1
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Dobersberger M, Sumesgutner D, Zajc CU, Salzer B, Laurent E, Emminger D, Sylvander E, Lehner E, Teufl M, Seigner J, Bobbili MR, Kunert R, Lehner M, Traxlmayr MW. An engineering strategy to target activated EGFR with CAR T cells. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100728. [PMID: 38492569 PMCID: PMC11045874 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have shown remarkable response rates in hematological malignancies. In contrast, CAR T cell treatment of solid tumors is associated with several challenges, in particular the expression of most tumor-associated antigens at lower levels in vital organs, resulting in on-target/off-tumor toxicities. Thus, innovative approaches to improve the tumor specificity of CAR T cells are urgently needed. Based on the observation that many human solid tumors activate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on their surface through secretion of EGFR ligands, we developed an engineering strategy for CAR-binding domains specifically directed against the ligand-activated conformation of EGFR. We show, in several experimental systems, that the generated binding domains indeed enable CAR T cells to distinguish between active and inactive EGFR. We anticipate that this engineering concept will be an important step forward to improve the tumor specificity of CAR T cells directed against EGFR-positive solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Dobersberger
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, BOKU University, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Delia Sumesgutner
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, BOKU University, 1190 Vienna, Austria; CD Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Charlotte U Zajc
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, BOKU University, 1190 Vienna, Austria; CD Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Salzer
- CD Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, 1090 Vienna, Austria; St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, CCRI, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Laurent
- BOKU Core Facility Biomolecular & Cellular Analysis, BOKU University, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dominik Emminger
- CD Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, 1090 Vienna, Austria; St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, CCRI, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Elise Sylvander
- CD Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, 1090 Vienna, Austria; St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, CCRI, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Lehner
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, BOKU University, 1190 Vienna, Austria; CD Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Magdalena Teufl
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, BOKU University, 1190 Vienna, Austria; CD Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jacqueline Seigner
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, BOKU University, 1190 Vienna, Austria; Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Animal Cell Technology and Systems Biology, BOKU University, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Madhusudhan Reddy Bobbili
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, BOKU University, 1190 Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Renate Kunert
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Animal Cell Technology and Systems Biology, BOKU University, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Lehner
- CD Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, 1090 Vienna, Austria; St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, CCRI, 1090 Vienna, Austria; St. Anna Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael W Traxlmayr
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, BOKU University, 1190 Vienna, Austria; CD Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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2
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Li Y, Lin H, Hong H, Li D, Gong L, Zhao J, Wang Z, Wu Z. Multivalent Rhamnose-Modified EGFR-Targeting Nanobody Gains Enhanced Innate Fc Effector Immunity and Overcomes Cetuximab Resistance via Recruitment of Endogenous Antibodies. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307613. [PMID: 38286668 PMCID: PMC10987161 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Cetuximab resistance is a significant challenge in cancer treatment, requiring the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, a series of multivalent rhamnose (Rha)-modified nanobody conjugates are synthesized and their antitumor activities and their potential to overcome cetuximab resistance are investigated. Structure-activity relationship studies reveal that the multivalent conjugate D5, bearing sixteen Rha haptens, elicits the most potent innate fragment crystallizable (Fc) effector immunity in vitro and exhibits an excellent in vivo pharmacokinetics by recruiting endogenous antibodies. Notably, it is found that the optimal conjugate D5 represents a novel entity capable of reversing cetuximab-resistance induced by serine protease (PRSS). Moreover, in a xenograft mouse model, conjugate D5 exhibits significantly improved antitumor efficacy compared to unmodified nanobodies and cetuximab. The findings suggest that Rha-Nanobody (Nb) conjugates hold promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cetuximab-resistant tumors by enhancing the innate Fc effector immunity and enhancing the recruitment of endogenous antibodies to promote cancer cell clearance by innate immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Han Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Haofei Hong
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Dan Li
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Liang Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Jie Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Zheng Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Zhimeng Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & BiotechnologyMinistry of EducationSchool of BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
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3
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Albadari N, Xie Y, Li W. Deciphering treatment resistance in metastatic colorectal cancer: roles of drug transports, EGFR mutations, and HGF/c-MET signaling. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1340401. [PMID: 38269272 PMCID: PMC10806212 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1340401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2023, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. At the time of the initial visit, 20% of patients diagnosed with CRC have metastatic CRC (mCRC), and another 25% who present with localized disease will later develop metastases. Despite the improvement in response rates with various modulation strategies such as chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, the prognosis of mCRC is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of 14%, and the primary reason for treatment failure is believed to be the development of resistance to therapies. Herein, we provide an overview of the main mechanisms of resistance in mCRC and specifically highlight the role of drug transports, EGFR, and HGF/c-MET signaling pathway in mediating mCRC resistance, as well as discuss recent therapeutic approaches to reverse resistance caused by drug transports and resistance to anti-EGFR blockade caused by mutations in EGFR and alteration in HGF/c-MET signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wei Li
- College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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4
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Zhang Y. Targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor for Cancer Treatment: Abolishing Both Kinase-Dependent and Kinase-Independent Functions of the Receptor. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:1218-1232. [PMID: 37339882 PMCID: PMC10595022 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor tyrosine kinase, is activated by ligand binding, overexpression, or mutation. It is well known for its tyrosine kinase-dependent oncogenic activities in a variety of human cancers. A large number of EGFR inhibitors have been developed for cancer treatment, including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and a vaccine. The EGFR inhibitors are aimed at inhibiting the activation or the activity of EGFR tyrosine kinase. However, these agents have shown efficacy in only a few types of cancers. Drug resistance, both intrinsic and acquired, is common even in cancers where the inhibitors have shown efficacy. The drug resistance mechanism is complex and not fully known. The key vulnerability of cancer cells that are resistant to EGFR inhibitors has not been identified. Nevertheless, it has been increasingly recognized in recent years that EGFR also possesses kinase-independent oncogenic functions and that these noncanonical functions may play a crucial role in cancer resistance to EGFR inhibitors. In this review, both kinase-dependent and -independent activities of EGFR are discussed. Also discussed are the mechanisms of actions and therapeutic activities of clinically used EGFR inhibitors and sustained EGFR overexpression and EGFR interaction with other receptor tyrosine kinases to counter the EGFR inhibitors. Moreover, this review discusses emerging experimental therapeutics that have shown potential for overcoming the limitation of the current EGFR inhibitors in preclinical studies. The findings underscore the importance and feasibility of targeting both kinase-dependent and -independent functions of EGFR to enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize drug resistance. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: EGFR is a major oncogenic driver and therapeutic target, but cancer resistance to current EGFR inhibitors remains a significant unmet clinical problem. This article reviews the cancer biology of EGFR as well as the mechanisms of actions and the therapeutic efficacies of current and emerging EGFR inhibitors. The findings could potentially lead to development of more effective treatments for EGFR-positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuesheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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5
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Rodríguez-Nava C, Ortuño-Pineda C, Illades-Aguiar B, Flores-Alfaro E, Leyva-Vázquez MA, Parra-Rojas I, Del Moral-Hernández O, Vences-Velázquez A, Cortés-Sarabia K, Alarcón-Romero LDC. Mechanisms of Action and Limitations of Monoclonal Antibodies and Single Chain Fragment Variable (scFv) in the Treatment of Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1610. [PMID: 37371712 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies are among the most effective tools for detecting tumor-associated antigens. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved more than 36 therapeutic antibodies for developing novel alternative therapies that have significant success rates in fighting cancer. However, some functional limitations have been described, such as their access to solid tumors and low interaction with the immune system. Single-chain variable fragments (scFv) are versatile and easy to produce, and being an attractive tool for use in immunotherapy models. The small size of scFv can be advantageous for treatment due to its short half-life and other characteristics related to the structural and functional aspects of the antibodies. Therefore, the main objective of this review was to describe the current situation regarding the mechanisms of action, applications, and limitations of monoclonal antibodies and scFv in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Rodríguez-Nava
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Citopatología e Histoquímica, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39070, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Inmunobiología y Diagnóstico Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39070, Mexico
| | - Carlos Ortuño-Pineda
- Laboratorio de Proteínas y Ácidos Nucleicos, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39070, Mexico
| | - Berenice Illades-Aguiar
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39070, Mexico
| | - Eugenia Flores-Alfaro
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Epidemiología Clínica y Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39070, Mexico
| | - Marco Antonio Leyva-Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39070, Mexico
| | - Isela Parra-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Obesidad y Diabetes, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39070, Mexico
| | | | - Amalia Vences-Velázquez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Inmunobiología y Diagnóstico Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39070, Mexico
| | - Karen Cortés-Sarabia
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Inmunobiología y Diagnóstico Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39070, Mexico
| | - Luz Del Carmen Alarcón-Romero
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Citopatología e Histoquímica, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39070, Mexico
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6
