1
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Xie Z, Protzer U. Activating adaptive immunity by bispecific, T-cell engager antibodies bridging infected and immune-effector cells is a promising novel therapy for chronic hepatitis B. Antiviral Res 2024; 229:105972. [PMID: 39084340 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105972] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) are engineered immunoglobulins that combine two different antigen-binding sites in one molecule. BsAbs can be divided into two molecular formats: IgG-like and non-IgG-like antibodies. Structural elements of each format have implications for engaging the immune system. T cell engager antibodies (TCEs) are bsAbs designed to engage T cells with target cells. TCEs can be applied not only in cancer but also in infectious disease therapy to activate T-cell responses. In this review, we focus on current literature on the design and use of bsAbs as an innovative strategy to enhance adaptive antiviral immune responses. We summarized the novel T cell-related immunotherapies with a focus on TCEs, that are developed for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) had a death toll of 1.1 million humans in 2022, mainly due to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma developing in the more than 250 million humans chronically infected. A curative treatment approach for chronic hepatitis B is lacking. Combining antiviral therapy with immune therapies activating T-cell responses is regarded as the most promising therapeutic approach to curing HBV and preventing the sequelae of chronic infection. Attracting functionally intact T cells that are not HBV-specific and, therefore, have not yet been exposed to regulatory mechanisms and activating those at the target site in the liver is a very interesting therapeutic approach that could be achieved by TCEs. Thus, TCEs redirecting T cells toward HBV-positive cells represent a promising strategy for treating chronic hepatitis B and HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Xie
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Sites, Germany.
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2
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Rolin C, Zimmer J, Seguin-Devaux C. Bridging the gap with multispecific immune cell engagers in cancer and infectious diseases. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:643-661. [PMID: 38789528 PMCID: PMC11214628 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01176-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
By binding to multiple antigens simultaneously, multispecific antibodies are expected to substantially improve both the activity and long-term efficacy of antibody-based immunotherapy. Immune cell engagers, a subclass of antibody-based constructs, consist of engineered structures designed to bridge immune effector cells to their target, thereby redirecting the immune response toward the tumor cells or infected cells. The increasing number of recent clinical trials evaluating immune cell engagers reflects the important role of these molecules in new therapeutic approaches for cancer and infections. In this review, we discuss how different immune cell types (T and natural killer lymphocytes, as well as myeloid cells) can be bound by immune cell engagers in immunotherapy for cancer and infectious diseases. Furthermore, we explore the preclinical and clinical advancements of these constructs, and we discuss the challenges in translating the current knowledge from cancer to the virology field. Finally, we speculate on the promising future directions that immune cell engagers may take in cancer treatment and antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Rolin
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
- University of Luxembourg, 2 Place de l'Université, L-4365, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - Jacques Zimmer
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Carole Seguin-Devaux
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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3
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Menschikowski H, Bednar C, Kübel S, Hermann M, Bauer L, Thomas M, Cordsmeier A, Ensser A. Evaluation of Bispecific T-Cell Engagers Targeting Murine Cytomegalovirus. Viruses 2024; 16:869. [PMID: 38932161 PMCID: PMC11209133 DOI: 10.3390/v16060869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus is a ubiquitous herpesvirus that, while latent in most individuals, poses a great risk to immunocompromised patients. In contrast to directly acting traditional antiviral drugs, such as ganciclovir, we aim to emulate a physiological infection control using T cells. For this, we constructed several bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) constructs targeting different viral glycoproteins of the murine cytomegalovirus and evaluated them in vitro for their efficacy. To isolate the target specific effect without viral immune evasion, we established stable reporter cell lines expressing the viral target glycoprotein B, and the glycoprotein complexes gN-gM and gH-gL, as well as nano-luciferase (nLuc). First, we evaluated binding capacities using flow cytometry and established killing assays, measuring nLuc-release upon cell lysis. All BiTE constructs proved to be functional mediators for T-cell recruitment and will allow a proof of concept for this treatment option. This might pave the way for strikingly safer immunosuppression in vulnerable patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Armin Ensser
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (H.M.); (S.K.); (M.H.); (A.C.)
