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Tang NC, Su JC, Shmidov Y, Kelly G, Deshpande S, Sirohi P, Peterson N, Chilkoti A. Synthetic intrinsically disordered protein fusion tags that enhance protein solubility. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3727. [PMID: 38697982 PMCID: PMC11066018 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47519-7] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
We report the de novo design of small (<20 kDa) and highly soluble synthetic intrinsically disordered proteins (SynIDPs) that confer solubility to a fusion partner with minimal effect on the activity of the fused protein. To identify highly soluble SynIDPs, we create a pooled gene-library utilizing a one-pot gene synthesis technology to create a large library of repetitive genes that encode SynIDPs. We identify three small (<20 kDa) and highly soluble SynIDPs from this gene library that lack secondary structure and have high solvation. Recombinant fusion of these SynIDPs to three known inclusion body forming proteins rescue their soluble expression and do not impede the activity of the fusion partner, thereby eliminating the need for removal of the SynIDP tag. These findings highlight the utility of SynIDPs as solubility tags, as they promote the soluble expression of proteins in E. coli and are small, unstructured proteins that minimally interfere with the biological activity of the fused protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Jonathan C Su
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Yulia Shmidov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Garrett Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Sonal Deshpande
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Parul Sirohi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Nikhil Peterson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Ashutosh Chilkoti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
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Andersson H, Nyesiga B, Hermodsson T, Enell Smith K, Hägerbrand K, Lindstedt M, Ellmark P. Next-generation CD40 agonists for cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024; 24:351-363. [PMID: 38764393 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2357714] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a need for new therapies that can enhance response rates and broaden the number of cancer indications where immunotherapies provide clinical benefit. CD40 targeting therapies provide an opportunity to meet this need by promoting priming of tumor-specific T cells and reverting the suppressive tumor microenvironment. This is supported by emerging clinical evidence demonstrating the benefits of immunotherapy with CD40 antibodies in combination with standard of care chemotherapy. AREAS COVERED This review is focused on the coming wave of next-generation CD40 agonists aiming to improve efficacy and safety, using new approaches and formats beyond monospecific antibodies. Further, the current understanding of the role of different CD40 expressing immune cell populations in the tumor microenvironment is reviewed. EXPERT OPINION There are multiple promising next-generation approaches beyond monospecific antibodies targeting CD40 in immuno-oncology. Enhancing efficacy is the most important driver for this development, and approaches that maximize the ability of CD40 to both remodel the tumor microenvironment and boost the anti-tumor T cell response provide great opportunities to benefit cancer patients. Enhanced understanding of the role of different CD40 expressing immune cells in the tumor microenvironment may facilitate more efficient clinical development of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hampus Andersson
- Alligator Bioscience, Alligator Bioscience AB, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Barnabas Nyesiga
- Alligator Bioscience, Alligator Bioscience AB, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Tova Hermodsson
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Malin Lindstedt
- Alligator Bioscience, Alligator Bioscience AB, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Peter Ellmark
- Alligator Bioscience, Alligator Bioscience AB, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Bertuccio FR, Agustoni F, Galli G, Bortolotto C, Saddi J, Baietto G, Baio N, Montini S, Putignano P, D’Ambrosio G, Corsico AG, Pedrazzoli P, Stella GM. Pleural Mesothelioma: Treatable Traits of a Heterogeneous Disease. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5731. [PMID: 38136277 PMCID: PMC10741585 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245731] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive disease with diffuse nature, low median survival, and prolonged latency presenting difficulty in prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment. Here, we review all these aspects to underline the progress being made in its investigation and to emphasize how much work remains to be carried out to improve prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Rocco Bertuccio
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Agustoni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Galli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chandra Bortolotto
- Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy Unit, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic, and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Radiology Institute, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Jessica Saddi
- Department of Oncology, Clinical-Surgical, Unit of Radiation Therapy, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Guido Baietto
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Nicola Baio
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Simone Montini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Putignano
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gioacchino D’Ambrosio
- Pathology Unit, Department of Diagnostical Services and Imaging, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Angelo G. Corsico
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Pedrazzoli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Maria Stella
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Antignani A, Bilotta MT, Roth JS, Urban DJ, Shen M, Hall MD, FitzGerald D. Birinapant selectively enhances immunotoxin-mediated killing of cancer cells conditional on the IAP protein levels within target cells. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23292. [PMID: 37971407 PMCID: PMC10659127 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301052r] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Immunotoxins (ITs) target cancer cells via antibody binding to surface antigens followed by internalization and toxin-mediated inhibition of protein synthesis. The fate of cells responding to IT treatment depends on the amount and stability of specific pro-apoptotic and pro-survival proteins. When treated with a pseudomonas exotoxin-based immunotoxin (HB21PE40), the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-468 displayed a notable resistance to toxin-mediated killing compared to the epidermoid carcinoma cell line, A431, despite succumbing to the same level of protein synthesis inhibition. In a combination screen of ~1912 clinically relevant and mechanistically annotated compounds, we identified several agents that greatly enhanced IT-mediated killing of MDA-MB-468 cells while exhibiting only a modest enhancement for A431 cells. Of interest, two Smac mimetics, birinapant and SM164, exhibited this kind of differential enhancement. To investigate the basis for this, we probed cells for the presence of inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins and monitored their stability after the addition of immunotoxin. We found that high levels of IAPs inhibited immunotoxin-mediated cell death. Further, TNFα levels were not relevant for the combination's efficacy. In tumor xenograft studies, combinations of immunotoxin and birinapant caused complete regressions in MDA-MB-468tumor-bearing mice but not in mice with A431 tumors. We propose that IAPs constitute a barrier to immunotoxin efficacy which can be overcome with combination treatments that include Smac mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Antignani
- Biotherapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Drive, Bethesda MD 20892, USA
| | - Maria Teresa Bilotta
- Biotherapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Drive, Bethesda MD 20892, USA
| | - Jacob S. Roth
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Daniel J. Urban
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Min Shen
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Matthew D. Hall
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - David FitzGerald
- Biotherapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Drive, Bethesda MD 20892, USA
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Liu X, Tan Q, Wen J, Wang X, Yang G, Li Y, Lu M, Ye W, Si A, Ma S, Ding T, Sun L, Liu F, Zhang M, Jiang T, Gao W. Improving the cytotoxicity of immunotoxins by reducing the affinity of the antibody in acidic pH. J Transl Med 2023; 21:572. [PMID: 37626430 PMCID: PMC10463491 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04210-7] [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: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotoxins are antibody-toxin conjugates that bind to surface antigens and exert effective cytotoxic activity after internalization into tumor cells. Immunotoxins exhibit effective cytotoxicity and have been approved by the FDA to treat multiple hematological malignancies, such as hairy cell leukemia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. However, most of the internalized immunotoxin is degraded in lysosomes, and only approximately 5% of free toxin escapes into the cytosol to exert cytotoxicity. Many studies have improved immunotoxins by engineering the toxin fragment to reduce immunogenicity or increase stability, but how the antibody fragment contributes to the activity of immunotoxins has not been well demonstrated. METHODS In the current study, we used 32A9 and 42A1, two anti-GPC3 antibodies with similar antigen-binding capabilities and internalization rates, to construct scFv-mPE24 immunotoxins and evaluated their in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities. Next, the antigen-binding capacity, trafficking, intracellular protein stability and release of free toxin of 32A9 scFv-mPE24 and 42A1 scFv-mPE24 were compared to elucidate their different antitumor activities. Furthermore, we used a lysosome inhibitor to evaluate the degradation behavior of 32A9 scFv-mPE24 and 42A1 scFv-mPE24. Finally, the antigen-binding patterns of 32A9 and 42A1 were compared under neutral and acidic pH conditions. RESULTS Although 32A9 and 42A1 had similar antigen binding capacities and internalization rates, 32A9 scFv-mPE24 had superior antitumor activity compared to 42A1 scFv-mPE24. We found that 32A9 scFv-mPE24 exhibited faster degradation and drove efficient free toxin release compared to 42A1 scFv-mPE24. These phenomena were determined by the different degradation behaviors of 32A9 scFv-mPE24 and 42A1 scFv-mPE24 in lysosomes. Moreover, 32A9 was sensitive to the low-pH environment, which made the 32A9 conjugate easily lose antigen binding and undergo degradation in lysosomes, and the free toxin was then efficiently produced to exert cytotoxicity, whereas 42A1 was resistant to the acidic environment, which kept the 42A1 conjugate relatively stable in lysosomes and delayed the release of free toxin. CONCLUSIONS These results showed that a low pH-sensitive antibody-based immunotoxin degraded faster in lysosomes, caused effective free toxin release, and led to improved cytotoxicity compared to an immunotoxin based on a normal antibody. Our findings suggested that a low pH-sensitive antibody might have an advantage in the design of immunotoxins and other lysosomal degradation-dependent antibody conjugate drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Xuehai Building, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingqing Tan
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Jiaqi Wen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Xuehai Building, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xufei Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Xuehai Building, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Xuehai Building, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxiao Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Xuehai Building, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Ye
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Xuehai Building, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Anfeng Si
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 34 Yanggongjing Road, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Sujuan Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Xuehai Building, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Xuehai Building, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Luan Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Xuehai Building, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Xuehai Building, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 34 Yanggongjing Road, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Xuehai Building, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Second People's Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China.
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Targeting Mesothelin in Solid Tumours: Anti-mesothelin Antibody and Drug Conjugates. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:309-323. [PMID: 36763234 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01367-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to summarise the pathobiological role of mesothelin and the current data on therapeutic antibodies targeting mesothelin in solid tumours. RECENT FINDINGS High mesothelin expression is restricted to the pericardium, pleura, peritoneum and tunica vaginalis. Mesothelin does not seem to have any normal biological function in adult normal tissues. Mesothelin is highly expressed in mesothelioma, serous ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and some gastric cancer and adenocarcinoma of the lung and is responsible for tumour proliferation, metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy or radiation and evasion of immune system. To date, antibody, antibody drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies with immune checkpoints have been investigated in mesothelin expressing malignancies. After a couple of decades of clinical investigation in antibody targeting mesothelin, the therapeutic benefit is relatively modest. Novel delivery of mesothelin targeting agents, more potent payload in antibody drug conjugates and immune checkpoint inhibitor, may improve therapeutic benefit.