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Al Bitar S, El-Sabban M, Doughan S, Abou-Kheir W. Molecular mechanisms targeting drug-resistance and metastasis in colorectal cancer: Updates and beyond. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:1395-1426. [PMID: 36998426 PMCID: PMC10044855 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i9.1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed malignancy and a major leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advances in therapeutic regimens, the number of patients presenting with metastatic CRC (mCRC) is increasing due to resistance to therapy, conferred by a small population of cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells. Targeted therapies have been highly successful in prolonging the overall survival of patients with mCRC. Agents are being developed to target key molecules involved in drug-resistance and metastasis of CRC, and these include vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, in addition to immune checkpoints. Currently, there are several ongoing clinical trials of newly developed targeted agents, which have shown considerable clinical efficacy and have improved the prognosis of patients who do not benefit from conventional chemotherapy. In this review, we highlight recent developments in the use of existing and novel targeted agents against drug-resistant CRC and mCRC. Furthermore, we discuss limitations and challenges associated with targeted therapy and strategies to combat intrinsic and acquired resistance to these therapies, in addition to the importance of implementing better preclinical models and the application of personalized therapy based on predictive biomarkers for treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Al Bitar
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Marwan El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Samer Doughan
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
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7
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Tang YL, Li DD, Duan JY, Sheng LM, Wang X. Resistance to targeted therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer: Current status and new developments. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:926-948. [PMID: 36844139 PMCID: PMC9950860 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i6.926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most lethal and common malignancies in the world. Chemotherapy has been the conventional treatment for metastatic CRC (mCRC) patients. However, the effects of chemotherapy have been unsatisfactory. With the advent of targeted therapy, the survival of patients with CRC have been prolonged. Over the past 20 years, targeted therapy for CRC has achieved substantial progress. However, targeted therapy has the same challenge of drug resistance as chemotherapy. Consequently, exploring the resistance mechanism and finding strategies to address the resistance to targeted therapy, along with searching for novel effective regimens, is a constant challenge in the mCRC treatment, and it is also a hot research topic. In this review, we focus on the current status on resistance to existing targeted therapies in mCRC and discuss future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Ling Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Dan-Dan Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jia-Yu Duan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lei-Ming Sheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
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8
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Ghanbarpour A, Jiang M, Foster D, Chai Q. Structure-free antibody paratope similarity prediction for in silico epitope binning via protein language models. iScience 2023; 26:106036. [PMID: 36824280 PMCID: PMC9941125 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies are an important group of biological molecules that are used as therapeutics and diagnostic tools. Although millions of antibody sequences are available, identifying their structural and functional similarity and their antigen binding sites remains a challenge at large scale. Here, we present a fast, sequence-based computational method for antibody paratope prediction based on protein language models. The paratope information is then used to measure similarity among antibodies via protein language models. Our computational method enables binning of antibody discovery hits into groups as the function of epitope engagement. We further demonstrate the utility of the method by identifying antibodies targeting highly similar epitopes of the same antigens from a large pool of antibody sequences, using two case studies: SARS CoV2 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). Our approach highlights the potential in accelerating antibody discovery by enhancing hit prioritization and diversity selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmadreza Ghanbarpour
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Min Jiang
- Advanced Analytics and Data Sciences, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA
| | - Denisa Foster
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Qing Chai
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA,Corresponding author
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9
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Scietti L, Forneris F. Modeling of Protein Complexes. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2627:349-371. [PMID: 36959458 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2974-1_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The recent advances in structural biology, combined with continuously increasing computational capabilities and development of advanced softwares, have drastically simplified the workflow for protein homology modeling. Modeling of individual proteins is nowadays quick and straightforward for a large variety of protein targets, thanks to guided pipelines relying on advanced computational tools and user-friendly interfaces, which have extended and promoted the use of modeling also to scientists not focusing on molecular structures of proteins. Nevertheless, construction of models of multi-protein complexes remains quite challenging for the non-experts, often due to the usage of specific procedures depending on the system under investigation and the need for experimental validation approaches to strengthen the generated output.In this chapter, we provide a brief overview of the approaches enabling generation of multi-protein complex models starting from homology models of individual protein components. Using real-life examples, we include two examples to guide the reader in the generation of homomeric and heteromeric protein models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Scietti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Federico Forneris
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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10
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Wu Q, Qian W, Sun X, Jiang S. Small-molecule inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and more: FDA-approved novel therapeutic drugs for solid tumors from 1991 to 2021. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:143. [PMID: 36209184 PMCID: PMC9548212 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01362-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has always been a forerunner in drug evaluation and supervision. Over the past 31 years, 1050 drugs (excluding vaccines, cell-based therapies, and gene therapy products) have been approved as new molecular entities (NMEs) or biologics license applications (BLAs). A total of 228 of these 1050 drugs were identified as cancer therapeutics or cancer-related drugs, and 120 of them were classified as therapeutic drugs for solid tumors according to their initial indications. These drugs have evolved from small molecules with broad-spectrum antitumor properties in the early stage to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antibody‒drug conjugates (ADCs) with a more precise targeting effect during the most recent decade. These drugs have extended indications for other malignancies, constituting a cancer treatment system for monotherapy or combined therapy. However, the available targets are still mainly limited to receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), restricting the development of antitumor drugs. In this review, these 120 drugs are summarized and classified according to the initial indications, characteristics, or functions. Additionally, RTK-targeted therapies and immune checkpoint-based immunotherapies are also discussed. Our analysis of existing challenges and potential opportunities in drug development may advance solid tumor treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wu
- School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang China
| | - Wei Qian
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang China
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003 Zhejiang China
| | - Shaojie Jiang
- School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang China
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11
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Wagner A, Galicia-Andrés E, Teufl M, Gold L, Obinger C, Sykacek P, Oostenbrink C, Traxlmayr MW. Identification of Activating Mutations in the Transmembrane and Extracellular Domains of EGFR. Biochemistry 2022; 61:2049-2062. [PMID: 36148499 PMCID: PMC9535940 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently mutated in human cancer, most notably non-small-cell lung cancer and glioblastoma. While many frequently occurring EGFR mutations are known to confer constitutive EGFR activation, the situation is less clear for rarely detected variants. In fact, more than 1000 distinct EGFR mutations are listed in the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC), but for most of them, the functional consequence is unknown. To identify additional, previously unknown activating mutations in EGFR, we screened a randomly mutated EGFR library for constitutive EGFR phosphorylation using a recently developed high-throughput approach termed PhosphoFlowSeq. Enrichment of the well-known activating mutations S768I, T790M, and L858R validated the experimental approach. Importantly, we also identified the activating mutations S442I and L658Q located in the extracellular and transmembrane domains of EGFR, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, neither S442I nor L658Q has been associated with an activating phenotype before. However, both have been detected in cancer samples. Interestingly, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggest that the L658Q mutation located in the hydrophobic transmembrane region forms intermolecular hydrogen bonds, thereby promoting EGFR dimerization and activation. Based on these findings, we screened the COSMIC database for additional hydrophilic mutations in the EGFR transmembrane region and indeed detected moderate constitutive activation of EGFR-G652R. Together, this study demonstrates that unbiased screening for activating mutations in EGFR not only yields well-established substitutions located in the kinase domain but also activating mutations in other regions of EGFR, including the extracellular and transmembrane domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Wagner
- Department
of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
- Department
of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Edgar Galicia-Andrés
- Department
of Material Sciences and Process Engineering, Institute of Molecular
Modeling and Simulation, University of Natural
Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
- Department
of Forest and Soil Sciences, Institute of Soil Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Magdalena Teufl
- Department
of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Gold
- Department
of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Obinger
- Department
of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Sykacek
- Department
of Biotechnology, Institute for Computational Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Chris Oostenbrink
- Department
of Material Sciences and Process Engineering, Institute of Molecular
Modeling and Simulation, University of Natural
Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael W. Traxlmayr
- Department
of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
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12
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Therapeutic high affinity T cell receptor targeting a KRASG12D cancer neoantigen. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5333. [PMID: 36088370 PMCID: PMC9464187 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32811-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoantigens derived from somatic mutations are specific to cancer cells and are ideal targets for cancer immunotherapy. KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene and drives the pathogenesis of several cancers. Here we show the identification and development of an affinity-enhanced T cell receptor (TCR) that recognizes a peptide derived from the most common KRAS mutant, KRASG12D, presented in the context of HLA-A*11:01. The affinity of the engineered TCR is increased by over one million-fold yet fully able to distinguish KRASG12D over KRASWT. While crystal structures reveal few discernible differences in TCR interactions with KRASWT versus KRASG12D, thermodynamic analysis and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that TCR specificity is driven by differences in indirect electrostatic interactions. The affinity enhanced TCR, fused to a humanized anti-CD3 scFv, enables selective killing of cancer cells expressing KRASG12D. Our work thus reveals a molecular mechanism that drives TCR selectivity and describes a soluble bispecific molecule with therapeutic potential against cancers harboring a common shared neoantigen. Cancers often harbor mutations in genes encoding important regulatory proteins, but therapeutic targeting of these molecules proves difficult due to their high structural similarity to their non-mutated counterpart. Here authors show the engineering of T cell engaging bispecific protein able to selectively target cancer cells with a high-frequency mutation in the KRAS oncogene.
