1
|
Di Nitto C, Gilardoni E, Mock J, Nadal L, Weiss T, Weller M, Seehusen F, Libbra C, Puca E, Neri D, De Luca R. An Engineered IFNγ-Antibody Fusion Protein with Improved Tumor-Homing Properties. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020377. [PMID: 36839699 PMCID: PMC9964878 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is one of the central cytokines produced by the innate and adaptive immune systems. IFNγ directly favors tumor growth control by enhancing the immunogenicity of tumor cells, induces IP-10 secretion facilitating (CXCR3+) immune cell infiltration, and can prime macrophages to an M1-like phenotype inducing proinflammatory cytokine release. We had previously reported that the targeted delivery of IFNγ to neoplastic lesions may be limited by the trapping of IFNγ-based products by cognate receptors found in different organs. Here we describe a novel fusion protein consisting of the L19 antibody, specific to the alternatively spliced extra-domain B of fibronectin (EDB), fused to a variant of IFNγ with reduced affinity to its cognate receptor. The product (named L19-IFNγ KRG) selectively localized to tumors in mice, showed favorable pharmacokinetic profiles in monkeys and regained biological activity upon antigen binding. The fusion protein was investigated in two murine models of cancer, both as monotherapy and in combination with therapeutic modalities which are frequently used for cancer therapy. L19-IFNγ KRG induced tumor growth retardation and increased the intratumoral concentration of T cells and NK cells in combination with anti-PD-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lisa Nadal
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frauke Seehusen
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology (LAMP), Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Libbra
- Philogen S.p.A., Piazza La Lizza 7, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Emanuele Puca
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Philogen S.p.A., Piazza La Lizza 7, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.N.); (R.D.L.)
| | - Roberto De Luca
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (D.N.); (R.D.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shi W, Lv L, Liu N, Wang H, Wang Y, Zhu W, Liu Z, Zhu J, Lu H. A novel anti-PD-L1/IL-15 immunocytokine overcomes resistance to PD-L1 blockade and elicits potent antitumor immunity. Mol Ther 2023; 31:66-77. [PMID: 36045584 PMCID: PMC9840182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the demonstrated immense potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors in various types of cancers, only a minority of patients respond to these therapies. Immunocytokines designed to deliver an immune-activating cytokine directly to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and block the immune checkpoint simultaneously may provide a strategic advantage over the combination of two single agents. To increase the response rate to checkpoint blockade, in this study, we developed a novel immunocytokine (LH01) composed of the antibody against programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) fused to interleukin (IL)-15 receptor alpha-sushi domain/IL-15 complex. We demonstrate that LH01 efficiently binds mouse or human PD-L1 and maintains IL-15 stimulatory activity. In syngeneic mouse models, LH01 showed improved antitumor efficacy and safety versus anti-PD-L1 plus LH02 (Fc-sushi-IL15) combination and overcame resistance to anti-PD-L1 treatment. Mechanistically, the dual anti-immunosuppressive function of LH01 activated both the innate and adaptive immune responses and induced a favorable and immunostimulatory TME. Furthermore, combination therapy with LH01 and bevacizumab exerts synergistic antitumor effects in an HT29 colorectal xenograft model. Collectively, our results provide supporting evidence that fusion of anti-PD-L1 and IL-15 might be a potent strategy to treat patients with cold tumors or resistance to checkpoint blockade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Shi
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Liangyin Lv
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wen Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zexin Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Huili Lu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Molecular Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies of Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911968. [PMID: 36233269 PMCID: PMC9570397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among human cutaneous malignancies, basal cell carcinoma is the most common. Solid advances in unveiling the molecular mechanisms of basal cell carcinoma have emerged in recent years. In Gorlin syndrome, which shows basal cell carcinoma predisposition, identification of the patched 1 gene (PTCH1) mutation was a dramatic breakthrough in understanding the carcinogenesis of basal cell carcinoma. PTCH1 plays a role in the hedgehog pathway, and dysregulations of this pathway are known to be crucial for the carcinogenesis of many types of cancers including sporadic as well as hereditary basal cell carcinoma. In this review, we summarize the clinical features, pathological features and hedgehog pathway as applied in basal cell carcinoma. Other crucial molecules, such as p53 and melanocortin-1 receptor are also discussed. Due to recent advances, therapeutic strategies based on the precise molecular mechanisms of basal cell carcinoma are emerging. Target therapies and biomarkers are also discussed.
