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Chen XY, Wang L, Ma X, Yang F, Wang X, Xu P, Xu LL, Di B. Development of fentanyl-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) to antagonize the pharmacological effects of fentanyl. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 486:116918. [PMID: 38570042 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Fentanyl, a critical component of opioid analgesics, poses a severe threat to public health, exacerbating the drug problem due to its potential fatality. Herein, we present two novel haptens designed with different attachment sites conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), aiming to develop an efficacious vaccine against fentanyl. KLH-Fent-1 demonstrated superior performance over KLH-Fent-2 in antibody titer, blood-brain distribution, and antinociceptive tests. Consequently, we immunized mice with KLH-Fent-1 to generate fentanyl-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using the hybridoma technique to compensate for the defects of active immunization in the treatment of opioid overdose and addiction. The mAb produced by hybridoma 9D5 exhibited the ability to recognize fentanyl and its analogs with a binding affinity of 10-10 M. Subsequently, we developed a human IgG1 chimeric mAb to improve the degree of humanization. Pre-treatment with murine and chimeric mAb significantly reduced the analgesic effect of fentanyl and altered its blood-brain biodistribution in vivo. Furthermore, in a mouse model of fentanyl-induced respiratory depression, the chimeric mAb effectively reversed respiratory depression promptly and maintained a certain level during the week. The development of high-affinity chimeric mAb gives support to combat the challenges of fentanyl misuse and its detrimental consequences. In conclusion, mAb passive immunization represents a viable strategy for addressing fentanyl addiction and overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yi Chen
- Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Li Wang
- Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Li-Li Xu
- Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Bin Di
- Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUD) present a worldwide challenge with few effective therapies except for the relative efficacy of opioid pharmacotherapies, despite limited treatment access. However, the proliferation of illicit fentanyl use initiated a dramatic and cascading epidemic of lethal overdoses. This rise in fentanyl overdoses regenerated an interest in vaccine immunotherapy, which, despite an optimistic start in animal models over the past 50 years, yielded disappointing results in human clinical trials of vaccines against nicotine, stimulants (cocaine and methamphetamine), and opioids. After a brief review of clinical and selected preclinical vaccine studies, the "lessons learned" from the previous vaccine clinical trials are summarized, and then the newest challenge of a vaccine against fentanyl and its analogs is explored. Animal studies have made significant advances in vaccine technology for SUD treatment over the past 50 years, and the resulting anti-fentanyl vaccines show remarkable promise for ending this epidemic of fentanyl deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Kosten
- Waggoner Professor of Psychiatry, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
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3
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Bremer PT, Burke EL, Barrett AC, Desai RI. Investigation of monoclonal antibody CSX-1004 for fentanyl overdose. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7700. [PMID: 38052779 PMCID: PMC10698161 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43126-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The opioid crisis in the United States is primarily driven by the highly potent synthetic opioid fentanyl leading to >70,000 overdose deaths annually; thus, new therapies for fentanyl overdose are urgently needed. Here, we present the first clinic-ready, fully human monoclonal antibody CSX-1004 with picomolar affinity for fentanyl and related analogs. In mice CSX-1004 reverses fentanyl antinociception and the intractable respiratory depression caused by the ultrapotent opioid carfentanil. Moreover, toxicokinetic evaluation in a repeat-dose rat study and human tissue cross-reactivity study reveals a favorable pharmacokinetic profile of CSX-1004 with no safety-related issues. Using a highly translational non-human primate (NHP) model of respiratory depression, we demonstrate CSX-1004-mediated protection from repeated fentanyl challenges for 3-4 weeks. Furthermore, treatment with CSX-1004 produces up to a 15-fold potency reduction of fentanyl in NHP respiration, antinociception and operant responding assays without affecting non-fentanyl opioids like oxycodone. Taken together, our data establish the feasibility of CSX-1004 as a promising candidate medication for preventing and reversing fentanyl-induced overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily L Burke
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Behavioral Biology Program, Integrative Neurochemistry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | | | - Rajeev I Desai
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Behavioral Biology Program, Integrative Neurochemistry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
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4
