in rapid and severe weight loss in mice along with damage to B7-H4-expressing tissues. To overcome on-target toxicity, we designed trispecific antibodies co-targeting Ly6E, B7-H4, and CD3 and characterized the impact of dual-antigen binding and the relative placement of each binding domain on tumor killing in vitro and in vivo. In vitro killing of tumor cells co-expressing both antigens correlates to the placement of the higher affinity B7-H4 binding domain, with only modest enhancements seen upon addition of Ly6E binding. In xenograft models, avid binding of appropriately designed trispecific TCEs enables tumor growth inhibition while evading the poor tolerability seen with active bispecific TCEs. Collectively these data highlight the potential for dual-antigen targeting to improve safety and efficacy, and expand the scope of tumors that may effectively be treated by TCEs. Abbreviations: Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-Ts), dual-antigen targeted T cell engagers (DAT-TCE), Fragment antigen-binding (Fab), Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunohistochemistry (IHC), NOD SCID gamma (NSG), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), T cell-engagers (TCEs)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Dicara
- Genentech Research and Early Development, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sunil Bhakta
- Genentech Research and Early Development, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mary Ann Go
- Genentech Research and Early Development, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - James Ziai
- Genentech Research and Early Development, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ron Firestein
- Genentech Research and Early Development, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bill Forrest
- Genentech Research and Early Development, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chen Gu
- Genentech Research and Early Development, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Steven R Leong
- Genentech Research and Early Development, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Genee Lee
- Genentech Research and Early Development, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shang-Fan Yu
- Genentech Research and Early Development, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Andrew G Polson
- Genentech Research and Early Development, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nicholas J Agard
- Genentech Research and Early Development, South San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Tan ZC, Orcutt-Jahns BT, Meyer AS. A quantitative view of strategies to engineer cell-selective ligand binding. Integr Biol (Camb) 2021; 13:269-282. [PMID: 34931243 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
A critical property of many therapies is their selective binding to target populations. Exceptional specificity can arise from high-affinity binding to surface targets expressed exclusively on target cell types. In many cases, however, therapeutic targets are only expressed at subtly different levels relative to off-target cells. More complex binding strategies have been developed to overcome this limitation, including multi-specific and multivalent molecules, creating a combinatorial explosion of design possibilities. Guiding strategies for developing cell-specific binding are critical to employ these tools. Here, we employ a uniquely general multivalent binding model to dissect multi-ligand and multi-receptor interactions. This model allows us to analyze and explore a series of mechanisms to engineer cell selectivity, including mixtures of molecules, affinity adjustments, valency changes, multi-specific molecules and ligand competition. Each of these strategies can optimize selectivity in distinct cases, leading to enhanced selectivity when employed together. The proposed model, therefore, provides a comprehensive toolkit for the model-driven design of selectively binding therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Cyrillus Tan
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Brian T Orcutt-Jahns
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Aaron S Meyer
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA.,Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhao H, Luo F, Xue J, Li S, Xu RH. Emerging immunological strategies: recent advances and future directions. Front Med 2021; 15:805-828. [PMID: 34874513 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-021-0886-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy plays a compelling role in cancer treatment and has already made remarkable progress. However, many patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors fail to achieve clinical benefits, and the response rates vary among tumor types. New approaches that promote anti-tumor immunity have recently been developed, such as small molecules, bispecific antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor T cell products, and cancer vaccines. Small molecule drugs include agonists and inhibitors that can reach the intracellular or extracellular targets of immune cells participating in innate or adaptive immune pathways. Bispecific antibodies, which bind two different antigens or one antigen with two different epitopes, are of great interest. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell products and cancer vaccines have also been investigated. This review explores the recent progress and challenges of different forms of immunotherapy agents and provides an insight into future immunotherapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyun Zhao
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Fan Luo
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jinhui Xue
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Su Li
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sanz L, Ibáñez-Pérez R, Guerrero-Ochoa P, Lacadena J, Anel A. Antibody-Based Immunotoxins for Colorectal Cancer Therapy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1729. [PMID: 34829955 PMCID: PMC8615520 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are included among the treatment options for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). However, while these mAbs effectively target cancer cells, they may have limited clinical activity. A strategy to improve their therapeutic potential is arming them with a toxic payload. Immunotoxins (ITX) combining the cell-killing ability of a toxin with the specificity of a mAb constitute a promising strategy for CRC therapy. However, several important challenges in optimizing ITX remain, including suboptimal pharmacokinetics and especially the immunogenicity of the toxin moiety. Nonetheless, ongoing research is working to solve these limitations and expand CRC patients' therapeutic armory. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of targets and toxins employed in the design of ITX for CRC and highlight a wide selection of ITX tested in CRC patients as well as preclinical candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Ibáñez-Pérez
- Apoptosis, Immunity and Cancer Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS-Aragón), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.I.-P.); (P.G.-O.)