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Pegna GJ, Lee M, Peer CJ, Ahmad MI, Venzon DJ, Yu Y, Yuno A, Steinberg SM, Cao L, Figg WD, Donahue RN, Hassan R, Pastan I, Trepel JB, Alewine C. Systemic immune changes accompany combination treatment with immunotoxin LMB-100 and nab-paclitaxel. Cancer Med 2023; 12:4236-4249. [PMID: 36208017 PMCID: PMC9972172 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
LMB-100 is a novel immune-conjugate (immunotoxin) that targets mesothelin. A phase 1/2 clinical trial was conducted (NCT02810418) with primary objectives assessing the safety and efficacy of LMB-100 ± nab-paclitaxel. Participant blood samples were analyzed for changes in serum cytokines and circulating immune cell subsets associated with response or toxicity. On Arm A, participants (n = 20) received standard 30-minute LMB-100 infusion with nab-paclitaxel. Although clinical efficacy was observed, the combination caused intolerable capillary leak syndrome (CLS), a major toxicity of unclear etiology that affects many immunotoxin drugs. Participants developing CLS experienced rapid elevations in IFNγ and IL-8 compared to those without significant CLS, along with midcycle increases in Ki-67- CD4 T cells that were CD38, HLA-DR, or TIM3 positive. Additionally, a strong increase in activated CD4 and CD8 T cells and a concurrent decrease in Tregs were seen in the single Arm A patient achieving a partial response. In Arm B, administration of single agent LMB-100 to participants (n = 20) as a long infusion given over 24-48 h was investigated based on pre-clinical data that this format could reduce CLS. An optimal dose and schedule of long infusion LMB-100 were identified, but no clinical efficacy was observed even in patients receiving LMB-100 in combination with nab-paclitaxel. Despite this, both Arm A and B participants experienced increases in specific subsets of proliferating CD4 and CD8 T cells following Cycle 1 treatment. In summary, LMB-100 treatment causes systemic immune activation. Inflammatory and immune changes that accompany drug associated CLS were characterized for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Joe Pegna
- Laboratory of Molecular BiologyNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Medical Oncology ProgramNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Knight Cancer InstituteOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Min‐Jung Lee
- Developmental Therapeutics BranchNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Cody J. Peer
- Clinical Pharmacology ProgramNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Mehwish I. Ahmad
- Office of Research NursingNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Astra ZenecaGaithersburgMarylandUSA
| | - David J. Venzon
- Biostatistics and Data Management SectionNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Yunkai Yu
- Genetics BranchNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Akira Yuno
- Developmental Therapeutics BranchNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryKumamoto University HospitalKumamotoJapan
| | - Seth M. Steinberg
- Biostatistics and Data Management SectionNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Liang Cao
- Genetics BranchNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - William D. Figg
- Clinical Pharmacology ProgramNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Renee N. Donahue
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and BiologyNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Raffit Hassan
- Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular BiologyNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Jane B. Trepel
- Developmental Therapeutics BranchNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Christine Alewine
- Laboratory of Molecular BiologyNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
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Expanding the Therapeutic Window of EGFR-Targeted PE24 Immunotoxin for EGFR-Overexpressing Cancers by Tailoring the EGFR Binding Affinity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415820. [PMID: 36555466 PMCID: PMC9779439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxins (ITs), which are toxin-fused tumor antigen-specific antibody chimeric proteins, have been developed to selectively kill targeted cancer cells. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an attractive target for the development of anti-EGFR ITs against solid tumors due to its overexpression on the cell surface of various solid tumors. However, the low basal level expression of EGFR in normal tissue cells can cause undesirable on-target/off-tumor toxicity and reduce the therapeutic window of anti-EGFR ITs. Here, based on an anti-EGFR monobody with cross-reactivity to both human and murine EGFR, we developed a strategy to tailor the anti-EGFR affinity of the monobody-based ITs carrying a 24-kDa fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE24), termed ER-PE24, to distinguish tumors that overexpress EGFR from normal tissues. Five variants of ER-PE24 were generated with different EGFR affinities (KD ≈ 0.24 nM to 104 nM), showing comparable binding activity for both human and murine EGFR. ER/0.2-PE24 with the highest affinity (KD ≈ 0.24 nM) exhibited a narrow therapeutic window of 19 pM to 93 pM, whereas ER/21-PE24 with an intermediate affinity (KD ≈ 21 nM) showed a much broader therapeutic window of 73 pM to 1.5 nM in in vitro cytotoxic assays using tumor model cell lines. In EGFR-overexpressing tumor xenograft mouse models, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of intravenous injection of ER/21-PE24 was found to be 0.4 mg/kg, which was fourfold higher than the MTD (0.1 mg/kg) of ER/0.2-PE24. Our study provides a strategy for the development of IT targeting tumor overexpressed antigens with basal expression in broad normal tissues by tailoring tumor antigen affinities.
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Khoshnood S, Fathizadeh H, Neamati F, Negahdari B, Baindara P, Abdullah MA, Haddadi MH. Bacteria-derived chimeric toxins as potential anticancer agents. Front Oncol 2022; 12:953678. [PMID: 36158673 PMCID: PMC9491211 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.953678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major causes of death globally, requiring everlasting efforts to develop novel, specific, effective, and safe treatment strategies. Despite advances in recent years, chemotherapy, as the primary treatment for cancer, still faces limitations such as the lack of specificity, drug resistance, and treatment failure. Bacterial toxins have great potential to be used as anticancer agents and can boost the effectiveness of cancer chemotherapeutics. Bacterial toxins exert anticancer effects by affecting the cell cycle and apoptotic pathways and regulating tumorigenesis. Chimeric toxins, which are recombinant derivatives of bacterial toxins, have been developed to address the low specificity of their conventional peers. Through their targeting moieties, chimeric toxins can specifically and effectively detect and kill cancer cells. This review takes a comprehensive look at the anticancer properties of bacteria-derived toxins and discusses their potential applications as therapeutic options for integrative cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Khoshnood
- Clinical Microbiology Research Centre, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Hadis Fathizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
| | - Foroogh Neamati
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Babak Negahdari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Piyush Baindara
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Mohd Azmuddin Abdullah
- Department of Toxicology, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam Campus, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Hossein Haddadi
- Clinical Microbiology Research Centre, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- *Correspondence: Mohammad Hossein Haddadi,
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10
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Characterization of Mesothelin Glycosylation in Pancreatic Cancer: Decreased Core Fucosylated Glycoforms in Pancreatic Cancer Patients’ Sera. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081942. [PMID: 36009489 PMCID: PMC9405996 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, there are no reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PaC). Glycoproteomic approaches that analyze the glycan determinants on specific glycoproteins have proven useful to develop more specific cancer biomarkers than the corresponding protein levels. In PaC, mesothelin (MSLN) is a neo-expressed glycoprotein. MSLN glycosylation has not been described and could be altered in PaC. In this work, we aimed to characterize MSLN glycans from PaC cells and serum samples to assess their potential usefulness as PaC biomarkers. First, we analyzed MSLN glycans from PaC cell lines and then we developed an enzyme-linked lectin assay to measure core fucosylated-MSLN (Cf-MSLN) glycoforms. MSLN glycans from PaC cells were analyzed by glycan sequencing and through Western blotting with lectins. All of the cell lines secreted MSLN, with its three N-glycosylation sites occupied by complex-type N-glycans, which were mainly α2,3-sialylated, core fucosylated and highly branched. The Cf-MSLN glycoforms were quantified on PaC serum samples, and compared with MSLN protein levels. The Cf-MSLN was significantly decreased in PaC patients compared to control sera, while no differences were detected by using MSLN protein levels. In conclusion, Cf-MSLN glycoforms were differently expressed in PaC, which opens the way to further investigate their usefulness as PaC biomarkers.
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11
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Sorbara M, Cordelier P, Bery N. Antibody-Based Approaches to Target Pancreatic Tumours. Antibodies (Basel) 2022; 11:antib11030047. [PMID: 35892707 PMCID: PMC9326758 DOI: 10.3390/antib11030047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer with a dismal prognosis. This is due to the difficulty to detect the disease at an early and curable stage. In addition, only limited treatment options are available, and they are confronted by mechanisms of resistance. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) molecules are highly specific biologics that can be directly used as a blocking agent or modified to deliver a drug payload depending on the desired outcome. They are widely used to target extracellular proteins, but they can also be employed to inhibit intracellular proteins, such as oncoproteins. While mAbs are a class of therapeutics that have been successfully employed to treat many cancers, they have shown only limited efficacy in pancreatic cancer as a monotherapy so far. In this review, we will discuss the challenges, opportunities and hopes to use mAbs for pancreatic cancer treatment, diagnostics and imagery.
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12
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Antitumor Efficacy of EGFR-Targeted Recombinant Immunotoxin in Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040486. [PMID: 35453686 PMCID: PMC9027470 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Over 90% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) overexpresses the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, the EGFR-targeted monotherapy response rate only achieves 10-30% in HNSCC. Recombinant immunotoxin (RIT) often consists of an antibody targeting a tumor antigen and a toxin (e.g., diphtheria toxin [DT]) that kills cancer cells. We produced a humanized RIT, designated as hDT806, targeting overexpressed EGFR and investigated its effects in HNSCC. Distinct from the EGFR-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib or antibody cetuximab, hDT806 effectively suppressed cell proliferation in the four HNSCC lines tested (JHU-011, -013, -022, and -029). In JHU-029 mouse xenograft models, hDT806 substantially reduced tumor growth. hDT806 decreased EGFR protein levels and disrupted the EGFR signaling downstream effectors, including MAPK/ERK1/2 and AKT, while increased proapoptotic proteins, such as p53, caspase-9, caspase-3, and the cleaved PAPR. The hDT806-induced apoptosis of HNSCC cells was corroborated by flow cytometric analysis. Furthermore, hDT806 resulted in a drastic inhibition in RNA polymerase II carboxy-terminal domain phosphorylation critical for transcription and a significant increase in the γH2A.X level, a DNA damage marker. Thus, the direct disruption of EGFR signaling, transcription inhibition, DNA damage, as well as apoptosis induced by hDT806 may contribute to its antitumor efficacy in HNSCC.
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13
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Mesothelin: An Immunotherapeutic Target beyond Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061550. [PMID: 35326701 PMCID: PMC8946840 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review summarizes the current knowledge on mesothelin’s function, its role in cancer, and opportunities for immunotherapeutic targeting of mesothelin. Immunotherapies including monoclonal antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates, chimeric antigen receptor T and NK-cells, targeted alpha therapies, and bispecific T cell engaging molecules are reviewed. We show future directions for mesothelin targeting in hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia. Abstract Modern targeted cancer therapies rely on the overexpression of tumor associated antigens with very little to no expression in normal cell types. Mesothelin is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface protein that has been identified in many different tumor types, including lung adenocarcinomas, ovarian carcinomas, and most recently in hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although the function of mesothelin is widely unknown, interactions with MUC16/CA125 indicate that mesothelin plays a role in the regulation of proliferation, growth, and adhesion signaling. Most research on mesothelin currently focuses on utilizing mesothelin to design targeted cancer therapies such as monoclonal antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates, chimeric antigen receptor T and NK cells, bispecific T cell engaging molecules, and targeted alpha therapies, amongst others. Both in vitro and in vivo studies using different immunotherapeutic modalities in mesothelin-positive AML models highlight the potential impact of this approach as a unique opportunity to treat hard-to-cure AML.
