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Liao X, Qi T, Zhou J, Liu C, Cao Y. Optimizing Clinical Translation of Bispecific T-cell Engagers through Context Unification with a Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Model. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024; 116:415-425. [PMID: 38751031 PMCID: PMC11251864 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Bispecific T-cell engagers (bsTCEs) have emerged as a promising class of cancer immunotherapy. BsTCEs enable physical connections between T cells and tumor cells to enhance T-cell activity against cancer. Despite several marketing approvals, the development of bsTCEs remains challenging, especially at early clinical translational stages. The intricate design of bsTCEs makes their pharmacologic effects and safety profiles highly dependent on patient's immunological and tumor conditions. Such context-dependent pharmacology introduces considerable uncertainty into translational efforts. In this study, we developed a Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) model, through context unification, that can facilitate the translation of bsTCEs preclinical data into clinical activity. Through characterizing the formation dynamics of immunological synapse (IS) induced by bsTCEs, this model unifies a broad range of contexts related to target affinity, tumor characteristics, and immunological conditions. After rigorous calibration using both experimental and clinical data, the model enables consistent translation of drug potency observed under diverse experimental conditions into predictable exposure-response relationships in patients. Moreover, the model can help identify optimal target-binding affinities and minimum efficacious concentrations across different clinical contexts. This QSP approach holds significant promise for the future development of bsTCEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhi Liao
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Timothy Qi
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Can Liu
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yanguang Cao
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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2
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Schardt JS, Walseng E, Le K, Yang C, Shah P, Fu Y, Alam K, Kelton CR, Gu Y, Huang F, Lin J, Liu W, Dippel A, Zhang H, Mulgrew K, Pryts S, Chennupati V, Chen HC, Denham J, Chen X, Pradhan P, Wu Y, Hardman C, Zhao C, Kierny M, Song Y, Dovedi SJ, Cemerski S, Mazor Y. IL-2-armored peptide-major histocompatibility class I bispecific antibodies redirect antiviral effector memory CD8+ T cells to induce potent anti-cancer cytotoxic activity with limited cytokine release. MAbs 2024; 16:2395499. [PMID: 39205483 PMCID: PMC11364066 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2395499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell engagers (TCEs) are becoming an integral class of biological therapeutic owing to their highly potent ability to eradicate cancer cells. Nevertheless, the widespread utility of classical CD3-targeted TCEs has been limited by narrow therapeutic index (TI) linked to systemic CD4+ T cell activation and aberrant cytokine release. One attractive approach to circumvent the systemic activation of pan CD3+ T cells and reduce the risk of cytokine release syndrome is to redirect specific subsets of T cells. A promising strategy is the use of peptide-major histocompatibility class I bispecific antibodies (pMHC-IgGs), which have emerged as an intriguing modality of TCE, based on their ability to selectively redirect highly reactive viral-specific effector memory cytotoxic CD8+ T cells to eliminate cancer cells. However, the relatively low frequency of these effector memory cells in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) may hamper their redirection as effector cells for clinical applications. To mitigate this potential limitation, we report here the generation of a pMHC-IgG derivative known as guided-pMHC-staging (GPS) carrying a covalent fusion of a monovalent interleukin-2 (IL-2) mutein (H16A, F42A). Using an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) arm as a proof-of-concept, tumor-associated antigen paired with a single-chain HLA-A *02:01/CMVpp65 pMHC fusion moiety, we demonstrate in vitro that the IL-2-armored GPS modality robustly expands CMVpp65-specific CD8+ effector memory T cells and induces potent cytotoxic activity against target cancer cells. Similar to GPS, IL-2-armored GPS molecules induce modulated T cell activation and reduced cytokine release profile compared to an analogous CD3-targeted TCE. In vivo we show that IL-2-armored GPS, but not the corresponding GPS, effectively expands grafted CMVpp65 CD8+ T cells from unstimulated human PBMCs in an NSG mouse model. Lastly, we demonstrate that the IL-2-armored GPS modality exhibits a favorable developability profile and monoclonal antibody-like pharmacokinetic properties in human neonatal Fc receptor transgenic mice. Overall, IL-2-armored GPS represents an attractive approach for treating cancer with the potential for inducing vaccine-like antiviral T cell expansion, immune cell redirection as a TCE, and significantly widened TI due to reduced cytokine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S. Schardt