Collapse
|
4
|
Angenendt L, Mikesch JH, Schliemann C. Emerging antibody-based therapies for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Treat Rev 2022; 108:102409. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
5
|
Ramaswamy M, Kim T, Jones DC, Ghadially H, Mahmoud TI, Garcia A, Browne G, Zenonos Z, Puplampu-Dove Y, Riggs JM, Bhat GK, Herbst R, Schofield DJ, Carlesso G. Immunomodulation of T and NK-cell Responses by a Bispecific Antibody Targeting CD28 Homolog and PD-L1. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 10:200-214. [PMID: 34937728 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Checkpoint blockade therapies targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 are clinically successful but also evoke adverse events due to systemic T-cell activation. We engineered a bispecific, monoclonal antibody targeting CD28 homolog (CD28H), a newly identified B7 family receptor that is constitutively expressed on T and natural killer (NK) cells, with a PD-L1 antibody to potentiate tumor-specific immune responses. The bispecific antibody led to T-cell costimulation, induced NK cell cytotoxicity of PD-L1-expressing tumor cells, and activated tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells. Mechanistically, the CD28H agonistic arm of the bispecific antibody reduced PD-L1/PD-1-induced SHP2 phosphorylation, while simultaneously augmenting T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling by activating the MAPK and AKT pathways. This bispecific approach could be used to target multiple immune cells, including CD8+ T cells, tissue-resident memory T cells, and NK cells, in a tumor-specific manner that may lead to induction of durable, therapeutic antitumor responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Ramaswamy
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, AstraZeneca (United States)
| | - Taeil Kim
- Oncology R, AstraZeneca (United States)
| | - Des C Jones
- Early Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca (United Kingdom)
| | | | | | - Andrew Garcia
- Antibody Discovery & Protein Engineering, AstraZeneca (United States)
| | - Gareth Browne
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering R, AstraZeneca (United Kingdom)
| | - Zenon Zenonos
- Antibody Development and Protein Engineering R, AstraZeneca (United Kingdom)
| | | | | | | | | | - Darren J Schofield
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering R, AstraZeneca (United Kingdom)
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ochoa de Olza M, Navarro Rodrigo B, Zimmermann S, Coukos G. Turning up the heat on non-immunoreactive tumours: opportunities for clinical development. Lancet Oncol 2020; 21:e419-e430. [PMID: 32888471 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(20)30234-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Notable advances have been achieved in the treatment of cancer since the advent of immunotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown clinical benefit across a wide variety of tumour types. Nevertheless, most patients still progress on these treatments, highlighting the importance of unravelling the underlying mechanisms of primary resistance to immunotherapy. A well described biomarker of non-responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors is the absence or low presence of lymphocytes in the tumour microenvironment, so-called cold tumours. There are five mechanisms of action that have the potential to turn cold tumours into so-called hot and inflamed tumours, hence increasing the tumour's responsiveness to immunotherapy-increasing local inflammation, neutralising immunosuppression at the tumour site, modifying the tumour vasculature, targeting the tumour cells themselves, or increasing the frequency of tumour-specific T cells. In this Review, we discuss preclinical data that serves as the basis for ongoing immunotherapy clinical trials for the treatment of non-immunoreactive tumours, as well as reviewing clinical and translational data where available. We explain how improving our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of primary resistance to immunotherapy will help elucidate an increasingly granular view of the tumour microenvironment cellular composition, functional status, and cellular localisation, with the goal of further therapy refinement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Ochoa de Olza
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Service of Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Blanca Navarro Rodrigo
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Service of Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Zimmermann