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Vaquero J, Pavy A, Gonzalez-Sanchez E, Meredith M, Arbelaiz A, Fouassier L. Genetic alterations shaping tumor response to anti-EGFR therapies. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 64:100863. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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14
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Zhuang X, Wang Z, Fan J, Bai X, Xu Y, Chou JJ, Hou T, Chen S, Pan L. Structure-guided and phage-assisted evolution of a therapeutic anti-EGFR antibody to reverse acquired resistance. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4431. [PMID: 35907884 PMCID: PMC9338999 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32159-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired resistance to cetuximab in colorectal cancers is partially mediated by the acquisition of mutations located in the cetuximab epitope in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ectodomain and hinders the clinical application of cetuximab. We develop a structure-guided and phage-assisted evolution approach for cetuximab evolution to reverse EGFRS492R- or EGFRG465R-driven resistance without altering the binding epitope or undermining antibody efficacy. Two evolved cetuximab variants, Ctx-VY and Ctx-Y104D, exhibit a restored binding ability with EGFRS492R, which harbors the most common resistance substitution, S492R. Ctx-W52D exhibits restored binding with EGFR harboring another common cetuximab resistance substitution, G465R (EGFRG465R). All the evolved cetuximab variants effectively inhibit EGFR activation and downstream signaling and induce the internalization and degradation of EGFRS492R and EGFRG465R as well as EGFRWT. The evolved cetuximab variants (Ctx-VY, Ctx-Y104D and Ctx-W52D) with one or two amino acid substitutions in the complementarity-determining region inherit the optimized physical and chemical properties of cetuximab to a great extent, thus ensuring their druggability. Our data collectively show that structure-guided and phage-assisted evolution is an efficient and general approach for reversing receptor mutation-mediated resistance to therapeutic antibody drugs. Acquired resistance to cetuximab can be mediated by generation of mutations in the EGFR ectodomain. Here the authors report a structure-guided and phage-assisted evolution approach for cetuximab evolution to reverse resistance without altering the binding epitope or undermining antibody efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Zhuang
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiansheng Fan
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xuefei Bai
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yingchun Xu
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - James J Chou
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shuqing Chen
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China. .,Department of Precision Medicine on Tumor Therapeutics, ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, 311200, China.
| | - Liqiang Pan
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China. .,The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China. .,Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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15
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Xiong Q, Zeng Z, Yang Y, Wang Y, Xu Y, Zhou Y, Liu J, Zhang Z, Qiu M, Zhu Q. KRAS Gene Copy Number as a Negative Predictive Biomarker for the Treatment of Metastatic Rectal Cancer With Cetuximab: A Case Report. Front Oncol 2022; 12:872630. [PMID: 35734602 PMCID: PMC9207953 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.872630] [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] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Close to one third of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are diagnosed with metastatic CRC (mCRC). Patients with wild-type RAS and BRAF usually receive anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody therapy containing cetuximab. Overall, 30–50% of mCRC patients are reported to harbor RAS mutations, and RAS mutation status should be assessed when considering EGFR inhibitor treatment according to mCRC biomarker guidelines. Of note, 0.67–2% of patients with CRC harbored a KRAS amplification. Here we reported a case of advanced rectal cancer with wild-type RAS and BRAF in a male patient who harbored a KRAS amplification during anti-EGFR treatment. Case Presentation A 46-year-old man was diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma with liver metastases (cT3NxM1a, stage IVA). After receiving first-line irinotecan- fluorouracil chemotherapy (FOLFIRI) plus cetuximab, second-line capecitabine- oxaliplatin chemotherapy (XELOX) plus bevacizumab, and third-line regorafenib, he rechallenged FOLFIRI and cetuximab for seven cycles, achieving a prolonged survival of at least 5 months. The KRAS copy number of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was assessed during treatment. Notably, apart from serum carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), the change of plasm Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS) copy number appeared to strongly correlate with treatment response. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the dynamic change of KRAS copy number on ctDNA during treatment might be a negative predictive biomarker. Additionally, RAS and BRAF wild-type mCRC patients who are resistant to first-line FOLFIRI plus cetuximab therapy may respond well to the FOLFIRI plus cetuximab “rechallenged” strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunli Xiong
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhu Zeng
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongfeng Xu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinlu Liu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meng Qiu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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16
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Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer: From Mechanism to Clinic. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122928. [PMID: 35740594 PMCID: PMC9221177 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The 5-year survival rate is 90% for patients with early CRC, 70% for patients with locally advanced CRC, and 15% for patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC). In fact, most CRC patients are at an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. Although chemotherapy, molecularly targeted therapy and immunotherapy have significantly improved patient survival, some patients are initially insensitive to these drugs or initially sensitive but quickly become insensitive, and the emergence of such primary and secondary drug resistance is a significant clinical challenge. The most direct cause of resistance is the aberrant anti-tumor drug metabolism, transportation or target. With more in-depth research, it is found that cell death pathways, carcinogenic signals, compensation feedback loop signal pathways and tumor immune microenvironment also play essential roles in the drug resistance mechanism. Here, we assess the current major mechanisms of CRC resistance and describe potential therapeutic interventions.
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Jacobitz AW, Rodezno W, Agrawal NJ. Utilizing cross-product prior knowledge to rapidly de-risk chemical liabilities in therapeutic antibody candidates. AAPS OPEN 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s41120-022-00057-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThere is considerable pressure in the pharmaceutical industry to advance better molecules faster. One pervasive concern for protein-based therapeutics is the presence of potential chemical liabilities. We have developed a simple methodology for rapidly de-risking specific chemical concerns in antibody-based molecules using prior knowledge of each individual liability at a specific position in the molecule’s sequence. Our methodology hinges on the development of sequence-aligned chemical liability databases of molecules from different stages of commercialization and on sequence-aligned experimental data from prior molecules that have been developed at Amgen. This approach goes beyond the standard practice of simply flagging all instances of each motif that fall in a CDR. Instead, we de-risk motifs that are common at a specific site in commercial mAb-based molecules (and therefore did not previously pose an insurmountable barrier to commercialization) and motifs at specific sites for which we have prior experimental data indicating acceptably low levels of modification. We have used this approach successfully to identify candidates in a discovery phase program with exclusively very low risk potential chemical liabilities. Identifying these candidates in the discovery phase allowed us to bypass protein engineering and accelerate the program’s timeline by 6 months.
