1
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Moon BH, Kim Y, Kim SY. Twenty Years of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapeutics in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13004. [PMID: 37629185 PMCID: PMC10454953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is the primary disastrous retinal disease that leads to blindness in the elderly population. In the early 2000s, nAMD resulted in irreversible vision loss and blindness with no available treatment options. However, there have been breakthrough advances in the drug development of anti-angiogenic biological agents over the last two decades. The primary target molecule for treating nAMD is the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and there are currently several anti-VEGF drugs such as bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept, which have made nAMD more manageable than before, thus preventing vision loss. Nevertheless, it should be noted that these anti-VEGF drugs for nAMD treatment are not effective in more than half of the patients, and even those who initially gain visual improvements lose their vision over time, along with potential deterioration in the geography of atrophy. As a result, there have been continuous endeavors to improve anti-VEGF agents through better efficacy, fewer doses, expanded intervals, and additional targets. This review describes past and current anti-VEGF therapeutics used to treat nAMD and outlines future directions to improve the effectiveness and safety of anti-VEGF agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Hyun Moon
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Younghwa Kim
- Department of Paramedicine, Kyungil University, Gyeongsan-si 38428, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Young Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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2
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Deng L, Wang L, Zhang J, Zhao L, Meng Y, Zheng J, Xu W, Zhu Z, Huang H. The mechanism of action and biodistribution of a novel EGFR/VEGF bispecific fusion protein that exhibited superior antitumor activities. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16922. [PMID: 37484224 PMCID: PMC10360952 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16922] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the promising clinical benefits of therapies targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with antibodies in various cancers, resistance to these therapies will inevitably develop following treatment. Recent studies suggest that crosstalk between the EGFR and VEGF signaling pathways might be involved in the development of resistance. Therefore, simultaneous blockade of EGFR and VEGF signaling may be able to counteract this resistance and improve clinical outcomes. Here, we devised a fusion protein with two copies of VEGFR1 domain 2 connected to the C-terminus of cetuximab that can simultaneously bind to EGFR and VEGF and effectively inhibit target cell growth mediated by these two pathways. Furthermore, the fusion protein could bring soluble VEGF into target cells for degradation through internalization upon binding to EGFR. Tissue distribution in mice confirmed that the fusion protein effectively accumulated in tumors compared to its mAb counterpart cetuximab. These features resulted in stronger antitumor efficacies in vivo than the combination of bevacizumab and cetuximab. Thus, we provide a promising new strategy for the treatment of EGFR-overexpressing cancers.
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3
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Guo XF, Zhang YY, Kang J, Dou QH, Zhu XF. A bispecific decoy receptor VEGFR-EGFR/Fc binding EGF-like ligands and VEGF shows potent antitumor efficacy. J Drug Target 2021; 30:302-312. [PMID: 34319822 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2021.1961791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) represent two clinically validated targets for a variety of human cancers, and dual inhibition of EGFR and VEGF(R) has demonstrated superior activity to single EGFR inhibitors. This study was to construct a novel bispecific decoy receptor VEGFR-EGFR/Fc that contains Fc portion of human IgG1 acted as molecular scaffold, and the immunoglobulin-like domain 1-3 of VEGFR1 and extracellular domain of EGFR fused to the N-terminal and C-terminal of Fc, respectively, aiming at capturing the EGF-like ligands and VEGF. ELISA showed that VEGFR-EGFR/Fc bound to EGF, TGF-α and VEGF with high affinity. It displayed potent proliferation inhibitory effects on human non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells revealed by MTT assays. VEGFR-EGFR/Fc significantly inhibited cell invasion and migration demonstrated by wound healing assay and transwell assay. In vivo, VEGFR-EGFR/Fc showed remarkable growth inhibition on A549 xenografts. Cell apoptosis and inhibition of angiogenesis were also observed in xenograft tumour tissues. Mechanistically, VEGFR-EGFR/Fc pre-treatment blocked the phosphorylation of EGFR and VEGFR2 and resulted in a decrease in the downstream signalling molecules, AKT, p44/42MAPK and p38MAPK. These data suggest VEGFR-EGFR/Fc would be a promising candidate for cancer targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fang Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yue-Yue Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jia Kang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Xinxiang, China
| | - Qiao-Hua Dou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Zhu
- Department of Clinical Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
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4
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Yang J, Wang Q, Feng G, Zeng M. Significance of Selective Protein Degradation in the Development of Novel Targeted Drugs and Its Implications in Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201900210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center Guangzhou 510060 China
| | - Qiaoli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center Guangzhou 510060 China
| | - Guo‐Kai Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center Guangzhou 510060 China
| | - Mu‐Sheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center Guangzhou 510060 China
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Datta-Mannan A, Brown RM, Fitchett J, Heng AR, Balasubramaniam D, Pereira J, Croy JE. Modulation of the Biophysical Properties of Bifunctional Antibodies as a Strategy for Mitigating Poor Pharmacokinetics. Biochemistry 2019; 58:3116-3132. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jonathan Fitchett