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14
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Hosseininejad-Chafi M, Alirahimi E, Ramezani B, Oghalaie A, Sotoudeh N, Ghaderi H, Kazemi-Lomedasht F, Habibi-Anbouhi M, Moazzami R, Behdani M. In vivo solid tumor targeting with recombinant VEGF-diphtheria immunotoxin. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 25:27-31. [PMID: 35656448 PMCID: PMC9118281 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2021.54293.12195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objectives A variety of signaling molecules have been identified that play a role in angiogenesis, of prime importance, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its resceptor (VEGFR), which is highly expressed in most human solid tumors. Targeting VEGF or/and VEGFR with immunotoxin may be a promising approach to directly affect cancer cells. Immunotoxins are for targeted treatment comprising two functional moieties, an antibody that binds to target cells along with toxin that kills molecules. Materials and Methods In this study, an immunotoxin comprising domain of diphtheria toxin subunit A (DT386) genetically fused to mouse VEGF (mVEGF-DT) was developed. The second construct, which contains the DT386 domain, was made to investigate the action of the DT386 domain on tumor cells. Both gene constructs were cloned, expressed, and were further purified. The biological activity of mVEGF-DT and DT386 proteins was assessed on the TC1 cell line bearing mouse model. Proteins were injected intra-tumoral in mice, in separate groups. Results Tumors in the mVEGF-DT group started to dwindle after six injections, but tumor size in both control groups (DT386 and PBS), continued to grow. Conclusion Successful targeting of solid tumor cells by mVEGF-DT immunotoxin demonstrates the therapeutic potential utility of these conjugates for tumor targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ehsan Alirahimi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Ramezani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akbar Oghalaie
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazli Sotoudeh
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hajarsadat Ghaderi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kazemi-Lomedasht
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Reza Moazzami
- Human Genetics Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Havaei SM, Aucoin MG, Jahanian-Najafabadi A. Pseudomonas Exotoxin-Based Immunotoxins: Over Three Decades of Efforts on Targeting Cancer Cells With the Toxin. Front Oncol 2021; 11:781800. [PMID: 34976821 PMCID: PMC8716853 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.781800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the prominent causes of death worldwide. Despite the existence of various modalities for cancer treatment, many types of cancer remain uncured or develop resistance to therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, almost all chemotherapeutics cause a range of side effects because they affect normal cells in addition to malignant cells. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic agents that are targeted specifically toward cancer cells is indispensable. Immunotoxins (ITs) are a class of tumor cell-targeted fusion proteins consisting of both a targeting moiety and a toxic moiety. The targeting moiety is usually an antibody/antibody fragment or a ligand of the immune system that can bind an antigen or receptor that is only expressed or overexpressed by cancer cells but not normal cells. The toxic moiety is usually a protein toxin (or derivative) of animal, plant, insect, or bacterial origin. To date, three ITs have gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for human use, including denileukin diftitox (FDA approval: 1999), tagraxofusp (FDA approval: 2018), and moxetumomab pasudotox (FDA approval: 2018). All of these ITs take advantage of bacterial protein toxins. The toxic moiety of the first two ITs is a truncated form of diphtheria toxin, and the third is a derivative of Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE). There is a growing list of ITs using PE, or its derivatives, being evaluated preclinically or clinically. Here, we will review these ITs to highlight the advances in PE-based anticancer strategies, as well as review the targeting moieties that are used to reduce the non-specific destruction of non-cancerous cells. Although we tried to be as comprehensive as possible, we have limited our review to those ITs that have proceeded to clinical trials and are still under active clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mehdi Havaei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marc G. Aucoin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Ali Jahanian-Najafabadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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16
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Alkhilaiwi F. Conditionally Reprogrammed Cells and Robotic High-Throughput Screening for Precision Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:761986. [PMID: 34737964 PMCID: PMC8560709 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.761986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a devastating disease that takes the lives of millions of people globally every year. Precision cancer therapy is based on a patient's tumor histopathology, expression analyses, and/or tumor RNA or DNA analysis. Only 2%-20% of patients with solid tumors benefit from genomics-based precision oncology. Therefore, functional diagnostics and patient-derived cancer models are needed for precision cancer therapy. In this review, we will summarize the potential use of conditional cell reprogramming (CR) and robotic high-throughput screening in precision cancer medicine. Briefly, the CR method includes the co-culturing of irradiated Swiss-3T3-J2 mouse fibroblast cells alongside digested primary non-pathogenic or pathogenic cells with the existence of Rho-associated serine-threonine protein kinase inhibitor called Y-27632, creating an exterior culture environment, allowing the cells to have the ability to gain partial properties of stem cells. On the other hand, quantitative high-throughput screening (qHTS) assays screen thousands of compounds that use cells in a short period of time. The combination of both technologies has the potential to become a driving force for precision cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faris Alkhilaiwi
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Regenerative Medicine Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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17
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Jiang Q, Ghafoor A, Mian I, Rathkey D, Thomas A, Alewine C, Sengupta M, Ahlman MA, Zhang J, Morrow B, Steinberg SM, Pastan I, Hassan R. Enhanced efficacy of mesothelin-targeted immunotoxin LMB-100 and anti-PD-1 antibody in patients with mesothelioma and mouse tumor models. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/550/eaaz7252. [PMID: 32611684 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz7252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
LMB-100 is an immunotoxin targeting the cell surface protein mesothelin, which is highly expressed in many cancers including mesothelioma. Having observed that patients receiving pembrolizumab off protocol after LMB-100 treatment had increased tumor responses; we characterized these responses and developed animal models to study whether LMB-100 made tumors more responsive to antibodies blocking programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). The overall objective tumor response in the 10 patients who received PD-1 inhibitor (pembrolizumab, 9; nivolumab, 1) after progression on LMB-100 was 40%, and the median overall survival was 11.9 months. Of the seven evaluable patients, four had objective tumor responses, including one complete response and three partial responses, and the overall survival for these patients was 39.0+, 27.7, 32.6+, and 13.8 months. When stratified with regard to programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, four of five patients with tumor PD-L1 expression had objective tumor response. Patients with positive tumor PD-L1 expression also had increased progression-free survival (11.3 versus 2.1 months, P = 0.0018) compared with those lacking PD-L1 expression. There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival (27.7 versus 6.8 months, P = 0.1). LMB-100 caused a systemic inflammatory response and recruitment of CD8+ T cells in patients' tumors. The enhanced antitumor effects with LMB-100 plus anti-PD-1 antibody were also observed in a human peripheral blood mononuclear cell-engrafted mesothelioma mouse model and a human mesothelin-expressing syngeneic lung adenocarcinoma mouse model. LMB-100 plus pembrolizumab is now being evaluated in a prospective clinical trial for patients with mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Jiang
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Azam Ghafoor
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Idrees Mian
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Daniel Rathkey
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anish Thomas
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christine Alewine
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Manjistha Sengupta
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mark A Ahlman
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jingli Zhang
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Betsy Morrow
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Seth M Steinberg
- Biostatistics and Data Management Section, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Raffit Hassan
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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18
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Enell Smith K, Deronic A, Hägerbrand K, Norlén P, Ellmark P. Rationale and clinical development of CD40 agonistic antibodies for cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:1635-1646. [PMID: 34043482 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1934446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: CD40 signaling activates dendritic cells leading to improved T cell priming against tumor antigens. CD40 agonism expands the tumor-specific T cell repertoire and has the potential to increase the fraction of patients that respond to established immunotherapies.Areas covered: This article reviews current as well as emerging CD40 agonist therapies with a focus on antibody-based therapies, including next generation bispecific CD40 agonists. The scientific rationale for different design criteria, binding epitopes, and formats are discussed.Expert opinion: The ability of CD40 agonists to activate dendritic cells and enhance antigen cross-presentation to CD8+ T cells provides an opportunity to elevate response rates of cancer immunotherapies. While there are many challenges left to address, including optimal dose regimen, CD40 agonist profile, combination partners and indications, we are confident that CD40 agonists will play an important role in the challenging task of reprogramming the immune system to fight cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Peter Ellmark
- Alligator Bioscience AB, Sweden.,Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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19
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Zhao R, Li R, An T, Liu X. Conditional Cell Reprogramming in Modeling Digestive System Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:669756. [PMID: 34150763 PMCID: PMC8211013 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.669756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Digestive diseases have become an important source of morbidity and mortality. The considerable financial and health burdens caused by digestive diseases confirm the importance of extensive research to better understand and treat these diseases. The development of reliable preclinical models is essential for understanding the pathogenesis of digestive diseases and developing treatment and prevention methods. However, traditional established cell lines and animal models still have many limitations in the study of the digestive system. Conditional reprogramming (CR) cell culture is a newly developed primary technology that uses irradiated Swiss-3T3-J2 mouse fibroblast cells and the Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 to rapidly and efficiently generate many cells from diseased and normal tissues. CR cells (CRCs) can be reprogrammed to maintain a highly proliferative state and recapitulate the histological and genomic features of the original tissue. Moreover, after removing these conditions, the phenotype was completely reversible. Therefore, CR technology may represent an ideal model to study digestive system diseases, to test drug sensitivity, to perform gene profile analysis, and to undertake xenograft research and regenerative medicine. Indeed, together with organoid cultures, CR technology has been recognized as one of the key new technologies by NIH precision oncology and also used for NCI human cancer model initiatives (HCMI) program with ATCC. In this article, we review studies that use CR technology to conduct research on diseases of the digestive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianqi An
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States.,Departments of Pathology and Urology, The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States.,James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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20
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Wu M, Hong G, Chen Y, Ye L, Zhang K, Cai K, Yang H, Long X, Gao W, Li H. Personalized drug testing in a patient with non-small-cell lung cancer using cultured cancer cells from pleural effusion. J Int Med Res 2021; 48:300060520955058. [PMID: 32954884 PMCID: PMC7509736 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520955058] [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] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and primary or acquired resistance do not respond to targeted drugs. We explored whether cancer cells can be cultured from liquid biopsies from patients with primary resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We aimed to predict patients’ responses to drugs according to in vitro drug testing results. Methods Cancer cell cultures were established from the pleural effusion of a patient with TKI-resistant NSCLC using a conditional reprogramming technique. Phenotypic drug sensitivity tests were performed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. We tested individual drugs and compared the synergistic and inhibitory effects of drug combinations. Results The results of our in vitro sensitivity test using the combination of cisplatin and pemetrexed were correlated with the patient’s response. Conclusion This represents the first successful report of predictive testing for combination therapy in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant NSCLC and primary TKI resistance. This strategy should be applicable to both chemotherapies and targeted therapies, and it will significantly improve the clinical treatment and management of patients with NSCLC and primary or acquired resistance to targeted therapies, as well as patients lacking targetable mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wu
- Wuhan University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Guodai Hong
- Shenzhen Luohu People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Wuhan University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lina Ye
- Wuhan University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Kang Zhang
- Wuhan University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaihong Cai
- Wuhan University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Huadong Yang
- Wuhan University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiang Long
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenbin Gao
- Shenzhen Luohu People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Li
- Wuhan University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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21
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Antibody therapy in pancreatic cancer: mAb-ye we're onto something? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188557. [PMID: 33945846 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains an extremely deadly disease, with little improvement seen in treatment or outcomes over the last 40 years. Targeted monoclonal antibody therapy is one area that has been explored in attempts to tackle this disease. This review examines antibodies that have undergone clinical evaluation in pancreatic cancer. These antibodies target a wide variety of molecules, including tumour cell surface, stromal, immune and embryonic pathway targets. We discuss the therapeutic utility of these therapies both as monotherapeutics and in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy. While antibody therapy for pancreatic cancer has yet to yield significant success, lessons learned from research thus far highlights future directions that may help overcome observed hurdles to yield clinically efficacious results.