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18
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Gramespacher JA, Cotton AD, Burroughs PWW, Seiple IB, Wells JA. Roadmap for Optimizing and Broadening Antibody-Based PROTACs for Degradation of Cell Surface Proteins. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1259-1268. [PMID: 35481357 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is a promising therapeutic strategy capable of overcoming the limitations of traditional occupancy-based inhibitors. By ablating all of the associated functions of a protein at once, the event-driven pharmacology of degrader technologies has recently enabled the targeting of proteins that have been historically deemed "undruggable". Most degradation strategies utilize the ubiquitin-proteasome system to mediate intracellular target degradation and are thus limited to targeting proteins with cytoplasmic domains. While some of these strategies, such as PROTACs, have shown great promise, there is a need for new modalities that can be applied to specifically target cell surface proteins. We previously described the development of an antibody-based PROTAC (AbTAC) that utilizes genetically encoded IgG bispecific antibody scaffolds to bring the cell surface E3-ligase RNF43 into the proximity of a membrane protein of interest (POI) to mediate its degradation. Here, we employ rational protein engineering strategies to interrogate and optimize the properties necessary for efficient degradation of two therapeutically important membrane proteins, PD-L1 and EGFR. We develop multiple antibodies to RNF43 and show that the specific antibody binding epitopes on RNF43 and the POI are more important than the affinities of the AbTAC antibodies. We further expand the available repertoire of E3 ligases by co-opting the E3-ligase ZNRF3 to degrade both PD-L1 and EGFR and show similar importance of epitope for degradation efficiency. Importantly, we show that both RNF43 and ZNRF3 AbTACs do not potentiate unwanted WNT signaling. Lastly, we find that these AbTACs can be even further improved by exploring various dual-binding and IgG scaffolds that range in flexibility, valency, and orientation of the binding arms. These structure-activity and mechanistic studies provide a roadmap for optimizing the development of AbTACs, thereby greatly expanding their utility for targeted cell surface protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef A. Gramespacher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Adam D. Cotton
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Paul W. W. Burroughs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Ian B. Seiple
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - James A. Wells
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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Cserepes M, Nelhűbel GA, Meilinger-Dobra M, Herczeg A, Türk D, Hegedűs Z, Svajda L, Rásó E, Ladányi A, Csikó KG, Kenessey I, Szöőr Á, Vereb G, Remenár É, Tóvári J. EGFR R521K Polymorphism Is Not a Major Determinant of Clinical Cetuximab Resistance in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102407. [PMID: 35626010 PMCID: PMC9140151 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102407] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are among the most abundant malignancies worldwide. Patients with recurrent/metastatic disease undergo combination chemotherapy containing cetuximab, the monoclonal antibody used against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Cetuximab augments the effect of chemotherapy; however, a significant number of patients show therapy resistance. The mechanism of resistance is yet to be unveiled, although extracellular alterations of the receptor have been reported, and their role in cetuximab failure has been proposed. Aims: Here, we investigate possible effects of the multi-exon deletion variant (EGFRvIII), and the single nucleotide polymorphism EGFR R521K on cetuximab efficacy. Results: Our results show that in HNSCC patients, the EGFRvIII allele frequency is under 1%; therefore, it cannot lead to common resistance. EGFR R521K, present in 42% of the patients, is investigated in vitro in four HNSCC cell lines (two wild-type and two heterozygous for EGFR R521K). While no direct effect is found to be related to the EGFR status, cells harboring R521K show a reduced sensitivity in ADCC experiments and in vivo xenograft experiments. However, this preclinical difference is not reflected in the progression-free or overall survival of HNSCC patients. Furthermore, NK cell and macrophage presence in tumors is not related to EGFR R521K. Discussion: Our results suggest that EGFR R521K, unlike reported previously, is unable to cause cetuximab resistance in HNSCC patients; therefore, its screening before therapy selection is not justifiable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihály Cserepes
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Ráth György utca 7-9, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.C.); (G.A.N.); (D.T.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (I.K.)
| | - Györgyi A. Nelhűbel
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Ráth György utca 7-9, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.C.); (G.A.N.); (D.T.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Mónika Meilinger-Dobra
- The Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Center, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.M.-D.); (A.H.); (É.R.)
| | - Adrienn Herczeg
- The Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Center, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.M.-D.); (A.H.); (É.R.)
| | - Dóra Türk
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Ráth György utca 7-9, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.C.); (G.A.N.); (D.T.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Zita Hegedűs
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Ráth György utca 7-9, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.C.); (G.A.N.); (D.T.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Laura Svajda
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Ráth György utca 7-9, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.C.); (G.A.N.); (D.T.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Erzsébet Rásó
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, H-1091 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Andrea Ladányi
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (I.K.)
- Department of Surgical and Molecular Pathology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kristóf György Csikó
- Department of Chest and Abdominal Tumors and Clinical Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - István Kenessey
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (I.K.)
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, H-1091 Budapest, Hungary;
- Hungarian Cancer Registry, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Árpád Szöőr
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Á.S.); (G.V.)
| | - György Vereb
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Á.S.); (G.V.)
| | - Éva Remenár
- The Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Center, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.M.-D.); (A.H.); (É.R.)
| | - József Tóvári
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Ráth György utca 7-9, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (M.C.); (G.A.N.); (D.T.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (I.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-1-224-8778; Fax: +36-1-224-8724
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Pacini L, Cabal VN, Hermsen MA, Huang PH. EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Mutations in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:394. [PMID: 35053553 PMCID: PMC8774177 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-activating mutations have been identified in a rare form of head and neck cancer known as sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC), a malignant disease with a 5-year mortality rate of ~40%. Interestingly, the majority of EGFR mutations identified in patients with primary SNSCC are exon 20 insertions (Ex20ins), which is in contrast to non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where the EGFR exon 19 deletion and L858R mutations predominate. These studies demonstrate that EGFR Ex20ins mutations are not exclusive to lung cancer as previously believed, but are also involved in driving SNSCC pathogenesis. Here we review the landscape of EGFR mutations in SNSCC, with a particular focus on SNSCC associated with inverted sinonasal papilloma (ISP), a benign epithelial neoplasm. Taking lessons from NSCLC, we also discuss potential new treatment options for ISP-associated SNSCC harbouring EGFR Ex20ins in the context of targeted therapies, drug resistance and precision cancer medicine. Moving forward, further basic and translational work is needed to delineate the biology of EGFR Ex20ins in SNSCC in order to develop more effective treatments for patients with this rare disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pacini
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton SM2 5NG, UK;
| | - Virginia N. Cabal
- Department Head and Neck Cancer, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER-ONC), 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (V.N.C.); (M.A.H.)
| | - Mario A. Hermsen
- Department Head and Neck Cancer, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER-ONC), 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (V.N.C.); (M.A.H.)
