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Kjer-Hansen P, Phan TG, Weatheritt RJ. Protein isoform-centric therapeutics: expanding targets and increasing specificity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:759-779. [PMID: 39232238 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-01025-z] [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: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Most protein-coding genes produce multiple protein isoforms; however, these isoforms are commonly neglected in drug discovery. The expression of protein isoforms can be specific to a disease, tissue and/or developmental stage, and this specific expression can be harnessed to achieve greater drug specificity than pan-targeting of all gene products and to enable improved treatments for diseases caused by aberrant protein isoform production. In recent years, several protein isoform-centric therapeutics have been developed. Here, we collate these studies and clinical trials to highlight three distinct but overlapping modes of action for protein isoform-centric drugs: isoform switching, isoform introduction or depletion, and modulation of isoform activity. In addition, we discuss how protein isoforms can be used clinically as targets for cell type-specific drug delivery and immunotherapy, diagnostic biomarkers and sources of cancer neoantigens. Collectively, we emphasize the value of a focus on isoforms as a route to discovering drugs with greater specificity and fewer adverse effects. This approach could enable the targeting of proteins for which pan-inhibition of all isoforms is toxic and poorly tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kjer-Hansen
- EMBL Australia, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
- St. Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Tri Giang Phan
- St. Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Immunology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert J Weatheritt
- EMBL Australia, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Zou C, Zan X, Jia Z, Zheng L, Gu Y, Liu F, Han Y, Xu C, Wu A, Zhi Q. Crosstalk between alternative splicing and inflammatory bowel disease: Basic mechanisms, biotechnological progresses and future perspectives. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1479. [PMID: 37983927 PMCID: PMC10659771 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1479] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternative splicing (AS) is an omnipresent regulatory mechanism of gene expression that enables the generation of diverse splice isoforms from a single gene. Recently, AS events have gained considerable momentum in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS Our review has summarized the complex process of RNA splicing, and firstly highlighted the potential involved molecules that target aberrant splicing events in IBD. The quantitative transcriptome analyses such as microarrays, next-generation sequencing (NGS) for AS events in IBD have been also discussed. RESULTS Available evidence suggests that some abnormal splicing RNAs can lead to multiple intestinal disorders during the onset of IBD as well as the progression to colitis-associated cancer (CAC), including gut microbiota perturbations, intestinal barrier dysfunctions, innate/adaptive immune dysregulations, pro-fibrosis activation and some other risk factors. Moreover, current data show that the advanced technologies, including microarrays and NGS, have been pioneeringly employed to screen the AS candidates and elucidate the potential regulatory mechanisms of IBD. Besides, other biotechnological progresses such as the applications of third-generation sequencing (TGS), single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST), will be desired with great expectations. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, the current review is the first one to evaluate the potential regulatory mechanisms of AS events in IBD. The expanding list of aberrantly spliced genes in IBD along with the developed technologies provide us new clues to how IBD develops, and how these important AS events can be explored for future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chentao Zou
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Xinquan Zan
- Department of General SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Zhenyu Jia
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Lu Zheng
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yijie Gu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Ye Han
- Department of General SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Chunfang Xu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Airong Wu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Qiaoming Zhi
- Department of General SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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Yang J, Li D, Zhang M, Lin G, Hu S, Xu H. From the updated landscape of the emerging biologics for IBDs treatment to the new delivery systems. J Control Release 2023; 361:568-591. [PMID: 37572962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) treatments have shifted from small-molecular therapeutics to the oncoming biologics. The first-line biologics against the moderate-to-severe IBDs are mainly involved in antibodies against integrins, cytokines and cell adhesion molecules. Besides, other biologics including growth factors, antioxidative enzyme, anti-inflammatory peptides, nucleic acids, stem cells and probiotics have also been explored at preclinical or clinical studies. Biologics with variety of origins have their unique potentials in attenuating immune inflammation or gut mucosa healing. Great advances in use of biologics for IBDs treatments have been archived in recent years. But delivering issues for biologic have also been confronted due to their liable nature. In this review, we will focus on biologics for IBDs treatments in the recent publications; summarize the current landscapes of biologics and their promise to control disease progress. Alternatively, the confronted challenges for delivering biologics will also be analyzed. To combat these drawbacks, some new delivering strategies are provided: firstly, designing the functional materials with high affinity toward biologics; secondly, the delivering vehicle systems to encapsulate the liable biologics; thirdly, the topical adhering delivery systems as enema. To our knowledge, this review is the first study to summarize the updated usage of the oncoming biologics for IBDs, their confronted challenges in term of delivery and the potential combating strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province 325035, China
| | - Dingwei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province 325035, China
| | - Mengjiao Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province 325035, China
| | - Gaolong Lin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province 325035, China
| | - Sunkuan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province 325000, China
| | - Helin Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province 325035, China.