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Even Walseng
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Kim Le
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Chunning Yang
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Pooja Shah
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Ying Fu
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Kausar Alam
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Yu Gu
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Fengying Huang
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Jia Lin
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Wenhai Liu
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Andrew Dippel
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Hanzhi Zhang
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Stacy Pryts
- Oncology ICC, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Hung-Chang Chen
- Data Science and Advanced Analytics, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yuling Wu
- Oncology ICC, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Colin Hardman
- Discovery Bioanalysis, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences (CPSS), R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Chihao Zhao
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Michael Kierny
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Yang Song
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Simon J. Dovedi
- Data Science and Advanced Analytics, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Yariv Mazor
- R&D Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
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3
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Kang JJ, Ohoka A, Sarkar CA. Designing Multivalent and Multispecific Biologics. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2023; 15:293-314. [PMID: 38064501 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-100722-112440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
In the era of precision medicine, multivalent and multispecific therapeutics present a promising approach for targeted disease intervention. These therapeutics are designed to interact with multiple targets simultaneously, promising enhanced efficacy, reduced side effects, and resilience against drug resistance. We dissect the principles guiding the design of multivalent biologics, highlighting challenges and strategies that must be considered to maximize therapeutic effect. Engineerable elements in multivalent and multispecific biologic design-domain affinities, valency, and spatial presentation-must be considered in the context of the molecular targets as well as the balance of important properties such as target avidity and specificity. We illuminate recent applications of these principles in designing protein and cell therapies and identify exciting future directions in this field, underscored by advances in biomolecular and cellular engineering and computational approaches. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , Volume 15 is June 2024. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; , ,
| | - Ayako Ohoka
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; , ,
- Present affiliation: AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Casim A Sarkar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; , ,
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Lee E, Lee S, Park S, Son YG, Yoo J, Koh Y, Shin DY, Lim Y, Won J. Asymmetric anti-CLL-1×CD3 bispecific antibody, ABL602 2+1, with attenuated CD3 affinity endows potent antitumor activity but limited cytokine release. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007494. [PMID: 37848261 PMCID: PMC10582864 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007494] [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] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of leukemia in adults with a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. Although targeted therapeutics, chemotherapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can improve the prognosis, the recurrence rate is still high, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 40%. This study aimed to develop an IgG-based asymmetric bispecific antibody that targets CLL-1 and CD3 for treating AML. METHODS ABL602 candidates were compared in terms of binding activity, T-cell activation, and tumor-killing activities. ABL602-mediated T-cell activation and tumor-killing activities were determined by measuring the expression of activation markers, cytokines, cytolytic proteins, and the proportion of dead cells. We evaluated in vivo tumor growth inhibitory activity in two mouse models bearing subcutaneously and orthotopically engrafted human AML. Direct tumor-killing activity and T-cell activation in patient-derived AML blasts were also evaluated. RESULTS ABL602 2+1 showed a limited CD3 binding in the absence of CLL-1, suggesting that steric hindrance on the CD3 binding arm could reduce CLL-1 expression-independent CD3 binding. Although the CD3 binding activity was attenuated compared with that of 1+1, ABL602 2+1 exhibited much stronger T-cell