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Journeaux T, Bernardes GJL. Homogeneous multi-payload antibody-drug conjugates. Nat Chem 2024; 16:854-870. [PMID: 38760431 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01507-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Many systemic cancer chemotherapies comprise a combination of drugs, yet all clinically used antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) contain a single-drug payload. These combination regimens improve treatment outcomes by producing synergistic anticancer effects and slowing the development of drug-resistant cell populations. In an attempt to replicate these regimens and improve the efficacy of targeted therapy, the field of ADCs has moved towards developing techniques that allow for multiple unique payloads to be attached to a single antibody molecule with high homogeneity. However, the methods for generating such constructs-homogeneous multi-payload ADCs-are both numerous and complex owing to the plethora of reactive functional groups that make up the surface of an antibody. Here, by summarizing and comparing the methods of both single- and multi-payload ADC generation and their key preclinical and clinical results, we provide a timely overview of this relatively new area of research. The methods discussed range from branched linker installation to the incorporation of unnatural amino acids, with a generalized comparison tool of the most promising modification strategies also provided. Finally, the successes and challenges of this rapidly growing field are critically evaluated, and from this, future areas of research and development are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby Journeaux
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gonçalo J L Bernardes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
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2
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Ullas S, Sinclair C. Applications of Flow Cytometry in Drug Discovery and Translational Research. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3851. [PMID: 38612661 PMCID: PMC11011675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Flow cytometry is a mainstay technique in cell biology research, where it is used for phenotypic analysis of mixed cell populations. Quantitative approaches have unlocked a deeper value of flow cytometry in drug discovery research. As the number of drug modalities and druggable mechanisms increases, there is an increasing drive to identify meaningful biomarkers, evaluate the relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), and translate these insights into the evaluation of patients enrolled in early clinical trials. In this review, we discuss emerging roles for flow cytometry in the translational setting that supports the transition and evaluation of novel compounds in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles Sinclair
- Flagship Pioneering, 140 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02141, USA;
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3
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Nieminen H, Nummela P, Satomaa T, Heiskanen A, Hiltunen JO, Kaprio T, Seppänen H, Hagström J, Mustonen H, Ristimäki A, Haglund C. N-glycosylation in non-invasive and invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13191. [PMID: 37580349 PMCID: PMC10425445 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39220-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), often found incidentally, are potentially malignant cystic tumors of the pancreas. Due to the precancerous nature, IPMNs lacking malignant features should be kept on surveillance. The follow-up relies on magnetic resonance imaging, which has a limited accuracy to define the high-risk patients. New diagnostic methods are thus needed to recognize IPMNs with malignant potential. Here, aberrantly expressed glycans constitute a promising new area of research. We compared the N-glycan profiles of non-invasive IPMN tissues (n = 10) and invasive IPMN tissues (n = 10) to those of non-neoplastic pancreatic controls (n = 5) by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Both IPMN subgroups showed increased abundance of neutral composition H4N4 and decrease in H3N5F1, increase in sialylation, and decrease in sulfation, as compared to the controls. Furthermore, invasive IPMN showed an increase in terminal N-acetylhexosamine containing structure H4N5, and increase in acidic complex-type glycans, but decrease in their complex fucosylation and sulfation, as compared to the controls. In conclusion, the N-glycan profiles differed between healthy pancreatic tissue and non-invasive and invasive IPMNs. The unique glycans expressed in invasive IPMNs may offer interesting new options for diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heini Nieminen
- Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 440, 00029, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Pirjo Nummela
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | - Tuomas Kaprio
- Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 440, 00029, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Seppänen
- Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 440, 00029, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Hagström
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Departmentof Oral Pathology and Radiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Harri Mustonen
- Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 440, 00029, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ari Ristimäki
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caj Haglund
- Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 440, 00029, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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4