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Joseph VW, Pearson MR, Witkiewitz K. Internalized Stigma Measurement in Substance Use Treatment Settings: A Narrative Review. ADDICTION RESEARCH & THEORY 2023; 32:160-166. [PMID: 38799505 PMCID: PMC11114794 DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2023.2227090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Stigma relating to substance use disorders is one of the many barriers to enrolling in substance use treatment. Stigma is also related to poorer substance use treatment outcomes, yet few studies of substance use and substance use treatment outcomes include measures of stigma. Stigma is a multi-level experience occurring as a result of discrimination within a systematic power structure promoting inequities among marginalized populations. Several domains of stigma are manifested among individuals seeking treatment for a substance use disorder, with internalized stigma being the most commonly measured. The current paper is a narrative review of measures that have been developed to measure internalized stigma related to substance use in treatment settings. Measures of stigma (n=8) in substance use treatment settings were identified using PubMed and PsycINFO databases. The review identified various strengths of existing measures, including a broad range of measures with mostly excellent internal consistency. The review also identified limitations including the general lack of consideration for multiple domains and intersecting forms of stigma, samples with limited racial and ethnic diversity, and the lack of assessments of polysubstance use. The development of measures of stigma that assess multiple domains of stigma and that are tested in a wide range of substance use treatment settings with racially and ethnically diverse participants is needed. This is of particular importance because stigma remains a crucial barrier to successful initiation and completion of substance use treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verlin W Joseph
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, United States, New Mexico, Albuquerque
| | - Matthew R Pearson
- Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, University of New Mexico, United States, New Mexico, Albuquerque
- University of New Mexico, United States, Albuquerque
| | - Katie Witkiewitz
- University of New Mexico, United States, New Mexico, Albuquerque
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5
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Lin M, Eubanks LM, Karadkhelkar NM, Blake S, Janda KD. Catalytic Antibody Blunts Carfentanil-Induced Respiratory Depression. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:802-811. [PMID: 37200811 PMCID: PMC10186356 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Carfentanil, the most potent of the fentanyl analogues, is at the forefront of synthetic opioid-related deaths, second to fentanyl. Moreover, the administration of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone has proven inadequate for an increasing number of opioid-related conditions, often requiring higher/additional doses to be effective, as such interest in alternative strategies to combat more potent synthetic opioids has intensified. Increasing drug metabolism would be one strategy to detoxify carfentanil; however, carfentanil's major metabolic pathways involve N-dealkylation or monohydroxylation, which do not lend themselves readily to exogenous enzyme addition. Herein, we report, to our knowledge, the first demonstration that carfentanil's methyl ester when hydrolyzed to its acid was found to be 40,000 times less potent than carfentanil in activating the μ-opioid receptor. Physiological consequences of carfentanil and its acid were also examined through plethysmography, and carfentanil's acid was found to be incapable of inducing respiratory depression. Based upon this information, a hapten was chemically synthesized and immunized, allowing the generation of antibodies that were screened for carfentanil ester hydrolysis. From the screening campaign, three antibodies were found to accelerate the hydrolysis of carfentanil's methyl ester. From this series of catalytic antibodies, the most active underwent extensive kinetic analysis, allowing us to postulate its mechanism of hydrolysis against this synthetic opioid. In the context of potential clinical applications, the antibody, when passively administered, was able to reduce respiratory depression induced by carfentanil. The data presented supports further development of antibody catalysis as a biologic strategy to complement carfentanil overdose reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Lin
- Departments of Chemistry
and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute
of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps
Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Lisa M. Eubanks
- Departments of Chemistry
and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute
of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps
Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Nishant M. Karadkhelkar
- Departments of Chemistry
and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute
of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps
Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Steven Blake
- Departments of Chemistry
and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute
of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps
Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Kim D. Janda
- Departments of Chemistry
and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute
of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps
Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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6
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Baehr C, Kassick AJ, Vigliaturo J, Luengas D, Khaimraj A, Pravetoni M, Averick SE, Raleigh MD. Anti-Strychnine Immunoconjugate Reduces the Effects of Strychnine-Induced Toxicity in Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:1291-1298. [PMID: 36952479 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Strychnine poisoning induces seizures that result in loss of control of airway muscles, leading to asphyxiation and subsequent death. Current treatment options are limited, requiring hands-on medical care and isolation to low-stimulus environments. Anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants have shown limited success in cases of severe toxicity. Furthermore, nonfatal strychnine poisoning is likely to result in long-term muscular and cognitive damage. Due to its potency, accessibility, and lack of effective antidotes, strychnine poses a unique threat for mass casualty incidents. As a first step toward developing an anti-strychnine immunotherapy to reduce or prevent strychnine-induced seizures, a strychnine vaccine was synthesized using subunit keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Mice were vaccinated with the strychnine immunoconjugate and then given a 0.75 mg/kg IP challenge of strychnine and observed for seizures for 30 min. Vaccination reduced strychnine-induced events, and serum strychnine levels were increased while brain strychnine levels were decreased in vaccinated animals compared to the control. These data demonstrate that strychnine-specific antibodies can block the seizure-inducing effects of strychnine and could be used to develop a therapeutic for strychnine poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Baehr
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Andrew J Kassick
- Neuroscience Disruptive Research Lab, Allegheny Health Network Research Institute, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, United States
- Neuroscience Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, United States
| | - Jennifer Vigliaturo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Diego Luengas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Aaron Khaimraj
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Marco Pravetoni
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98104, United States
| | - Saadyah E Averick
- Neuroscience Disruptive Research Lab, Allegheny Health Network Research Institute, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, United States
- Neuroscience Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, United States
| | - Michael D Raleigh
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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7
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Chamoun K, Chevillard L, Hajj A, Callebert J, Mégarbane B. Mechanisms of Neurorespiratory Toxicity Induced by Fentanyl Analogs—Lessons from Animal Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030382. [PMID: 36986482 PMCID: PMC10051837 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2020, fentanyl and its analogs contributed to ~65% of drug-attributed fatalities in the USA, with a threatening increasing trend during the last ten years. These synthetic opioids used as potent analgesics in human and veterinary medicine have been diverted to recreational aims, illegally produced and sold. Like all opioids, central nervous system depression resulting from overdose or misuse of fentanyl analogs is characterized clinically by the onset of consciousness impairment, pinpoint miosis and bradypnea. However, contrasting with what observed with most opioids, thoracic rigidity may occur rapidly with fentanyl analogs, contributing to increasing the risk of death in the absence of immediate life support. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain this particularity associated with fentanyl analogs, including the activation of noradrenergic and glutamatergic coerulospinal neurons and dopaminergic basal ganglia neurons. Due to the high affinities to the mu-opioid receptor, the need for more elevated naloxone doses than usually required in morphine overdose to reverse the neurorespiratory depression induced by fentanyl analogs has been questioned. This review on the neurorespiratory toxicity of fentanyl and analogs highlights the need for specific research focused on these agents to better understand the involved mechanisms of toxicity and develop dedicated strategies to limit the resulting fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karam Chamoun
- Inserm, UMR-S1144, Paris Cité University, 75006 Paris, France
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut 1100, Lebanon
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy, and Medicine Quality Control, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut 1100, Lebanon
| | | | - Aline Hajj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut 1100, Lebanon
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy, and Medicine Quality Control, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut 1100, Lebanon
- Research Center, Quebec University Hospital, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jacques Callebert
- Inserm, UMR-S1144, Paris Cité University, 75006 Paris, France
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, AP-HP, Lariboisière Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Bruno Mégarbane
- Inserm, UMR-S1144, Paris Cité University, 75006 Paris, France