activation and potent tumor-killing activities in AML cell lines. ABL602 2+1 efficiently inhibited tumor progression in subcutaneously and orthotopically engrafted AML mouse models. In the orthotopic mouse model, tumor growth inhibition was observed by gross measurement of luciferase activity, as well as a reduced proportion of AML blasts in the bone marrow, as determined by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. ABL602 2+1 efficiently activated T cells and induced the lysis of AML blasts, even at very low effector:target (E:T) ratios (eg, 1:50). Compared with the reference 1+1 antibody, ABL602 did not induce the release of cytokines including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the healthy donor-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cell. CONCLUSIONS With its potent tumor-killing activity and reduced cytokine release, ABL602 2+1 is a promising candidate for treating patients with AML and warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Lee
- ABL Bio Inc, Seongnam, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Shinai Lee
- ABL Bio Inc, Seongnam, Korea (the Republic of)
| | | | | | - Jiseon Yoo
- ABL Bio Inc, Seongnam, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Youngil Koh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Dong-Yeop Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Yangmi Lim
- ABL Bio Inc, Seongnam, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jonghwa Won
- ABL Bio Inc, Seongnam, Korea (the Republic of)
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5
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Sandker GGW, Middelburg J, Wilbrink E, Molkenboer-Kuenen J, Aarntzen E, van Hall T, Heskamp S. Longitudinal evaluation of the biodistribution and cellular internalization of the bispecific CD3xTRP1 antibody in syngeneic mouse tumor models. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007596. [PMID: 37899133 PMCID: PMC10619024 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007596] [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] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD3 bispecific antibodies (CD3-bsAbs) require binding of both a tumor-associated surface antigen and CD3 for their immunotherapeutic effect. Their efficacy is, therefore, influenced by the tumor uptake and the extracellular dose. To optimize their currently limited efficacy in solid tumors, increased understanding of their pharmacokinetics and in vivo internalization is needed. METHODS Here, were studied the pharmacokinetics and in vivo internalization of CD3xTRP1, a fully murine Fc-inert bsAb, in endogenous TRP1-expressing immunocompetent male C57BL/6J mice bearing TRP1-positive and negative tumors over time. Matching bsAbs lacking TRP1-binding or CD3-binding capacity served as controls. BsAbs were radiolabeled with 111In to investigate their pharmacokinetics, target binding, and biodistribution through SPECT/CT imaging and ex vivo biodistribution analyses. Co-injection of 111In- and 125I-labeled bsAb was performed to investigate the in vivo internalization by comparing tissue concentrations of cellular residing 111In versus effluxing 125I. Antitumor therapy effects were evaluated by monitoring tumor growth and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS SPECT/CT and biodistribution analyses showed that CD3xTRP1 specifically targeted TRP1-positive tumors and CD3-rich lymphoid organ and uptake peaked 24 hours pi (KPC3-TRP1: 37.7%ID/g±5.3%ID/g, spleen: 29.0%ID/g±3.9%ID/g). Studies with control bsAbs demonstrated that uptake of CD3xTRP1 in TRP1-positive tumors and CD3-rich tissues was primarily receptor-mediated. Together with CD3xTRP1 in the circulation being mainly unattached, this indicates that CD3+ T cells are generally not traffickers of CD3-bsAbs to the tumor. Additionally, target-mediated clearance by TRP1-expressing melanocytes was not observed. We further demonstrated rapid internalization of CD3xTRP1 in KPC3-TRP1 tumors (24 hours pi: 54.9%±2.3% internalized) and CD3-rich tissues (spleen, 24 hours pi: 79.7%±0.9% internalized). Therapeutic effects by CD3xTRP1 were observed for TRP1-positive tumors and consisted of high tumor influx of CD8+ T cells and neutrophils, which corresponded with increased necrosis and growth delay. CONCLUSIONS We show that CD3xTRP1 efficiently targets TRP1-positive tumors and CD3-rich tissues primarily through receptor-mediated targeting. We further demonstrate rapid receptor-mediated internalization of CD3xTRP1 in TRP1-positive tumors and CD3-rich tissues. Even though this significantly decreases the therapeutical available dose, CD3xTRP1 still induced effective antitumor T-cell responses and inhibited tumor growth. Together, our data on the pharmacokinetics and mechanism of action of CD3xTRP1 pave the way for further optimization of CD3-bsAb therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jim Middelburg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Evienne Wilbrink
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Erik Aarntzen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Heskamp
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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6