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Jin X, Yang GY. Pathophysiological roles and applications of glycosphingolipids in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer diseases. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 91:101241. [PMID: 37524133 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2023.101241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are major amphiphilic glycolipids present on the surface of living cell membranes. They have important biological functions, including maintaining plasma membrane stability, regulating signal transduction, and mediating cell recognition and adhesion. Specific GSLs and related enzymes are abnormally expressed in many cancer diseases and affect the malignant characteristics of tumors. The regulatory roles of GSLs in signaling pathways suggest that they are involved in tumor pathogenesis. GSLs have therefore been widely studied as diagnostic markers of cancer diseases and important targets of immunotherapy. This review describes the tumor-related biological functions of GSLs and systematically introduces recent progress in using diverse GSLs and related enzymes to diagnose and treat tumor diseases. Development of drugs and biomarkers for personalized cancer therapy based on GSL structure is also discussed. These advances, combined with recent progress in the preparation of GSLs derivatives through synthetic biology technologies, suggest a strong future for the use of customized GSL libraries in treating human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences and the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Guang-Yu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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5
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Gillmann KM, Temme JS, Marglous S, Brown CE, Gildersleeve JC. Anti-glycan monoclonal antibodies: Basic research and clinical applications. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 74:102281. [PMID: 36905763 PMCID: PMC10732169 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Anti-glycan monoclonal antibodies have important applications in human health and basic research. Therapeutic antibodies that recognize cancer- or pathogen-associated glycans have been investigated in numerous clinical trials, resulting in two FDA-approved biopharmaceuticals. Anti-glycan antibodies are also utilized to diagnose, prognosticate, and monitor disease progression, as well as to study the biological roles and expression of glycans. High-quality anti-glycan mAbs are still in limited supply, highlighting the need for new technologies for anti-glycan antibody discovery. This review discusses anti-glycan monoclonal antibodies with applications to basic research, diagnostics, and therapeutics, focusing on recent advances in mAbs targeting cancer- and infectious disease-associated glycans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara M Gillmann
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - J Sebastian Temme
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Samantha Marglous
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Claire E Brown
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Gildersleeve
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
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Tsimberidou AM, Vo HH, Beck J, Shia CS, Hsu P, Pearce TE. First-in-Human Study of OBI-999, a Globo H-Targeting Antibody-Drug Conjugate, in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors. JCO Precis Oncol 2023; 7:e2200496. [PMID: 36701651 PMCID: PMC9929104 DOI: 10.1200/po.22.00496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE OBI-999 is a novel antibody-drug conjugate comprising the Globo H-targeting antibody (OBI-888) linked to the cytotoxic payload monomethyl auristatin E. OBI-999 demonstrated excellent dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition in breast, gastric, and pancreatic cancer xenograft models as well as a lung cancer patient-derived xenograft model. We conducted a phase I study of OBI-999 monotherapy in patients with advanced cancer (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04084366). PATIENTS AND METHODS OBI-999 was administered intravenously at doses of 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 mg/kg every 21 days as part of a 3 + 3 trial design. Primary end points were the incidence of dose-limiting toxicities and adverse events and determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD)/recommended phase II dose. RESULTS Fifteen adult patients were treated. OBI-999 was well tolerated up to 1.2 mg/kg, the maximum tolerated dose. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were neutropenia and anemia. OBI-999 exhibited nonlinear pharmacokinetics at all doses, with lower clearance at higher doses. The three patients treated at the 1.6 mg/kg dose level developed grade 4 neutropenia during cycles 1 and 2. Five (33.3%) patients had stable disease (SD) including one patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the oropharynx with SD for 13 cycles and one patient with gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma with SD for eight cycles. OBI-999 was well tolerated; however, dose-dependent, noncumulative neutropenia was dose-limiting. CONCLUSION The recommended phase II dose was determined to be 1.2 mg/kg once every 3 weeks. A phase II cohort-expansion study is now enrolling patients with pancreatic, colorectal, and other cancers expressing high levels of Globo H.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolia Maria Tsimberidou
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX,Apostolia Maria Tsimberidou, MD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Unit 455, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030; e-mail:
| | - Henry Hiep Vo
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jennifer Beck
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Pei Hsu
- OBI Pharma Inc, Taipei City, Taiwan