| | - Patricia Guerrero-Ochoa
- Apoptosis, Immunity and Cancer Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS-Aragón), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.I.-P.); (P.G.-O.)
| | - Javier Lacadena
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Anel
- Apoptosis, Immunity and Cancer Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS-Aragón), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.I.-P.); (P.G.-O.)
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Blanco B, Domínguez-Alonso C, Alvarez-Vallina L. Bispecific Immunomodulatory Antibodies for Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:5457-5464. [PMID: 34108185 PMCID: PMC9306338 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-3770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The recent advances in the field of immuno-oncology have dramatically changed the therapeutic strategy against advanced malignancies. Bispecific antibody-based immunotherapies have gained momentum in preclinical and clinical investigations following the regulatory approval of the T cell-redirecting antibody blinatumomab. In this review, we focus on emerging and novel mechanisms of action of bispecific antibodies interacting with immune cells with at least one of their arms to regulate the activity of the immune system by redirecting and/or reactivating effector cells toward tumor cells. These molecules, here referred to as bispecific immunomodulatory antibodies, have the potential to improve clinical efficacy and safety profile and are envisioned as a second wave of cancer immunotherapies. Currently, there are more than 50 bispecific antibodies under clinical development for a range of indications, with promising signs of therapeutic activity. We also discuss two approaches for in vivo secretion, direct gene delivery, and infusion of ex vivo gene-modified cells, which may become instrumental for the clinical application of next-generation bispecific immunomodulatory antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belén Blanco
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Domínguez-Alonso
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Alvarez-Vallina
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain.,Corresponding Author: Luis Alvarez-Vallina, Cancer Immunotherapy Unit, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, 28041, Spain. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abramson HN. Immunotherapy of Multiple Myeloma: Promise and Challenges. Immunotargets Ther 2021; 10:343-371. [PMID: 34527606 PMCID: PMC8437262 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s306103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Whereas the treatment of MM was dependent solely on alkylating agents and corticosteroids during the prior three decades, the landscape of therapeutic measures to treat the disease began to expand enormously early in the current century. The introduction of new classes of small-molecule drugs, such as proteasome blockers (bortezomib and carfilzomib), immunomodulators (lenalidomide and pomalidomide), nuclear export inhibitors (selinexor), and histone deacetylase blockers (panobinostat), as well as the application of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), resulted in a seismic shift in how the disease is treated. The picture changed dramatically once again starting with the 2015 FDA approval of two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) - the anti-CD38 daratumumab and the anti-SLAMF7 elotuzumab. Daratumumab, in particular, has had a great impact on MM therapy and today is often included in various regimens to treat the disease, both in newly diagnosed cases and in the relapse/refractory setting. Recently, other immunotherapies have been added to the arsenal of drugs available to fight this malignancy. These include isatuximab (also anti-CD38) and, in the past year, the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) belantamab mafodotin and the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell product idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel). While the accumulated benefits of these newer agents have resulted in a doubling of the disease's five-year survival rate to more than 5 years and improved quality of life, the disease remains incurable. Almost without exception patients experience relapse and/or become refractory to the drugs used, making the search for innovative therapies all the more essential. This review covers the current scope of anti-myeloma immunotherapeutic agents, both those in clinical use and on the horizon, including naked mAbs, ADCs, bi- and multi-targeted mAbs, and CAR T-cells. Emphasis is placed on the benefits of each along with the challenges that need to be overcome if MM is to be considered curable in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanley N Abramson