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Wright KM, DiNapoli SR, Miller MS, Aitana Azurmendi P, Zhao X, Yu Z, Chakrabarti M, Shi W, Douglass J, Hwang MS, Hsiue EHC, Mog BJ, Pearlman AH, Paul S, Konig MF, Pardoll DM, Bettegowda C, Papadopoulos N, Kinzler KW, Vogelstein B, Zhou S, Gabelli SB. Hydrophobic interactions dominate the recognition of a KRAS G12V neoantigen. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5063. [PMID: 37604828 PMCID: PMC10442379 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40821-w] [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: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Specificity remains a major challenge to current therapeutic strategies for cancer. Mutation associated neoantigens (MANAs) are products of genetic alterations, making them highly specific therapeutic targets. MANAs are HLA-presented (pHLA) peptides derived from intracellular mutant proteins that are otherwise inaccessible to antibody-based therapeutics. Here, we describe the cryo-EM structure of an antibody-MANA pHLA complex. Specifically, we determine a TCR mimic (TCRm) antibody bound to its MANA target, the KRASG12V peptide presented by HLA-A*03:01. Hydrophobic residues appear to account for the specificity of the mutant G12V residue. We also determine the structure of the wild-type G12 peptide bound to HLA-A*03:01, using X-ray crystallography. Based on these structures, we perform screens to validate the key residues required for peptide specificity. These experiments led us to a model for discrimination between the mutant and the wild-type peptides presented on HLA-A*03:01 based exclusively on hydrophobic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine M Wright
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Discovery Chemistry, Protein and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co, Inc, West Point, PA, 19846, USA
| | - Sarah R DiNapoli
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Michelle S Miller
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - P Aitana Azurmendi
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zhao
- Janelia Research Campus, HHMI,19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147, USA
| | - Zhiheng Yu
- Janelia Research Campus, HHMI,19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147, USA
| | - Mayukh Chakrabarti
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - WuXian Shi
- Energy & Photon Sciences Directorate, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
- Case Center for Synchrotron Biosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Jacqueline Douglass
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Michael S Hwang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Emily Han-Chung Hsiue
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Brian J Mog
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Alexander H Pearlman
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Suman Paul
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Maximilian F Konig
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Nickolas Papadopoulos
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kenneth W Kinzler
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Bert Vogelstein
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Shibin Zhou
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Sandra B Gabelli
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Discovery Chemistry, Protein and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co, Inc, West Point, PA, 19846, USA.
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7
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Liu CY, Ahonen CL, Brown ME, Zhou L, Welin M, Krauland EM, Pejchal R, Widboom PF, Battles MB. Structure-based engineering of a novel CD3ε-targeting antibody for reduced polyreactivity. MAbs 2023; 15:2189974. [PMID: 36991534 PMCID: PMC10072072 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2189974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies continue to represent a growth area for antibody therapeutics, with roughly a third of molecules in clinical development being T-cell engagers that use an anti-CD3 binding arm. CD3 antibodies possessing cross-reactivity with cynomolgus monkey typically recognize a highly electronegative linear epitope at the extreme N-terminus of CD3 epsilon (CD3ε). Such antibodies have high isoelectric points and display problematic polyreactivity (correlated with poor pharmacokinetics for monospecific antibodies). Using insights from the crystal structure of anti-Hu/Cy CD3 antibody ADI-26906 in complex with CD3ε and antibody engineering using a yeast-based platform, we have derived high-affinity CD3 antibody variants with very low polyreactivity and significantly improved biophysical developability. Comparison of these variants with CD3 antibodies in the clinic (as part of bi- or multi-specifics) shows that affinity for CD3 is correlated with polyreactivity. Our engineered CD3 antibodies break this correlation, forming a broad affinity range with no to low polyreactivity. Such antibodies will enable bispecifics with improved pharmacokinetic and safety profiles and suggest engineering solutions that will benefit the large and growing sector of T-cell engagers.