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Glycobiology of cellular expiry: Decrypting the role of glycan-lectin regulatory complex and therapeutic strategies focusing on cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 207:115367. [PMID: 36481348 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115367] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Often the outer leaflets of living cells bear a coat of glycosylated proteins, which primarily regulates cellular processes. Glycosylation of such proteins occurs as part of their post-translational modification. Within the endoplasmic reticulum, glycosylation enables the attachment of specific oligosaccharide moieties such as, 'glycan' to the transmembrane receptor proteins which confers precise biological information for governing the cell fate. The nature and degree of glycosylation of cell surface receptors are regulated by a bunch of glycosyl transferases and glycosidases which fine-tune attachment or detachment of glycan moieties. In classical death receptors, upregulation of glycosylation by glycosyl transferases is capable of inducing cell death in T cells, tumor cells, etc. Thus, any deregulated alternation at surface glycosylation of these death receptors can result in life-threatening disorder like cancer. In addition, transmembrane glycoproteins and lectin receptors can transduce intracellular signals for cell death execution. Exogenous interaction of lectins with glycan containing death receptors signals for cell death initiation by modulating downstream signalings. Subsequently, endogenous glycan-lectin interplay aids in the customization and implementation of the cell death program. Lastly, the glycan-lectin recognition system dictates the removal of apoptotic cells by sending accurate signals to the extracellular milieu. Since glycosylation has proven to be a biomarker of cellular death and disease progression; glycans serve as specific therapeutic targets of cancers. In this context, we are reviewing the molecular mechanisms of the glycan-lectin regulatory network as an integral part of cell death machinery in cancer to target them for successful therapeutic and clinical approaches.
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8
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Kurhade SE, Ross P, Gao FP, Farrell MP. Lectin Drug Conjugates Targeting High Mannose N-Glycans. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200266. [PMID: 35816406 PMCID: PMC9738879 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated alterations to glycosylation have been shown to aid cancer development and progression. An increased abundance of high mannose N-glycans has been observed in several cancers. Here, we describe the preparation of lectin drug conjugates (LDCs) that permit toxin delivery to cancer cells presenting high mannose N-glycans. Additionally, we demonstrate that cancer cells presenting low levels of high mannose N-glycans can be rendered sensitive to the LDCs by co-treatment with a type I mannosidase inhibitor. Our findings establish that an increased abundance of high mannose N-glycans in the glycocalyx of cancer cells can be leveraged to enable toxin delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh E Kurhade
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Kansas, 2034 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Patrick Ross
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Kansas, 2034 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Fei Philip Gao
- Protein Production Group, The University of Kansas, 2034 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Mark P Farrell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Kansas, 2034 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
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9
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Cheng-Sánchez I, Moya-Utrera F, Porras-Alcalá C, López-Romero JM, Sarabia F. Antibody-Drug Conjugates Containing Payloads from Marine Origin. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20080494. [PMID: 36005497 PMCID: PMC9410405 DOI: 10.3390/md20080494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are an important class of therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Structurally, an ADC comprises an antibody, which serves as the delivery system, a payload drug that is a potent cytotoxin that kills cancer cells, and a chemical linker that connects the payload with the antibody. Unlike conventional chemotherapy methods, an ADC couples the selective targeting and pharmacokinetic characteristics related to the antibody with the potent cytotoxicity of the payload. This results in high specificity and potency by reducing off-target toxicities in patients by limiting the exposure of healthy tissues to the cytotoxic drug. As a consequence of these outstanding features, significant research efforts have been devoted to the design, synthesis, and development of ADCs, and several ADCs have been approved for clinical use. The ADC field not only relies upon biology and biochemistry (antibody) but also upon organic chemistry (linker and payload). In the latter, total synthesis of natural and designed cytotoxic compounds, together with the development of novel synthetic strategies, have been key aspects of the consecution of clinical ADCs. In the case of payloads from marine origin, impressive structural architectures and biological properties are observed, thus making them prime targets for chemical synthesis and the development of ADCs. In this review, we explore the molecular and biological diversity of ADCs, with particular emphasis on those containing marine cytotoxic drugs as the payload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Cheng-Sánchez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Federico Moya-Utrera
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (F.M.-U.); (C.P.-A.); (J.M.L.-R.); (F.S.)
| | - Cristina Porras-Alcalá
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (F.M.-U.); (C.P.-A.); (J.M.L.-R.); (F.S.)
| | - Juan M. López-Romero
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (F.M.-U.); (C.P.-A.); (J.M.L.-R.); (F.S.)
| | - Francisco Sarabia
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (F.M.-U.); (C.P.-A.); (J.M.L.-R.); (F.S.)