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Heiss J, Grün K, Tempel L, Matasci M, Schrepper A, Schwarzer M, Bauer R, Förster M, Berndt A, Jung C, Schulze PC, Neri D, Franz M. Targeted Interleukin-9 delivery in pulmonary hypertension: Comparison of immunocytokine formats and effector cell study. Eur J Clin Invest 2023; 53:e13907. [PMID: 36377348 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is accompanied by pulmonary vascular remodelling. By targeted delivery of Interleukin-9 (IL9) via the immunocytokine F8IL9, beneficial effects could be demonstrated in a mouse model of PH. This study aimed to compare two immunocytokine formats (single-chain Fv and full IgG) and to identify potential target cells of IL9. METHODS The Monocrotaline mouse model of PH (PH, n = 12) was chosen to evaluate the treatment effects of F8IL9F8 (n = 12) and F8IgGIL9 (n = 6) compared with sham-induced animals (control, n = 10), the dual endothelin receptor antagonist Macitentan (MAC, n = 12) or IL9-based immunocytokines with irrelevant antigen specificity (KSFIL9KSF, n = 12; KSFIgGIL9 n = 6). Besides comparative validation of treatment effects, the study was focused on the detection and quantification of mast cells (MCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs). RESULTS There was a significantly elevated systolic right ventricular pressure (104 ± 36 vs. 45 ± 17 mmHg) and an impairment of right ventricular echocardiographic parameters (RVbasal: 2.52 ± 0.25 vs. 1.94 ± 0.13 mm) in untreated PH compared with controls (p < 0.05). Only the groups treated with F8IL9, irrespective of the format, showed consistent beneficial effects (p < 0.05). Moreover, F8IL9F8 but not F8IgGIL9 treatment significantly reduced lung tissue damage compared with untreated PH mice (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in Tregs in F8IL9-treated compared with control animals, the untreated PH and the MAC group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Beneficial treatment effects of targeted IL9 delivery in a preclinical model of PH could be convincingly validated. IL9-mediated recruitment of Tregs into lung tissue might play a crucial role in the induction of anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative mechanisms potentially contributing to a novel disease-modifying concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Heiss
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Else Kröner Graduate School for Medical Students "JSAM", Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Katja Grün
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Laura Tempel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Andrea Schrepper
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Schwarzer
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Reinhard Bauer
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Förster
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Berndt
- Section Pathology, Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Jung
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Marcus Franz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
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Zhou J, Zhang Q, Zhao Y, Song Y, Leng Y, Chen M, Zhou S, Wang Z. The regulatory role of alternative splicing in inflammatory bowel disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1095267. [PMID: 37153612 PMCID: PMC10160418 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1095267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mainly includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases have a progressive course of chronic relapse and remission and affect a large number of children and adults worldwide. The burden of IBD is rising worldwide, with levels and trends varying greatly in countries and regions. Like most chronic diseases, the costs associated with IBD are high, including hospitalizations, outpatient and emergency visits, surgeries, and pharmacotherapies. However, there is no radical cure for it yet, and its therapeutic targets still need further study. Currently, the pathogenesis of IBD remains unclear. It is generally assumed that the occurrence and development of IBD are related to the environmental factors, gut microbiota, immune imbalance, and genetic susceptibility. Alternative splicing contributes to a various diseases, such as spinal muscular atrophy, liver diseases, and cancers. In the past, it has been reported that alternative splicing events, splicing factors, and splicing mutations were associated with IBD, but there were no reports on the practical application for clinical diagnosis and treatment of IBD using splicing-related methods. Therefore, this article reviews research progress on alternative splicing events, splicing factors, and splicing mutations associated with IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuzhen Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuchen Song
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China and Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanan Leng
- Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Moxian Chen
- Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoxia Wang, ; Shaoming Zhou, ; Moxian Chen,
| | - Shaoming Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoxia Wang, ; Shaoming Zhou, ; Moxian Chen,
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoxia Wang, ; Shaoming Zhou, ; Moxian Chen,