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4
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Yu C, He S, Zhu W, Ru P, Ge X, Govindasamy K. Human cytomegalovirus in cancer: the mechanism of HCMV-induced carcinogenesis and its therapeutic potential. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1202138. [PMID: 37424781 PMCID: PMC10327488 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1202138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a well-studied herpesvirus, has been implicated in malignancies derived from breast, colorectal muscle, brain, and other cancers. Intricate host-virus interactions are responsible for the cascade of events that have the potential to result in the transformed phenotype of normal cells. The HCMV genome contains oncogenes that may initiate these types of cancers, and although the primary HCMV infection is usually asymptomatic, the virus remains in the body in a latent or persistent form. Viral reactivation causes severe health issues in immune-compromised individuals, including cancer patients, organ transplants, and AIDS patients. This review focuses on the immunologic mechanisms and molecular mechanisms of HCMV-induced carcinogenesis, methods of HCMV treatment, and other studies. Studies show that HCMV DNA and virus-specific antibodies are present in many types of cancers, implicating HCMV as an important player in cancer progression. Importantly, many clinical trials have been initiated to exploit HCMV as a therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer, particularly in immunotherapy strategies in the treatment of breast cancer and glioblastoma patients. Taken together, these findings support a link between HCMV infections and cellular growth that develops into cancer. More importantly, HCMV is the leading cause of birth defects in newborns, and infection with HCMV is responsible for abortions in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Yu
- Animal Diseases and Public Health Engineering Research Center of Henan Province, Luoyang Polytechnic, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Suna He
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Wenwen Zhu
- Animal Diseases and Public Health Engineering Research Center of Henan Province, Luoyang Polytechnic, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Penghui Ru
- Animal Diseases and Public Health Engineering Research Center of Henan Province, Luoyang Polytechnic, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Xuemei Ge
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kavitha Govindasamy
- School of Arts and Science, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
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5
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Nuévalos M, García-Ríos E, Mancebo FJ, Martín-Martín C, Pérez-Romero P. Novel monoclonal antibody-based therapies: implications for the treatment and prevention of HCMV disease. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:480-497. [PMID: 36624009 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important pathogen worldwide. Although HCMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, it can cause severe or even life-threatening symptoms in immunocompromised patients. Due to limitations of antiviral treatments, it is necessary to search for new therapeutic alternatives. Recent studies have highlighted the contribution of antibodies in protecting against HCMV disease, including neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies. Given the immunocompromised target population, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) may represent an alternative to the clinical management of HCMV infection. In this context, we provide a synthesis of recent data revising the literature supporting and arguing about the role of the humoral immunity in controlling HCMV infection. Additionally, we review the state of the art in the development of therapies based on mAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Nuévalos
- National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Estéfani García-Ríos
- National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; Department of Science, Universidad Internacional de Valencia-VIU, 46002 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Francisco J Mancebo
- National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Martín-Martín
- National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Pérez-Romero
- National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain.
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6
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Mokhtary P, Pourhashem Z, Mehrizi AA, Sala C, Rappuoli R. Recent Progress in the Discovery and Development of Monoclonal Antibodies against Viral Infections. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081861. [PMID: 36009408 PMCID: PMC9405509 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), the new revolutionary class of medications, are fast becoming tools against various diseases thanks to a unique structure and function that allow them to bind highly specific targets or receptors. These specialized proteins can be produced in large quantities via the hybridoma technique introduced in 1975 or by means of modern technologies. Additional methods have been developed to generate mAbs with new biological properties such as humanized, chimeric, or murine. The inclusion of mAbs in therapeutic regimens is a major medical advance and will hopefully lead to significant improvements in infectious disease management. Since the first therapeutic mAb, muromonab-CD3, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1986, the list of approved mAbs and their clinical indications and applications have been proliferating. New technologies have been developed to modify the structure of mAbs, thereby increasing efficacy and improving delivery routes. Gene delivery technologies, such as non-viral synthetic plasmid DNA and messenger RNA vectors (DMabs or mRNA-encoded mAbs), built to express tailored mAb genes, might help overcome some of the challenges of mAb therapy, including production restrictions, cold-chain storage, transportation requirements, and expensive manufacturing and distribution processes. This paper reviews some of the recent developments in mAb discovery against viral infections and illustrates how mAbs can help to combat viral diseases and outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardis Mokhtary
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery Laboratory, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Zeinab Pourhashem
- Student Research Committee, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran;
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran;
| | - Akram Abouei Mehrizi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran;
| | - Claudia Sala
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery Laboratory, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Rino Rappuoli
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery Laboratory, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (R.R.)