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8
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Strazza M, Moore EK, Adam K, Azoulay-Alfaguter I, Mor A. Neutralization of the adaptor protein PAG by monoclonal antibody limits murine tumor growth. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 27:380-390. [PMID: 36419471 PMCID: PMC9664140 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The transmembrane adaptor phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains 1 (PAG) is phosphorylated in T cells downstream of PD-1 signaling and contributes to the resulting functional inhibition of multiple cellular processes. Furthermore, PAG expression is negatively correlated with survival in multiple human tumors and is a driver of murine tumor growth and immune evasion. Here we develop an antibody that targets the extracellular domain of human PAG, with cross-reactivity to murine PAG. We demonstrate that this antibody binds to extracellular PAG on intact cells and affects T cell activation. Finally, we show that administration of anti-PAG monoclonal antibody in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody to mice bearing MC38 tumors limited tumor growth and enhanced T cell infiltration to tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Strazza
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Emily K. Moore
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kieran Adam
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Adam Mor
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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9
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In vivo DNA-launched bispecific T cell engager targeting IL-13Rα2 controls tumor growth in an animal model of glioblastoma multiforme. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 26:289-301. [PMID: 36090479 PMCID: PMC9418050 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.07.003] [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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is an aggressive tumor with poor survival rates. Bispecific T cell engagers (BTEs) against different cancers are in various stages of clinical development. Toxicity resulting from cytokine release syndrome and the short half-life of BTEs, which necessitates continuous infusion, complicating delivery and increasing costs, are major challenges in the field. Here we describe the development of in vivo DNA-launched BTEs (dBTEs) with highly focused targeting of interleukin-13 receptor α2 (IL-13Rα2), a glioblastoma cell-surface target. We developed 4 BTEs targeting 2 epitopes of IL-13Rα2 and studied how heavy-light chain orientation affects BTE function. The dBTEs induced T cell activation, cytokine production, and tumor cytolysis in the presence of IL-13Rα2+ tumor cells, but we observed unique patterns of immune activation. We found a strong correlation between granzyme B secretion and dBTE-induced cytolysis of specific and nonspecific tumors. We down-selected dBTE PB01-forward based on lower cytokine induction profile and highest activation specificity. In vivo, dBTE PB01-forward demonstrated an improved half-life versus intravenous recombinant BTE delivery. In an orthotopic glioblastoma model, dBTE PB01-forward controlled tumor growth, improving animal survival, supporting the hypothesis that the blood-brain barrier does not affect the function of systemically delivered dBTE. Further study of PB01-forward for targeting glioblastoma and other IL-13Rα2+ cancers is warranted.
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10
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Leclercq G, Steinhoff N, Haegel H, De Marco D, Bacac M, Klein C. Novel strategies for the mitigation of cytokine release syndrome induced by T cell engaging therapies with a focus on the use of kinase inhibitors. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2083479. [PMID: 35694193 PMCID: PMC9176235 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2083479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell engaging therapies, like CAR-T cells and T cell engagers, redirect T cells toward tumor cells, facilitating the formation of a cytotoxic synapse and resulting in subsequent tumor cell killing. T cell receptor or CAR-T downstream signaling triggers a release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can induce a Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS). The incidence of CRS is still hardly predictable among individuals and remains one of the major dose-limiting safety liabilities associated with on-target activity of T cell engaging therapies. This emphasizes the need to elaborate mitigation strategies, which reduce cytokine release while retaining efficacy. Here, we review pre-clinical and clinical approaches applied for the management of CRS symptoms in the context of T cell engaging therapies, highlighting the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors as an emerging mitigation strategy. In particular, we focus on the effects of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), Src family including Lck, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK) inhibitors on T cell functionality and cytokine release, to provide a rationale for their use as mitigation strategies against CRS in the context of T cell engaging therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Leclercq
- Oncology Disease Therapeutic Area, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, pRED, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Steinhoff
- Oncology Disease Therapeutic Area, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, pRED, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Hélène Haegel
- Phamaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, pRED, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Donata De Marco
- Phamaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, pRED, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marina Bacac
- Oncology Disease Therapeutic Area, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, pRED, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Christian Klein
- Oncology Disease Therapeutic Area, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, pRED, Schlieren, Switzerland
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11
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Hays P. Clinical Development and Therapeutic Applications of Bispecific Antibodies for Hematologic Malignancies. Cancer Treat Res 2022; 183:287-315. [PMID: 35551665 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-96376-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies are composed of two monoclonal antibodies that engage T cells with tumor cell antigens and lead to tumor cell lysis. The most common types fall into the category of bispecific T cell engagers, or BiTEs, that have the canonical CD3-CD19 bispecific construct. Blinatumomab is the first bispecific antibody that received FDA approval for relapsed refractory B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blinatumomab has been shown to have robust clinical outcomes and is associated with adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. Other bispecific antibodies are under clinical investigation for multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia. Along with immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen T cell receptor therapies, bispecific antibodies are considered a mainstay as a therapeutic option for cancer immunotherapies for Hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Hays
- Hays Documentation Specialists, LLC, San Mateo, CA, USA.