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Service of Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - George Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Service of Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Neri D. Antibody-Cytokine Fusions: Versatile Products for the Modulation of Anticancer Immunity. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 7:348-354. [PMID: 30824549 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The remarkable clinical success of immune-checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of a growing number of cancer types has sparked interest in the discovery of novel forms of immunotherapy, which may be used alone or in combination. In this context, cytokine-based therapeutics are well poised to play a role in modern cancer therapy. This article focuses on antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (also called "immunocytokines") as one class of biopharmaceuticals that can substantially improve the therapeutic index and, thus, the applicability of cytokine products. In many preclinical settings, antibodies can be used to preferentially deliver many (but not all) types of cytokines to primary and metastatic tumor lesions. The antibody-based delivery of certain proinflammatory payloads (such as IL2, IL12, and TNF) to the tumor microenvironment can lead to a dramatic potentiation of their anticancer activity. However, although some fusion proteins have advanced to late-stage clinical trials, much work remains to be done in order to fully characterize the mechanism of action and the pharmaceutical potential of immunocytokines in the clinical setting. Various factors contribute to in vivo performance, including the target antigen, the antibody properties, the nature of the payload, the format of the fusion protein, the dose, and schedule, as well as their use in combination with other therapeutic modalities. Protein engineering opportunities and insights in cancer immunology are contributing to the development of next-generation immunocytokine products and of novel therapeutic concepts, with the goal to increase antitumor activity and reduce systemic toxicity (a common problem for cytokine-based biopharmaceuticals).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Conibear AC, Schmid A, Kamalov M, Becker CFW, Bello C. Recent Advances in Peptide-Based Approaches for Cancer Treatment. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1174-1205. [PMID: 29173146 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666171123204851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peptide-based pharmaceuticals have recently experienced a renaissance due to their ability to fill the gap between the two main classes of available drugs, small molecules and biologics. Peptides combine the high potency and selectivity typical of large proteins with some of the characteristic advantages of small molecules such as synthetic accessibility, stability and the potential of oral bioavailability. METHODS In the present manuscript we review the recent literature on selected peptide-based approaches for cancer treatment, emphasizing recent advances, advantages and challenges of each strategy. RESULTS One of the applications in which peptide-based approaches have grown rapidly is cancer therapy, with a focus on new and established targets. We describe, with selected examples, some of the novel peptide-based methods for cancer treatment that have been developed in the last few years, ranging from naturally-occurring and modified peptides to peptidedrug conjugates, peptide nanomaterials and peptide-based vaccines. CONCLUSION This review brings out the emerging role of peptide-based strategies in oncology research, critically analyzing the advantages and limitations of these approaches and the potential for their development as effective anti-cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Conibear
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Wahringer Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alanca Schmid
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Wahringer Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Meder Kamalov
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Wahringer Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian F W Becker
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Wahringer Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Bello
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Wahringer Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria.,Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Laboratory of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biolology-PeptLab, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019 Sesto, Fiorentino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
|
10
|