- Wayne State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Generation of T-cell-redirecting bispecific antibodies with differentiated profiles of cytokine release and biodistribution by CD3 affinity tuning. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14397. [PMID: 34257348 PMCID: PMC8277787 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93842-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell-redirecting bispecific antibodies have emerged as a new class of therapeutic agents designed to simultaneously bind to T cells via CD3 and to tumor cells via tumor-cell-specific antigens (TSA), inducing T-cell-mediated killing of tumor cells. The promising preclinical and clinical efficacy of TSAxCD3 antibodies is often accompanied by toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome due to T-cell activation. How the efficacy and toxicity profile of the TSAxCD3 bispecific antibodies depends on the binding affinity to CD3 remains unclear. Here, we evaluate bispecific antibodies that were engineered to have a range of CD3 affinities, while retaining the same binding affinity for the selected tumor antigen. These agents were tested for their ability to kill tumor cells in vitro, and their biodistribution, serum half-life, and anti-tumor activity in vivo. Remarkably, by altering the binding affinity for CD3 alone, we can generate bispecific antibodies that maintain potent killing of TSA + tumor cells but display differential patterns of cytokine release, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution. Therefore, tuning CD3 affinity is a promising method to improve the therapeutic index of T-cell-engaging bispecific antibodies.
Collapse
|
41
|
A single homogeneous assay for simultaneous measurement of bispecific antibody target binding. J Immunol Methods 2021; 496:113099. [PMID: 34224737 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2021.113099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are engineered to simultaneously bind two different antigens, and offer promising clinical outcomes for various diseases. The dual binding properties of BsAbs may enable superior efficacies and/or potencies compared to standard monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or combination mAb therapies. Characterizing BsAb binding properties is critical during biotherapeutic development, where data is leveraged to predict efficacy and potency, assess critical quality attributes and improve antibody design. Traditional single-target, single-readout approaches (e.g., ELISA) have limited usefulness for interpreting complex bispecific binding, and double the benchwork. To address these deficiencies, we developed and implemented a new dual-target/readout binding assay that accurately dissects the affinities of both BsAb binding domains directly and simultaneously. This new assay uses AlphaPlex® technology, which eliminates traditional ELISA wash steps and can be miniaturized for automated workflows. The optimized BsAb AlphaPlex assay demonstrates 99-107% accuracy within a 50-150% linear range, and detected >50% binding degradation from photo- and thermal stress conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance of a dual-target/readout BsAb AlphaPlex assay with GMP-suitable linear range, accuracy, specificity, and stability-indicating properties. As a highly customizable and efficient assay, BsAb AlphaPlex may be applicable to numerous bispecific formats and/or co-formulations against a variety of antigens beyond the clinical therapeutic space.
Collapse
|
42
|
Lim SM, Pyo KH, Soo RA, Cho BC. The promise of bispecific antibodies: Clinical applications and challenges. Cancer Treat Rev 2021; 99:102240. [PMID: 34119803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2021.102240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of cancer therapies using monoclonal antibodies has been successful during the last 30 years. Recently much progress was achieved with technologies involving bispecific and multi-specific antibodies. Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are antibodies that bind two distinct epitopes, and a large number of potential clinical applications of BsAbs have been described. Here we review mechanism of action, clinical development and future challenges of BsAbs which could be a serve as a valuable arsenal in cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sun Min Lim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ho Pyo
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ross A Soo
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore.