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7
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Recent progress in development of monoclonal antibodies against human cytomegalovirus. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 52:166-173. [PMID: 34952264 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous pathogen that can cause permanent childhood disabilities following in utero infection and life threatening diseases in immune-compromised individuals such as those post transplantation. Without an effective vaccine, small molecule antiviral drugs are routinely used in high-risk transplant recipients, but the effectiveness of which is limited by side effects and drug resistance. The potentials of antibody-based passive immune therapies alone or in combination with the small molecule antivirals to treat or prevent HCMV infection have been actively studied. In this review, we focus on the recent publications on identification and characterization of monoclonal antibodies that have the potential to be developed as anti-HCMV therapies. We review the progress in clinical evaluation of antibody-based therapies to prevent HCMV-associated diseases.
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8
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Huang Q, Cai WQ, Han ZW, Wang MY, Zhou Y, Cheng JT, Zhang Y, Wang YY, Xin Q, Wang XW, Peng XC, Xiang Y, Fang SX, Ma ZW, Xin HY, Cui SZ, Xin HW. Bispecific T cell engagers and their synergistic tumor immunotherapy with oncolytic viruses. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:2430-2455. [PMID: 34249409 PMCID: PMC8263669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy, especially T cell based therapy, is becoming the main force in clinical tumor therapies. Bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) uses the single chain variable fragments (scFv) of two antibodies to redirect T cells to kill target cells. BiTEs for hematologic tumors has been approved for clinical use, and BiTEs for solid tumors showed therapeutic effects in clinical trials. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) of the adenovirus expressing p53 and herpes simplex virus expressing GM-CSF was approved for clinical use in 2003 and 2015, respectively, while other OVs showed therapeutic effects in clinical trials. However, BiTE and Oncolytic virus (OV) have their own limitations. We propose that OV-BiTE has a synergistic effect on tumor immunotherapy. Feng Yu et al. designed the first OV-BiTE in 2014, which remarkably eradicated tumors in mice. Here we review the latest development of the structure, function, preclinical studies and/or clinical trials of BiTE and OV-BiTE and provide perspective views for optimizing the design of OV-BiTE. There is no doubt that OV-BiTE is becoming an exciting new platform for tumor immunotherapy and will enter clinical trial soon. Exploring the therapeutic effects and safety of OV-BiTE for synergistic tumor immunotherapy will bring new hope to tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Huang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Wen-Qi Cai
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Zi-Wen Han
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Mo-Yu Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Jun-Ting Cheng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chun’an County First People’s Hospital (Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital Chun’an Branch)Hangzhou 311700, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ying-Ying Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Gynaecology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hannover Medical SchoolD30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Qiang Xin
- Clinical Medicine Research Center, The Key Laboratory of Biological Cells of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, The Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhot 010050, Inner Mongolia
| | - Xian-Wang Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University1 Nanhuan Road, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Chun Peng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Xiang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Shu-Xian Fang
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou 510095, China
| | - Zhao-Wu Ma
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Hong-Yi Xin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Immunology Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Center for Life Sciences28 Medical Drive, #03-09, 117456, Singapore
| | - Shu-Zhong Cui
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou 510095, China
| | - Hong-Wu Xin
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Lianjiang People’s HospitalGuangdong 524400, China
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Bioassay Development for Bispecific Antibodies-Challenges and Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105350. [PMID: 34069573 PMCID: PMC8160952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody therapeutics are expanding with promising clinical outcomes, and diverse formats of antibodies are further developed and available for patients of the most challenging disease areas. Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) have several significant advantages over monospecific antibodies by engaging two antigen targets. Due to the complicated mechanism of action, diverse structural variations, and dual-target binding, developing bioassays and other types of assays to characterize BsAbs is challenging. Developing bioassays for BsAbs requires a good understanding of the mechanism of action of the molecule, principles and applications of different bioanalytical methods, and phase-appropriate considerations per regulatory guidelines. Here, we review recent advances and case studies to provide strategies and insights for bioassay development for different types of bispecific molecules.