Engineering Newcastle Disease Virus as an Oncolytic Vector for Intratumoral Delivery of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Immunocytokines. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.01677-19. [PMID: 31694938 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01677-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is an attractive candidate for oncolytic immunotherapy due to its ability to replicate in tumor cells and potentially to overcome the inherently immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment. The advent of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy over the past few years represents a paradigm shift in cancer therapy. However, the prevalence of severe immune-related adverse events with CTLA4 and PD1 pathway blockade in clinical studies, especially in combination therapy groups, is a cause for concern. Immunotherapies with cytokines have also been extensively explored, but they have been associated with adverse events in clinical trials. Oncolytic vectors engineered to express checkpoint blockade antibodies and cytokines could provide an avenue for reducing the clinical toxicity associated with systemic therapy by concentrating the immunomodulatory payload at the site of disease. In this study, we engineered six different recombinant viruses: NDVs expressing checkpoint inhibitors (rNDV-anti-PD1 and rNDV-anti-PDL1); superagonists (rNDV-anti-CD28); and immunocytokines, where the antibodies are fused to an immunostimulatory cytokine, such as interleukin 12 (IL-12) (rNDV-anti-CD28-murine IL-12 [mIL-12], rNDV-anti-PD1-mIL-12, and rNDV-anti-PDL1-mIL-12). These six engineered viruses induced tumor control and survival benefits in both highly aggressive unilateral and bilateral B16-F10 murine melanoma models, indicative of an abscopal effect. The data represent a strong proof of concept on which further clinical evaluation could build.IMPORTANCE Checkpoint inhibitor therapy has shown tremendous efficacy, but also frequent and often severe side effects-especially when multiple drugs of the class are used simultaneously. Similarly, many investigational immunotherapy agents, which have shown promise in animal models, have failed in clinical trials due to dose-limiting toxicity when administered systemically. This study utilized a murine melanoma model to evaluate the efficacy of intratumoral injections of recombinant NDVs engineered to express multiple immunotherapeutic proteins with well-documented side effects in humans. Our results indicate that intratumoral administration of these recombinant NDVs, particularly when combined with systemic CTLA4 checkpoint inhibition, exerts a robust effect in treated and nontreated tumors, indicative of a systemic antitumoral response. The intratumoral delivery of rNDVs expressing immunotherapeutic proteins may be an effective method of targeting the immune cell populations most relevant for antitumoral immunity and allowing us to restrict the use of systemic immunotherapy agents.
Collapse
|
11
|
Chiu ML, Goulet DR, Teplyakov A, Gilliland GL. Antibody Structure and Function: The Basis for Engineering Therapeutics. Antibodies (Basel) 2019; 8:antib8040055. [PMID: 31816964 PMCID: PMC6963682 DOI: 10.3390/antib8040055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies and antibody-derived macromolecules have established themselves as the mainstay in protein-based therapeutic molecules (biologics). Our knowledge of the structure–function relationships of antibodies provides a platform for protein engineering that has been exploited to generate a wide range of biologics for a host of therapeutic indications. In this review, our basic understanding of the antibody structure is described along with how that knowledge has leveraged the engineering of antibody and antibody-related therapeutics having the appropriate antigen affinity, effector function, and biophysical properties. The platforms examined include the development of antibodies, antibody fragments, bispecific antibody, and antibody fusion products, whose efficacy and manufacturability can be improved via humanization, affinity modulation, and stability enhancement. We also review the design and selection of binding arms, and avidity modulation. Different strategies of preparing bispecific and multispecific molecules for an array of therapeutic applications are included.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark L. Chiu
- Drug Product Development Science, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Malvern, PA 19355, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Dennis R. Goulet
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, P.O. Box 357610, Seattle, WA 98195-7610, USA;
| | - Alexey Teplyakov
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA 19477, USA; (A.T.); (G.L.G.)