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12
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Chen RP, Shinoda K, Rampuria P, Jin F, Bartholomew T, Zhao C, Yang F, Chaparro-Riggers J. Bispecific antibodies for immune cell retargeting against cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:965-982. [PMID: 35485219 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2072209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Following the approval of the T-cell engaging bispecific antibody blinatumomab, immune cell retargeting with bispecific or multispecific antibodies has emerged as a promising cancer immunotherapy strategy, offering alternative mechanisms compared to immune checkpoint blockade. As we gain more understanding of the complex tumor microenvironment, rules and design principles have started to take shape on how to best harness the immune system to achieve optimal anti-tumor activities. AREAS COVERED In the present review, we aim to summarize the most recent advances and challenges in using bispecific antibodies for immune cell retargeting and to provide insights into various aspects of antibody engineering. Discussed herein are studies that highlight the importance of considering antibody engineering parameters, such as binding epitope, affinity, valency, and geometry to maximize the potency and mitigate the toxicity of T cell engagers. Beyond T cell engaging bispecifics, other bispecifics designed to recruit the innate immune system are also covered. EXPERT OPINION Diverse and innovative molecular designs of bispecific/multispecific antibodies have the potential to enhance the efficacy and safety of immune cell retargeting for the treatment of cancer. Whether or not clinical data support these different hypotheses, especially in solid tumor settings, remains to be seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca P Chen
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kenta Shinoda
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Fang Jin
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Chunxia Zhao
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
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13
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Froning KJ, Sereno A, Huang F, Demarest SJ. Generalizable design parameters for soluble T cell receptor-based T cell engagers. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004281. [PMID: 35260435 PMCID: PMC8905924 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
While most biological and cellular immunotherapies recognize extracellular targets, T cell receptor (TCR) therapeutics are unique in their ability to recognize the much larger pool of intracellular antigens found on virus-infected or cancerous cells. Recombinant T cell receptor (rTCR)-based therapeutics are gaining momentum both preclinically and clinically highlighted by recent positive phase III human clinical trial results for a TCR/CD3 bifunctional protein in uveal melanoma. Unlike antibody-based T cell engagers whose molecular formats have been widely and extensively evaluated, little data exist describing the putative activities of varied bifunctional formats using rTCRs. Here we generate rTCR/anti-CD3 bifunctionals directed toward NY-ESO-1 or MAGE-A3 with a variety of molecular formats. We show that inducing strong redirected lysis activity against tumors displaying either NY-ESO-1 or MAGE-A3 is highly restricted to small, tandem binding formats with an rTCR/antiCD3 Fab demonstrating the highest potency, rTCR/anti-CD3 single chain variable domain fragment showing similar but consistently weaker potency, and IgG-like or IgG-Fc-containing molecules demonstrating poor activity. We believe this is a universal trait of rTCR bifunctionals, given the canonical TCR/human leukocyte antigen structural paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Froning
- Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Arlene Sereno
- Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Flora Huang
- Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Stephen J Demarest
- Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, California, USA
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14
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Antonarelli G, Giugliano F, Corti C, Repetto M, Tarantino P, Curigliano G. Research and Clinical Landscape of Bispecific Antibodies for the Treatment of Solid Malignancies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:884. [PMID: 34577584 PMCID: PMC8468026 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors adopt multiple mechanisms to grow, evade immune responses, and to withstand therapeutic approaches. A major breakthrough in the armamentarium of anti-cancer agents has been the introduction of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), able to inhibit aberrantly activated pathways and/or to unleash antigen (Ag)-specific immune responses. Nonetheless, mAb-mediated targeted pressure often fails due to escape mechanisms, mainly Ag loss/downregulation, ultimately providing therapy resistance. Hence, in order to target multiple Ag at the same time, and to facilitate cancer-immune cells interactions, bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) have been developed and are being tested in clinical trials, yielding variable safety/efficacy results based on target selection and their structure. While in hematologic cancers the bsAb blinatumomab recently reached the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approval for B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, bsAbs use in solid tumors faces considerable challenges, such as target Ag selection, biodistribution, and the presence of an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). This review will focus on the state-of-the art, the design, and the exploitation of bsAbs against solid malignancies, delineating their mechanisms of action, major pitfalls, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Antonarelli
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (F.G.); (C.C.); (M.R.); (P.T.)
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Giugliano
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (F.G.); (C.C.); (M.R.); (P.T.)
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Corti
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (F.G.); (C.C.); (M.R.); (P.T.)
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Repetto
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (F.G.); (C.C.); (M.R.); (P.T.)
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Tarantino
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (F.G.); (C.C.); (M.R.); (P.T.)
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (F.G.); (C.C.); (M.R.); (P.T.)
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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