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22
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Dashtiahangar M, Rahbarnia L, Farajnia S, Salmaninejad A, Shabgah AG, Ghasemali S. Anti-cancer Immunotoxins, Challenges, and Approaches. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:932-941. [PMID: 33023437 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666201006155346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The development of recombinant immunotoxins (RITs) as a novel therapeutic strategy has made a revolution in the treatment of cancer. RITs result from the fusion of antibodies to toxin proteins for targeting and eliminating cancerous cells by inhibiting protein synthesis. Despite indisputable outcomes of RITs regarding inhibition of multiple cancer types, high immunogenicity has been known as the main obstacle in the clinical use of RITs. Various strategies have been proposed to overcome these limitations, including immunosuppressive therapy, humanization of the antibody fragment moiety, generation of immunotoxins originated from endogenous human cytotoxic enzymes, and modification of the toxin moiety to escape the immune system. This paper is devoted to review recent advances in the design of immunotoxins with lower immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Dashtiahangar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Leila Rahbarnia
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Safar Farajnia
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Arezoo Gowhari Shabgah
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Samaneh Ghasemali
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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23
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Li Q, Li W, Xu K, Xing Y, Ding Y, Jing Z, Wang X, Hong Z. Preclinical evaluation of a novel anti-mesothelin immunotoxin based on a single domain antibody as the targeting ligand. Int J Pharm 2021; 602:120647. [PMID: 33915185 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, as one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies in the world, is lack of effective treatment. Constructing immunotoxin molecules to target the mesothelin (MSLN) receptor is a potential therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer and other related malignant tumors, with some molecules being tested in clinical trials. However, currently, there are still some limitations in its applications, such as the difficulty of the preparation of drug molecules, the limited effectiveness of drugs, and the inadequacy of drug safety and immunogenicity. In this study, we constructed a novel type of anti-MSLN immunotoxin, A1-PE24X7, in which a single domain antibody (sdAb) molecule was used as the target ligand and an improved PE24X7 toxin with reduced off-target toxicity and immunogenicity was used as the effector. Unlike conventional immunotoxins, the designed A1-PE24X7 could be easily expressed in the E. coli system in the form of a soluble protein with a good yield (15--20 mg/L), avoiding the complex process of denaturation and refolding of inclusion bodies, and it can be conveniently stored in PBS solution for more than 7 days at 4 °C, showing high storage stability. Cell-based experiments showed that A1-PE24X7 entered MSLN-expressing tumor cells in a receptor-mediated manner and killed these cells with an EC50 in the low nanomolar range (0.13 nM against NCI-N87 cells and 0.79 nM against AsPC-1 cells) and it showed ideal selectivity for the MSLN receptor (>100 nM against receptor negative PC3 cells). In animal-based experiments, A1-PE24X7 had tumor enrichment ability in relation to MSLN-positive tumors and showed strong tumor killing and inhibition in mouse models of pancreatic cancer and gastric cancer. Five injections of 3.0 mg/kg A1-PE24X7 significantly reduced the tumor volume of gastric NCI-N87 cancer and also significantly inhibited the growth of pancreatic AsPC-1 cancer. In addition, the maximum tolerable dosage (MSD) of A1-PE24X7 to mice was higher than 15 mg/kg, showing that A1-PE24X7 has a relatively broad therapeutic window. These preclinical results indicate that this strategy has good potential for application to the treatment of pancreatic cancer and other tumors with high MSLN expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Wenjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Keyuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Yutong Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Yu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Zhe Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Xi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Zhangyong Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China.
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24
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Multiple proteases are involved in mesothelin shedding by cancer cells. Commun Biol 2020; 3:728. [PMID: 33262421 PMCID: PMC7708464 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01464-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesothelin (MSLN) is a lineage restricted cell surface protein expressed in about 30% of human cancers and high MSLN expression is associated with poor survival in several different cancers. The restricted expression of MSLN in normal tissue and its frequent expression in cancers make MSLN an excellent target for antibody-based therapies. Many clinical trials with agents targeting MSLN have been carried out but to date none of these agents have produced enough responses to obtain FDA approval. MSLN shedding is an important factor that may contribute to the failure of these therapies, because shed MSLN acts as a decoy receptor and allows release of antibodies bound to cell-surface MSLN. We have investigated the mechanism of shedding and show here that members of the ADAM, MMP and BACE families of proteases all participate in shedding, that more than one protease can produce shedding in the same cell, and that inhibition of shedding greatly enhances killing of cells by an immunotoxin targeting MSLN. Our data indicates that controlling MSLN shedding could greatly increase the activity of therapies that target MSLN.
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25
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Klampatsa A, Dimou V, Albelda SM. Mesothelin-targeted CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 21:473-486. [PMID: 33176519 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1843628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Mesothelin (MSLN) is a tumor differentiation antigen normally restricted to the body's mesothelial surfaces, but significantly overexpressed in a broad range of solid tumors. For this reason, MSLN has emerged as an important target for the development of novel immunotherapies. This review focuses on anti-MSLN chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy approaches.Areas covered: A brief overview of MSLN as a therapeutic target and existing anti-MSLN antibody-based drugs and vaccines is provided. A detailed account of anti-MSLN CAR-T cell approaches utilized in preclinical models is presented. Finally, a comprehensive summary of currently ongoing and completed anti-MSLN CAR-T cell clinical trials is discussed.Expert opinion: Initial trials using anti-MSLN CAR-T cells have been safe, but efficacy has been limited. Employing regional routes of delivery, introducing novel modifications leading to enhanced tumor infiltration and persistence, and improved safety profiles and combining anti-MSLN CAR-T cells with standard therapies, could render them more efficacious in the treatment of solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astero Klampatsa
- Thoracic Oncology Immunotherapy Group, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Vivian Dimou
- Thoracic Oncology Immunotherapy Group, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Steven M Albelda
- Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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26
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Stoessel A, Groysbeck N, Guyot L, Barret L, Nominé Y, Nguekeu-Zebaze L, Bender A, Voilquin L, Lutz T, Pallaoro N, Blocat M, Deville C, Masson M, Zuber G, Chatton B, Donzeau M. Modular Conjugation of a Potent Anti-HER2 Immunotoxin Using Coassociating Peptides. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:2421-2430. [PMID: 32996763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Immunotoxins are emerging candidates for cancer therapeutics. These biomolecules consist of a cell-targeting protein combined to a polypeptide toxin. Associations of both entities can be achieved either chemically by covalent bonds or genetically creating fusion proteins. However, chemical agents can affect the activity and/or stability of the conjugate proteins, and additional purification steps are often required to isolate the final conjugate from unwanted byproducts. As for fusion proteins, they often suffer from low solubility and yield. In this report, we describe a straightforward conjugation process to generate an immunotoxin using coassociating peptides (named K3 and E3), originating from the tetramerization domain of p53. To that end, a nanobody targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (nano-HER2) and a protein toxin fragment from Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (TOX) were genetically fused to the E3 and K3 peptides. Entities were produced separately in Escherichia coli in soluble forms and at high yields. The nano-HER2 fused to the E3 or K3 helixes (nano-HER2-E3 and nano-HER2-K3) and the coassembled immunotoxins (nano-HER2-K3E3-TOX and nano-HER2-E3K3-TOX) presented binding specificity on HER2-overexpressing cells with relative binding constants in the low nanomolar to picomolar range. Both toxin modules (E3-TOX and K3-TOX) and the combined immunotoxins exhibited similar cytotoxicity levels compared to the toxin alone (TOX). Finally, nano-HER2-K3E3-TOX and nano-HER2-E3K3-TOX evaluated on various breast cancer cells were highly potent and specific to killing HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells with IC50 values in the picomolar range. Altogether, we demonstrate that this noncovalent conjugation method using two coassembling peptides can be easily implemented for the modular engineering of immunotoxins targeting different types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Stoessel
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie Strasbourg, F-67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Nadja Groysbeck
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie Strasbourg, F-67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Lucile Guyot
- IMPReSs Facility, Biotechnology and Cell Signaling, CNRS-University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, F-67412 Illkirch, France
- NovAliX, Bioparc, F-67405 Illkirch, France
| | - Lina Barret
- IMPReSs Facility, Biotechnology and Cell Signaling, CNRS-University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, F-67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Yves Nominé
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, F-67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Leonel Nguekeu-Zebaze
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie Strasbourg, F-67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Ambre Bender
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie Strasbourg, F-67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Laetitia Voilquin
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, F-67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Thomas Lutz
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie Strasbourg, F-67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Nikita Pallaoro
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie Strasbourg, F-67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Marie Blocat
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie Strasbourg, F-67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Celia Deville
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, F-67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Murielle Masson
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie Strasbourg, F-67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Guy Zuber
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie Strasbourg, F-67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Bruno Chatton
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie Strasbourg, F-67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Mariel Donzeau
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie Strasbourg, F-67412 Illkirch, France
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Hassan R, Alewine C, Mian I, Spreafico A, Siu LL, Gomez‐Roca C, Delord J, Italiano A, Lassen U, Soria J, Bahleda R, Thomas A, Steinberg SM, Peer CJ, Figg WD, Niederfellner G, Méresse Naegelen V, Pastan I. Phase 1 study of the immunotoxin LMB‐100 in patients with mesothelioma and other solid tumors expressing mesothelin. Cancer 2020; 126:4936-4947. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raffit Hassan
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch Center for Cancer Research National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland
| | - Christine Alewine
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology Center for Cancer Research National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland
| | - Idrees Mian
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch Center for Cancer Research National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland
| | - Anna Spreafico
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology Princess Margaret Cancer Centre University Health NetworkUniversity of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Lillian L. Siu
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology Princess Margaret Cancer Centre University Health NetworkUniversity of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | | | | | - Antoine Italiano
- Department of Medicine Bergonie Institute Bordeaux France
- Faculty of Medicine University of Bordeaux Bordeaux France
| | - Ulrik Lassen
- Department of Oncology Rigshospitalet Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Jean‐Charles Soria
- Gustave Roussy Institute Villejuif France
- University of Paris–South Orsay France
| | | | - Anish Thomas
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch Center for Cancer Research National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland
| | - Seth M. Steinberg
- Biostatistics and Data Management Section Center for Cancer Research National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland
| | - Cody J. Peer
- Clinical Pharmacology Program Center for Cancer Research National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland
| | - William D. Figg
- Clinical Pharmacology Program Center for Cancer Research National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch Center for Cancer Research National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland
| | | | | | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology Center for Cancer Research National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland
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28
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Wu X, Wang S, Li M, Li J, Shen J, Zhao Y, Pang J, Wen Q, Chen M, Wei B, Kaboli PJ, Du F, Zhao Q, Cho CH, Wang Y, Xiao Z, Wu X. Conditional reprogramming: next generation cell culture. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:1360-1381. [PMID: 32963937 PMCID: PMC7488362 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term primary culture of mammalian cells has been always difficult due to unavoidable senescence. Conventional methods for generating immortalized cell lines usually require manipulation of genome which leads to change of important biological and genetic characteristics. Recently, conditional reprogramming (CR) emerges as a novel next generation tool for long-term culture of primary epithelium cells derived from almost all origins without alteration of genetic background of primary cells. CR co-cultures primary cells with inactivated mouse 3T3-J2 fibroblasts in the presence of RHO-related protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632, enabling primary cells to acquire stem-like characteristics while retain their ability to fully differentiate. With only a few years' development, CR shows broad prospects in applications in varied areas including disease modeling, regenerative medicine, drug evaluation, drug discovery as well as precision medicine. This review is thus to comprehensively summarize and assess current progress in understanding mechanism of CR and its wide applications, highlighting the value of CR in both basic and translational researches and discussing the challenges faced with CR.