| | - Gary L. Gilliland
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA 19477, USA; (A.T.); (G.L.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Murer P, Neri D. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins: A novel class of biopharmaceuticals for the therapy of cancer and of chronic inflammation. N Biotechnol 2019; 52:42-53. [PMID: 30991144 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins represent a novel class of biopharmaceuticals, with the potential to increase the therapeutic index of cytokine 'payloads' and to promote leukocyte infiltration at the site of disease. In this review, we present a survey of immunocytokines that have been used in preclinical models of cancer and in clinical trials. In particular, we highlight how antibody format, choice of target antigen and cytokine engineering, as well as combination strategies, may have a profound impact on therapeutic performance. Moreover, by using anti-inflammatory cytokines, antibody fusion strategies can conveniently be employed for the treatment of auto-immune and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Murer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ziffels B, Grötsch A, Al-Bayati L, Neri D. Targeted delivery of calreticulin to ED-A fibronectin leads to tumor-growth retardation. J Biotechnol 2018; 290:53-58. [PMID: 30579890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We report the design and characterization of novel fusion proteins, consisting of the F8 antibody and of murine calreticulin (Calr). The F8 antibody recognizes the alternatively-spliced ED-A domain of fibronectin, an extracellular matrix component found in most tumor types, while calreticulin has previously been described as an "eat-me" signal for dendritic cells and phagocytes. Four fusion proteins, differing in antibody formats and peptide linkers, were produced in mammalian cells, purified to homogeneity and tested in vitro and in vivo. A quantitative biodistribution in F9 tumor-bearing mice revealed that the homobivalent F8-F8-Calr format, featuring a tandem diabody structure, had the best tumor-homing properties and, for this reason, this protein was studied in therapy experiments in CT26 tumor-bearing mice. Intravenous administration of F8-F8-Calr led to a tumor growth retardation, which could be further improved by combination with anti-PD1 antibody treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increased density of CD8+ T cells, CD11c+ dendritic cells and F4/80+ macrophages in tumor tissue. Even though F8-F8-Calr did not lead to cancer cures at the doses tested, the excellent tolerability profile and the ability to favor a leukocyte infiltration into the neoplastic mass suggests that the targeted delivery of calreticulin may be considered for combination therapy approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ziffels
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Grötsch
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lubna Al-Bayati
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies have moved from being an academic curiosity with therapeutic promise to reality, with two molecules being currently commercialized (Hemlibra® and Blincyto®) and many more in clinical trials. The success of bispecific antibodies is mainly due to the continuously growing number of mechanisms of actions (MOA) they enable that are not accessible to monoclonal antibodies. One of the earliest MOA of bispecific antibodies and currently the one with the largest number of clinical trials is the redirecting of the cytotoxic activity of T-cells for oncology applications, now extending its use in infective diseases. The use of bispecific antibodies for crossing the blood-brain barrier is another important application because of its potential to advance the therapeutic options for neurological diseases. Another noteworthy application due to its growing trend is enabling a more tissue-specific delivery or activity of antibodies. The different molecular solutions to the initial hurdles that limited the development of bispecific antibodies have led to the current diverse set of bispecific or multispecific antibody formats that can be grouped into three main categories: IgG-like formats, antibody fragment-based formats, or appended IgG formats. The expanded applications of bispecific antibodies come at the price of additional challenges for clinical development. The rising complexity in their structure may increase the risk of immunogenicity and the multiple antigen specificity complicates the selection of relevant species for safety assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Husain
- Protein Chemistry Department, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Diego Ellerman
- Protein Chemistry Department, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jung K, Ha JH, Kim JE, Kim JA, Kim YJ, Kim CH, Kim YS. Heterodimeric Fc-fused IL12 shows potent antitumor activity by generating memory CD8 + T cells. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1438800. [PMID: 29900039 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1438800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL12) (p35/p40 complex) is a heterodimeric cytokine with potent anti-tumor activity. However, its short serum half-life and high dose-related toxicities limit its clinical efficacy. Here, we constructed heterodimeric immunoglobulin Fc-fused mouse IL12 (mIL12) in a monovalent binding format (mono-mIL12-Fc) to generate long-acting mIL12 in the naturally occurring heterodimeric form. Mono-mIL12-Fc exhibited a much longer plasma half-life than recombinant mIL12, enabling twice-weekly systemic injections to remove established tumors in syngeneic mouse models. Mono-mIL12-Fc was more potent than wild-type Fc-based bivalent-binding IL12-Fc (bi-mIL12-Fc) for eradicating large established immunogenic tumors without noticeable toxicities by enhancing interferon-γ production and the proliferation of immune effector cells in tumors. More importantly, mono-mIL12-Fc triggered weaker IL12 signaling than bi-mIL12-Fc, favoring the generation of functional and protective memory CD8+ T cells. Our results demonstrate that heterodimeric-Fc-fused IL12 is a suitable format for augmenting adaptive CD8+ T cell immune responses, providing a practical alternative to the systemic administration of IL12 for antitumor therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keunok Jung