| | - Paul H. Huang
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton SM2 5NG, UK;
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Botticelli A, Pomati G, Marchetti P. Target therapy in cancer treatment. Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822960-6.00152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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22
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Zhou J, Ji Q, Li Q. Resistance to anti-EGFR therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer: underlying mechanisms and reversal strategies. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:328. [PMID: 34663410 PMCID: PMC8522158 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02130-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cetuximab and panitumumab are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that are effective agents for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Cetuximab can prolong survival by 8.2 months in RAS wild-type (WT) mCRC patients. Unfortunately, resistance to targeted therapy impairs clinical use and efficiency. The mechanisms of resistance refer to intrinsic and extrinsic alterations of tumours. Multiple therapeutic strategies have been investigated extensively to overcome resistance to anti-EGFR mAbs. The intrinsic mechanisms include EGFR ligand overexpression, EGFR alteration, RAS/RAF/PI3K gene mutations, ERBB2/MET/IGF-1R activation, metabolic remodelling, microsatellite instability and autophagy. For intrinsic mechanisms, therapies mainly cover the following: new EGFR-targeted inhibitors, a combination of multitargeted inhibitors, and metabolic regulators. In addition, new cytotoxic drugs and small molecule compounds increase the efficiency of cetuximab. Extrinsic alterations mainly disrupt the tumour microenvironment, specifically immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and angiogenesis. The directions include the modification or activation of immune cells and suppression of CAFs and anti-VEGFR agents. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (anti-EGFR mAbs) and discuss diverse approaches to reverse resistance to this therapy in hopes of identifying more mCRC treatment possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qing Ji
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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23
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Lin PH, Tseng CL, Cheng YC, Ho CH, Chen SC, Wang Y, Liu E, Issafras H, Jiang W. Distinguishing features of a novel humanized anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody based on cetuximab with superior antitumor efficacy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:1491-1507. [PMID: 34632911 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1988072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cetuximab, the first approved EGFR targeting therapeutic antibody, is currently used to treat colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer. While effective, cetuximab is associated with a higher rate of skin rash, infusion reactions, and gastrointestinal toxicity, which was suggested to be linked to the presence of heterogeneous glycan contents on the Fab of the SP2/0-produced cetuximab. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS To improve efficacy and minimize toxicity of EGFR inhibition treatment, we re-engineered cetuximab by humanizing its Fab regions and minimizing its glycan contents to generate HLX07. RESULTS HLX07 binds to EGFR with similar affinity as cetuximab and shows better bioactivity compared to cetuximab in vitro. In vivo studies demonstrated that HLX07 significantly inhibited the growth of A431, FaDu, NCI-H292, and WiDr tumor cells and synergized them with chemotherapeutics and immune simulator agents such as anti-PD-1. In cynomolgus monkeys, 13-week repeat-dose GLP toxicokinetic studies showed minimal-to-mild toxicities in the dose range of up to 60 mg/kg/wk. In the preliminary phase 1 dose-escalation study, HLX07 had showed lower incidence of skin rashes with grade >2 severities. CONCLUSION HLX07 is currently under phase 1/2 clinical development. We believe HLX07 would potentially be an alternative for patients who have been suffering from cetuximab-mediated toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Hua Lin
- Department of Lead Discovery, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Chi-Ling Tseng
- Department of Research and Development, Henlix Biotech, Co., Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan. Current Company: HanchorBio Co., Ltd, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Chih Cheng
- Department of Research and Development, Henlix Biotech, Co., Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan. Current Company: HanchorBio Co., Ltd, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Hsin Ho
- Department of Research and Development, Henlix Biotech, Co., Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan. Current Company: HanchorBio Co., Ltd, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih Chieh Chen
- Department of Protein Purification & Analytical, Henlix, Inc. Fremont, CA, USA. Currently Company: Anwita Biosciences, Inc, San Carlos, CA, USA
| | - Yanling Wang
- Department of Protein Expression, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Eugene Liu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hassan Issafras
- Department of Lead Discovery, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
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Baysal H, De Pauw I, Zaryouh H, Peeters M, Vermorken JB, Lardon F, De Waele J, Wouters A. The Right Partner in Crime: Unlocking the Potential of the Anti-EGFR Antibody Cetuximab via Combination With Natural Killer Cell Chartering Immunotherapeutic Strategies. Front Immunol 2021; 12:737311. [PMID: 34557197 PMCID: PMC8453198 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.737311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetuximab has an established role in the treatment of patients with recurrent/metastatic colorectal cancer and head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). However, the long-term effectiveness of cetuximab has been limited by the development of acquired resistance, leading to tumor relapse. By contrast, immunotherapies can elicit long-term tumor regression, but the overall response rates are much more limited. In addition to epidermal growth factor (EGFR) inhibition, cetuximab can activate natural killer (NK) cells to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). In view of the above, there is an unmet need for the majority of patients that are treated with both monotherapy cetuximab and immunotherapy. Accumulated evidence from (pre-)clinical studies suggests that targeted therapies can have synergistic antitumor effects through combination with immunotherapy. However, further optimizations, aimed towards illuminating the multifaceted interplay, are required to avoid toxicity and to achieve better therapeutic effectiveness. The current review summarizes existing (pre-)clinical evidence to provide a rationale supporting the use of combined cetuximab and immunotherapy approaches in patients with different types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Baysal
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ines De Pauw
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hannah Zaryouh
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Jan Baptist Vermorken
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jorrit De Waele
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An Wouters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Liu Q, Xin C, Chen Y, Yang J, Chen Y, Zhang W, Ye L. PUM1 Is Overexpressed in Colon Cancer Cells With Acquired Resistance to Cetuximab. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:696558. [PMID: 34447749 PMCID: PMC8383298 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.696558] [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: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cetuximab is an effective antibody to treat colorectal cancer (CRC) by targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, the mechanisms of acquired resistance to cetuximab therapy, especially in patients without identifiable gene mutations, are not fully understood. Methods Our study investigated the role of pumilio RNA-binding family member 1 (PUM1) in cetuximab resistance. We established cetuximab-resistant colon cancer cell lines SW480R and Caco-2R and knocked out PUM1 and DEAD-box helicase 5 (DDX5) with the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-caspase 9 (Cas9) system. To check cell proliferation, we used Cell Counting Kit-8. We performed qPCR and immunoblot to examine the levels of mRNAs and proteins for each cell line. Results Our data showed that PUM1 was upregulated in SW480R and Caco-2R cells with increased protein levels and cell proliferation, and PUM1 knockout reduced cell viability in the presence of cetuximab. We also found that PUM1 interacted with DDX5 in 3′ untranslated region (UTR) and positively regulated its mRNA expression. Furthermore, suppression of DDX5 also decreased the proliferation of SW480R and Caco-2R cells. Conclusion Our study suggests that PUM1 positively regulates DDX5 and acts as a promoter in cetuximab-resistant colon cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qizhi Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Xin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yikuan Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Yingying Chen
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Lechi Ye
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Sano M, Kaneko MK, Aasano T, Kato Y. Epitope Mapping of an Antihuman EGFR Monoclonal Antibody (EMab-134) Using the REMAP Method. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2021; 40:191-195. [PMID: 34283639 DOI: 10.1089/mab.2021.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that plays an important role in normal epidermal cell physiology. EGFR is overexpressed in cancer cells and has a number of mutations that implicate tumor malignancy, development, and poor patient prognosis; thus, EGFR is an attractive target for cancer therapy. At present, anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been approved and are used for treating patients with a variety of EGFR-expressing cancers. Epitope mapping is important in identifying the therapeutic mechanism of anti-EGFR mAbs; however, the development of epitope mapping techniques lags behind the development of antimolecular target mAbs, including anti-EGFR mAbs. Hence, in this study, a novel epitope mapping method, RIEDL insertion for epitope mapping (REMAP) method, was developed. The results of this study demonstrated that the critical epitope of anti-EGFR mAb EMab-134 is Gly378, Asp379, Ser380, Phe381, Thr382, His383, Thr384, Pro385, and Pro386 of EGFR. The REMAP method could be useful for determining the critical epitope of functional mAbs against many target molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Sano
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mika K Kaneko
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Teizo Aasano
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yukinari Kato
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Sur D, Havasi A, Gorzo A, Burz C. A Critical Review of Second-Generation Anti-EGFR Monoclonal Antibodies in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 22:1034-1042. [PMID: 32718285 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200727121011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become a relevant solution for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Current anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies face a series of problems, including resistance and non-durable response, and RAS and BRAF mutations serve as exclusion criteria for treatment with anti-EGFR mAbs. Advances in molecular tumor profiling and information on subsequent pathways responsible for disease progression and drug resistance helped develop a new generation of anti-EGFR mAbs. These second-generation mAbs have been developed to overcome existing resistance mechanisms and to limit common side effects. For the moment, existing literature suggests that these novel anti-EGFR mAbs are far from finding their way to clinical practice soon. OBJECTIVE In this review, we summarize and evaluate current data regarding ongoing research and completed clinical trials for different second-generation anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies. CONCLUSION Anti-EGFR mAbs exhibit efficacy in advanced colorectal cancer, but second-generation mAbs failed to prove their benefit in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Understanding the biological basis of primary and acquired drug resistance could allow scientists to design better clinical trials and develop improved second-generation mAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sur