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Gouyou B, Grün K, Kerschenmeyer A, Villa A, Matasci M, Schrepper A, Pfeil A, Bäz L, Jung C, Schulze PC, Neri D, Franz M. Therapeutic Evaluation of Antibody-Based Targeted Delivery of Interleukin 9 in Experimental Pulmonary Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073460. [PMID: 33801620 PMCID: PMC8037792 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogeneous disorder associated with poor prognosis. For the majority of patients, only limited therapeutic options are available. Thus, there is great interest to develop novel treatment strategies focusing on pulmonary vascular and right ventricular remodeling. Interleukin 9 (IL9) is a pleiotropic cytokine with pro- and anti-inflammatory functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic activity of F8IL9F8 consisting of IL9 fused to the F8 antibody, specific to the alternatively-spliced EDA domain of fibronectin, which is abundantly expressed in pulmonary vasculature and right ventricular myocardium in PH. Methods: The efficacy of F8IL9F8 in attenuating PH progression in the monocrotaline mouse model was evaluated in comparison to an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) or an IL9 based immunocytokine with irrelevant antibody specificity (KSFIL9KSF). Treatment effects were assessed by right heart catheterization, echocardiography as well as histological and immunohistochemical tissue analyses. Results: Compared to controls, systolic right ventricular pressure (RVPsys) was significantly elevated and a variety of right ventricular echocardiographic parameters were significantly impaired in all MCT-induced PH groups except for the F8IL9F8 group. Both, F8IL9F8 and ERA treatments lead to a significant reduction in RVPsys and an improvement of echocardiographic parameters when compared to the MCT group not observable for the KSFIL9KSF group. Only F8IL9F8 significantly reduced lung tissue damage and displayed a significant decrease of leukocyte and macrophage accumulation in the lungs and right ventricles. Conclusions: Our study provides first pre-clinical evidence for the use of F8IL9F8 as a new therapeutic agent for PH in terms of a disease-modifying concept addressing cardiovascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Gouyou
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (B.G.); (A.K.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Katja Grün
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Univerisity Hospital Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany; (K.G.); (L.B.); (P.C.S.)
| | - Anne Kerschenmeyer
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (B.G.); (A.K.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (B.G.); (A.K.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Mattia Matasci
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (B.G.); (A.K.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Andrea Schrepper
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Univerisity Hospital Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Alexander Pfeil
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Univerisity Hospital Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Laura Bäz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Univerisity Hospital Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany; (K.G.); (L.B.); (P.C.S.)
| | - Christian Jung
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - P. Christian Schulze
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Univerisity Hospital Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany; (K.G.); (L.B.); (P.C.S.)
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (B.G.); (A.K.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Marcus Franz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Univerisity Hospital Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany; (K.G.); (L.B.); (P.C.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3641-9324127
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Andreuzzi E, Capuano A, Poletto E, Pivetta E, Fejza A, Favero A, Doliana R, Cannizzaro R, Spessotto P, Mongiat M. Role of Extracellular Matrix in Gastrointestinal Cancer-Associated Angiogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3686. [PMID: 32456248 PMCID: PMC7279269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal tumors are responsible for more cancer-related fatalities than any other type of tumors, and colorectal and gastric malignancies account for a large part of these diseases. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic approaches to improve the patients' outcome and the tumor microenvironment is a promising arena for the development of such treatments. In fact, the nature of the microenvironment in the different gastrointestinal tracts may significantly influence not only tumor development but also the therapy response. In particular, an important microenvironmental component and a potential therapeutic target is the vasculature. In this context, the extracellular matrix is a key component exerting an active effect in all the hallmarks of cancer, including angiogenesis. Here, we summarized the current knowledge on the role of extracellular matrix in affecting endothelial cell function and intratumoral vascularization in the context of colorectal and gastric cancer. The extracellular matrix acts both directly on endothelial cells and indirectly through its remodeling and the consequent release of growth factors. We envision that a deeper understanding of the role of extracellular matrix and of its remodeling during cancer progression is of chief importance for the development of new, more efficacious, targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Andreuzzi
- Department of Research and Diagnosis, Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.A.); (A.C.); (E.P.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (A.F.); (R.D.); (P.S.)