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Key Words
- 3T3-J2 fibroblast
- AACR, American Association for Cancer Research
- ACC, adenoid cystic carcinoma
- AR, androgen receptor
- CFTR, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators
- CR, conditional reprogramming
- CYPs, cytochrome P450 enzymes
- Conditional reprogramming
- DCIS, ductal carcinoma in situ
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- ESC, embryonic stem cell
- HCMI, human cancer model initiatives
- HGF, hepatocyte growth factor
- HNE, human nasal epithelial
- HPV, human papillomaviruses
- ICD, intracellular domain
- LECs, limbal epithelial cells
- NCI, National Cancer Institute
- NGFR, nerve growth factor receptor
- NSCLC, non-small cell lung cancer
- NSG, NOD/SCID/gamma
- PDAC, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
- PDX, patient derived xenograft
- PP2A, protein phosphatase 2A
- RB, retinoblastoma-associated protein
- ROCK
- ROCK, Rho kinase
- SV40, simian virus 40 large tumor antigen
- Senescence
- UVB, ultraviolet radiation b
- Y-27632
- dECM, decellularized extracellular matrix
- hASC, human adipose stem cells
- hTERT, human telomerase reverse transcriptase
- iPSCs, induction of pluripotent stem cells
- ΔNP63α, N-terminal truncated form of P63α
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Hospital (T.C.M) Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jun Pang
- Center of Radiation Oncology, Hospital (T.C.M) Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Meijuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Bin Wei
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Qijie Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Chi Hin Cho
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
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29
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Dieffenbach M, Pastan I. Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotoxins Containing Pseudomonas Exotoxin A in Cancer Therapy. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E979. [PMID: 32630017 PMCID: PMC7408526 DOI: 10.3390/biom10070979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxins are a class of targeted cancer therapeutics in which a toxin such as Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) is linked to an antibody or cytokine to direct the toxin to a target on cancer cells. While a variety of PE-based immunotoxins have been developed and a few have demonstrated promising clinical and preclinical results, cancer cells frequently have or develop resistance to these immunotoxins. This review presents our current understanding of the mechanism of action of PE-based immunotoxins and discusses cellular mechanisms of resistance that interfere with various steps of the pathway. These steps include binding of the immunotoxin to the target antigen, internalization, intracellular processing and trafficking to reach the cytosol, inhibition of protein synthesis through ADP-ribosylation of elongation factor 2 (EF2), and induction of apoptosis. Combination therapies that increase immunotoxin action and overcome specific mechanisms of resistance are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA;
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30
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Mazor R, Pastan I. Immunogenicity of Immunotoxins Containing Pseudomonas Exotoxin A: Causes, Consequences, and Mitigation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1261. [PMID: 32695104 PMCID: PMC7333791 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxins are cytolytic fusion proteins developed for cancer therapy, composed of an antibody fragment that binds to a cancer cell and a protein toxin fragment that kills the cell. Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) is a potent toxin that is used for the killing moiety in many immunotoxins. Moxetumomab Pasudotox (Lumoxiti) contains an anti-CD22 Fv and a 38 kDa portion of PE. Lumoxiti was discovered in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology at the U.S. National Cancer Institute and co-developed with Medimmune/AstraZeneca to treat hairy cell leukemia. In 2018 Lumoxiti was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of drug-resistant Hairy Cell Leukemia. Due to the bacterial origin of the killing moiety, immunotoxins containing PE are highly immunogenic in patients with normal immune systems, but less immunogenic in patients with hematologic malignancies, whose immune systems are often compromised. LMB-100 is a de-immunized variant of the toxin with a humanized antibody that targets mesothelin and a PE toxin that was rationally designed for diminished reactivity with antibodies and B cell receptors. It is now being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of mesothelioma and pancreatic cancer and is showing somewhat diminished immunogenicity compared to its un modified parental counterpart. Here we review the immunogenicity of the original and de-immunized PE immunotoxins in mice and patients, the development of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), their impact on drug availability and their effect on clinical efficacy. Efforts to mitigate the immunogenicity of immunotoxins and its impact on immunogenicity will be described including rational design to identify, remove, or suppress B cell or T cell epitopes, and combination of immunotoxins with immune modulating drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Mazor
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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31
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Montemagno C, Cassim S, Pouyssegur J, Broisat A, Pagès G. From Malignant Progression to Therapeutic Targeting: Current Insights of Mesothelin in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4067. [PMID: 32517181 PMCID: PMC7312874 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), accounting for 90% of all pancreatic tumors, is a highly devastating disease with poor prognosis and rising incidence. The lack of available specific diagnostics tests and the limited treatment opportunities contribute to this pejorative issue. Over the last 10 years, a growing interest pointing towards mesothelin (MSLN) as a promising PDAC-associated antigen has emerged. The limited expression of MSLN in normal tissues (peritoneum, pleura and pericardium) and its overexpression in 80 to 90% of PDAC make it an attractive candidate for therapeutic management of PDAC patients. Moreover, its role in malignant progression related to its involvement in tumor cell proliferation and resistance to chemotherapy has highlighted the relevance of its targeting. Hence, several clinical trials are investigating anti-MSLN efficacy in PDAC. In this review, we provide a general overview of the different roles sustained by MSLN during PDAC progression. Finally, we also summarize the different MSLN-targeted therapies that are currently tested in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Montemagno
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (S.C.); (J.P.); (G.P.)
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, Université Cote d’Azur, CNRS UMR 7284, INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06200 Nice, France
| | - Shamir Cassim
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (S.C.); (J.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Jacques Pouyssegur
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (S.C.); (J.P.); (G.P.)
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, Université Cote d’Azur, CNRS UMR 7284, INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06200 Nice, France
| | - Alexis Broisat
- Laboratoire Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM, 1039-Université de Grenoble, 38700 La Tronche, France;
| | - Gilles Pagès
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (S.C.); (J.P.); (G.P.)
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, Université Cote d’Azur, CNRS UMR 7284, INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06200 Nice, France
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32
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Generation of a Transgenic BALB/c Mouse Line With Selective Expression of Human Mesothelin in Thyroid Gland: Application in Mesothelin-targeted Immunotherapy. J Immunother 2020; 42:119-125. [PMID: 30933045 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite encouraging clinical results with immune checkpoint inhibitors and other types of immunotherapies, the rate of failure is still very high. The development of proper animal models which could be applied to the screening of effective preclinical antitumor drugs targeting human tumor antigens, such as mesothelin (MSLN), is a great need. MSLN is a 40 kDa cell-surface glycoprotein which is highly expressed in a variety of human cancers, and has great value as a target for antibody-based therapies. The present study reports the establishment of an immunocompetent transgenic mouse expressing human MSLN (hMSLN) only in thyroid gland by utilizing an expression vector containing a thyroid peroxidase (TPO) promoter. These mice do not reject genetically modified tumor cells expressing hMSLN on the cell membrane, and tolerate high doses of hMSLN-targeted immunotoxin. Employing this TPO-MSLN mouse model, we find that the combination treatment of LMB-100 and anti-CTLA-4 induces complete tumor regression in 91% of the mice burdened with 66C14-M tumor cells. The combination therapy provides a significant survival benefit compared with both LMB-100 and anti-CTLA-4 monotherapy. In addition, the cured mice reject tumor cells when rechallenged, indicating the development of long-term antitumor immunity. This novel TPO-MSLN mouse model can serve as an important animal tool to better predict tumor responses to any immunomodulatory therapies that target MSLN.