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Sorieul C, Papi F, Carboni F, Pecetta S, Phogat S, Adamo R. Recent advances and future perspectives on carbohydrate-based cancer vaccines and therapeutics. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 235:108158. [PMID: 35183590 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Carbohydrates are abundantly expressed on the surface of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, often as post translational modifications of proteins. Glycoproteins are recognized by the immune system and can trigger both innate and humoral responses. This feature has been harnessed to generate vaccines against polysaccharide-encapsulated bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hemophilus influenzae type b and Neisseria meningitidis. In cancer, glycosylation plays a pivotal role in malignancy development and progression. Since glycans are specifically expressed on the surface of tumor cells, they have been targeted for the discovery of anticancer preventive and therapeutic treatments, such as vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. Despite the various efforts made over the last years, resulting in a series of clinical studies, attempts of vaccination with carbohydrate-based candidates have proven unsuccessful, primarily due to the immune tolerance often associated with these glycans. New strategies are thus deployed to enhance carbohydrate-based cancer vaccines. Moreover, lessons learned from glycan immunobiology paved the way to the development of new monoclonal antibodies specifically designed to recognize cancer-bound carbohydrates and induce tumor cell killing. Herein we provide an overview of the immunological principles behind the immune response towards glycans and glycoconjugates and the approaches exploited at both preclinical and clinical level to target cancer-associated glycans for the development of vaccines and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. We also discuss gaps and opportunities to successfully advance glycan-directed cancer therapies, which could provide patients with innovative and effective treatments.
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Xie X, Lee J, Iwase T, Kai M, Ueno NT. Emerging drug targets for triple-negative breast cancer: A guided tour of the preclinical landscape. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:405-425. [PMID: 35574694 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2077188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most fatal molecular subtype of breast cancer because of its aggressiveness and resistance to chemotherapy. FDA-approved therapies for TNBC are limited to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and trophoblast cell surface antigen 2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate. Therefore, developing a novel effective targeted therapy for TNBC is an urgent unmet need. AREAS COVERED In this narrative review, we discuss emerging targets for TNBC treatment discovered in early translational studies. We focus on cancer cell membrane molecules, hyperactive intracellular signaling pathways, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) based on their druggability, therapeutic potency, specificity to TNBC, and application in immunotherapy. EXPERT OPINION The significant challenges in the identification and validation of TNBC-associated targets are 1) application of appropriate genetic, molecular, and immunological approaches for modulating the target, 2) establishment of a proper mouse model that accurately represents the human immune TME, 3) TNBC molecular heterogeneity, and 4) failure translation of preclinical findings to clinical practice. To overcome those difficulties, future research needs to apply novel technology, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, thermostable group II intron reverse transcriptase sequencing, and humanized mouse models. Further, combination treatment targeting multiple pathways in both the TNBC tumor and its TME is essential for effective disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Xie
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jangsoon Lee
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Toshiaki Iwase
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Megumi Kai
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Naoto T Ueno
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Berois N, Pittini A, Osinaga E. Targeting Tumor Glycans for Cancer Therapy: Successes, Limitations, and Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030645. [PMID: 35158915 PMCID: PMC8833780 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Aberrant glycosylation is a common feature of many cancers, and it plays crucial roles in tumor development and biology. Cancer progression can be regulated by several physiopathological processes controlled by glycosylation, such as cell–cell adhesion, cell–matrix interaction, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Different mechanisms of aberrant glycosylation lead to the formation of tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs), which are suitable for selective cancer targeting, as well as novel antitumor immunotherapy approaches. This review summarizes the strategies developed in cancer immunotherapy targeting TACAs, analyzing molecular and cellular mechanisms and state-of-the-art methods in clinical oncology. Abstract Aberrant glycosylation is a hallmark of cancer and can lead to changes that influence tumor behavior. Glycans can serve as a source of novel clinical biomarker developments, providing a set of specific targets for therapeutic intervention. Different mechanisms of aberrant glycosylation lead to the formation of tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) suitable for selective cancer-targeting therapy. The best characterized TACAs are truncated O-glycans (Tn, TF, and sialyl-Tn antigens), gangliosides (GD2, GD3, GM2, GM3, fucosyl-GM1), globo-serie glycans (Globo-H, SSEA-3, SSEA-4), Lewis antigens, and polysialic acid. In this review, we analyze strategies for cancer immunotherapy targeting TACAs, including different antibody developments, the production of vaccines, and the generation of CAR-T cells. Some approaches have been approved for clinical use, such as anti-GD2 antibodies. Moreover, in terms of the antitumor mechanisms against different TACAs, we show results of selected clinical trials, considering the horizons that have opened up as a result of recent developments in technologies used for cancer control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Berois
- Laboratorio de Glicobiología e Inmunología Tumoral, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay;
- Correspondence: (N.B.); (E.O.)