| | - Alessandra Capuano
- Department of Research and Diagnosis, Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.A.); (A.C.); (E.P.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (A.F.); (R.D.); (P.S.)
| | - Evelina Poletto
- Department of Research and Diagnosis, Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.A.); (A.C.); (E.P.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (A.F.); (R.D.); (P.S.)
| | - Eliana Pivetta
- Department of Research and Diagnosis, Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.A.); (A.C.); (E.P.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (A.F.); (R.D.); (P.S.)
| | - Albina Fejza
- Department of Research and Diagnosis, Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.A.); (A.C.); (E.P.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (A.F.); (R.D.); (P.S.)
| | - Andrea Favero
- Department of Research and Diagnosis, Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.A.); (A.C.); (E.P.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (A.F.); (R.D.); (P.S.)
| | - Roberto Doliana
- Department of Research and Diagnosis, Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.A.); (A.C.); (E.P.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (A.F.); (R.D.); (P.S.)
| | - Renato Cannizzaro
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Experimental Gastrointestinal Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy;
| | - Paola Spessotto
- Department of Research and Diagnosis, Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.A.); (A.C.); (E.P.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (A.F.); (R.D.); (P.S.)
| | - Maurizio Mongiat
- Department of Research and Diagnosis, Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.A.); (A.C.); (E.P.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (A.F.); (R.D.); (P.S.)
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Abstract
The advent of biologic therapies, particularly antibody therapeutics, has revolutionized the pharmacological treatment of many rheumatic diseases. Antibody discovery began with the immunization of mice for the production of rodent immunoglobulins, but advances in protein and genetic engineering have now made it possible to generate fully human antibodies, which are better tolerated by patients. For most clinical applications in rheumatology, antibodies have been used as blocking agents capable of neutralizing the function of pro-inflammatory proteins, such as TNF. The latest strategies involve antibody products armed with effector moieties, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or cytokines, or antibody products that are specific for multiple targets for the selective inhibition of inflammation at sites of disease. Antibodies are some of the best-selling drugs in the world, and with further advances in antibody development, engineering of armed antibodies and bispecific products will have an important role in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
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Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins: Biopharmaceuticals with immunomodulatory properties for cancer therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 141:67-91. [PMID: 30201522 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines have long been used for therapeutic applications in cancer patients. Substantial side effects and unfavorable pharmacokinetics limit their application and may prevent dose escalation to therapeutically active regimens. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (often referred to as immunocytokines) may help localize immunomodulatory cytokine payloads to the tumor, thereby activating anticancer immune responses. A variety of formats (e.g., intact IgGs or antibody fragments), molecular targets (e.g., extracellular matrix components and cell membrane antigens) and cytokine payloads have been considered for the development of this novel class of biopharmaceuticals. This review presents the basic concepts on the design and engineering of immunocytokines, reviews their potential limitations, points out emerging opportunities and summarizes key features of preclinical and clinical-stage products.