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Aik Roy Heng
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Deepa Balasubramaniam
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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6
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Vasilenko EA, Mokhonov VV, Gorshkova EN, Astrakhantseva IV. Bispecific Antibodies: Formats and Areas of Application. Mol Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893318020176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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7
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Zhang C, Wang N, Tan HY, Guo W, Li S, Feng Y. Targeting VEGF/VEGFRs Pathway in the Antiangiogenic Treatment of Human Cancers by Traditional Chinese Medicine. Integr Cancer Ther 2018; 17:582-601. [PMID: 29807443 PMCID: PMC6142106 DOI: 10.1177/1534735418775828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bearing in mind the doctrine of tumor angiogenesis hypothesized by Folkman
several decades ago, the fundamental strategy for alleviating numerous cancer
indications may be the strengthening application of notable antiangiogenic
therapies to inhibit metastasis-related tumor growth. Under physiological
conditions, vascular sprouting is a relatively infrequent event unless when
specifically stimulated by pathogenic factors that contribute to the
accumulation of angiogenic activators such as the vascular endothelial growth
factor (VEGF) family and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Since VEGFs have
been identified as the principal cytokine to initiate angiogenesis in tumor
growth, synthetic VEGF-targeting medicines containing bevacizumab and sorafenib
have been extensively used, but prominent side effects have concomitantly
emerged. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM)–derived agents with distinctive
safety profiles have shown their multitarget curative potential by impairing
angiogenic stimulatory signaling pathways directly or eliciting synergistically
therapeutic effects with anti-angiogenic drugs mainly targeting VEGF-dependent
pathways. This review aims to summarize (a) the up-to-date
understanding of the role of VEGF/VEGFR in correlation with proangiogenic
mechanisms in various tissues and cells; (b) the elaboration of
antitumor angiogenesis mechanisms of 4 representative TCMs, including
Salvia miltiorrhiza, Curcuma longa, ginsenosides, and
Scutellaria baicalensis; and (c)
circumstantial clarification of TCM-driven therapeutic actions of suppressing
tumor angiogenesis by targeting VEGF/VEGFRs pathway in recent years, based on
network pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- 1 The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Ning Wang
- 1 The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Hor-Yue Tan
- 1 The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Wei Guo
- 1 The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Sha Li
- 1 The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Yibin Feng
- 1 The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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Lai Y, Zhao Z, Zeng T, Liang X, Chen D, Duan X, Zeng G, Wu W. Crosstalk between VEGFR and other receptor tyrosine kinases for TKI therapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2018. [PMID: 29527128 PMCID: PMC5838927 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0530-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and is frequently accompanied by the genetic features of von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) loss. VHL loss increases the expression of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and their targets, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). The primary treatment for metastatic RCC (mRCC) is molecular-targeted therapy, especially anti-angiogenic therapy. VEGF monoclonal antibodies and VEGF receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the main drugs used in anti-angiogenic therapy. However, crosstalk between VEGFR and other tyrosine kinase or downstream pathways produce resistance to TKI treatment, and the multi-target inhibitors, HIF inhibitors or combination strategies are promising strategies for mRCC. HIFs are upstream of the crosstalk between the growth factors, and these factors may regulate the expression of VEGR, EGF, PDGF and other growth factors. The frequent VHL loss in ccRCC increases HIF expression, and HIFs may be an ideal candidate to overcome the TKI resistance. The combination of HIF inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors is also anticipated. Various clinical trials of programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors are planned. The present study reviews the effects of current and potential TKIs on mRCC, with a focus on VEGF/VEGFR and other targets for mRCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchang Lai
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangzhou Urology Research Institute, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Kangda Road 1#, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510230 Guangdong China
| | - Zhijian Zhao
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangzhou Urology Research Institute, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Kangda Road 1#, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510230 Guangdong China
| | - Tao Zeng
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangzhou Urology Research Institute, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Kangda Road 1#, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510230 Guangdong China
| | - Xiongfa Liang
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangzhou Urology Research Institute, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Kangda Road 1#, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510230 Guangdong China
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangzhou Urology Research Institute, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Kangda Road 1#, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510230 Guangdong China
| | - Xiaolu Duan
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangzhou Urology Research Institute, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Kangda Road 1#, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510230 Guangdong China
| | - Guohua Zeng
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangzhou Urology Research Institute, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Kangda Road 1#, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510230 Guangdong China
| | - Wenqi Wu