- Department of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Lariboisière Hospital, Federation of Toxicology APHP, 75010 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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8
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Martinez S, Harris H, Chao T, Luba R, Pravetoni M, Comer SD, Jones JD. The potential role of opioid vaccines and monoclonal antibodies in the opioid overdose crisis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:181-185. [PMID: 36863002 PMCID: PMC10065938 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2187286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Suky Martinez
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Irving Medical Center & New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Harris
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Irving Medical Center & New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Chao
- Behavioural Reward Affect + Impulsivity Neuroscience Lab, Faculty of Medicine, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Bc, Canada
| | - Rachel Luba
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Irving Medical Center & New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marco Pravetoni
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sandra D Comer
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Irving Medical Center & New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jermaine D Jones
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Irving Medical Center & New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Triller G, Vlachou EP, Hashemi H, van Straaten M, Zeelen JP, Kelemen Y, Baehr C, Marker CL, Ruf S, Svirina A, Chandra M, Urban K, Gkeka A, Kruse S, Baumann A, Miller AK, Bartel M, Pravetoni M, Stebbins CE, Papavasiliou FN, Verdi JP. A trypanosome-derived immunotherapeutics platform elicits potent high-affinity antibodies, negating the effects of the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112049. [PMID: 36719797 PMCID: PMC10387133 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Poorly immunogenic small molecules pose challenges for the production of clinically efficacious vaccines and antibodies. To address this, we generate an immunization platform derived from the immunogenic surface coat of the African trypanosome. Through sortase-based conjugation of the target molecules to the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) of the trypanosome surface coat, we develop VSG-immunogen array by sortase tagging (VAST). VAST elicits antigen-specific memory B cells and antibodies in a murine model after deploying the poorly immunogenic molecule fentanyl as a proof of concept. We also develop a single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)-based computational method that synergizes with VAST to specifically identify memory B cell-encoded antibodies. All computationally selected antibodies bind to fentanyl with picomolar affinity. Moreover, these antibodies protect mice from fentanyl effects after passive immunization, demonstrating the ability of these two coupled technologies to elicit therapeutic antibodies to challenging immunogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianna Triller
- Division of Immune Diversity, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Evi P Vlachou
- Division of Immune Diversity, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Panosome GmbH, 69123 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hamidreza Hashemi
- Division of Immune Diversity, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Monique van Straaten
- Division of Structural Biology of Infection and Immunity, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johan P Zeelen
- Division of Structural Biology of Infection and Immunity, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Carly Baehr
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Cheryl L Marker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Iuvo Bioscience, Rush, NY 14543, USA
| | - Sandra Ruf
- Division of Immune Diversity, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Svirina
- Division of Immune Diversity, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Monica Chandra
- Panosome GmbH, 69123 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Structural Biology of Infection and Immunity, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Urban
- Division of Immune Diversity, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anastasia Gkeka
- Division of Immune Diversity, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Panosome GmbH, 69123 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Baumann
- Cancer Drug Development Group, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aubry K Miller
- Cancer Drug Development Group, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marc Bartel
- Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic and Traffic Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marco Pravetoni
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Center for Medication Development for Substance Use Disorders, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - C Erec Stebbins
- Division of Structural Biology of Infection and Immunity, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - F Nina Papavasiliou
- Division of Immune Diversity, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joseph P Verdi
- Division of Immune Diversity, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Hepione Therapeutics, Inc., New York, NY 10014, USA.