| | - Byoung Chul Cho
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Lucchi R, Bentanachs J, Oller-Salvia B. The Masking Game: Design of Activatable Antibodies and Mimetics for Selective Therapeutics and Cell Control. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2021; 7:724-738. [PMID: 34079893 PMCID: PMC8161478 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.0c01448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The high selectivity and affinity of antibody binding have made antibodies all-pervasive tools in therapy, diagnosis, and basic science. A plethora of chemogenetic approaches has been devised to make antibodies responsive to stimuli ranging from light to enzymatic activity, temperature, pH, ions, and effector molecules. Within a single decade, the field of activatable antibodies has yielded marketed therapeutics capable of engaging antigens that could not be targeted with traditional antibodies, as well as new tools to control intracellular protein location and investigate biological processes. Many opportunities remain untapped, waiting for more efficient and generally applicable masking strategies to be developed at the interface between chemistry and biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Lucchi
- Grup d’Enginyeria
de Materials, Institut Químic de
Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Bentanachs
- Grup d’Enginyeria
de Materials, Institut Químic de
Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Benjamí Oller-Salvia
- Grup d’Enginyeria
de Materials, Institut Químic de
Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cao M, Parthemore C, Jiao Y, Korman S, Aspelund M, Hunter A, Kilby G, Chen X. Characterization and Monitoring of a Novel Light-heavy-light Chain Mispair in a Therapeutic Bispecific Antibody. J Pharm Sci 2021; 110:2904-2915. [PMID: 33894207 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Site-specific cysteine engineering, along with other genetic mutations, is broadly implemented in bispecific antibodies (bsAb). Thus far, homodimer, half hole antibody, one-light chain mispaired and light chain swapped variants have been reported as chain-pairing variants for the asymmetric IgG-like bispecific antibodies. Here we report a novel mispair in which the CH3 engineered cysteine on the hole heavy chain (HC) of a knob-into-hole (KiH) bsAb is linked to the engineered cysteine in CL through a disulfide bond, forming a LHL species in a bsAb construct. Due to its impact on bioactivity, it is critical to implement an analytical strategy to monitor this CQA and mitigate risk for the future products. A set of orthogonal physicochemical assays that include hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), capillary electrophoresis sodium dodecyl sulfate (CE-SDS), reverse phase liquid chromatography ultra-performance chromatography mass spectrometry (RP-UPLC MS) and disulfide bond mapping have been utilized to monitor and characterize this chain-pairing impurity for manufacturing process control and product release. Our data shows the LHL mispair in condition medium (CM) is approximately 1.3 - 1.9%. LambdaFabSelect affinity chromatography removes two major chain-pairing variants in CM - i.e. the hole-hole homodimer and hole half-antibody, while retaining the LHL species. Process improvement in Capto Q (anion exchange) and HS50 (cation exchange) chromatography steps removes LHL to as low as 0.2% in the final product. We have demonstrated an orthogonal analytical methodology that is capable of characterizing and monitoring bsAb mispairing, suitable for use in manufacturing process control and product release, and can be potentially implemented for similar bsAb constructs with engineered disulfide bonds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingyan Cao
- Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, United States.