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj- Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Havasi
- Department of Medical Oncology, "Ion Chiricuta" Oncology Institute, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alecsandra Gorzo
- Department of Medical Oncology, "Ion Chiricuta" Oncology Institute, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Claudia Burz
- Department of Medical Oncology, "Ion Chiricuta" Oncology Institute, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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You KS, Yi YW, Cho J, Park JS, Seong YS. Potentiating Therapeutic Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:589. [PMID: 34207383 PMCID: PMC8233743 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subset of breast cancer with aggressive characteristics and few therapeutic options. The lack of an appropriate therapeutic target is a challenging issue in treating TNBC. Although a high level expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been associated with a poor prognosis among patients with TNBC, targeted anti-EGFR therapies have demonstrated limited efficacy for TNBC treatment in both clinical and preclinical settings. However, with the advantage of a number of clinically approved EGFR inhibitors (EGFRis), combination strategies have been explored as a promising approach to overcome the intrinsic resistance of TNBC to EGFRis. In this review, we analyzed the literature on the combination of EGFRis with other molecularly targeted therapeutics or conventional chemotherapeutics to understand the current knowledge and to provide potential therapeutic options for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Sic You
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 3116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
| | - Yong Weon Yi
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
| | - Jeonghee Cho
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
| | - Jeong-Soo Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
| | - Yeon-Sun Seong
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 3116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
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Kim JW, Cho YB, Lee S. Cell Surface GRP94 as a Novel Emerging Therapeutic Target for Monoclonal Antibody Cancer Therapy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030670. [PMID: 33802964 PMCID: PMC8002708 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident member of the heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) family. In physiological conditions, it plays a vital role in regulating biological functions, including chaperoning cellular proteins in the ER lumen, maintaining calcium homeostasis, and modulating immune system function. Recently, several reports have shown the functional role and clinical relevance of GRP94 overexpression in the progression and metastasis of several cancers. Therefore, the current review highlights GRP94’s physiological and pathophysiological roles in normal and cancer cells. Additionally, the unmet medical needs of small chemical inhibitors and the current development status of monoclonal antibodies specifically targeting GRP94 will be discussed to emphasize the importance of cell surface GRP94 as an emerging therapeutic target in monoclonal antibody therapy for cancer.
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Anti-EGFR antibody 528 binds to domain III of EGFR at a site shifted from the cetuximab epitope. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5790. [PMID: 33707468 PMCID: PMC7952593 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84171-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies have been widely used for cancer therapy owing to their ability to distinguish cancer cells by recognizing cancer-specific antigens. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a promising target for the cancer therapeutics, against which several antibody clones have been developed and brought into therapeutic use. Another antibody clone, 528, is an antagonistic anti-EGFR antibody, which has been the focus of our antibody engineering studies to develop cancer drugs. In this study, we explored the interaction of 528 with the extracellular region of EGFR (sEGFR) via binding analyses and structural studies. Dot blotting experiments with heat treated sEGFR and surface plasmon resonance binding experiments revealed that 528 recognizes the tertiary structure of sEGFR and exhibits competitive binding to sEGFR with EGF and cetuximab. Single particle analysis of the sEGFR-528 Fab complex via electron microscopy clearly showed the binding of 528 to domain III of sEGFR, the domain to which EGF and cetuximab bind, explaining its antagonistic activity. Comparison between the two-dimensional class average and the cetuximab/sEGFR crystal structure revealed that 528 binds to a site that is shifted from, rather than identical to, the cetuximab epitope, and may exclude known drug-resistant EGFR mutations.
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Molecular Targeting of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGFR). Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26041076. [PMID: 33670650 PMCID: PMC7922143 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26041076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) are two extensively studied membrane-bound receptor tyrosine kinase proteins that are frequently overexpressed in many cancers. As a result, these receptor families constitute attractive targets for imaging and therapeutic applications in the detection and treatment of cancer. This review explores the dynamic structure and structure-function relationships of these two growth factor receptors and their significance as it relates to theranostics of cancer, followed by some of the common inhibition modalities frequently employed to target EGFR and VEGFR, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), antibodies, nanobodies, and peptides. A summary of the recent advances in molecular imaging techniques, including positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and optical imaging (OI), and in particular, near-IR fluorescence imaging using tetrapyrrolic-based fluorophores, concludes this review.
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Cai P, Xie Y, Dong M, Zhu Q. Inhibition of MEIS3 Generates Cetuximab Resistance through c-Met and Akt. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:2046248. [PMID: 33376716 PMCID: PMC7744183 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2046248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although cetuximab has been widely used in the treatment of colon cancer, a large number of patients eventually develop drug resistance. Therefore, it is essential to clarify the mechanism of drug resistance. METHODS In this study, we combined in silico analysis and a single guide RNA (sgRNA) library to locate cetuximab-sensitive genes. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle were assessed to validate the change in cetuximab sensitivity. Finally, western blotting was performed to detect changes in epidermal growth factor (EGFR) upstream and downstream genes. RESULTS Using in silico analysis and the sgRNA library, MEIS3 was confirmed as the cetuximab-sensitive gene. Further experiments indicated that the expression of MEIS3 could determine the level of cetuximab. Meanwhile, MEIS3-inhibited cells were sensitive to mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met) and protein kinase B (Akt) inhibitors, which is related to the change in phosphorylation of c-Met and degradation of Akt. CONCLUSION MEIS3 modified the sensitivity to cetuximab through c-Met and Akt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Cai
- Anorectal Surgery, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 41 Northwest Street Road, Haishu District, Ningbo 315800, China
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 41 Northwest Street Road, Haishu District, Ningbo 315800, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, 41 Northwest Street Road, Haishu District, Ningbo 315800, China
| | - Yangyang Xie
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 41 Northwest Street Road, Haishu District, Ningbo 315800, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, 41 Northwest Street Road, Haishu District, Ningbo 315800, China
- Department of Medical Experiment, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 41 Northwest Street Road, Haishu District, Ningbo 315800, China
| | - Mingjun Dong
- Anorectal Surgery, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 41 Northwest Street Road, Haishu District, Ningbo 315800, China
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 41 Northwest Street Road, Haishu District, Ningbo 315800, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, 41 Northwest Street Road, Haishu District, Ningbo 315800, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Zhu
- Anorectal Surgery, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 41 Northwest Street Road, Haishu District, Ningbo 315800, China
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 41 Northwest Street Road, Haishu District, Ningbo 315800, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, 41 Northwest Street Road, Haishu District, Ningbo 315800, China
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EGFR targeting for cancer therapy: Pharmacology and immunoconjugates with drugs and nanoparticles. Int J Pharm 2020; 592:120082. [PMID: 33188892 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.120082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) belongs to the tyrosine kinase receptors family and is present in the epithelial cell membrane. Its endogenous activation occurs through the binding of different endogenous ligands, including the epidermal growth factor (EGF), leading to signaling cascades able to maintain normal cellular functions. Although involved in the development and maintenance of tissues in normal conditions, when EGFR is overexpressed, it stimulates the growth and progression of tumors, resulting in angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, through some main cascades such as Ras/Raf/MAPK, PIK-3/AKT, PLC-PKC and STAT. Besides, considering the limitations of conventional chemotherapy that result in high toxicity and low tumor specificity, EGFR is currently considered an important target. As a result, several monoclonal antibodies are currently approved for use in cancer treatment, such as cetuximab (CTX), panitumumab, nimotuzumab, necitumumab and others are in clinical trials. Aiming to combine the chemotherapeutic agent toxicity and specific targeting to EGFR overexpressing tumor tissues, two main strategies will be discussed in this review: antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and antibody-nanoparticle conjugates (ANCs). Briefly, ADCs consist of antibodies covalently linked through a spacer to the cytotoxic drug. Upon administration, binding to EGFR and endocytosis, ADCs suffer chemical and enzymatic reactions leading to the release and accumulation of the drug. Instead, ANCs consist of nanotechnology-based formulations, such as lipid, polymeric and inorganic nanoparticles able to protect the drug against inactivation, allowing controlled release and also passive accumulation in tumor tissues by the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR). Furthermore, ANCs undergo active targeting through EGFR receptor-mediated endocytosis, leading to the formation of lysosomes and drug release into the cytosol. Herein, we will present and discuss some important aspects regarding EGFR structure, its role on internal signaling pathways and downregulation aspects. Then, considering that EGFR is a potential therapeutic target for cancer therapy, the monoclonal antibodies able to target this receptor will be presented and discussed. Finally, ADCs and ANCs state of the art will be reviewed and recent studies and clinical progresses will be highlighted. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review paper to address specifically the EGFR target and its application on ADCs and ANCs.