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Zheng Z, Okada R, Kobayashi H, Nagaya T, Wei J, Zhou Q, Lee F, Bera TK, Gao Y, Kuhlman W, Tai CH, Pastan I. Site-Specific PEGylation of Anti-Mesothelin Recombinant Immunotoxins Increases Half-life and Antitumor Activity. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 19:812-821. [PMID: 31871266 PMCID: PMC7056543 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant immunotoxins (RIT) are chimeric proteins containing an Fv that binds to tumor cells, fused to a fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE) that kills the cell. Their efficacy is limited by their short half-life in the circulation. Chemical modification with polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a well-established method to extend the half-lives of biologics. Our goal was to engineer RITs with an increase in half-life and high cytotoxic activity. We introduced single cysteines at different locations in five anti-mesothelin RITs and employed site-specific PEGylation to conjugate them to 20-kDa PEG. Because our previous PEGylation method using β-mercaptoethanol reduction gave poor yields of PEG-modified protein, we employed a new method using tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine to reduce the protein and could PEGylate RITs at approximately 90% efficiency. The new proteins retained 19% to 65% of cytotoxic activity. Although all proteins are modified with the same PEG, the radius of hydration varies from 5.2 to 7.1, showing PEG location has a large effect on protein shape. The RIT with the smallest radius of hydration has the highest cytotoxic activity. The PEGylated RITs have a 10- to 30-fold increase in half-life that is related to the increase in hydrodynamic size. Biodistribution experiments indicate that the long half-life is due to delayed uptake by the kidney. Antitumor experiments show that several PEG-RITs are much more active than unmodified RIT, and the PEG location greatly affects antitumor activity. We conclude that PEGylation is a useful approach to improve the half-life and antitumor activity of RITs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeliang Zheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ryuhei Okada
- Laboratory of Molecular Theranostics, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hisataka Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Theranostics, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tadanobu Nagaya
- Laboratory of Molecular Theranostics, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Junxia Wei
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Qi Zhou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Fred Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tapan K Bera
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yun Gao
- Selecta Biosciences, Watertown, Massachusetts
| | | | - Chin-Hsien Tai
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Alewine C, Ahmad M, Peer CJ, Hu ZI, Lee MJ, Yuno A, Kindrick JD, Thomas A, Steinberg SM, Trepel JB, Figg WD, Hassan R, Pastan I. Phase I/II Study of the Mesothelin-targeted Immunotoxin LMB-100 with Nab-Paclitaxel for Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 26:828-836. [PMID: 31792036 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE LMB-100 is a recombinant immunotoxin (iTox) consisting of a mesothelin-binding Fab for targeting and a modified Pseudomonas exotoxin A payload. Preclinical studies showed that combining taxanes with iTox results in synergistic antitumor activity. The objectives of this phase I/II study were to determine the MTD of LMB-100 when administered with nanoalbumin bound (nab)-paclitaxel to patients with previously treated advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma and to assess the objective response rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients (n = 20) received fixed-dose nab-paclitaxel (125 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8) with LMB-100 (65 or 100 μg/kg on days 1, 3, and 5) in 21-day cycles for 1-3 cycles. RESULTS Fourteen patients were treated on the dose escalation and an additional six in the phase II expansion. MTD of 65 μg/kg was established for the combination. Dose-limiting toxicity resulting from capillary leak syndrome (CLS) was seen in two of five patients treated at 100 μg/kg and one of six evaluable phase I patients receiving the MTD. Severity of CLS was associated with increases in apoptotic circulating endothelial cells. LMB-100 exposure was unaffected by anti-LMB-100 antibody formation in five of 13 patients during cycle 2. Seven of 17 evaluable patients experienced >50% decrease in CA 19-9, including three with previous exposure to nab-paclitaxel. One patient developed an objective partial response. Patients with biomarker responses had higher tumor mesothelin expression. CONCLUSIONS Although clinical activity was observed, the combination was not well tolerated and alternative drug combinations with LMB-100 will be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Alewine
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Mehwish Ahmad
- Office of Research Nursing, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Cody J Peer
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Zishuo I Hu
- Medical Oncology Service, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Min-Jung Lee
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Akira Yuno
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jessica D Kindrick
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Anish Thomas
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Seth M Steinberg
- Biostatistics and Data Management Section, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jane B Trepel
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - William D Figg
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Raffit Hassan
- Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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Palechor-Ceron N, Krawczyk E, Dakic A, Simic V, Yuan H, Blancato J, Wang W, Hubbard F, Zheng YL, Dan H, Strome S, Cullen K, Davidson B, Deeken JF, Choudhury S, Ahn PH, Agarwal S, Zhou X, Schlegel R, Furth PA, Pan CX, Liu X. Conditional Reprogramming for Patient-Derived Cancer Models and Next-Generation Living Biobanks. Cells 2019; 8:E1327. [PMID: 31717887 PMCID: PMC6912808 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional cancer models including cell lines and animal models have limited applications in both basic and clinical cancer research. Genomics-based precision oncology only help 2-20% patients with solid cancer. Functional diagnostics and patient-derived cancer models are needed for precision cancer biology. In this review, we will summarize applications of conditional cell reprogramming (CR) in cancer research and next generation living biobanks (NGLB). Together with organoids, CR has been cited in two NCI (National Cancer Institute, USA) programs (PDMR: patient-derived cancer model repository; HCMI: human cancer model initiatives. HCMI will be distributed through ATCC). Briefly, the CR method is a simple co-culture technology with a Rho kinase inhibitor, Y-27632, in combination with fibroblast feeder cells, which allows us to rapidly expand both normal and malignant epithelial cells from diverse anatomic sites and mammalian species and does not require transfection with exogenous viral or cellular genes. Establishment of CR cells from both normal and tumor tissue is highly efficient. The robust nature of the technique is exemplified by the ability to produce 2 × 106 cells in five days from a core biopsy of tumor tissue. Normal CR cell cultures retain a normal karyotype and differentiation potential and CR cells derived from tumors retain their tumorigenic phenotype. CR also allows us to enrich cancer cells from urine (for bladder cancer), blood (for prostate cancer), and pleural effusion (for non-small cell lung carcinoma). The ability to produce inexhaustible cell populations using CR technology from small biopsies and cryopreserved specimens has the potential to transform biobanking repositories (NGLB: next-generation living biobank) and current pathology practice by enabling genetic, biochemical, metabolomic, proteomic, and biological assays, including chemosensitivity testing as a functional diagnostics tool for precision cancer medicine. We discussed analyses of patient-derived matched normal and tumor models using a case with tongue squamous cell carcinoma as an example. Last, we summarized applications in cancer research, disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine of CR-based NGLB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Palechor-Ceron
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (N.P.-C.); (E.K.); (A.D.); (V.S.); (H.Y.); (S.C.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Ewa Krawczyk
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (N.P.-C.); (E.K.); (A.D.); (V.S.); (H.Y.); (S.C.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Aleksandra Dakic
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (N.P.-C.); (E.K.); (A.D.); (V.S.); (H.Y.); (S.C.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Vera Simic
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (N.P.-C.); (E.K.); (A.D.); (V.S.); (H.Y.); (S.C.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Hang Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (N.P.-C.); (E.K.); (A.D.); (V.S.); (H.Y.); (S.C.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Jan Blancato
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (J.B.); (W.W.); (Y.-L.Z.); (P.A.F.)
| | - Weisheng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (J.B.); (W.W.); (Y.-L.Z.); (P.A.F.)
| | - Fleesie Hubbard
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (F.H.); (H.D.); (S.S.); (K.C.)
| | - Yun-Ling Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (J.B.); (W.W.); (Y.-L.Z.); (P.A.F.)
| | - Hancai Dan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (F.H.); (H.D.); (S.S.); (K.C.)
| | - Scott Strome
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (F.H.); (H.D.); (S.S.); (K.C.)
| | - Kevin Cullen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (F.H.); (H.D.); (S.S.); (K.C.)
| | - Bruce Davidson
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - John F. Deeken
- Inova Translational Medicine Institute, Inova Health System, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA;
| | - Sujata Choudhury
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (N.P.-C.); (E.K.); (A.D.); (V.S.); (H.Y.); (S.C.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Peter H. Ahn
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Seema Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (N.P.-C.); (E.K.); (A.D.); (V.S.); (H.Y.); (S.C.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Xuexun Zhou
- iCryobiol and iFuture Technologies, Shanghai 200127, China;
| | - Richard Schlegel
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (N.P.-C.); (E.K.); (A.D.); (V.S.); (H.Y.); (S.C.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Priscilla A. Furth
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (J.B.); (W.W.); (Y.-L.Z.); (P.A.F.)
| | - Chong-Xian Pan
- University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (N.P.-C.); (E.K.); (A.D.); (V.S.); (H.Y.); (S.C.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (J.B.); (W.W.); (Y.-L.Z.); (P.A.F.)
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Critical Issues in the Development of Immunotoxins for Anticancer Therapy. J Pharm Sci 2019; 109:104-115. [PMID: 31669121 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunotoxins (ITs) are attractive anticancer modalities aimed at cancer-specific delivery of highly potent cytotoxic protein toxins. An IT consists of a targeting domain (an antibody, cytokine, or another cell-binding protein) chemically conjugated or recombinantly fused to a highly cytotoxic payload (a bacterial and plant toxin or human cytotoxic protein). The mode of action of ITs is killing designated cancer cells through the effector function of toxins in the cytosol after cellular internalization via the targeted cell-specific receptor-mediated endocytosis. Although numerous ITs of diverse structures have been tested in the past decades, only 3 ITs-denileukin diftitox, tagraxofusp, and moxetumomab pasudotox-have been clinically approved for treating hematological cancers. No ITs against solid tumors have been approved for clinical use. In this review, we discuss critical research and development issues associated with ITs that limit their clinical success as well as strategies to overcome these obstacles. The issues include off-target and on-target toxicities, immunogenicity, human cytotoxic proteins, antigen target selection, cytosolic delivery efficacy, solid-tumor targeting, and developability. To realize the therapeutic promise of ITs, novel strategies for safe and effective cytosolic delivery into designated tumors, including solid tumors, are urgently needed.