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10
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Rodarte JV, Baehr C, Hicks D, Liban TL, Weidle C, Rupert PB, Jahan R, Wall A, McGuire AT, Strong RK, Runyon S, Pravetoni M, Pancera M. Structures of drug-specific monoclonal antibodies bound to opioids and nicotine reveal a common mode of binding. Structure 2023; 31:20-32.e5. [PMID: 36513069 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Opioid-related fatal overdoses have reached epidemic proportions. Because existing treatments for opioid use disorders offer limited long-term protection, accelerating the development of newer approaches is critical. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an emerging treatment strategy that targets and sequesters selected opioids in the bloodstream, reducing drug distribution across the blood-brain barrier, thus preventing or reversing opioid toxicity. We previously identified a series of murine mAbs with high affinity and selectivity for oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, and nicotine. To determine their binding mechanism, we used X-ray crystallography to solve the structures of mAbs bound to their respective targets, to 2.2 Å resolution or higher. Structural analysis showed a critical convergent hydrogen bonding mode that is dependent on a glutamic acid residue in the mAbs' heavy chain and a tertiary amine of the ligand. Characterizing drug-mAb complexes represents a significant step toward rational antibody engineering and future manufacturing activities to support clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justas V Rodarte
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carly Baehr
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Dustin Hicks
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Tyler L Liban
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Connor Weidle
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter B Rupert
- Basic Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rajwana Jahan
- Research Triangle Institute International, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Abigail Wall
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew T McGuire
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Roland K Strong
- Basic Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Scott Runyon
- Research Triangle Institute International, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Marco Pravetoni
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Center for Medication Development for Substance Use Disorders and Overdose, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Marie Pancera
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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11
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Luba R, Martinez S, Jones J, Pravetoni M, Comer SD. Immunotherapeutic strategies for treating opioid use disorder and overdose. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:77-87. [PMID: 36696567 PMCID: PMC10035039 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2173062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Development and implementation of effective treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) and prevention of overdose are urgent public health needs. Though existing medications for OUD (MOUD) are effective, barriers to initiation and retention in treatment persist. Therefore, development of novel treatments, especially those may complement existing treatments, is needed. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of vaccines for substance use disorders (SUD) and mechanisms underlying their function and efficacy. Next, we focus on existing preclinical and clinical trials of SUD vaccines. We focus briefly on related strategies before providing an expert opinion on prior, current, and future work on vaccines for OUD. We included published findings from preclinical and clinical trials found on PubMed and ScienceDirect as well as ongoing or initiated trials listed on ClinicalTrials.gov. EXPERT OPINION The present opioid overdose and OUD crises necessitate urgent development and implementation of effective treatments, especially those that offer protection from overdose and can serve as adjuvants to existing medications. Promising preclinical trial results paired with careful efforts to develop vaccines that account for prior SUD vaccine shortcomings offer hope for current and future clinical trials of opioid vaccines. Clinical advantages of opioid vaccines appear to outnumber disadvantages, which may result in improved treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Luba
- New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University Irving Medical Center Division on Substance Use Disorders
| | - Suky Martinez
- New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University Irving Medical Center Division on Substance Use Disorders
| | - Jermaine Jones
- New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University Irving Medical Center Division on Substance Use Disorders
| | - Marco Pravetoni
- University of Washington, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Center for Medication Development for Substance Use Disorders and Overdose, Seattle, WA
| | - Sandra D Comer
- New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University Irving Medical Center Division on Substance Use Disorders
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Hicks D, Baehr C, Silva-Ortiz P, Khaimraj A, Luengas D, Hamid FA, Pravetoni M. Advancing humanized monoclonal antibody for counteracting fentanyl toxicity towards clinical development. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2122507. [PMID: 36194773 PMCID: PMC9746415 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2122507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Innovative therapies to complement current treatments are needed to curb the growing incidence of fatal overdoses related to synthetic opioids. Murine and chimeric monoclonal antibodies (mAb) specific for fentanyl and its analogs have demonstrated pre-clinical efficacy in preventing and reversing drug-induced toxicity in rodent models. However, mAb-based therapeutics require extensive engineering as well as in vitro and in vivo characterization to advance to first-in-human clinical trials. Here, novel murine anti-fentanyl mAbs were selected for development based on affinity for fentanyl, and efficacy in counteracting the pharmacological effects of fentanyl in mice. Humanization and evaluation of mutations designed to eliminate predicted post-translational modifications resulted in two humanized mAbs that were effective at preventing fentanyl-induced pharmacological effects in rats. These humanized mAbs showed favorable biophysical properties with respect to aggregation and hydrophobicity by chromatography-based assays, and thermostability by dynamic scanning fluorimetry. These results collectively support that the humanized anti-fentanyl mAbs developed herein warrant further clinical development for treatment of fentanyl toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin Hicks
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Carly Baehr
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Pedro Silva-Ortiz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Aaron Khaimraj
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Diego Luengas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Fatima A. Hamid
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Marco Pravetoni
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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