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Huang L, Bon H, Maamra M, Holmes T, Atkinson J, Cain K, Kennedy J, Kettleborough C, Matthews D, Twomey B, Ni J, Song Z, Watson PF, Johnson TS. The effect of TG2-inhibitory monoclonal antibody zampilimab on tissue fibrosis in human in vitro and primate in vivo models of chronic kidney disease. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298864. [PMID: 38753630 PMCID: PMC11098434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298864] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic remodeling is the primary driver of functional loss in chronic kidney disease, with no specific anti-fibrotic agent available for clinical use. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a wound response enzyme that irreversibly crosslinks extracellular matrix proteins causing dysregulation of extracellular matrix turnover, is a well-characterized anti-fibrotic target in the kidney. We describe the humanization and characterization of two anti-TG2 monoclonal antibodies (zampilimab [hDC1/UCB7858] and BB7) that inhibit crosslinking by TG2 in human in vitro and rabbit/cynomolgus monkey in vivo models of chronic kidney disease. Determination of zampilimab half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against recombinant human TG2 was undertaken using the KxD assay and determination of dissociation constant (Kd) by surface plasmon resonance. Efficacy in vitro was established using a primary human renal epithelial cell model of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, to assess mature deposited extracellular matrix proteins. Proof of concept in vivo used a cynomolgus monkey unilateral ureteral obstruction model of chronic kidney disease. Zampilimab inhibited TG2 crosslinking transamidation activity with an IC50 of 0.25 nM and Kd of <50 pM. In cell culture, zampilimab inhibited extracellular TG2 activity (IC50 119 nM) and dramatically reduced transforming growth factor-β1-driven accumulation of multiple extracellular matrix proteins including collagens I, III, IV, V, and fibronectin. Intravenous administration of BB7 in rabbits resulted in a 68% reduction in fibrotic index at Day 25 post-unilateral ureteral obstruction. Weekly intravenous administration of zampilimab in cynomolgus monkeys with unilateral ureteral obstruction reduced fibrosis at 4 weeks by >50%, with no safety signals. Our data support the clinical investigation of zampilimab for the treatment of kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghong Huang
- Immunology Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
- UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
| | - Helene Bon
- Immunology Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
| | - Mabrouka Maamra
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Toby Holmes
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - John Atkinson
- Immunology Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
| | - Katharine Cain
- Immunology Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
- UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
| | - Jeff Kennedy
- Immunology Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Matthews
- Drug Discovery Biology, LifeArc, Stevenage, United Kingdom
- Immunology and Ophthalmology, Mogrify Ltd, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Breda Twomey
- Immunology Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
| | - Jia Ni
- Research and Development, Prisys Biotechnologies, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhizhan Song
- Research and Development, Prisys Biotechnologies, Shanghai, China
| | - Philip F. Watson
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy S. Johnson
- Immunology Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
- UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Prat-Duran J, Pinilla E, Nørregaard R, Simonsen U, Buus NH. Transglutaminase 2 as a novel target in chronic kidney disease - Methods, mechanisms and pharmacological inhibition. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107787. [PMID: 33307141 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem with a prevalence of 10-15%. Progressive fibrosis of the renal tissue is a main feature of CKD, but current treatment strategies are relatively unspecific and delay, but do not prevent, CKD. Exploration of novel pharmacological targets to inhibit fibrosis development are therefore important. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is known to be central for extracellular collagenous matrix formation, but TG2 is a multifunctional enzyme and novel research has broadened our view on its extra- and intracellular actions. TG2 exists in two conformational states with different catalytic properties as determined by substrate availability and local calcium concentrations. The open conformation of TG2 depends on calcium and has transamidase activity, central for protein modification and cross-linking of extracellular protein components, while the closed conformation is a GTPase involved in transmembrane signaling processes. We first describe different methodologies to assess TG2 activity in renal tissue and cell cultures such as biotin cadaverine incorporation. Then we systematically review animal CKD models and preliminary studies in humans (with diabetic, IgA- and chronic allograft nephropathy) to reveal the role of TG2 in renal fibrosis. Mechanisms behind TG2 activation, TG2 externalization dependent on Syndecan-4 and interactions between TG and profibrotic molecules including transforming growth factor β and the angiotensin II receptor are discussed. Pharmacological TG2 inhibition shows antifibrotic effects in CKD. However, the translation of TG2 inhibition to treat CKD in patients is a challenge as clinical information is limited, and further studies on pharmacokinetics and efficacy of the individual compounds are required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ulf Simonsen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Health, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Niels Henrik Buus
- Institute of Biomedicine, Health, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Renal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
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Abstract
The traditional chronic kidney disease (CKD) biomarkers (eGFR based on serum creatinine, sex and age and albuminuria) cannot predict a patient's individual risk for developing progressive CKD. For this reason, it is necessary to identify novel CKD biomarkers that will be able to predict which patients are prone to develop progressive disease and discriminate between disease processes in different parts of the nephron (glomeruli or tubules). A good biomarker should change before or simultaneously with lesion development and its changes should correlate strongly with lesion development. Also, there should be a close relationship between severity of injury and amount of detectable biomarker and its levels should decrease with diminishing injury. Among the large number of molecules under investigation, we have reviewed the most promising ones: NGAL and KIM-1, MCP-1, MMP-9, clusterin, MMP-9, TIMP-1, Procollagen I alpha 1 and suPAR. All these, have been studied as biomarkers for prediction of CKD progression in cohorts of patients with chronic kidney disease of different stages and various aetiologies (proteinuric and non-proteinuric, glomerulonephritides, diabetic, hypertensive and polycystic kidney disease). There is evidence that these molecules could be useful as biomarkers for progressive chronic kidney disease, however, the available data are not enough to draw final conclusions. Further studies with large cohorts and long follow-up are required to identify appropriate biomarkers, that will be able to accurately and reliably define the risk for progressive chronic kidney disease.
