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Petruzzella A, Bruand M, Santamaria-Martínez A, Katanayeva N, Reymond L, Wehrle S, Georgeon S, Inel D, van Dalen FJ, Viertl D, Lau K, Pojer F, Schottelius M, Zoete V, Verdoes M, Arber C, Correia BE, Oricchio E. Antibody-peptide conjugates deliver covalent inhibitors blocking oncogenic cathepsins. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:1188-1198. [PMID: 38811854 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01627-z] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Cysteine cathepsins are a family of proteases that are relevant therapeutic targets for the treatment of different cancers and other diseases. However, no clinically approved drugs for these proteins exist, as their systemic inhibition can induce deleterious side effects. To address this problem, we developed a modular antibody-based platform for targeted drug delivery by conjugating non-natural peptide inhibitors (NNPIs) to antibodies. NNPIs were functionalized with reactive warheads for covalent inhibition, optimized with deep saturation mutagenesis and conjugated to antibodies to enable cell-type-specific delivery. Our antibody-peptide inhibitor conjugates specifically blocked the activity of cathepsins in different cancer cells, as well as osteoclasts, and showed therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our approach allows for the rapid design of selective cathepsin inhibitors and can be generalized to inhibit a broad class of proteases in cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Petruzzella
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marine Bruand
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Albert Santamaria-Martínez
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Natalya Katanayeva
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luc Reymond
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), Institute of Bioengineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Wehrle
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering, School of Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sandrine Georgeon
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering, School of Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Damla Inel
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Floris J van Dalen
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute for Chemical Immunology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - David Viertl
- Translational Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Departments of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- In Vivo Imaging Facility, Department of Research and Training, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kelvin Lau
- Protein Production and Structure Core Facility, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florence Pojer
- Protein Production and Structure Core Facility, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Margret Schottelius
- Translational Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Departments of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- AGORA Pôle de Recherche sur le Cancer, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Zoete
- Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martijn Verdoes
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute for Chemical Immunology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Arber
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bruno E Correia
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering, School of Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Elisa Oricchio
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Scholand KK, Galletti J, Haap W, Santos-Ferreira T, Ullmer C, de Paiva CS. Inhibition of Cathepsin S in Autoimmune CD25KO Mouse Improves Sjögren Disease-Like Lacrimal Gland Pathology. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:26. [PMID: 39017634 PMCID: PMC11262477 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.8.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose CD25KO mice are a model of Sjögren disease (SjD) driven by autoreactive T cells. Cathepsin S (CTSS) is a protease crucial for major histocompatibility complex class II presentation that primes T cells. We investigated if a diet containing CTSS inhibitor would improve autoimmune signs in CD25KO mice. Methods Four-week female CD25KO mice were randomly chosen to receive chow containing a CTSS inhibitor (R05461111, 262.5 mg/kg chow) or standard chow for 4 weeks. Cornea sensitivity was measured. Inflammatory score was assessed in lacrimal gland (LG) histologic sections. Flow cytometry of LG and ocular draining lymph nodes (dLNs) investigated expression of Th1 and Th17 cells. Expression of inflammatory, T- and B-cell, and apoptotic markers in the LG were assessed with quantitative PCR. The life span of mice receiving CTSS inhibitor or standard chow was compared. CD4+ T cells from both groups were isolated from spleens and adoptively transferred into RAG1KO female recipients. Results Mice receiving CTSS inhibitor had better cornea sensitivity and improved LG inflammatory scores. There was a significant decrease in the frequency of CD4+ immune cells and a significant increase in the frequency of CD8+ immune cells in the dLNs of CTSS inhibitor mice. There was a significant decrease in Th1 and Th17 cells in CTSS inhibitor mice in both LGs and dLNs. Ifng, Ciita, and Casp8 mRNA in CTSS inhibitor mice decreased. Mice that received the CTSS inhibitor lived 30% longer. Adoptive transfer recipients with CTSS inhibitor-treated CD4+ T cells had improved cornea sensitivity and lower inflammation scores. Conclusions Inhibiting CTSS could be a potential venue for the treatment of SjD in the eye and LG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin K. Scholand