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10
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Potent Bispecific Neutralizing Antibody Targeting Glycoprotein B and the gH/gL/pUL128/130/131 Complex of Human Cytomegalovirus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.02422-20. [PMID: 33361306 PMCID: PMC8092496 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02422-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous pathogen that can cause developmental disorders following congenital infection and life-threatening complications among transplant patients. Potent neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are promising drug candidates against HCMV infection. HCMV can infect a broad range of cell types. Therefore, single neutralizing antibodies targeting one HCMV glycoprotein often lack either potency or broad cell-type coverage. We previously characterized two human-derived HCMV neutralizing MAbs. One was the broadly neutralizing MAb 3-25, which targets the antigenic domain 2 of glycoprotein B (gB). The other was the highly potent MAb 2-18, which specifically recognizes the gH/gL/pUL128/130/131 complex (pentamer). To combine the strengths of gB- and pentamer-targeting MAbs, we developed an IgG-single-chain variable fragment (scFv) bispecific antibody by fusing the 2-18 scFv to the heavy-chain C terminus of MAb 3-25. The resulting bispecific antibody showed high-affinity binding to both gB and pentamer. Functionally, the bispecific antibody demonstrated a combined neutralization breadth and potency of the parental MAbs in multiple cell lines and inhibited postinfection viral spreading. Furthermore, the bispecific antibody was easily produced in CHO cells at a yield above 1 g/liter and showed a single-dose pharmacokinetic profile comparable to that of parental MAb 3-25 in rhesus macaques. Importantly, the bispecific antibody retained broadly and potent neutralizing activity after 21 days in circulation. Taken together, our research provides a proof-of-concept study for developing bispecific neutralizing antibody therapies against HCMV infection.
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11
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12
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Shin J, Phelan PJ, Gjoerup O, Bachovchin W, Bullock PA. Characterization of a single chain variable fragment of nivolumab that targets PD-1 and blocks PD-L1 binding. Protein Expr Purif 2021; 177:105766. [PMID: 32987122 PMCID: PMC7518118 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2020.105766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Activated T-cells express Programmed cell Death protein 1 (PD-1), a key immune checkpoint receptor. PD-1 functions primarily in peripheral tissues, where T cells may encounter tumor-derived immunosuppressive ligands. Monoclonal antibodies that disrupt the interaction between T-cell derived PD-1 and immunosuppressive ligands, such as PD-L1, have revolutionized approaches to cancer therapy. For instance, Nivolumab is a monoclonal Ab that targets human PD-1 and has played an important role in immune checkpoint therapy. Herein we report the purification and initial characterization of a ~27 kDa single chain variable fragment (scFv) of Nivolumab that targets human PD-1 and blocks binding by PD-L1. The possibility that the anti-PD-1 scFv can serve as both an anti-tumor agent and as an anti-viral agent is discussed. IMPORTANCE: The clinical significance of anti-PD-1 antibodies for treatment of a range of solid tumors is well documented (reviewed in [1-4]). In this report, we describe the results of studies that establish that an anti-PD-1 scFv purified from E. coli binds tightly to human PD-1. Furthermore, we demonstrate that upon binding, the anti-PD-1 scFv disrupts the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1. Thus, the properties of this scFv, including its small size, stability and affinity for human PD-1, suggest that it has the potential to be a useful reagent in subsequent immunotherapeutic, diagnostic and anti-viral applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Shin
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Paul J Phelan
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Ole Gjoerup
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., 150 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - William Bachovchin
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Peter A Bullock
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
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13
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Pecetta S, Finco O, Seubert A. Quantum leap of monoclonal antibody (mAb) discovery and development in the COVID-19 era. Semin Immunol 2020; 50:101427. [PMID: 33277154 PMCID: PMC7670927 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2020.101427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In recent years the global market for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) became a multi-billion-dollar business. This success is mainly driven by treatments in the oncology and autoimmune space. Instead, development of effective mAbs against infectious diseases has been lagging behind. For years the high production cost and limited efficacy have blocked broader application of mAbs in the infectious disease space, which instead has been dominated for almost a century by effective and cheap antibiotics and vaccines. Only very few mAbs against RSV, anthrax, Clostridium difficile or rabies have reached the market. This is about to change. The development of urgently needed and highly effective mAbs as preventive and therapeutic treatments against a variety of pathogens is gaining traction. Vast advances in mAb isolation, engineering and production have entirely shifted the cost-efficacy balance. MAbs against devastating diseases like Ebola, HIV and other complex pathogens are now within reach. This trend is further accelerated by ongoing or imminent health crises like COVID-19 and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where antibodies could be the last resort. In this review we will retrace the history of antibodies from the times of serum therapy to modern mAbs and lay out how the current run for effective treatments against COVID-19 will lead to a quantum leap in scientific, technological and health care system innovation around mAb treatments for infectious diseases.
