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Qin XY, Ha SY, Chen L, Zhang T, Li MQ. Recent Advances in Folates and Autoantibodies against Folate Receptors in Early Pregnancy and Miscarriage. Nutrients 2023; 15:4882. [PMID: 38068740 PMCID: PMC10708193 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Though firstly identified in cerebral folate deficiency, autoantibodies against folate receptors (FRAbs) have been implicated in pregnancy complications such as miscarriage; however, the underlying mechanism needs to be further elaborated. FRAbs can be produced via sensitization mediated by folate-binding protein as well as gene mutation, aberrant modulation, or degradation of folate receptors (FRs). FRAbs may interfere with folate internalization and metabolism through blocking or binding with FRs. Interestingly, different types of FRs are expressed on trophoblast cells, decidual epithelium or stroma, and macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface, implying FRAbs may be involved in the critical events necessary for a successful pregnancy. Thus, we propose that FRAbs may disturb pregnancy establishment and maintenance by modulating trophoblastic biofunctions, placental development, decidualization, and decidua homeostasis as well as the functions of FOLR2+ macrophages. In light of these findings, FRAbs may be a critical factor in pathological pregnancy, and deserve careful consideration in therapies involving folic acid supplementation for pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Yun Qin
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China; (X.-Y.Q.); (S.-Y.H.)
| | - Si-Yao Ha
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China; (X.-Y.Q.); (S.-Y.H.)
| | - Lu Chen
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Tao Zhang
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China; (X.-Y.Q.); (S.-Y.H.)
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
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Parakasikron N, Chaotham C, Chanvorachote P, Vinayanuwattikun C, Buranasudja V, Taweecheep P, Khantasup K. Development of a human antibody fragment directed against the alpha folate receptor as a promising molecule for targeted application. Drug Deliv 2021; 28:1443-1454. [PMID: 34236266 PMCID: PMC8274507 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2021.1943055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha folate receptor (FRα) is currently under investigation as a target for the treatment of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), since it is highly expressed in tumor cells but is largely absent in normal tissue. In this study, a novel human variable domain of a heavy-chain (VH) antibody fragment specific to FRα was enriched and selected by phage bio-planning. The positive phage clone (3A102 VH) specifically bound to FRα and also cross-reacted with FRβ, as tested by ELISA. Clone 3A102 VH was then successfully expressed as a soluble protein in an E. coli shuffle strain. The obtained soluble 3A102 VH demonstrated a high affinity for FRα with affinity constants (Kaff) values around 7.77 ± 0.25 × 107 M−1, with specific binding against both FRα expressing NSCLC cells and NSCLC patient-derived primary cancer cells, as tested by cell ELISA. In addition, soluble 3A102 VH showed the potential desired property of a targeting molecule by being internalized into FRα-expressing cells, as observed by confocal microscopy. This study inspires the use of phage display to develop human VH antibody (Ab) fragments that might be well suited for drug targeted therapy of NSCLC and other FRα-positive cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nattihda Parakasikron
- The Medical Microbiology Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chatchai Chaotham
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Cell-Based Drug and Health Product Development Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pithi Chanvorachote
- Cell-Based Drug and Health Product Development Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanida Vinayanuwattikun
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Visarut Buranasudja
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornchanok Taweecheep
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kannika Khantasup
- The Medical Microbiology Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Vaccines and Therapeutic Proteins Research Group, the Special Task Force for Activating Research (STAR), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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3
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Geetha Bai R, Muthoosamy K, Tuvikene R, Nay Ming H, Manickam S. Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Biosensor Using Folic Acid-Modified Reduced Graphene Oxide for the Detection of Cancer Biomarker. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11051272. [PMID: 34066073 PMCID: PMC8150695 DOI: 10.3390/nano11051272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The detection of cancer biomarkers in the early stages could prevent cancer-related deaths significantly. Nanomaterials combined with biomolecules are extensively used in drug delivery, imaging, and sensing applications by targeting the overexpressed cancer proteins such as folate receptors (FRs) to control the disease by providing earlier treatments. In this investigation, biocompatible reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets combined with folic acid (FA)-a vitamin with high bioaffinity to FRs-is utilized to develop an electrochemical sensor for cancer detection. To mimic the cancer cell environment, FR-β protein is used to evaluate the response of the rGO-FA sensor. The formation of the rGO-FA nanocomposite was confirmed through various characterization techniques. A glassy carbon (GC) electrode was then modified with the obtained rGO-FA and analyzed via differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for its specific detection towards FRs. Using the DPV technique, the rGO-FA-modified electrode exhibited a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.69 pM, determined in a linear concentration range from 6 to 100 pM. This excellent electrochemical performance towards FRs detection could provide a significant contribution towards future cancer diagnosis. Moreover, the rGO-FA sensing platform also showed excellent specificity and reliability when tested against similar interfering biomolecules. This rGO-FA sensor offers a great promise to the future medical industry through its highly sensitive detection towards FRs in a fast, reliable, and economical way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renu Geetha Bai
- Nanotechnology Research Group, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Malaysia; (R.G.B.); (K.M.)