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Schwager S, Renner S, Hemmerle T, Karaman S, Proulx ST, Fetz R, Golding-Ochsenbein AM, Probst P, Halin C, Neri D, Detmar M. Antibody-mediated delivery of VEGF-C potently reduces chronic skin inflammation. JCI Insight 2018; 3:124850. [PMID: 30518687 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.124850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
VEGF-C is an important mediator of lymphangiogenesis and has been shown to alleviate chronic inflammation in a variety of disease models. In this study, we investigated whether targeted delivery of VEGF-C to sites of inflammation and site-specific activation of lymphatic vessels would represent a clinically feasible strategy for treating chronic skin inflammation. To this end, we generated a fusion protein consisting of human VEGF-C fused to the F8 antibody (F8-VEGF-C), which is specific for the alternatively spliced, angiogenesis-marking extradomain A (EDA) of fibronectin. In two mouse models of psoriasis-like skin inflammation, mediated by transgenic VEGF-A overexpression or repeated application of imiquimod, intravenous treatment with F8-VEGF-C but not with untargeted VEGF-C significantly reduced ear skin edema and was as effective as the clinically used TNF-α receptor-Fc fusion protein (TNFR-Fc). Treatment with F8-VEGF-C led to a marked expansion of lymphatic vessels in the inflamed skin and significantly improved lymphatic drainage function. At the same time, treatment with F8-VEGF-C significantly reduced leukocyte numbers, including CD4+ and γδ T cells. In sum, our results reveal that targeted delivery of VEGF-C and site-specific induction of lymphatic vessels represent a potentially new and promising approach for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.
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11
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Fercher C, Keshvari S, McGuckin MA, Barnard RT. Evolution of the magic bullet: Single chain antibody fragments for the targeted delivery of immunomodulatory proteins. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2017; 243:166-183. [PMID: 29256259 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217748575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunocytokines are fusion proteins that combine the specific antigen binding capacities of an antibody or derivative thereof and the potent bioactivity of a cytokine partner. These novel biopharmaceuticals have been directed to various targets of oncological as well as non-oncological origin and a handful of promising constructs are currently advancing in the clinical trial pipeline. Several factors such as the choice of a disease specific antigen, the antibody format and the modulatory nature of the payload are crucial, not only for therapeutic efficacy and safety but also for the commercial success of such a product. In this review, we provide an overview of the basic principles and obstacles in immunocytokine design with a specific focus on single chain antibody fragment-based constructs that employ interleukins as the immunoactive component. Impact statement Selective activation of the immune system in a variety of malignancies represents an attractive approach when existing strategies have failed to provide adequate treatment options. Immunocytokines as a novel class of bifunctional protein therapeutics have emerged recently and generated promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. In order to harness their full potential, multiple different aspects have to be taken into consideration. Several key points of these fusion constructs are discussed here and should provide an outline for the development of novel products based on an overview of selected formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Fercher
- 1 School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sahar Keshvari
- 2 Inflammatory Diseases Biology and Therapeutics, Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Michael A McGuckin
- 2 Inflammatory Diseases Biology and Therapeutics, Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Ross T Barnard
- 1 School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.,3 Australian Research Council Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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12
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McGaraughty S, Davis-Taber RA, Zhu CZ, Cole TB, Nikkel AL, Chhaya M, Doyle KJ, Olson LM, Preston GM, Grinnell CM, Salte KM, Giamis AM, Luo Y, Sun V, Goodearl AD, Gopalakrishnan M, Lacy SE. Targeting Anti-TGF- β Therapy to Fibrotic Kidneys with a Dual Specificity Antibody Approach. J Am Soc Nephrol 2017; 28:3616-3626. [PMID: 28827403 PMCID: PMC5698069 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2017010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted delivery of a therapeutic agent to a site of pathology to ameliorate disease while limiting exposure at undesired tissues is an aspirational treatment scenario. Targeting diseased kidneys for pharmacologic treatment has had limited success. We designed an approach to target an extracellular matrix protein, the fibronectin extra domain A isoform (FnEDA), which is relatively restricted in distribution to sites of tissue injury. In a mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model of renal fibrosis, injury induced significant upregulation of FnEDA in the obstructed kidney. Using dual variable domain Ig (DVD-Ig) technology, we constructed a molecule with a moiety to target FnEDA and a second moiety to neutralize TGF-β After systemic injection of the bispecific TGF-β + FnEDA DVD-Ig or an FnEDA mAb, chemiluminescent detection and imaging with whole-body single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) revealed significantly higher levels of each molecule in the obstructed kidney than in the nonobstructed kidney, the ipsilateral kidney of sham animals, and other tissues. In comparison, a systemically administered TGF-β mAb accumulated at lower concentrations in the obstructed kidney and exhibited a more diffuse whole-body distribution. Systemic administration of the bispecific DVD-Ig or the TGF-β mAb (1-10 mg/kg) but not the FnEDA mAb attenuated the injury-induced collagen deposition detected by immunohistochemistry and elevation in Col1a1, FnEDA, and TIMP1 mRNA expression in the obstructed kidney. Overall, systemic delivery of a bispecific molecule targeting an extracellular matrix protein and delivering a TGF-β mAb resulted in a relatively focal uptake in the fibrotic kidney and reduced renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chang Z Zhu