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States
| | | | - Wolfgang Haap
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tiago Santos-Ferreira
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Ullmer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cintia S. de Paiva
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States
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3
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George CT, Kurien BT, Scofield RH. The Potential Utility of Salivary and Tear Proteomics to Discriminate Sjögren's Disease from Non-Sjögren's Sicca. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17497. [PMID: 38139325 PMCID: PMC10744321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417497] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sjögren's Disease (SjD) is an autoimmune disorder associated with decreased saliva and/or tear secretions, resulting in patients reporting dryness in the mouth and eyes. Serum autoantibodies directed against the Ro60/SS-A and La/SS-B autoantigens are a distinctive feature of the disease. Analysis of the saliva and tear proteomes represents one promising alternative method of both classifying and monitoring the condition, and research into salivary and tear proteomics in patients with SjD, with and without sicca, has shown its efficacy and practicality in both clinical and research settings. Studies analyzing the saliva proteomics of SjD patients have generally shown an overexpression of proteins involved in T-cell activation, the immune response, β-2 microglobulin, and the recruitment of pro-inflammatory agents. These studies also show a decrease in or downregulation of proteins involved in salivary secretion. Studies analyzing the tear proteomics of patients with SjD have generally indicated an upregulation of proteins involved with TNF-α signaling, B-cell survival, and the recruitment of pro-inflammatory agents. Studies also note the differential expression of tear protein folding as a hallmark of ocular involvement in this condition. These findings help to elucidate the biochemical relationship between the proteomes of saliva/tear fluids and the general pathophysiology of the gland involved with the pathogenesis of this condition, giving further credence to the potential role of salivary and tear proteomics in the future of diagnosis and treatment for patients with SjD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Biji T. Kurien
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - R. Hal Scofield
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Smyth P, Ferguson L, Burrows JF, Burden RE, Tracey SR, Herron ÚM, Kovaleva M, Williams R, Porter AJ, Longley DB, Barelle CJ, Scott CJ. Evaluation of variable new antigen receptors (vNARs) as a novel cathepsin S (CTSS) targeting strategy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1296567. [PMID: 38116078 PMCID: PMC10728302 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1296567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activity of the cysteine protease Cathepsin S (CTSS) has been implicated across a wide range of pathologies. Notably in cancer, CTSS has been shown to promote tumour progression, primarily through facilitating invasion and migration of tumour cells and augmenting angiogenesis. Whilst an attractive therapeutic target, more efficacious CTSS inhibitors are required. Here, we investigated the potential application of Variable New Antigen Receptors (vNARs) as a novel inhibitory strategy. A panel of potential vNAR binders were identified following a phage display panning process against human recombinant proCTSS. These were subsequently expressed, purified and binding affinity confirmed by ELISA and SPR based approaches. Selected lead clones were taken forward and were shown to inhibit CTSS activity in recombinant enzyme activity assays. Further assessment demonstrated that our lead clones functioned by a novel inhibitory mechanism, by preventing the activation of proCTSS to the mature enzyme. Moreover, using an intrabody approach, we exhibited the ability to express these clones intracellularly and inhibit CTSS activity whilst lead clones were also noted to impede cell invasion in a tumour cell invasion assay. Collectively, these findings illustrate a novel mechanistic approach for inhibiting CTSS activity, with anti-CTSS vNAR clones possessing therapeutic potential in combating deleterious CTSS activity. Furthermore, this study exemplifies the potential of vNARs in targeting intracellular proteins, opening a range of previously "undruggable" targets for biologic-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Smyth
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - J. F. Burrows
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - R. E. Burden
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - S. R. Tracey
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Ú. M. Herron