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia;
| | - Kasturi Muthoosamy
- Nanotechnology Research Group, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Malaysia; (R.G.B.); (K.M.)
| | - Rando Tuvikene
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia;
| | - Huang Nay Ming
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, New Energy Science & Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900 Sepang, Malaysia;
| | - Sivakumar Manickam
- Nanotechnology Research Group, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Malaysia; (R.G.B.); (K.M.)
- Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei
- Correspondence:
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Farran B, Pavitra E, Kasa P, Peela S, Rama Raju GS, Nagaraju GP. Folate-targeted immunotherapies: Passive and active strategies for cancer. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2019; 45:45-52. [PMID: 30770191 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The glycoprotein FRα is a membrane-attached transport protein that is shielded from the immune system in healthy cells. However, it is upregulated in various malignancies, involved in cancer development and is also immunogenic. Furthermore, FRα is a tumor-associated antigen endowed with unique properties, thus rendering it a suitable target for immunotherapeutic development in cancer. Various anti- FRα immunotherapeutic strategies are thus currently being developed and clinically assessed for the treatment of various solid tumors. These approaches include passive anti-FRα immunotherapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, or active immunotherapies, such as CART, folate haptens and vaccines. In this review, we will explore the advances in the field of FRα-based immune therapies and discuss both their successes and shortcomings in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batoul Farran
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Eluri Pavitra
- Department of Biological Engineering, Biohybrid Systems Research Center (BSRC), Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Prameswari Kasa
- Dr. LV Prasad Diagnostics and Research Laboratory, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, 500004, India
| | - Sujatha Peela
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, 532410, India
| | - Ganji Seeta Rama Raju
- Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Otsubo H, Tsuneyoshi Y, Nakamura T, Matsuda T, Komiya S, Matsuyama T. Serum-soluble folate receptor β as a biomarker for the activity of rheumatoid arthritis synovitis and the response to anti-TNF agents. Clin Rheumatol 2018; 37:2939-2945. [DOI: 10.1007/s10067-018-4202-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Shen J, Hu Y, Putt KS, Singhal S, Han H, Visscher DW, Murphy LM, Low PS. Assessment of folate receptor alpha and beta expression in selection of lung and pancreatic cancer patients for receptor targeted therapies. Oncotarget 2017; 9:4485-4495. [PMID: 29435118 PMCID: PMC5796989 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of folate receptor (FR) targeted small molecular drugs and monoclonal antibodies have been introduced into clinical trials to treat FR positive cancers. Because the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs depends prominently on the level of FR-α expression on the cancer cells, patients have been commonly selected for FR-targeted therapies based on the intensity of a folate-targeted radioimaging agent. Unfortunately, uptake of such imaging agents can be mediated by both major isoforms of the folate receptor, FR-α and FR-β. Logically, if the FR positive cell population in a tumor mass is dominated by FR-β positive macrophages, patients could be selected for therapy that have few FR-expressing cancer cells. Although several IHC studies have examined expression of either FR-α or FR-β, no study to date has investigated expression of both FR-α and FR-β in the same tumor mass. Herein, we utilize monoclonal antibodies specific for FR-α (mAb343) and FR-β (m909) to query each isoform's expression in a range of cancers. We show that lung and pancreatic adenocarcinomas express the full spectrum of FR-α and FR-β combinations with ~76% of lung adenocarcinomas expressing both FR-α and FR-β while pancreatic cancers express primarily FR-β. Thus, while folate-targeted imaging of lung cancer patients might accurately reflect the expression of FR-α on lung cancer cells, imaging of pancreatic cancer patients could mislead a physician into treating a nonresponding patient. Overall, these data suggest that an independent analysis of both FR-α and FR-β should be obtained to predict the potential efficacy of a folate-targeted drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayin Shen
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Yingwen Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.,Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Karson S Putt
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Sunil Singhal
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Haiyong Han
- Clinical Translational Research Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Daniel W Visscher
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Linda M Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.,Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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