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Dietz K, de Los Reyes Jiménez M, Gollwitzer ES, Chaker AM, Zissler UM, Rådmark OP, Baarsma HA, Königshoff M, Schmidt-Weber CB, Marsland BJ, Esser-von Bieren J. Age dictates a steroid-resistant cascade of Wnt5a, transglutaminase 2, and leukotrienes in inflamed airways. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 139:1343-1354.e6. [PMID: 27554815 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway remodeling is a detrimental and refractory process showing age-dependent clinical manifestations that are mechanistically undefined. The leukotriene (LT) and wingless/integrase (Wnt) pathways have been implicated in remodeling, but age-specific expression profiles and common regulators remained elusive. OBJECTIVE We sought to study the activation of the LT and Wnt pathways during early- or late-onset allergic airway inflammation and to address regulatory mechanisms and clinical relevance in normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBEs) and nasal polyp tissues. METHODS Mice were sensitized with house dust mite (HDM) allergens from days 3, 15, or 60 after birth. Remodeling factors in murine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung tissue, or human nasal polyp tissue were analyzed by means of Western blotting, immunoassays, or histology. Regulatory mechanisms were studied in cytokine/HDM-stimulated NHBEs and macrophages. RESULTS Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid LT levels were increased in neonatal and adult but reduced in juvenile HDM-sensitized mice. Lungs of neonatally sensitized mice showed increased 5-lipoxygenase levels, whereas adult mice expressed more group 10 secretory phospholipase A2, Wnt5a, and transglutaminase 2 (Tgm2). Older mice showed colocalization of Wnt5a and LT enzymes in the epithelium, a pattern also observed in human nasal polyps. IL-4 promoted epithelial Wnt5a secretion, which upregulated macrophage Tgm2 expression, and Tgm2 inhibition in turn reduced LT release. Tgm2, group 10 secretory phospholipase A2, and LT enzymes in NHBEs and nasal polyps were refractory to corticosteroids. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal age differences in LT and Wnt pathways during airway inflammation and identify a steroid-resistant cascade of Wnt5a, Tgm2, and LTs, which might represent a therapeutic target for airway inflammation and remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Dietz
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marta de Los Reyes Jiménez
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva S Gollwitzer
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Adam M Chaker
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Otolaryngology, Allergy Section, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich M Zissler
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Olof P Rådmark
- Division of Physiological Chemistry II, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hoeke A Baarsma
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Melanie Königshoff
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten B Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin J Marsland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julia Esser-von Bieren
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Sui W, Zhang R, Chen J, He H, Cui Z, Ou M, Guo L, Cong S, Xue W, Dai Y. Comparative proteomic analysis of membranous nephropathy biopsy tissues using quantitative proteomics. Exp Ther Med 2015; 9:805-810. [PMID: 25667632 PMCID: PMC4316945 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults and the second leading cause of end-stage renal disease due to primary glomerulonephritis. The aim of the present study was to identify potential biomarkers of MN and further characterize these proteins by Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification were used to compare the protein levels in tissues from MN patients and healthy individuals, and the combined samples were subsequently separated by specialized communications exchange. Mass spectrometry data acquisition was conducted using a 4800 Plus MALDI TOF/TOF tandem mass spectrometry device, and the results were subjected to statistical analysis. A total of 1,903 proteins were identified, with 423 proteins exhibiting a difference of >1.5-fold compared with the control group. Of these, 202 proteins were upregulated, while 221 proteins were downregulated. In conclusion, GO enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins were primarily mapped to the following GO terms: ‘Immune response’, ‘immune effector process’, ‘activation of immune response’ and ‘positive regulation of immune system process’. The affected proteins may be associated with the pathogenesis of MN; thus, may represent candidate MN biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiguo Sui
- Nephrology Department, Guilin 181 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Ruohan Zhang
- Nephrology Department, Guilin 181 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Jiejing Chen
- Nephrology Department, Guilin 181 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Huiyan He
- Nephrology Department, Guilin 181 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Zhenzhen Cui
- Nephrology Department, Guilin 181 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China ; College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Minglin Ou
- Nephrology Department, Guilin 181 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Li Guo
- Nephrology Department, Guilin 181 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Shan Cong
- Nephrology Department, Guilin 181 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Wen Xue
- Nephrology Department, Guilin 181 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China
| | - Yong Dai
- Nephrology Department, Guilin 181 Hospital, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, P.R. China ; Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, P.R. China
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