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - R. Williams
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - A. J. Porter
- Elasmogen Ltd., Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Scottish Biologics Facility, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - D. B. Longley
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - C. J. Scott
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Bentley D, Fisher BA, Barone F, Kolb FA, Attley G. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study on the effects of a cathepsin S inhibitor in primary Sjögren's syndrome. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:3644-3653. [PMID: 36864622 PMCID: PMC10629789 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Primary SS (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by mucosal dryness and systemic symptoms. We tested the effects of inhibition of cathepsin S using the potent and selective inhibitor RO5459072 on disease activity and symptoms of pSS. METHODS This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, Phase IIA study to investigate the effects of RO5459072 (100 mg twice daily; 200 mg per day). Seventy-five patients with pSS were randomized 1:1 to receive either RO5459072 or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a ≥3 point reduction from baseline in EULAR SS Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score. We also investigated the effects of RO5459072 on quality of life, exocrine gland function, biomarkers related to SS, and safety and tolerability. RESULTS The proportion of patients showing an improvement in ESSDAI score was not significantly different between the RO5459072 and placebo arms. No clinically meaningful treatment effects were observed in favour of RO5459072 for all secondary outcomes. Analysis of soluble biomarkers indicated target engagement between RO5459072 and cathepsin S. There were modest decreases in the number of circulating B cells and T cells in the RO5459072 group, although these did not reach significance. RO5459072 was safe and well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS There was no clinically relevant improvement in ESSDAI score (primary endpoint), and no apparent benefit in favour of RO5459072 in any of the secondary clinical endpoints. Further work is needed in order to understand the mechanisms of MHC-II-mediated immune stimulation in pSS. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02701985.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin A Fisher
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre and Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Gemma Attley
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Little Falls, NJ, USA
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Ejma-Multański A, Wajda A, Paradowska-Gorycka A. Cell Cultures as a Versatile Tool in the Research and Treatment of Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:2489. [PMID: 37887333 PMCID: PMC10605903 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202489] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell cultures are an important part of the research and treatment of autoimmune connective tissue diseases. By culturing the various cell types involved in ACTDs, researchers are able to broaden the knowledge about these diseases that, in the near future, may lead to finding cures. Fibroblast cultures and chondrocyte cultures allow scientists to study the behavior, physiology and intracellular interactions of these cells. This helps in understanding the underlying mechanisms of ACTDs, including inflammation, immune dysregulation and tissue damage. Through the analysis of gene expression patterns, surface proteins and cytokine profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures and endothelial cell cultures researchers can identify potential biomarkers that can help in diagnosing, monitoring disease activity and predicting patient's response to treatment. Moreover, cell culturing of mesenchymal stem cells and skin modelling in ACTD research and treatment help to evaluate the effects of potential drugs or therapeutics on specific cell types relevant to the disease. Culturing cells in 3D allows us to assess safety, efficacy and the mechanisms of action, thereby aiding in the screening of potential drug candidates and the development of novel therapies. Nowadays, personalized medicine is increasingly mentioned as a future way of dealing with complex diseases such as ACTD. By culturing cells from individual patients and studying patient-specific cells, researchers can gain insights into the unique characteristics of the patient's disease, identify personalized treatment targets, and develop tailored therapeutic strategies for better outcomes. Cell culturing can help in the evaluation of the effects of these therapies on patient-specific cell populations, as well as in predicting overall treatment response. By analyzing changes in response or behavior of patient-derived cells to a treatment, researchers can assess the response effectiveness to specific therapies, thus enabling more informed treatment decisions. This literature review was created as a form of guidance for researchers and clinicians, and it was written with the use of the NCBI database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Ejma-Multański
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.); (A.P.-G.)