- Priority Research Center for Molecular Science & Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hee Ha
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ah Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye-Jin Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Novel antibody-cytokine fusion proteins featuring granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, interleukin-3 and interleukin-4 as payloads. J Biotechnol 2018; 271:29-36. [PMID: 29438784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neutrophils can strongly influence disease activity in cancer and in chronic inflammation. Here, we report for the first time the construction and characterization of antibody-fusion proteins featuring granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and interleukin-3 as payloads capable of enhancing neutrophil activity and a novel antibody-interleukin-4 fusion protein with neutrophil inhibitory potential. We used the F8 antibody specific to the alternatively-spliced extra domain A (EDA) of fibronectin as a targeting agent, since the cognate antigen is strongly upregulated in diseases characterized by angiogenesis. The fusion proteins GCSF-F8, F8-IL3 and F8-IL4-F8, were cloned, expressed, and their targeting ability assessed, exhibiting preferential tumor uptake with tumor:blood ratios at 24 h after injection of 3.3, 18.2 and 27.3, respectively. In F9 tumor bearing-mice GCSF-F8 and F8-IL3 did not provide a therapeutic benefit, while F8-IL4-F8 showed a potent tumor growth retardation. In the collagen-induced model of arthritis, GCSF-F8 and F8-IL3 induced a worsening of the disease, while F8-IL4-F8 slowed arthritis progression but, surprisingly, exhibited substantial toxicity when used in combination with dexamethasone. Collectively, the results indicate that the novel fusion proteins could be expressed and efficiently delivered to the site of disease. However, they were not superior to other antibody-cytokine fusions previously described by our laboratory.
Collapse
|
17
|
Xie YQ, Wei L, Tang L. Immunoengineering with biomaterials for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 10:e1506. [PMID: 29333729 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has recently shown dramatic clinical success inducing durable response in patients of a wide variety of malignancies. Further improvement of the clinical outcome with immune related cancer treatment requests more exquisite manipulation of a patient's immune system with increased immunity against diseases while mitigating the toxicities. To meet this challenge, biomaterials applied to immunoengineering are being developed to achieve tissue- and/or cell-specific immunomodulation and thus could potentially enhance both the efficacy and safety of current cancer immunotherapies. Here, we review the recent advancement in the field of immunoengineering using biomaterials and their applications in promoting different modalities of cancer immunotherapies, with focus on cell-, antibody-, immunomodulator-, and gene-based immune related treatments and their combinations with conventional therapies. Challenges and opportunities are discussed in applying biomaterials engineering strategies in the development of future cancer immunotherapies. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qing Xie
- Institute of Bioengineering, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lixia Wei
- Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Li Tang
- Institute of Bioengineering, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Valedkarimi Z, Nasiri H, Aghebati-Maleki L, Majidi J. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins for improving efficacy and safety of cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:731-742. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.07.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
|
20
|
Li B, Xu L, Pi C, Yin Y, Xie K, Tao F, Li R, Gu H, Fang J. CD89-mediated recruitment of macrophages via a bispecific antibody enhances anti-tumor efficacy. Oncoimmunology 2017; 7:e1380142. [PMID: 29296544 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1380142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Since tumors are often infiltrated by macrophages, it would be advantageous to turn these types of cells into cytotoxic effector cells. Here, we have designed a novel bispecific antibody (BsAb) that targets both tumor antigen (CD20) and the FcαRI receptor (CD89). This antibody could be used to lyse tumors by connecting tumor cells to CD89-expressing immune effector cells such as macrophages and neutrophils. Previously there were very limited attempts to exploit FcαRI-expressing cells as effector cells for tumor cell-killing, largely due to the lack of an appropriate in vivo model, since mice do not express a human CD89 homolog. In this study, we used a transgenic mouse strain with specific expression of CD89 on macrophages and monocytes. In this transgenic mouse model, the CD89 bispecific antibody showed significant anti-tumor activities, demonstrating that bispecific antibodies can redirect macrophages, including M2 macrophages, to mediate additional effector function in the tumor microenvironment. This approach realized the full potential of the innate immune system and could be applied to other tumor-associated antigens especially the solid tumors, thus has potential to translate into clinical benefits in human cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Li
