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Wang MM, Koskela SA, Mehmood A, Langguth M, Maranou E, Figueiredo CR. Epigenetic control of CD1D expression as a mechanism of resistance to immune checkpoint therapy in poorly immunogenic melanomas. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1152228. [PMID: 37077920 PMCID: PMC10106630 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1152228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune Checkpoint Therapies (ICT) have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic melanoma. However, only a subset of patients reaches complete responses. Deficient β2-microglobulin (β2M) expression impacts antigen presentation to T cells, leading to ICT resistance. Here, we investigate alternative β2M-correlated biomarkers that associate with ICT resistance. We shortlisted immune biomarkers interacting with human β2M using the STRING database. Next, we profiled the transcriptomic expression of these biomarkers in association with clinical and survival outcomes in the melanoma GDC-TCGA-SKCM dataset and a collection of publicly available metastatic melanoma cohorts treated with ICT (anti-PD1). Epigenetic control of identified biomarkers was interrogated using the Illumina Human Methylation 450 dataset from the melanoma GDC-TCGA-SKCM study. We show that β2M associates with CD1d, CD1b, and FCGRT at the protein level. Co-expression and correlation profile of B2M with CD1D, CD1B, and FCGRT dissociates in melanoma patients following B2M expression loss. Lower CD1D expression is typically found in patients with poor survival outcomes from the GDC-TCGA-SKCM dataset, in patients not responding to anti-PD1 immunotherapies, and in a resistant anti-PD1 pre-clinical model. Immune cell abundance study reveals that B2M and CD1D are both enriched in tumor cells and dendritic cells from patients responding to anti-PD1 immunotherapies. These patients also show increased levels of natural killer T (NKT) cell signatures in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Methylation reactions in the TME of melanoma impact the expression of B2M and SPI1, which controls CD1D expression. These findings suggest that epigenetic changes in the TME of melanoma may impact β2M and CD1d-mediated functions, such as antigen presentation for T cells and NKT cells. Our hypothesis is grounded in comprehensive bioinformatic analyses of a large transcriptomic dataset from four clinical cohorts and mouse models. It will benefit from further development using well-established functional immune assays to support understanding the molecular processes leading to epigenetic control of β2M and CD1d. This research line may lead to the rational development of new combinatorial treatments for metastatic melanoma patients that poorly respond to ICT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Meng Wang
- Medical Immune Oncology Research Group (MIORG), Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Singapore National Eye Centre and Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Saara A. Koskela
- Medical Immune Oncology Research Group (MIORG), Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Arfa Mehmood
- Medical Immune Oncology Research Group (MIORG), Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Miriam Langguth
- Medical Immune Oncology Research Group (MIORG), Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eleftheria Maranou
- Medical Immune Oncology Research Group (MIORG), Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Carlos R. Figueiredo
- Medical Immune Oncology Research Group (MIORG), Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- *Correspondence: Carlos R. Figueiredo,
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Monoclonal Antibody Engineering and Design to Modulate FcRn Activities: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179604. [PMID: 36077002 PMCID: PMC9455995 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the pH-dependent nature of FcRn binding, as well as the various factors influencing the affinity to FcRn, was concurrent with the arrival of the first recombinant IgG monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and IgG Fc-fusion proteins in clinical practice. IgG Fc–FcRn became a central subject of interest for the development of these drugs for the comfort of patients and good clinical responses. In this review, we describe (i) mAb mutations close to and outside the FcRn binding site, increasing the affinity for FcRn at acidic pH and leading to enhanced mAb half-life and biodistribution, and (ii) mAb mutations increasing the affinity for FcRn at acidic and neutral pH, blocking FcRn binding and resulting, in vivo, in endogenous IgG degradation. Mutations modifying FcRn binding are discussed in association with pH-dependent modulation of antigen binding and (iii) anti-FcRn mAbs, two of the latest innovations in anti-FcRn mAbs leading to endogenous IgG depletion. We discuss the pharmacological effects, the biological consequences, and advantages of targeting IgG–FcRn interactions and their application in human therapeutics.