| | - Alvaro Pittini
- Laboratorio de Glicobiología e Inmunología Tumoral, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay;
- Departamento de Inmunobiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
| | - Eduardo Osinaga
- Laboratorio de Glicobiología e Inmunología Tumoral, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay;
- Departamento de Inmunobiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
- Correspondence: (N.B.); (E.O.)
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Ceci C, Lacal PM, Graziani G. Antibody-drug conjugates: Resurgent anticancer agents with multi-targeted therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 236:108106. [PMID: 34990642 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) constitute a relatively new group of anticancer agents, whose first appearance took place about two decades ago, but a renewed interest occurred in recent years, following the success of anti-cancer immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies. Indeed, an ADC combines the selectivity of a monoclonal antibody with the cell killing properties of a chemotherapeutic agent (payload), joined together through an appropriate linker. The antibody moiety targets a specific cell surface antigen expressed by tumor cells and/or cells of the tumor microenvironment and acts as a carrier that delivers the cytotoxic payload within the tumor mass. Despite advantages in terms of selectivity and potency, the development of ADCs is not devoid of challenges, due to: i) low tumor selectivity when the target antigens are not exclusively expressed by cancer cells; ii) premature release of the cytotoxic drug into the bloodstream as a consequence of linker instability; iii) development of tumor resistance mechanisms to the payload. All these factors may result in lack of efficacy and/or in no safety improvement compared to unconjugated cytotoxic agents. Nevertheless, the development of antibodies engineered to remain inert until activated in the tumor (e.g., antibodies activated proteolytically after internalization or by the acidic conditions of the tumor microenvironment) together with the discovery of innovative targets and cytotoxic or immunomodulatory payloads, have allowed the design of next-generation ADCs that are expected to possess improved therapeutic properties. This review provides an overview of approved ADCs, with related advantages and limitations, and of novel targets exploited by ADCs that are presently under clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ceci
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; IDI-IRCCS, Via Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy.
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Sigal DS, Hermel DJ, Hsu P, Pearce T. The role of Globo H and SSEA-4 in the development and progression of cancer, and their potential as therapeutic targets. Future Oncol 2021; 18:117-134. [PMID: 34734786 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-1110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycans, chains of sugar molecules found conjugated to cell proteins and lipids, contribute to their growth, movement and differentiation. Aberrant glycosylation is a hallmark of several medical conditions including tumorigenesis. Glycosphingolipids (GSLs), consisting of glycans conjugated to a lipid (ceramide) core, are found in the lipid bilayer of eukaryotic cell membranes. GSLs, play an active role in cell processes. Several GSLs are expressed by human embryonic stem cells and have been found to be overexpressed in several types of cancer. In this review, we discuss the data, hypotheses and perspectives related to the GSLs Globo H and SSEA-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren S Sigal
- Director, GI Oncology, Scripps Clinic & Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center, 10710 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - David J Hermel
- Scripps Clinic & Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center, 10710 N Torrey Pines Road, LA Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Pei Hsu
- Medical Advisor, Medical Affairs & Clinical Development, OBI Pharma Inc. 7F, No. 369, Zhongxiao E Road, Nangang District, Taipei City, 115, Taiwan
| | - Tillman Pearce
- Chief Medical Officer, OBI Pharma USA Inc., 6020 Cornerstone Court W, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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