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Nichetti F, Marra A, Corti F, Guidi A, Raimondi A, Prinzi N, de Braud F, Pusceddu S. The Role of Mesothelin as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Target Oncol 2019; 13:333-351. [PMID: 29656320 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-018-0567-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mesothelin is a tumor differentiation antigen, which is highly expressed in several solid neoplasms, including pancreatic cancer. Its selective expression on malignant cells and on only a limited number of healthy tissues has made it an interesting candidate for investigation as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and as a therapeutic target. Based on a strong preclinical rationale, a number of therapeutic agents targeting mesothelin have entered clinical trials, including immunotoxins, monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, cancer vaccines, and adoptive T cell therapies with chimeric antigen receptors. In pancreatic cancer, mesothelin has been investigated mainly to address two unmet issues: the urgent need for new laboratory techniques for early tumor detection and the lack of successfully targetable oncogenic alterations for patients' treatment. In this review, we describe the clinicopathological significance of mesothelin expression in pancreatic cancer initiation and progression, we summarize available studies evaluating mesothelin as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in this disease, and we discuss current evidence and future perspectives of preclinical and clinical studies testing mesothelin as a molecular target for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Nichetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Antonio Marra
- Medical Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera San Paolo, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Corti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Guidi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Alessandra Raimondi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Natalie Prinzi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo de Braud
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Pusceddu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Li T, Li H, Li S, Xu S, Zhang W, Gao H, Xu H, Wu C, Wang W, Yu X, Liu L. Research progress and design optimization of CAR-T therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Med 2019; 8:5223-5231. [PMID: 31339230 PMCID: PMC6718528 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant cancer with limited treatment options. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) are genetically engineered T cells that can specifically kill tumor cells without major histocompatibility complex restriction. Encouraging progress in CAR-T therapy for PDAC has been made in preclinical and early phase clinical trials. Challenges in CAR-T therapy for solid tumors still exist, including immunosuppressive microenvironment, interstitial barrier, poor chemotaxis, and the "on-target, off-tumor" effect. Applying neoantigens of PDAC as targets for CAR-T therapy, recognizing the CAR-T subgroup with better antitumor effect, and designing a CAR-T system targeting stroma of PDAC may contribute to develop a powerful CAR-T therapy for PDAC in the future.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/immunology
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/therapy
- Chemotaxis/immunology
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/immunology
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/therapy
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Research
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Pancreatic Neoplasms
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Cancer CentreFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Cancer CentreFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shuo Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Cancer CentreFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shuaishuai Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Cancer CentreFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wuhu Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Cancer CentreFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Heli Gao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Cancer CentreFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Huaxiang Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Cancer CentreFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Chuntao Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Cancer CentreFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wenquan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Cancer CentreFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Cancer CentreFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Cancer CentreFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
- Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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Cerise A, Bera TK, Liu X, Wei J, Pastan I. Anti-Mesothelin Recombinant Immunotoxin Therapy for Colorectal Cancer. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2019; 18:192-199.e1. [PMID: 31345777 PMCID: PMC8317202 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesothelin (MSLN) is a cell surface glycoprotein expressed at a high level on many malignancies, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma, serous ovarian cancer, and epithelioid mesothelioma. MSLN-targeted recombinant immunotoxins (RITs) consist of an anti-MSLN Fv fused to the catalytic domain of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. Recent data has also shown that MSLN is expressed at clinically relevant levels on the surface of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, CRC cell lines were tested for MSLN expression and susceptibility to MSLN-targeted RITs. MATERIALS AND METHODS CRC cell lines were tested for membranous MSLN expression via flow cytometry. Cell lines expressing MSLN were tested by WST-8 cell viability assay for sensitivity to various RITs and chemotherapeutic agents. CRC cell line SW-48 was tested in a mouse model for response to RIT as a single agent or in combination with actinomycin D and oxaliplatin. RESULTS CRC cell lines were susceptible to anti-MSLN RITs at half maximal inhibitory concentration levels comparable with those previously described in pancreatic cancer cell lines. In a nude mouse model, MSLN-targeted RIT treatment of SW48 CRC tumors resulted in a significant decrease in tumor volume. Although combination therapy with standard of care chemotherapeutic oxaliplatin did not improve tumor regressions, combination therapy with actinomycin D resulted in > 90% tumor volume reduction with 50% complete regressions. CONCLUSIONS These data support the development of anti-MSLN RITs as well as other MSLN-targeted therapies for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Cerise
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Tapan K Bera
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Xiufen Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Junxia Wei
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
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40
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Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy targeting CD19 has achieved remarkable success in the treatment of B cell malignancies, while various solid malignancies are still refractory for lack of suitable target. In recent years, a large number of studies have sought to find suitable targets with low “on target, off tumor” concern for the treatment of solid tumors. Mesothelin (MSLN), a tumor-associated antigen broadly overexpressed on various malignant tumor cells, while its expression is generally limited to normal mesothelial cells, is an attractive candidate for targeted therapy. Strategies targeting MSLN, including antibody-based drugs, vaccines and CAR-T therapies, have been assessed in a large number of preclinical investigations and clinical trials. In particular, the development of CAR-T therapy has shown great promise as a treatment for various types of cancers. The safety, efficacy, doses, and pharmacokinetics of relevant strategies have been evaluated in many clinical trials. This review is intended to provide a brief overview of the characteristics of mesothelin and the development of strategies targeting MSLN for solid tumors. Further, we discussed the challenges and proposed potential strategies to improve the efficacy of MSLN targeted immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Lv
- 1Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,2Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,3University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijingshan District, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Li
- 1Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,2Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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Amiri Tehranizadeh Z, Sankian M, Fazly Bazzaz BS, Chamani J, Mehri S, Baratian A, Saberi MR. The immunotoxin activity of exotoxin A is sensitive to domain modifications. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 134:1120-1131. [PMID: 31129209 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.05.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Immunotoxins are a class of recombinant proteins which consist of an antibody and a part of a bacterial or herbal toxin. Immunotoxins containing Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (PEA) have been found to be very applicable in clinical trials. Many obstacles such as solubility and absorbency reduce their usability in solid tumors. The current study aims to overcome the mentioned barriers by addition and removal of functional and non-functional domains with a structural approach. In the experimental section, we took advantage of molecular dynamics simulations to predict the functionality of candidate immunotoxins which target human HER2 receptors and confirmed our findings with in vitro experiments. We found out when no changes were made to domain II of PEA, addition of solubilizing domains to immunotoxins would not reduce their targeting and anti-tumor activity, while increasing the yield of expression and stability. On the other side, when we replaced domain II with eleven amino acids of furin cleavage site (FCS), the activity of the immunotoxin was mainly affected by the FCS neighboring domains and linkers. A combination of seven beneficial point mutations in domain III was also assessed and reconfirmed that the toxicity of the immunotoxin would be reduced dramatically. The obtained results indicate that the addition or removal of domains cannot depict the activity of immunotoxins and the matter should be assessed structurally in advance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Amiri Tehranizadeh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Sankian
- Immunobiochemistry Lab, Immunology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Bibi Sedigheh Fazly Bazzaz
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Control, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Jamshidkhan Chamani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Soghra Mehri
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Ali Baratian
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Saberi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Bioinformatics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Busato D, Mossenta M, Baboci L, Di Cintio F, Toffoli G, Dal Bo M. Novel immunotherapeutic approaches for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2019; 12:453-470. [PMID: 30907177 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2019.1598859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors has been lately proposed for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with respect to other cancer types. Several immunotherapeutic approaches are now under evaluation for HCC treatment including: i) antibodies acting as immune checkpoint inhibitors; ii) antibodies targeting specific tumor-associated antigens; iii) chimeric antigen receptor redirected T (CAR-T) cells targeting specific tumor-associated antigens; iv) vaccination strategies with tumor-specific epitopes. Areas covered: The review provides a wide description of the clinical trials investigating the efficacy of the main immunotherapeutic approaches proposed for the treatment of patients affected by HCC. Expert opinion: The balancing between immunostimulative and immunosuppressive factors in the context of HCC tumor microenvironment results in heterogeneous response rates to immunotherapeutic approaches such as checkpoint inhibitors, among HCC patients. In this context, it becomes crucial the identification of predictive factors determining the treatment response. A multiple approach using different biomarkers could be useful to identify the subgroup of HCC patients responsive to the treatment with a checkpoint inhibitor (as an example, nivolumab) as single agent, and to identify those patients in which other treatment regimens, such as the combination with sorafenib, or with locoregional therapies, could be more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Busato
- a Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit , Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS , Aviano (PN) , Italy.,b Department of Life Sciences , University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - Monica Mossenta
- a Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit , Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS , Aviano (PN) , Italy.,b Department of Life Sciences , University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - Lorena Baboci
- a Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit , Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS , Aviano (PN) , Italy
| | - Federica Di Cintio
- a Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit , Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS , Aviano (PN) , Italy.,b Department of Life Sciences , University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toffoli
- a Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit , Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS , Aviano (PN) , Italy
| | - Michele Dal Bo
- a Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit , Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS , Aviano (PN) , Italy
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Kutova OM, Guryev EL, Sokolova EA, Alzeibak R, Balalaeva IV. Targeted Delivery to Tumors: Multidirectional Strategies to Improve Treatment Efficiency. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11010068. [PMID: 30634580 PMCID: PMC6356537 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors are characterized by structural and molecular peculiarities providing a possibility to directionally deliver antitumor drugs with minimal impact on healthy tissues and reduced side effects. Newly formed blood vessels in malignant lesions exhibit chaotic growth, disordered structure, irregular shape and diameter, protrusions, and blind ends, resulting in immature vasculature; the newly formed lymphatic vessels also have aberrant structure. Structural features of the tumor vasculature determine relatively easy penetration of large molecules as well as nanometer-sized particles through a blood⁻tissue barrier and their accumulation in a tumor tissue. Also, malignant cells have altered molecular profile due to significant changes in tumor cell metabolism at every level from the genome to metabolome. Recently, the tumor interaction with cells of immune system becomes the focus of particular attention, that among others findings resulted in extensive study of cells with preferential tropism to tumor. In this review we summarize the information on the diversity of currently existing approaches to targeted drug delivery to tumor, including (i) passive targeting based on the specific features of tumor vasculature, (ii) active targeting which implies a specific binding of the antitumor agent with its molecular target, and (iii) cell-mediated tumor targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga M Kutova
- The Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia.
| | - Evgenii L Guryev
- The Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia.
| | - Evgeniya A Sokolova
- The Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia.
| | - Razan Alzeibak
- The Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia.
| | - Irina V Balalaeva
- The Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia.
- The Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2 Trubetskaya str., Moscow 119991, Russia.