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Biasizzo M, Javoršek U, Vidak E, Zarić M, Turk B. Cysteine cathepsins: A long and winding road towards clinics. Mol Aspects Med 2022; 88:101150. [PMID: 36283280 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2022.101150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Biomedical research often focuses on properties that differentiate between diseased and healthy tissue; one of the current focuses is elevated expression and altered localisation of proteases. Among these proteases, dysregulation of cysteine cathepsins can frequently be observed in inflammation-associated diseases, which tips the functional balance from normal physiological to pathological manifestations. Their overexpression and secretion regularly exhibit a strong correlation with the development and progression of such diseases, making them attractive pharmacological targets. But beyond their mostly detrimental role in inflammation-associated diseases, cysteine cathepsins are physiologically highly important enzymes involved in various biological processes crucial for maintaining homeostasis and responding to different stimuli. Consequently, several challenges have emerged during the efforts made to translate basic research data into clinical applications. In this review, we present both physiological and pathological roles of cysteine cathepsins and discuss the clinical potential of cysteine cathepsin-targeting strategies for disease management and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Biasizzo
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; International Postgraduate School Jozef Stefan, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urban Javoršek
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; International Postgraduate School Jozef Stefan, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Vidak
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; International Postgraduate School Jozef Stefan, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miki Zarić
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; International Postgraduate School Jozef Stefan, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Turk
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Vecna pot 113, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Smyth P, Sasiwachirangkul J, Williams R, Scott CJ. Cathepsin S (CTSS) activity in health and disease - A treasure trove of untapped clinical potential. Mol Aspects Med 2022; 88:101106. [PMID: 35868042 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2022.101106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Amongst the lysosomal cysteine cathepsin family of proteases, cathepsin S (CTSS) holds particular interest due to distinctive properties including a normal restricted expression profile, inducible upregulation and activity at a broad pH range. Consequently, while CTSS is well-established as a member of the proteolytic cocktail within the lysosome, degrading unwanted and damaged proteins, it has increasingly been shown to mediate a number of distinct, more selective roles including antigen processing and antigen presentation, and cleavage of substrates both intra and extracellularly. Increasingly, aberrant CTSS expression has been demonstrated in a variety of conditions and disease states, marking it out as both a biomarker and potential therapeutic target. This review seeks to contextualise CTSS within the cysteine cathepsin family before providing an overview of the broad range of pathologies in which roles for CTSS have been identified. Additionally, current clinical progress towards specific inhibitors is detailed, updating the position of the field in exploiting this most unique of proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Smyth
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Jutharat Sasiwachirangkul
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Rich Williams
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Christopher J Scott
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK.
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Zeng W, Zhou X, Yu S, Liu R, Quek CWN, Yu H, Tay RYK, Lin X, Feng Y. The Future of Targeted Treatment of Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: A Focus on Extra-Glandular Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214135. [PMID: 36430611 PMCID: PMC9694487 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease defined by exocrine gland hypofunction resulting in dry eyes and dry mouth. Despite increasing interest in biological therapies for pSS, achieving FDA-approval has been challenging due to numerous complications in the trials. The current literature lacks insight into a molecular-target-based approach to the development of biological therapies. This review focuses on novel research in newly defined drug targets and the latest clinical trials for pSS treatment. A literature search was conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov using the search term "Primary Sjögren's syndrome". Articles published in English between 2000 and 2021 were included. Our findings revealed potential targets for pSS treatment in clinical trials and the most recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of pSS. A prominent gap in current trials is in overlooking the treatment of extraglandular symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and anxiety, which are present in most patients with pSS. Based on dryness and these symptom-directed therapies, emerging biological agents targeting inflammatory cytokines, signal pathways, and immune reaction have been studied and their efficacy and safety have been proven. Novel therapies may complement existing non-pharmacological methods of alleviating symptoms of pSS. Better grading systems that add extraglandular symptoms to gauge disease activity and severity should be created. The future of pSS therapies may lie in gene, stem-cell, and tissue-engineering therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhen Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xinyao Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijng 100053, China
| | - Sulan Yu
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ruihua Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijng 100053, China
| | - Chrystie Wan Ning Quek
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Haozhe Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ryan Yong Kiat Tay
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Xiang Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence: (X.L.); (Y.F.)
| | - Yun Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Correspondence: (X.L.); (Y.F.)