| | - Conner Parthemore
- Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, United States
| | - Yang Jiao
- Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, United States
| | - Samuel Korman
- Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, United States
| | - Matthew Aspelund
- Purification Process Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, United States
| | - Alan Hunter
- Purification Process Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, United States
| | - Greg Kilby
- Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Christopoulos PF, Gjølberg TT, Krüger S, Haraldsen G, Andersen JT, Sundlisæter E. Targeting the Notch Signaling Pathway in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:668207. [PMID: 33912195 PMCID: PMC8071949 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.668207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway regulates developmental cell-fate decisions and has recently also been linked to inflammatory diseases. Although therapies targeting Notch signaling in inflammation in theory are attractive, their design and implementation have proven difficult, at least partly due to the broad involvement of Notch signaling in regenerative and homeostatic processes. In this review, we summarize the supporting role of Notch signaling in various inflammation-driven diseases, and highlight efforts to intervene with this pathway by targeting Notch ligands and/or receptors with distinct therapeutic strategies, including antibody designs. We discuss this in light of lessons learned from Notch targeting in cancer treatment. Finally, we elaborate on the impact of individual Notch members in inflammation, which may lay the foundation for development of therapeutic strategies in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Torleif T. Gjølberg
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Eye Research and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stig Krüger
- Department of Pathology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Guttorm Haraldsen
- Department of Pathology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eirik Sundlisæter
- Department of Pathology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Schettini F, Barbao P, Brasó-Maristany F, Galván P, Martínez D, Paré L, De Placido S, Prat A, Guedan S. Identification of cell surface targets for CAR-T cell therapies and antibody-drug conjugates in breast cancer. ESMO Open 2021; 6:100102. [PMID: 33838601 PMCID: PMC8038941 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two promising therapeutic strategies in oncology are chimeric antigen receptor-T cell (CAR-T) therapies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). To be effective and safe, these immunotherapies require surface antigens to be sufficiently expressed in tumors and less or not expressed in normal tissues. To identify new targets for ADCs and CAR-T specifically targeting breast cancer (BC) molecular and pathology-based subtypes, we propose a novel in silico strategy based on multiple publicly available datasets and provide a comprehensive explanation of the workflow for a further implementation. METHODS We carried out differential gene expression analyses on The Cancer Genome Atlas BC RNA-sequencing data to identify BC subtype-specific upregulated genes. To fully explain the proposed target-discovering methodology, as proof of concept, we selected the 200 most upregulated genes for each subtype and undertook a comprehensive analysis of their protein expression in BC and normal tissues through several publicly available databases to identify the potentially safest and viable targets. RESULTS We identified 36 potentially suitable and subtype-specific tumor surface antigens (TSAs), including fibroblast growth factor receptor-4 (FGFR4), carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6), GDNF family receptor alpha 1 (GFRA1), integrin beta-6 (ITGB6) and ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1). We also identified 63 potential TSA pairs that might be appropriate for co-targeting strategies. Finally, we validated subtype specificity in a cohort of our patients, multiple BC cell lines and the METABRIC database. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our in silico analysis provides a framework to identify novel and specific TSAs for the development of new CAR-T and antibody-based therapies in BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Schettini
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors Group, August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - P Barbao
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clinic, August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Brasó-Maristany
- Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors Group, August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Galván
- Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors Group, August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - D Martínez
- Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors Group, August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Paré
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S De Placido
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - A Prat
- Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors Group, August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Guedan
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clinic, August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Csizmar CM, Ansell SM. Engaging the Innate and Adaptive Antitumor Immune Response in Lymphoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3302. [PMID: 33804869 PMCID: PMC8038124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a powerful therapeutic strategy for many malignancies, including lymphoma. As in solid tumors, early clinical trials have revealed that immunotherapy is not equally efficacious across all lymphoma subtypes. For example, immune checkpoint inhibition has a higher overall response rate and leads to more durable outcomes in Hodgkin lymphomas compared to non-Hodgkin lymphomas. These observations, combined with a growing understanding of tumor biology, have implicated the tumor microenvironment as a major determinant of treatment response and prognosis. Interactions between lymphoma cells and their microenvironment facilitate several mechanisms that impair the antitumor immune response, including loss of major histocompatibility complexes, expression of immunosuppressive ligands, secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, and the recruitment, expansion, and skewing of suppressive cell populations. Accordingly, treatments to overcome these barriers are being rapidly developed and translated into clinical trials. This review will discuss the mechanisms of immune evasion, current avenues for