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Ajina R, Zahavi DJ, Zhang YW, Weiner LM. Overcoming malignant cell-based mechanisms of resistance to immune checkpoint blockade antibodies. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 65:28-37. [PMID: 31866479 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Traditional cancer treatment approaches have focused on surgery, radiation therapy, and cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, with rare exceptions, metastatic cancers were considered to be incurable by traditional therapy. Over the past 20 years a fourth modality - immunotherapy - has emerged as a potentially curative approach for patients with advanced metastatic cancer. However, in many patients cancer "finds a way" to evade the anti-tumor effects of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy resistance mechanisms can be employed by both cancer cells and the non-cancer elements of tumor microenvironment. This review focuses on the resistance mechanisms that are specifically mediated by cancer cells. In order to extend the impact of immunotherapy to more patients and across all cancer types, and to inhibit the development of acquired resistance, the underlying biology driving immune escape needs to be better understood. Elucidating mechanisms of immune escape may shed light on new therapeutic targets, and lead to successful combination therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham Ajina
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Medical Center, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States
| | - David J Zahavi
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Medical Center, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States
| | - Yong-Wei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Medical Center, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States
| | - Louis M Weiner
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Medical Center, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States.
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Case Reports of DRESS Syndrome and Symptoms Consistent with DRESS Syndrome Following Treatment with Recently Marketed Monoclonal Antibodies. Autoimmune Dis 2019; 2019:7595706. [PMID: 31308976 PMCID: PMC6594346 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7595706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Monoclonal antibodies constitute a potent and broadly tolerable drug class, representing for some conditions the first newly approved treatment in years. As such, many are afforded “fast-track” or “breakthrough therapy” designations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, leading to provisional approval before Phase III clinical trials are reported. Although these drugs are usually safe, some patients experience life-threatening complications—myositis and encephalitis have led to permanent or temporary recalls. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a hypersensitivity condition easily missed due to its long incubation period and nonspecific presentation. This minireview is primarily intended as an abbreviated guide for practitioners who may be using these powerful treatments. Methodology We searched PubMed using a string of symptoms consistent with DRESS syndrome and monoclonal antibodies approved by the FDA since 2015. Then, we excluded studies reporting dermatological complications of reactivation of nonherpetic infection, immunodeficiency-related infection, or reactions to the injection site or infusion. We searched for and accessed prior reviews and background studies via PubMed, Mendeley, and Google Scholar. Results Two cases of DRESS syndrome were identified in the literature, both the result of treatment with daclizumab. There was one additional case of encephalitis without cutaneous symptoms caused by daclizumab. Drug-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis was reported following treatment with nivolumab and two cases of combination treatment with ipilimumab and either nivolumab or durvalumab produced maculopapular rash and bullae in the first patient and lichenoid dermatitis and blisters in the second patient. Conclusions Daclizumab was the only recently approved monoclonal antibody associated with DRESS syndrome as such. Limitations in the diagnostic reliability of DRESS syndrome as a clinical entity and the lack of negative clinical trial reporting suggest enhanced vigilance on the part of clinicians and regulators may be warranted.
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Wei L, Wang Z, Xia Y, Liu B. The mechanism and tumor inhibitory study of Lagopsis supine ethanol extract on colorectal cancer in nude mice. Altern Ther Health Med 2019; 19:173. [PMID: 31299960 PMCID: PMC6624892 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2585-6] [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] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 08/08/2024]
Abstract
Background This study was aimed to determination the tumor inhibitory effect and explore the potential mechanisms of Lagopsis supine ethanol extract (Ls) on colorectal cancer. Methods The cell growth inhibition experiment of Ls in colorectal cancer cell lines was determined by MTT method in the time course of 24, 48 and 72 h in four gradient drug concentrations. The protein expression levels of pSTAT3, pJAK2, STAT3, JAK2, Bcl-2 and caspase 3 were measured by Western blot method. The mRNA levels of the downstream genes of STAT3 were detected through semi-quantitative RT PCR. Sixty Balb/c-nude mice were xenograft with HCT116 colorectal cancer cells through subcutaneously. The xenografts were divided into five groups: model group, positive group (capecitabine 300 mg/kg) and three dosages of Ls treated groups (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg). Tumor size and tumor weight were calculated for evaluation the anti-tumor effects. H & E staining and immunohistochemical analysis were used to determine the histopathological changes and the levels of pSTAT3 and pJAK2 in the tumor tissues. Results Ls exhibited a significant anti-proliferation effect in HCT116 and SW480 cells in vitro. The protein levels of pSTAT3, pJAK2 and Bcl-2, and the mRNA levels of Bcl-2 and Bak notably reduced with a dose-dependent manner. While the protein levels of caspase 3, and mRNA levels of Bax and caspase-3 remarkably increased in the gradient dosage of Ls in HCT116 cells. HCT116 in vivo xenografts experiment showed that the growth of the tumors significantly inhibited by Ls administration, which with no any significant body weight changes in each experiment group. The histopathology analysis displayed that Ls significantly reduced the inflammatory cells in tumor tissue. Furthermore, Ls also significantly down-regulate the protein levels of pSTAT3 and pJAK2 in the tumor tissues, compared with the model group. Conclusions This work shows that Ls inhibited the cell proliferation of colorectal cancer in vitro and significantly reduced the tumor growth in HCT116 xenografts in vivo, which is probably related with the JAK/STAT signal pathway.