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijun Xu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,College of Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Chenyu Pi
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanxin Yin
- Biomedical Research Center, Tongji University Suzhou Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kun Xie
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Tao
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Renhao Li
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Gu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianmin Fang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Tongji University Suzhou Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Martin F. Antibodies as leading tools to unlock the therapeutic potential in human disease. Immunol Rev 2016; 270:5-7. [PMID: 26864100 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
22
|
Ellmark P, Mangsbo SM, Furebring C, Norlén P, Tötterman TH. Tumor-directed immunotherapy can generate tumor-specific T cell responses through localized co-stimulation. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 66:1-7. [PMID: 27714433 PMCID: PMC5222923 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-016-1909-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The most important goals for the field of immuno-oncology are to improve the response rate and increase the number of tumor indications that respond to immunotherapy, without increasing adverse side effects. One approach to achieve these goals is to use tumor-directed immunotherapy, i.e., to focus the immune activation to the most relevant part of the immune system. This may improve anti-tumor efficacy as well as reduce immune-related adverse events. Tumor-directed immune activation can be achieved by local injections of immune modulators in the tumor area or by directing the immune modulator to the tumor using bispecific antibodies. In this review, we focus on therapies targeting checkpoint inhibitors and co-stimulatory receptors that can generate tumor-specific T cell responses through localized immune activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ellmark
- Alligator Bioscience AB, Medicon Village, 223 63, Lund, Sweden.
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Sara M Mangsbo
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Per Norlén
- Alligator Bioscience AB, Medicon Village, 223 63, Lund, Sweden
| | - Thomas H Tötterman
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ha JH, Kim JE, Kim YS. Immunoglobulin Fc Heterodimer Platform Technology: From Design to Applications in Therapeutic Antibodies and Proteins. Front Immunol 2016; 7:394. [PMID: 27766096 PMCID: PMC5052280 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The monospecific and bivalent characteristics of naturally occurring immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies depend on homodimerization of the fragment crystallizable (Fc) regions of two identical heavy chains (HCs) and the subsequent assembly of two identical light chains (LCs) via disulfide linkages between each HC and LC. Immunoglobulin Fc heterodimers have been engineered through modifications to the CH3 domain interface, with different mutations on each domain such that the engineered Fc fragments, carrying the CH3 variant pair, preferentially form heterodimers rather than homodimers. Many research groups have adopted different strategies to generate Fc heterodimers, with the goal of high heterodimerization yield, while retaining biophysical and biological properties of the wild-type Fc. Based on their ability to enforce heterodimerization between the two different HCs, the established Fc heterodimers have been extensively exploited as a scaffold to generate bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) in full-length IgG and IgG-like formats. These have many of the favorable properties of natural IgG antibodies, such as high stability, long serum half-life, low immunogenicity, and immune effector functions. As of July 2016, more than seven heterodimeric Fc-based IgG-format bsAbs are being evaluated in clinical trials. In addition to bsAbs, heterodimeric Fc technology is very promising for the generation of Fc-fused proteins and peptides, as well as cytokines (immunocytokines), which can present the fusion partners in the natural monomeric or heterodimeric form rather than the artificial homodimeric form with wild-type Fc. Here, we present relevant concepts and strategies for the generation of heterodimeric Fc proteins, and their application in the development of bsAbs in diverse formats for optimal biological activity. In addition, we describe wild-type Fc-fused monomeric and heterodimeric proteins, along with the difficulties associated with their preparations, and discuss the use of heterodimeric Fc as an alternative scaffold of wild-type Fc for naturally monomeric or heterodimeric proteins, to create Fc-fusion proteins with novel therapeutic modality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hee Ha