optimizing the antitumor immune response, clinical successes and failures of lymphoma immunotherapy, and outstanding hurdles that remain to be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen M. Ansell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Hofmann T, Schmidt J, Ciesielski E, Becker S, Rysiok T, Schütte M, Toleikis L, Kolmar H, Doerner A. Intein mediated high throughput screening for bispecific antibodies. MAbs 2021; 12:1731938. [PMID: 32151188 PMCID: PMC7153837 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1731938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies comprise extremely diverse architectures enabling complex modes of action, such as effector cell recruitment or conditional target modulation via dual targeting, not conveyed by monospecific antibodies. In recent years, research on bispecific therapeutics has substantially grown. However, evaluation of binding moiety combinations often leads to undesired prolonged development times. While high throughput screening for small molecules and classical antibodies has evolved into a mature discipline in the pharmaceutical industry, dual-targeting antibody screening methodologies lack the ability to fully evaluate the tremendous number of possible combinations and cover only a limited portion of the combinatorial screening space. Here, we propose a novel combinatorial screening approach for bispecific IgG-like antibodies to extenuate screening limitations in industrial scale, expanding the limiting screening space. Harnessing the ability of a protein trans-splicing reaction by the split intein Npu DnaE, antibody fragments were reconstituted within the hinge region in vitro. This method allows for fully automated, rapid one-pot antibody reconstitution, providing biological activity in several biochemical and functional assays. The technology presented here is suitable for automated functional and combinatorial high throughput screening of bispecific antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hofmann
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.,Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Johannes Schmidt
- Compound Logistic & Bioassay Automation, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Elke Ciesielski
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Thomas Rysiok
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Mark Schütte
- Global Innovation and Alliance Management, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Lars Toleikis
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Achim Doerner
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Middelburg J, Kemper K, Engelberts P, Labrijn AF, Schuurman J, van Hall T. Overcoming Challenges for CD3-Bispecific Antibody Therapy in Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:287. [PMID: 33466732 PMCID: PMC7829968 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of cancer with CD3-bispecific antibodies is an approved therapeutic option for some hematological malignancies and is under clinical investigation for solid cancers. However, the treatment of solid tumors faces more pronounced hurdles, such as increased on-target off-tumor toxicities, sparse T-cell infiltration and impaired T-cell quality due to the presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which affect the safety and limit efficacy of CD3-bispecific antibody therapy. In this review, we provide a brief status update of the CD3-bispecific antibody therapy field and identify intrinsic hurdles in solid cancers. Furthermore, we describe potential combinatorial approaches to overcome these challenges in order to generate selective and more effective responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jim Middelburg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Kristel Kemper
- Genmab, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.K.); (P.E.); (A.F.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Patrick Engelberts
- Genmab, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.K.); (P.E.); (A.F.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Aran F. Labrijn
- Genmab, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.K.); (P.E.); (A.F.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Janine Schuurman
- Genmab, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.K.); (P.E.); (A.F.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wang B, Yang C, Jin X, Du Q, Wu H, Dall'Acqua W, Mazor Y. Regulation of antibody-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity by modulating the intrinsic affinity and binding valency of IgG for target antigen. MAbs 2021; 12:1690959. [PMID: 31829766 PMCID: PMC6927764 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2019.1690959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) is a potent effector mechanism, engaging both innate and adaptive immunity. Although strategies to improve the CDC activity of antibody therapeutics have primarily focused on enhancing the interaction between the antibody crystallizable fragment (Fc) and the first subcomponent of the C1 complement complex (C1q), the relative importance of intrinsic affinity and binding valency of an antibody to the target antigen is poorly understood. Here we show that antibody binding affinity to a cell surface target antigen evidently affects the extent and efficacy of antibody-mediated complement activation. We further report the fundamental role of antibody binding valency in the capacity to recruit C1q and regulate CDC. More specifically, an array of affinity-modulated variants and functionally monovalent bispecific derivatives of high-affinity anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) therapeutic immunoglobulin Gs (IgGs), previously reported to be deficient in mediating complement activation, were tested for their ability to bind C1q by biolayer interferometry using antigen-loaded biosensors and to exert CDC against a panel of EGFR and HER2 tumor cells of various histological origins. Significantly, affinity-reduced variants or monovalent derivatives, but not their high-affinity bivalent IgG counterparts, induced near-complete cell cytotoxicity in tumor cell lines that had formerly been shown to be resistant to complement-mediated attack. Our findings suggest that monovalent target engagement may contribute to an optimal geometrical positioning of the antibody Fc to engage C1q and deploy the complement pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Chunning Yang
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Xiaofang Jin
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Qun Du
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Herren Wu
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - William Dall'Acqua
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Yariv Mazor
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|