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangzhou Urology Research Institute, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Kangda Road 1#, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510230 Guangdong China
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9
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Brinkmann U, Kontermann RE. The making of bispecific antibodies. MAbs 2017; 9:182-212. [PMID: 28071970 PMCID: PMC5297537 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2016.1268307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 605] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past two decades we have seen a phenomenal evolution of bispecific antibodies for therapeutic applications. The 'zoo' of bispecific antibodies is populated by many different species, comprising around 100 different formats, including small molecules composed solely of the antigen-binding sites of two antibodies, molecules with an IgG structure, and large complex molecules composed of different antigen-binding moieties often combined with dimerization modules. The application of sophisticated molecular design and genetic engineering has solved many of the technical problems associated with the formation of bispecific antibodies such as stability, solubility and other parameters that confer drug properties. These parameters may be summarized under the term 'developability'. In addition, different 'target product profiles', i.e., desired features of the bispecific antibody to be generated, mandates the need for access to a diverse panel of formats. These may vary in size, arrangement, valencies, flexibility and geometry of their binding modules, as well as in their distribution and pharmacokinetic properties. There is not 'one best format' for generating bispecific antibodies, and no single format is suitable for all, or even most of, the desired applications. Instead, the bispecific formats collectively serve as a valuable source of diversity that can be applied to the development of therapeutics for various indications. Here, a comprehensive overview of the different bispecific antibody formats is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Brinkmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Munich, Im Nonnenwald, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Roland E. Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Nobelstraße, Stuttgart, Germany
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10
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Potential Anticancer Mechanisms of a Novel EGFR/DNA-Targeting Combi-Molecule (JDF12) against DU145 Prostate Cancer Cells: An iTRAQ-Based Proteomic Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:8050313. [PMID: 29164150 PMCID: PMC5661095 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8050313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The development of multitargeting drugs is an emerging trend in cancer research. To promote further development and clinical application of multitargeting drugs, this research was performed. MTT assay and flow cytometry of Annexin V/propidium iodide staining were used to confirm the proapoptotic efficacy of a novel combi-targeting molecule, JDF12, against DU145 prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Differentially expressed proteins between control and JDF12-treated cultures were revealed by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ), and part of them was confirmed by quantitative PCR. Differentially expressed proteins were further analyzed for function, pathway association, and protein−protein interactions using GO, KEGG, and STRING databases. A total of 119 differentially expressed proteins, 70 upregulated and 49 downregulated, were implicated in the anticancer effects of JDF12. Many of these proteins are involved in biosynthesis, response to stress, energy metabolism, and signal transduction. This study provides important information for understanding the anti-PCa mechanisms of JDF12, and well-designed combi-targeting drugs may possess stronger anticancer efficacy than single-targeting drugs and are thus promising candidates for clinical application.
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11
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Datta-Mannan A, Croy JE, Schirtzinger L, Torgerson S, Breyer M, Wroblewski VJ. Aberrant bispecific antibody pharmacokinetics linked to liver sinusoidal endothelium clearance mechanism in cynomolgus monkeys. MAbs 2017; 8:969-82. [PMID: 27111637 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2016.1178435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) can affect multiple disease pathways, thus these types of constructs potentially provide promising approaches to improve efficacy in complex disease indications. The specific and non-specific clearance mechanisms/biology that affect monoclonal antibody (mAb) pharmacokinetics are likely involved in the disposition of BsAbs. Despite these similarities, there are a paucity of studies on the in vivo biology that influences the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of BsAbs. The present case study evaluated the in vivo disposition of 2 IgG-fusion BsAb formats deemed IgG-ECD (extracellular domain) and IgG-scFv (single-chain Fv) in cynomolgus monkeys. These BsAb molecules displayed inferior in vivo pharmacokinetic properties, including a rapid clearance (> 0.5 mL/hr/kg) and short half-life relative to their mAb counterparts. The current work evaluated factors in vivo that result in the aberrant clearance of these BsAb constructs. Results showed the rapid clearance of the BsAbs that was not attributable to target binding, reduced neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) interactions or poor molecular/biochemical properties. Evaluation of the cellular distribution of the constructs suggested that the major clearance mechanism was linked to binding/association with liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) versus liver macrophages. The role of LSECs in facilitating the clearance of the IgG-ECD and IgG-scFv BsAb constructs described in these studies was consistent with the minimal influence of clodronate-mediated macrophage depletion on the pharmacokinetics of the constructs in cynomolgus monkeys The findings in this report are an important demonstration that the elucidation of clearance mechanisms for some IgG-ECD and IgG-scFv BsAb molecules can be unique and complicated, and may require increased attention due to the proliferation of these more complex mAb-like structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Datta-Mannan
- a Department of Drug Disposition, Development/ Commercialization , Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center , Indianapolis , Indiana , USA
| | - Johnny E Croy