- AbbVie Discovery Lake County, North Chicago, Illinois; and
| | - Todd B Cole
- AbbVie Discovery Lake County, North Chicago, Illinois; and
| | | | - Meha Chhaya
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Kelly J Doyle
- AbbVie Discovery Lake County, North Chicago, Illinois; and
| | - Lauren M Olson
- AbbVie Discovery Lake County, North Chicago, Illinois; and
| | | | | | | | | | - Yanping Luo
- AbbVie Discovery Lake County, North Chicago, Illinois; and
| | - Victor Sun
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Susan E Lacy
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
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13
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Bootz F, Venetz D, Ziffels B, Neri D. Different tissue distribution properties for glycosylation variants of fusion proteins containing the p40 subunit of murine interleukin-12. Protein Eng Des Sel 2016; 29:445-455. [PMID: 27515704 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzw038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based fusion proteins are gaining increasing importance for therapeutic applications, but the impact of glycosylation on in vivo biopharmaceutical performance is not always completely understood. In this article, we have analyzed biochemical and pharmaceutical properties of fusion proteins, consisting of the F8 antibody (specific to the EDA domain of fibronectin, a marker of tissue remodeling and of angiogenesis) and of the p40 subunit of interleukin-12, an inhibitor of inflammation. The corresponding fusion protein (F8-IL12p40), which inhibits colitis development in mice, is a glycosylated protein with suboptimal disease targeting properties in vivo Since the protein was extensively glycosylated, as evidenced by PNGase F treatment and mass spectrometric analysis, we mutated four asparagine residues in various combinations. The corresponding proteins exhibited similar biochemical and antigen-binding properties, but differences in thermal stability and bioactivity. Asparagine mutations did not lead to recovery of disease targeting performance in vivo, as evidenced by quantitative biodistribution studies with radioiodinated protein preparations in tumor-bearing mice. By contrast, an almost complete recovery of targeting was achieved with an enzymatically deglycosylated protein preparation. These findings reinforce the concept that different glycostructures can have an impact on tissue distribution properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bootz
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich (Switzerland)
| | - D Venetz
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich (Switzerland)
| | - B Ziffels
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich (Switzerland)
| | - D Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich (Switzerland)
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14
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Neri D, Sondel PM. Immunocytokines for cancer treatment: past, present and future. Curr Opin Immunol 2016; 40:96-102. [PMID: 27060634 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Immunocytokines are antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, with the potential to preferentially localize on tumor lesions and to activate anticancer immunity at the site of disease. Various tumor targets (e.g., cell membrane antigens and extracellular matrix components) and antibody formats (e.g., intact IgG and antibody fragments) have been considered for immunocytokine development and some products have advanced to clinical trials. In this review, we present relevant concepts and strategies for the design and use of anticancer immunocytokine products. In addition, we discuss emerging strategies for the pharmaceutical development and clinical application of this promising class of biopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Paul M Sondel
- Departments of Pediatrics, Human Oncology and Genetics, and UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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15
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Bootz F, Neri D. Immunocytokines: a novel class of products for the treatment of chronic inflammation and autoimmune conditions. Drug Discov Today 2016; 21:180-189. [PMID: 26526566 PMCID: PMC5144993 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, often referred to as immunocytokines, represent a novel class of biopharmaceutical agents that combine the disease-homing activity of certain antibodies with the immunomodulatory properties of cytokine payloads. Originally, immunocytokines were mainly developed for cancer therapy applications. More recently, however, the use of anti-inflammatory cytokines for the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions and to treat autoimmune diseases has been considered. This review analyzes basic principles in the design of immunocytokines and describes the most advanced products in preclinical and clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Bootz
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
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