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University , Suwon , Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University , Suwon , Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea; Department of Applied Chemistry and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chen X, Xu J, Guo Q, Wang L, Yang Y, Guo H, Gu N, Zhang D, Qian W, Hou S, Li J, Dai J, Guo Y, Wang H. Therapeutic efficacy of an anti-PD-L1 antibody based immunocytokine in a metastatic mouse model of colorectal cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 480:160-165. [PMID: 27720718 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunocytokines (antibody-cytokine fusions) have been proved to be a promising class of therapeutic agents for tumors. Anti-PD-L1 antibodies or IL-2 have been used to treat a variety of cancers. Here, in order to remove T cell inhibition and increasing the IL-2 concentration in the tumor microenvironment, we engineered a novel anti-PD-L1 antibody based immunocytokine by fusing hIL-2 to the C-Term of atezolizumab, denoted as BIPI. Our results revealed that BIPI was effective in stimulating T cell activation in vitro and could selectively localize to the tumor. Furthermore, tumor regression and prolonged survival were also observed in the metastatic colorectal cancer mouse model. The obviously longer survival mice in BIPI treatment group turned out depending on the function of CD8+ T cells. The IFN- secreted from CD8+ T cells in the spleen also contributed to the better tumor inhibition profile in BIPI treatment group than in anti-PD-L1 or IL-2 treatment alone. Taken together, our data evidenced the enhanced antitumor potency of BIPI, suggesting its potential use for cancers with a low response to the anti-PD-L1 or IL-2 treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingcheng Guo
- International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingfei Wang
- International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Huaizu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Nana Gu
- Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Dapeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China; School of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Weizhu Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos 138673, Singapore
| | - Sheng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China; School of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianxin Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China; School of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yajun Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; School of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China; School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos 138673, Singapore.
| | - Hao Wang
- International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; School of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Nakayama M, Komiya S, Fujiwara K, Horisawa K, Doi N. In vitro selection of bispecific diabody fragments using covalent bicistronic DNA display. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 478:606-11. [PMID: 27473655 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.07.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies with two different antigen-binding sites have been widely used for a variety of medical applications. The activity and stability of antibody fragments can be improved by in vitro evolution. Although the affinity and stability of small bispecific antibody fragments such as diabodies can be further optimized by in vitro display technologies, cell-free display of bispecific antibody fragments has not been reported. In this study, we applied a covalent bicistronic DNA display for the in vitro selection of heterodimeric diabodies. First, we confirmed the antigen-binding activities of a diabody synthesized by an in vitro transcription and translation system. However, when we performed DNA-display selection of a model diabody library in a proof-of-principle experiment, no enrichment of the diabody gene was observed, likely due to a low yield of the diabody heterodimer. To overcome this issue, we introduced cysteine residues at the VH-VL interface of the diabody heterodimer. Using the disulfide-stabilized diabodies, we successfully enriched the diabody gene from a model library. Our results indicate that the covalent bicistronic DNA display technique could be useful for improving the stability and affinity of bispecific diabody fragments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanao Nakayama
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Shoko Komiya
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Kenichi Horisawa
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Talmadge JE. Genetically Engineered Multivalent Proteins for Targeted Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:3419-21. [PMID: 27009744 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
mAbs initiated the unprecedented breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy and are rapidly evolving with multiple therapeutic platforms. One next-generation strategy engineers multivalent proteins that ligate single-chain variable fragments targeting cellular effectors, tumor-associated antigens, and cytokines. These developing therapeutics target and regulate cellular effector bioactivity and significantly improve clinical outcomes. Clin Cancer Res; 22(14); 3419-21. ©2016 AACRSee related article by Vallera et al., p. 3440.
Collapse
|