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SS1P Immunotoxin Induces Markers of Immunogenic Cell Death and Enhances the Effect of the CTLA-4 Blockade in AE17M Mouse Mesothelioma Tumors. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110470. [PMID: 30441807 PMCID: PMC6265743 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
SS1P is an anti-mesothelin immunotoxin composed of a targeting antibody fragment genetically fused to a truncated fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. Delayed responses reported in mesothelioma patients receiving SS1P suggest that anti-tumor immunity is induced. The goal of this study is to evaluate if SS1P therapy renders mesothelioma tumors more sensitive to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) immune checkpoint blockade. We evaluated the ability of SS1P to induce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) secretion and calreticulin expression on the surface of AE17M mouse mesothelioma cells. Both properties are associated with immunogenic cell death. Furthermore, we treated these tumors with intra-tumoral SS1P and systemic CTLA-4. We found that SS1P increased the release of ATP from AE17M cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. In addition, SS1P induced calreticulin expression on the surface of AE17M cells. These results suggest that SS1P promotes immunogenic cell death and could sensitize tumors to anti-CTLA-4 based therapy. In mouse studies, we found that the combination of anti-CTLA-4 with intra-tumoral SS1P induced complete regressions in most mice and provided a statistically significant survival benefit compared to monotherapy. The surviving mice were protected from tumor re-challenge, indicating the development of anti-tumor immunity. These findings support the use of intra-tumoral SS1P in combination with anti-CTLA-4.
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El-Behaedi S, Landsman R, Rudloff M, Kolyvas E, Albalawy R, Zhang X, Bera T, Collins K, Kozlov S, Alewine C. Protein Synthesis Inhibition Activity of Mesothelin Targeting Immunotoxin LMB-100 Decreases Concentrations of Oncogenic Signaling Molecules and Secreted Growth Factors. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110447. [PMID: 30384408 PMCID: PMC6267581 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
LMB-100 is a mesothelin-targeted recombinant immunotoxin (iTox) that carries a modified Pseuodomonas exotoxin A (PE) payload. PE kills cells by inhibiting synthesis of new proteins. We found that treatment of pancreatic cancer cells with LMB-100 for 24–48 h did not change total protein level despite inducing protein synthesis inhibition (PSI). Further, increased levels of ubiquitinated proteins were detected, indicating that cells may have limited ability to compensate for PSI by reducing protein degradation. Together, these data suggest that PE depletes concentrations of a minority of cellular proteins. We used reverse phase protein array and Luminex assay to characterize this subset. LMB-100 decreased the abundance of 24 of 32 cancer-related proteins (including Bcl-x, Her2, Her3 and MUC16) without compensatory increases in other analytes. Further, cancer cells failed to maintain extracellular concentrations of cancer cell secreted growth factors (CCSGFs), including Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) following treatment with cytostatic LMB-100 doses both in culture and in mouse tumors. Decreased VEGF concentration did not change tumor vasculature density, however, LMB-100 caused tissue-specific changes in concentrations of secreted factors made by non-cancer cells. In summary, our data indicate that PSI caused by cytostatic LMB-100 doses preferentially depletes short-lived proteins such as oncogenic signaling molecules and CCSGFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma El-Behaedi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
| | - Rebekah Landsman
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
| | - Michael Rudloff
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
| | - Emily Kolyvas
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
| | - Rakan Albalawy
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
| | - Xianyu Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
| | - Tapan Bera
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
| | - Keith Collins
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Serguei Kozlov
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Christine Alewine
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
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Anti-drug antibodies to LMB-100 are enhanced by mAbs targeting OX40 and CTLA4 but not by mAbs targeting PD1 or PDL-1. Cell Immunol 2018; 334:38-41. [PMID: 30213644 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
LMB-100 is a recombinant immunotoxin being developed for cancer treatment that is composed of a Fab that binds to mesothelin and a portion of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. LMB-100 is in clinical trials for the treatment of mesothelioma and pancreatic cancer. To determine if check point modulating antibodies enhance the formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) against LMB-100, we treated mice with LMB-100 and four different immune modulating monoclonal antibodies that have different mechanisms of action; anti-CTLA4, anti-OX40, anti-PD-1 and anti-PDL-1. We found that anti-PD-1 and anti PDL-1 do not increase the formation of ADA, but anti-CTLA-4 and anti-OX-40 do increase the onset of ADA. These results indicate that combining anti-CTLA-4 and anti-OX-40 with antibodies and other protein-based therapeutics may enhance ADA formation in humans.
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47
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Pirzer T, Becher KS, Rieker M, Meckel T, Mootz HD, Kolmar H. Generation of Potent Anti-HER1/2 Immunotoxins by Protein Ligation Using Split Inteins. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:2058-2066. [PMID: 29920062 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cell targeting protein toxins have gained increasing interest for cancer therapy aimed at increasing the therapeutic window and reducing systemic toxicity. Because recombinant expression of immunotoxins consisting of a receptor-binding and a cell-killing moiety is hampered by their high toxicity in a eukaryotic production host, most applications rely on recombinant production of fusion proteins consisting of an antibody fragment and a protein toxin in bacterial hosts such as Escherichia coli ( E. coli). These fusions often lack beneficial properties of whole antibodies like extended serum half-life or efficient endocytic uptake via receptor clustering. Here, we describe the production of full-length antibody immunotoxins using self-splicing split inteins. To this end, the short (11 amino acids) N-terminal intein part of the artificially designed split intein M86, a derivative of the Ssp DnaB intein, was recombinantly fused to the heavy chain of trastuzumab, a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptor targeting antibody and to a nanobody-Fc fusion targeting the HER1 receptor, respectively. Both antibodies were produced in Expi293F cells. The longer C-terminal counterpart of the intein was genetically fused to the protein toxins gelonin or Pseudomonas Exotoxin A, respectively, and expressed in E. coli via fusion to maltose binding protein. Using optimized in vitro splicing conditions, we were able to generate a set of specific and potent immunotoxins with IC50 values in the mid- to subpicomolar range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pirzer
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry , Technische Universität Darmstadt , Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4 , D-64287 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Kira-Sophie Becher
- Institute of Biochemistry , University of Münster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 2 , D-48149 Münster , Germany
| | - Marcel Rieker
- Antibody Drug Conjugates and Targeted NBE Therapeutics , Merck KGaA , Frankfurter Straße 250 , D-64293 Darmstadt , Germany
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies , Merck KGaA , Frankfurter Straße 250 , D-64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Tobias Meckel
- Macromolecular Chemistry & Paper Chemistry, Department of Chemistry , Technische Universität Darmstadt , Alarich-Weiss-Straße 8 , D-64287 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Henning D Mootz
- Institute of Biochemistry , University of Münster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 2 , D-48149 Münster , Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry , Technische Universität Darmstadt , Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 4 , D-64287 Darmstadt , Germany
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Mazor R, King EM, Pastan I. Strategies to Reduce the Immunogenicity of Recombinant Immunotoxins. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:1736-1743. [PMID: 29870741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant immunotoxins (RITs) are genetically engineered proteins being developed to treat cancer. They are composed of an Fv that targets a cancer antigen and a fragment of a bacterial toxin that kills tumor cells. Because the toxin is a foreign protein, it is immunogenic. The clinical success of RITs in patients with a normal immune system is limited by their immunogenicity. In this review, we discuss our progress in therapeutic protein deimmunization and the balancing act between immunogenicity and therapeutic potency. One approach is to prevent the activation of B cells by mapping and elimination of B-cell epitopes. A second approach is to prevent helper T-cell activation by interfering with major histocompatibility complex II presentation or T-cell recognition. Immunizing mice with RITs that were deimmunized by elimination of the murine B- or T-cell epitopes showed that both approaches are effective. Another approach to control immunogenicity is to modify the host immune system. Nanoparticles containing synthetic vaccine particles encapsulating rapamycin can induce immune tolerance and prevent anti-drug antibody formation. This treatment restores RIT anti-tumor activity that is otherwise neutralized because of immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Mazor
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Emily M King
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Construction of an immunotoxin, HN3-mPE24, targeting glypican-3 for liver cancer therapy. Oncotarget 2018; 8:32450-32460. [PMID: 27419635 PMCID: PMC5464801 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We constructed a recombinant immunotoxin, HN3-mPE24, which contains a truncated form of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. The toxin portion lacks most of domain II and has seven point mutations in domain III to remove the B-cell epitopes thought to be responsible for causing off-target side effects and immunogenicity. We also fused a bivalent HN3 to mPE24. We tested these two molecules for GPC3 binding and cytotoxicity in HCC cell models. The KD values of HN3-mPE24 and HN3-HN3-mPE24 for GPC3-expressing tumor cells were 12 nM and 1.4 nM, respectively. The IC50 values of HN3-mPE24 and HN3-HN3-mPE24 for HCC cells were 0.2 nM and 0.4 nM, respectively. We also evaluated their toxicity and anti-tumor efficacy in mice. The maximum tolerated doses of HN3-mPE24 and HN3-HN3-mPE24 were 7 mg kg−1 and 3.6 mg kg−1, respectively. We treated mice with 5 mg kg−1 of HN3-mPE24 intravenously every other day for ten injections. The alpha-fetoprotein level of HN3-mPE24 treated group was approximately 700 fold less than that of the untreated group (1.1 μg ml−1 vs. 692.1 μg ml−1). In addition, 25% of the mice treated with HN3-mPE24 survived to the end of this study, which was 105 days after HCC tumor implantation. In conclusion, the HN3-mPE24 immunotoxin caused liver tumor regressions and extended survival with no significant side effects in mice. It is a promising candidate for the treatment of liver cancer that may be readily translated to humans.
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50
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Recombinant immunotoxins with albumin-binding domains have long half-lives and high antitumor activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E3501-E3508. [PMID: 29581296 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1721780115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant immunotoxins (RITs) are chimeric proteins consisting of a Fv that binds to a cancer cell and a portion of a protein toxin. One of these, Moxetumomab pasudotox, was shown to be effective in treating patients with some leukemias, where the cells are readily accessible to the RIT. However, their short half-life limits their efficacy in solid tumors, because penetration into the tumors is slow. Albumin and agents bound to albumin have a long half-life in the circulation. To increase the time tumor cells are exposed to RITs, we have produced and evaluated variants that contain either an albumin-binding domain (ABD) from Streptococcus or single-domain antibodies from Llama. We have inserted these ABDs into RITs targeting mesothelin, between the Fv and the furin cleavage site. We find that these proteins can be produced in large amounts, are very cytotoxic to mesothelin-expressing cancer cell lines, and have a high affinity for human or mouse serum albumin. In mice, the RIT containing an ABD from Streptococcus has a longer half-life and higher antitumor activity than the other two. Its half-life in the circulation of mice ranges from 113 to 194 min compared with 13 min for an RIT with no ABD. Cell uptake studies show the RIT enters the target cell bound to serum albumin. We conclude that RITs with improved half-lives and antitumor activity should be evaluated for the treatment of cancer in humans.
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