- b Department of Biotechnology Discovery Research , Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center , Indianapolis , Indiana , USA
| | - Linda Schirtzinger
- a Department of Drug Disposition, Development/ Commercialization , Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center , Indianapolis , Indiana , USA
| | - Stacy Torgerson
- a Department of Drug Disposition, Development/ Commercialization , Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center , Indianapolis , Indiana , USA
| | - Matthew Breyer
- b Department of Biotechnology Discovery Research , Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center , Indianapolis , Indiana , USA
| | - Victor J Wroblewski
- a Department of Drug Disposition, Development/ Commercialization , Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center , Indianapolis , Indiana , USA
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12
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Kintzing JR, Filsinger Interrante MV, Cochran JR. Emerging Strategies for Developing Next-Generation Protein Therapeutics for Cancer Treatment. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:993-1008. [PMID: 27836202 PMCID: PMC6238641 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics have been revolutionizing the oncology space since they first appeared in the clinic two decades ago. Unlike traditional small-molecule chemotherapeutics, protein biologics promote active targeting of cancer cells by binding to cell-surface receptors and other markers specifically associated with or overexpressed on tumors versus healthy tissue. While the first approved cancer biologics were monoclonal antibodies, the burgeoning field of protein engineering is spawning research on an expanded range of protein formats and modifications that allow tuning of properties such as target-binding affinity, serum half-life, stability, and immunogenicity. In this review we highlight some of these strategies and provide examples of modified and engineered proteins under development as preclinical and clinical-stage drug candidates for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Kintzing
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Maria V Filsinger Interrante
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Cochran
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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13
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van Beijnum JR, Pieters W, Nowak-Sliwinska P, Griffioen AW. Insulin-like growth factor axis targeting in cancer and tumour angiogenesis - the missing link. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2016; 92:1755-1768. [PMID: 27779364 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Numerous molecular players in the process of tumour angiogenesis have been shown to offer potential for therapeutic targeting. Initially denoted to be involved in malignant transformation and tumour progression, the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signalling axis has been subject to therapeutic interference, albeit with limited clinical success. More recently, IGFs and their receptors have received attention for their contribution to tumour angiogenesis, which offers novel therapeutic opportunities. Here we review the contribution of this signalling axis to tumour angiogenesis, the mechanisms of resistance to therapy and the interplay with other pro-angiogenic pathways, to offer insight in the renewed interest in the application of IGF axis targeting agents in anti-cancer combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy R van Beijnum
- Department of Medical Oncology, Angiogenesis Laboratory, VU University Medical Center, PO box 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wietske Pieters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Angiogenesis Laboratory, VU University Medical Center, PO box 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva (UNIGE), Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Angiogenesis Laboratory, VU University Medical Center, PO box 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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14
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Rhoden JJ, Dyas GL, Wroblewski VJ. A Modeling and Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Antigen Density, Binding Affinity, and Antigen Expression Ratio on Bispecific Antibody Binding to Cell Surface Targets. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:11337-47. [PMID: 27022022 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.714287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing number of multivalent antibodies, bispecific antibodies, fusion proteins, and targeted nanoparticles that have been generated and studied, the mechanism of multivalent binding to cell surface targets is not well understood. Here, we describe a conceptual and mathematical model of multivalent antibody binding to cell surface antigens. Our model predicts that properties beyond 1:1 antibody:antigen affinity to target antigens have a strong influence on multivalent binding. Predicted crucial properties include the structure and flexibility of the antibody construct, the target antigen(s) and binding epitope(s), and the density of antigens on the cell surface. For bispecific antibodies, the ratio of the expression levels of the two target antigens is predicted to be critical to target binding, particularly for the lower expressed of the antigens. Using bispecific antibodies of different valencies to cell surface antigens including MET and EGF receptor, we have experimentally validated our modeling approach and its predictions and observed several nonintuitive effects of avidity related to antigen density, target ratio, and antibody affinity. In some biological circumstances, the effect we have predicted and measured varied from the monovalent binding interaction by several orders of magnitude. Moreover, our mathematical framework affords us a mechanistic interpretation of our observations and suggests strategies to achieve the desired antibody-antigen binding goals. These mechanistic insights have implications in antibody engineering and structure/activity relationship determination in a variety of biological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Rhoden
- From the Department of Drug Disposition, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285
| | - Gregory L Dyas
- From the Department of Drug Disposition, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285
| | - Victor J Wroblewski
- From the Department of Drug Disposition, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285
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