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14
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Labrijn AF, Janmaat ML, Reichert JM, Parren PWHI. Bispecific antibodies: a mechanistic review of the pipeline. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:585-608. [DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0028-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 493] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Naran K, Nundalall T, Chetty S, Barth S. Principles of Immunotherapy: Implications for Treatment Strategies in Cancer and Infectious Diseases. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:3158. [PMID: 30622524 PMCID: PMC6308495 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The advances in cancer biology and pathogenesis during the past two decades, have resulted in immunotherapeutic strategies that have revolutionized the treatment of malignancies, from relatively non-selective toxic agents to specific, mechanism-based therapies. Despite extensive global efforts, infectious diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating novel, innovative therapeutics that address the current challenges of increasing antimicrobial resistance. Similar to cancer pathogenesis, infectious pathogens successfully fashion a hospitable environment within the host and modulate host metabolic functions to support their nutritional requirements, while suppressing host defenses by altering regulatory mechanisms. These parallels, and the advances made in targeted therapy in cancer, may inform the rational development of therapeutic interventions for infectious diseases. Although "immunotherapy" is habitually associated with the treatment of cancer, this review accentuates the evolving role of key targeted immune interventions that are approved, as well as those in development, for various cancers and infectious diseases. The general features of adoptive therapies, those that enhance T cell effector function, and ligand-based therapies, that neutralize or eliminate diseased cells, are discussed in the context of specific diseases that, to date, lack appropriate remedial treatment; cancer, HIV, TB, and drug-resistant bacterial and fungal infections. The remarkable diversity and versatility that distinguishes immunotherapy is emphasized, consequently establishing this approach within the armory of curative therapeutics, applicable across the disease spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krupa Naran
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Trishana Nundalall
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shivan Chetty
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stefan Barth
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Brey CU, Proff J, Teufert N, Salzer B, Brozy J, Münz M, Pendzialek J, Ensser A, Holter W, Lehner M. A gB/CD3 bispecific BiTE antibody construct for targeting Human Cytomegalovirus-infected cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17453. [PMID: 30487534 PMCID: PMC6261951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36055-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) antibody constructs are successfully used as cancer therapeutics. We hypothesized that this treatment strategy could also be applicable for therapy of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, since HCMV-encoded proteins are abundantly expressed on the surface of infected cells. Here we show that a BiTE antibody construct directed against HCMV glycoprotein B (gB) and CD3 efficiently triggers T cells to secrete IFN-γ and TNF upon co-culture with fibroblasts infected with HCMV strain AD169, Towne or Toledo. Titration of gB expression levels in non-infected cells confirmed that already low levels of gB are sufficient for efficient triggering of T cells in presence of the BiTE antibody construct. Comparison of redirecting T cells with the bispecific antibody versus a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) based on the same scFv showed a similar sensitivity for gB expression. Although lysis of infected target cells was absent, the BiTE antibody construct inhibited HCMV replication by triggering cytokine production. Notably, even strongly diluted supernatants of the activated T cells efficiently blocked the replication of HCMV in infected primary fibroblasts. In summary, our data prove the functionality of the first BiTE antibody construct targeting an HCMV-encoded glycoprotein for inhibiting HCMV replication in infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Proff
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Natascha Teufert
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | - Markus Münz
- AMGEN Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Armin Ensser
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Holter
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Kinderspital, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Lehner
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria.
- St. Anna Kinderspital, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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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.
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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.
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