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Coomer AO, Black F, Greystoke A, Munkley J, Elliott DJ. Alternative splicing in lung cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:194388. [PMID: 31152916 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate of all cancers worldwide. Lung cancer is a very heterogeneous disease that is often diagnosed at later stages which have a poor prognosis. Aberrant alternative splicing patterns found in lung cancer contribute to important cell functions. These include changes in splicing for the BCL2L1, MDM2, MDM4, NUMB and MET genes during lung tumourigenesis, to affect pathways involved in apoptosis, cell proliferation and cellular cohesion. Global analyses of RNASeq datasets suggest there may be many more potentially influential aberrant splicing events that need to be investigated in lung cancer. Changes in expression of the splicing factors that regulate alternative splicing events have also been identified in lung cancer. Of these, changes in expression of QKI, RBM4, RBM5, RBM6, RBM10 and SRSF1 proteins regulate many of the most frequently referenced aberrant splicing events in lung cancer. The expanding list of genes known to be aberrantly spliced in lung cancer along with the altered expression of splicing factors that regulate them are providing new clues as to how lung cancer develops, and how these events can be exploited for better treatment. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: RNA structure and splicing regulation edited by Francisco Baralle, Ravindra Singh and Stefan Stamm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice O Coomer
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Fiona Black
- Cellular Pathology Department, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Alastair Greystoke
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Jennifer Munkley
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - David J Elliott
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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Martin J, Lehmann A, Klauschen F, Hummel M, Lenze D, Grohé C, Tessmer A, Gottschalk J, Schmidt B, Pau HW, Witt C, Moegling S, Kromminga R, Jöhrens K. Clinical Impact of Rare and Compound Mutations of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Patients With Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Lung Cancer 2019; 20:350-362.e4. [PMID: 31175009 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standard therapy of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer harboring an activating mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene is treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). However, for rare and compound mutations of the EGFR gene, the clinical evidence of TKI therapy is still unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 2906 lung cancer samples were analyzed for EGFR mutations during routine analysis between 2010 and 2017. The samples have been investigated by Sanger sequencing and since 2014 by next-generation sequencing. RESULTS We detected EGFR mutations in 408 specimens (14%). Among these, we found 41 samples with rare and 22 with compound mutations. In these 63 samples, 56 different rare EGFR mutations occurred. Information about the clinical outcome was available for 37. Among those with rare mutations, only one patient harboring the mutation p.G874D had disease that responded to first-generation TKI therapy. In contrast, the disease of all patients with compound mutations responded to first- or second-generation TKI therapy. Furthermore, we collected data on clinical relevance regarding TKI therapy from different databases and from an additional literature search, and only found data for 36 of the 56 detected rare mutations. CONCLUSION Information about the clinical outcome of patients with rare and compound EGFR mutations remains limited. At present, second- and third-generation TKIs are available, which may represent new treatment strategies for these patients. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to maintain databases concerning rare EGFR mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Martin
- Institute of Pathology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Provitro AG, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Annika Lehmann
- Institute of Pathology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frederick Klauschen
- Institute of Pathology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Hummel
- Institute of Pathology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dido Lenze
- Institute of Pathology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Joachim Gottschalk
- Department of Pathology and Neuropathology, Asklepios Klinik Nord, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Berndt Schmidt
- Lung Cancer Centrum, DRK-Kliniken Berlin Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Wilhelm Pau
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Christian Witt
- Department of Pneumonology and Immunology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Korinna Jöhrens
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
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Osumi H, Shinozaki E, Takeda Y, Wakatsuki T, Ichimura T, Saiura A, Yamaguchi K, Takahashi S, Noda T, Zembutsu H. Clinical relevance of circulating tumor DNA assessed through deep sequencing in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Cancer Med 2018; 8:408-417. [PMID: 30575318 PMCID: PMC6346227 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Because circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) studies focusing on only one or a few genes to monitor the disease progress or treatment response are unlikely to find its clinical significance, the development of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) panel covering hundreds of mutation hot spots is important for the establishment of clinically practical ctDNA detection system. We enrolled 101 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who received chemotherapy. Amplicon‐based genomic profiling of 14 genes, which are commonly mutated in CRC, in plasma by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of this assay and was compared with their clinical parameters and RAS status in matched tissue samples. Somatic mutations of the 14 genes in plasma cfDNA were detected in 88 patients (87.1%) with mCRC. Mutations in TP53, KRAS, and APC genes were detected in 70 (69.3%), 39 (38.6%), and 24 (23.7%) patients, respectively. Mutant allele frequencies in plasma were significantly associated with metastasis (liver, P = 0.00004, lymph node, P = 0.008, number of metastatic organs, P = 0.0006), tumor markers (CEA, P = 0.000007, CA19‐9, P = 0.006, LDH, P = 0.00001), and tumor diameter (maximum, P = 0.00002, sum of diameter, P = 0.00009). The overall concordance rate of RAS status between ctDNA and matched tissue was 77.2% (78/101). Our data confirmed that mutant allele in cfDNA can be sensitively detected by amplicon‐based NGS system. These results suggest that ctDNA could be a novel diagnostic biomarker to monitor changes in mutational status and tumor burden in patients with mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Osumi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiji Shinozaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Takeda
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeru Wakatsuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Ichimura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akio Saiura
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensei Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunji Takahashi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Noda
- Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Zembutsu
- Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
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di Noia V, D'Argento E, Pilotto S, Grizzi G, Caccese M, Iacovelli R, Tortora G, Bria E. Necitumumab in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer: clinical controversies. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:937-945. [PMID: 30075697 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1508445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the last decade, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling was investigated as a potential target for tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Necitumumab is a fully humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody directed against the binding domain of EGFR, approved in combination with cisplatin-gemcitabine for the first-line treatment of squamous NSCLC. Areas covered: The purpose of this manuscript is to systematically review the state of the art of necitumumab for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC, focusing on predictive factors, cost-effectiveness, and future potential combinations with additional agents. Expert opinion: Despite recent therapeutic advances, platinum-based chemotherapy still represents the most widely used first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC, particularly for the squamous histotype. Necitumumab is nowadays the first targeted agent providing an (statistically significant) additional survival gain to squamous NSCLC patients when combined with first-line chemotherapy at the cost of an increased (although manageable) toxicity, as shown in the SQUIRE trial. Hopefully, improvement in patients' selection by identifying reliable predictive markers and the combination with new agents may help to maximize the benefit of this targeted treatment, which is currently limited by a not optimal cost-benefit ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo di Noia
- a U.O.C. Oncologia Medica , Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Roma , Italy
| | - Ettore D'Argento
- a U.O.C. Oncologia Medica , Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Roma , Italy
| | - Sara Pilotto
- b U.O.C. Oncology, Department of Medicine , University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata , Verona , Italy
| | - Giulia Grizzi
- b U.O.C. Oncology, Department of Medicine , University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata , Verona , Italy
| | - Mario Caccese
- b U.O.C. Oncology, Department of Medicine , University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata , Verona , Italy
| | - Roberto Iacovelli
- b U.O.C. Oncology, Department of Medicine , University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata , Verona , Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- b U.O.C. Oncology, Department of Medicine , University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata , Verona , Italy
| | - Emilio Bria
- a U.O.C. Oncologia Medica , Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Roma , Italy
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Jiménez Aguilar E, Zugazagoitia Fraile J, Paz-Ares Rodríguez L. Necitumumab: a new option for first-line treatment of squamous cell lung cancer. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2018; 14:765-772. [PMID: 30025476 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2018.1498839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION First-line treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy has been the standard treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) during the past decades. The development of new targeted drugs based on molecular alterations (EGFR, ALK, and ROS1) has led to important outcome benefits, but not for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, the aberrant function of the EGFR pathway in SCC may be important in the development of the tumor and has been explored in preclinical and clinical studies as a potential target. Areas covered: Necitumumab is a human IgG1 anti-EGFR antibody that binds to the receptor and inhibits further pathway activation, thereby inhibiting cell differentiation, proliferation and migration. The phase III SQUIRE trial was a randomized study of gemcitabine-cisplatin plus necitumumab versus gemcitabine-cisplatin alone for first-line stage IV squamous NSCLC, showing a higher overall survival and better disease control with the addition of necitumumab. Despite the good results, the lack of robust predictive biomarkers makes the selection of the patients who will benefit the most complex. Expert opinion: Necitumumab plus cisplatin-gemcitabine is a first-line treatment option in SCC that improves overall survival and preserves the patient's quality of life with a manageable toxicity profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Jiménez Aguilar
- a Medical Oncology Department , Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre and Instituto de Investigación i+12 , Madrid , Spain.,b Lung Cancer Group, Clinical Research Program , CNIO (Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC) , Madrid , Spain
| | - Jon Zugazagoitia Fraile
- a Medical Oncology Department , Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre and Instituto de Investigación i+12 , Madrid , Spain.,b Lung Cancer Group, Clinical Research Program , CNIO (Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC) , Madrid , Spain
| | - Luis Paz-Ares Rodríguez
- a Medical Oncology Department , Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre and Instituto de Investigación i+12 , Madrid , Spain.,b Lung Cancer Group, Clinical Research Program , CNIO (Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC) , Madrid , Spain.,c Medical Oncology department , Complutense University , Madrid , Spain
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