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Provan D, Newland AC. Investigational drugs for immune thrombocytopenia. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:715-727. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2075340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Drew Provan
- Centre for Immunology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London UK
| | - Adrian C Newland
- Centre for Immunology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London UK
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Blumberg LJ, Humphries JE, Jones SD, Pearce LB, Holgate R, Hearn A, Cheung J, Mahmood A, Del Tito B, Graydon JS, Stolz LE, Bitonti A, Purohit S, de Graaf D, Kacena K, Andersen JT, Christianson GJ, Roopenian DC, Hubbard JJ, Gandhi AK, Lasseter K, Pyzik M, Blumberg RS. Blocking FcRn in humans reduces circulating IgG levels and inhibits IgG immune complex-mediated immune responses. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaax9586. [PMID: 31897428 PMCID: PMC6920022 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax9586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The neonatal crystallizable fragment receptor (FcRn) functions as an intracellular protection receptor for immunoglobulin G (IgG). Recently, several clinical studies have reported the lowering of circulating monomeric IgG levels through FcRn blockade for the potential treatment of autoimmune diseases. Many autoimmune diseases, however, are derived from the effects of IgG immune complexes (ICs). We generated, characterized, and assessed the effects of SYNT001, a FcRn-blocking monoclonal antibody, in mice, nonhuman primates (NHPs), and humans. SYNT001 decreased all IgG subtypes and IgG ICs in the circulation of humans, as we show in a first-in-human phase 1, single ascending dose study. In addition, IgG IC induction of inflammatory pathways was dependent on FcRn and inhibited by SYNT001. These studies expand the role of FcRn in humans by showing that it controls not only IgG protection from catabolism but also inflammatory pathways associated with IgG ICs involved in a variety of autoimmune diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacokinetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacokinetics
- Antigen-Antibody Complex/immunology
- Autoantibodies/drug effects
- Autoimmune Diseases/drug therapy
- Cohort Studies
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Healthy Volunteers
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
- Humans
- Immunity, Humoral/immunology
- Immunoglobulin G/blood
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
- Macaca fascicularis
- Male
- Mice
- Protein Binding
- Receptors, Fc/antagonists & inhibitors
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - S. D. Jones
- BioProcess Technology Consultants, Woburn, MA 01801, USA
| | | | - R. Holgate
- Abzena, Babraham, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - A. Hearn
- Abzena, Babraham, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - J. Cheung
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - A. Mahmood
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - B. Del Tito
- Biologics Consulting, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | | | | | | | - S. Purohit
- BioProcess Technology Consultants, Woburn, MA 01801, USA
| | | | - K. Kacena
- BioBridges, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA
| | - J. T. Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Centre for Immune Regulation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo, Oslo 0424, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0424, Norway
| | | | | | - J. J. Hubbard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - A. K. Gandhi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - K. Lasseter
- Clinical Pharmacology of Miami, Miami, FL 33014, USA
| | - M. Pyzik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - R. S. Blumberg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Baldwin WM, Valujskikh A, Fairchild RL. The neonatal Fc receptor: Key to homeostasic control of IgG and IgG-related biopharmaceuticals. Am J Transplant 2019; 19:1881-1887. [PMID: 30903736 PMCID: PMC6591018 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
IgG and albumin are the most abundant proteins in the circulation and have the longest half-lives. These properties are due to a unique receptor, the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). Although FcRn is named for its function of transferring IgG across the placenta from maternal to fetal circulation, FcRn functions throughout life to maintain IgG and albumin concentrations. FcRn protects IgG and albumin from intracellular degradation and recycles them back into the circulation. Clinical trials have confirmed that pathogenic antibodies can be depleted by blocking this homeostatic function of FcRn. Moreover, understanding the molecular interactions between IgG and FcRn has resulted in the design of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies with more efficacious pharmacokinetics. As a result of genetic engineering these monoclonals can be delivered at lower doses and at longer intervals. More recent findings have demonstrated that FcRn enhances phagocytosis by neutrophils, immune complex clearance by podocytes and antigen presentation by dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells. This minireview highlights the relevance of FcRn to transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M. Baldwin
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Anna Valujskikh
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Robert L. Fairchild
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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Targeting FcRn to Generate Antibody-Based Therapeutics. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2018; 39:892-904. [PMID: 30143244 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The MHC class I-related receptor FcRn serves multiple roles ranging from the regulation of levels of IgG isotype antibodies and albumin throughout the body to the delivery of antigen into antigen loading compartments in specialized antigen-presenting cells. In parallel with studies directed towards understanding FcRn at the molecular and cellular levels, there has been an enormous expansion in the development of engineering strategies involving FcRn to modulate the dynamic behavior of antibodies, antigens, and albumin. In this review article, we focus on a discussion of FcRn-targeted approaches that have resulted in the production of novel antibody-based platforms with considerable potential for use in the clinic.
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