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Yu Z, Li J, Govindarajan G, Hamm-Alvarez S, Alam J, Li DQ, de Paiva CS. Cathepsin S is a novel target for age-related dry eye. Exp Eye Res 2022; 214:108895. [PMID: 34910926 PMCID: PMC8908478 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108895] [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: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cathepsin S (Ctss) is a protease that is proinflammatory on epithelial cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Ctss in age-related dry eye disease. Ctss-/- mice [in a C57BL/6 (B6) background] of different ages were compared to B6 mice. Ctss activity in tears and lacrimal gland (LG) lysates was measured. The corneal barrier function was investigated in naïve mice or after topical administration of Ctss eye drops 5X/day for two days. Eyes were collected, and conjunctival goblet cell density was measured in PAS-stained sections. Immunoreactivity of the tight junction proteins, ZO-1 and occludin, was investigated in primary human cultured corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) without or with Ctss, with or without a Ctss inhibitor. A significant increase in Ctss activity was observed in the tears and LG lysates in aged B6 compared to young mice. This was accompanied by higher Ctss transcripts and protein expression in LG and spleen. Compared to B6, 12 and 24-month-old Ctss-/- mice did not display age-related corneal barrier disruption and goblet cell loss. Treatment of HCEC with Ctss for 48 h disrupted occludin and ZO-1 immunoreactivity compared to control cells. This was prevented by the Ctss inhibitor LY3000328 or Ctss-heat inactivation. Topical reconstitution of Ctss in Ctss-/- mice for two days disrupted corneal barrier function. Aging on the ocular surface is accompanied by increased expression and activity of the protease Ctss. Our results suggest that cathepsin S modulation might be a novel target for age-related dry eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Jinmiao Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Sarah Hamm-Alvarez
- Department of Ophthalmology and Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Jehan Alam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - De-Quan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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Das N, Menon NG, de Almeida LGN, Woods PS, Heynen ML, Jay GD, Caffery B, Jones L, Krawetz R, Schmidt TA, Dufour A. Proteomics Analysis of Tears and Saliva From Sjogren's Syndrome Patients. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:787193. [PMID: 34950038 PMCID: PMC8689002 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.787193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is characterized by dysfunctional mucous membranes and dysregulated moisture-secreting glands resulting in various symptoms, including dry mouth and dry eyes. Here, we wanted to profile and compare the tear and saliva proteomes of SS patients to healthy controls. Tear and saliva samples were collected and subjected to an isotopic dimethylation labeling shotgun proteomics workflow to identify alterations in protein levels. In tear samples, we identified 83 upregulated and 112 downregulated proteins. Pathway enrichment analysis of the changing proteins by Metascape identified leukocyte transendothelial migration, neutrophil degranulation, and post-translation protein phosphorylation in tears of SS patients. In healthy controls' tears, an enrichment for proteins related to glycolysis, amino acid metabolism and apoptotic signaling pathway were identified. In saliva, we identified 108 upregulated and 45 downregulated proteins. Altered pathways in SS patients' saliva included cornification, sensory perception to taste and neutrophil degranulation. In healthy controls' saliva, an enrichment for proteins related to JAK-STAT signaling after interleukin-12 stimulation, phagocytosis and glycolysis in senescence were identified. Dysregulated protease activity is implicated in the initiation of inflammation and immune cell recruitment in SS. We identified 20 proteases and protease inhibitors in tears and 18 in saliva which are differentially expressed between SS patients and healthy controls. Next, we quantified endogenous proteoglycan 4 (PRG4), a mucin-like glycoprotein, in tear wash and saliva samples via a bead-based immune assay. We identified decreased levels of PRG4 in SS patients' tear wash compared to normal samples. Conversely, in saliva, we found elevated levels of PRG4 concentration and visualized PRG4 expression in human parotid gland via immunohistological staining. These findings will improve our mechanistic understanding of the disease and changes in SS patients' protein expression will help identify new potential drug targets. PRG4 is among the promising targets, which we identified here, in saliva, for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabangshu Das
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology and Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- McCaig Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nikhil G. Menon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Dental Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Luiz G. N. de Almeida
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology and Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- McCaig Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Paige S. Woods
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School and School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Miriam L. Heynen
- Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE), School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory D. Jay
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School and School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | | | - Lyndon Jones
- Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE), School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Roman Krawetz
- McCaig Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tannin A. Schmidt
- McCaig Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Dental Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Antoine Dufour
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology and Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- McCaig Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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12
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Targeted Therapy for Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: Where are We Now? BioDrugs 2021; 35:593-610. [PMID: 34731460 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-021-00505-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune exocrinopathy characterized by dryness symptoms. This review briefly describes recent advances in the targeted therapies for pSS. Biologics evaluated for pSS treatment mainly include B cell-depleting agents, inhibitors of B cell activation, and agents that target co-signaling molecules or proinflammatory cytokines. Small molecule inhibitors that target signaling pathways have also been evaluated. However, current evidence for the efficacy of targeted therapies in pSS is still sparse. Although ianalumab (an anti-B cell-activating factor [BAFF]-receptor antibody) and iscalimab (an anti-CD40 antibody) are promising biologics for pSS, their efficacy still needs to be evaluated in larger clinical trials. For other biologics, clinical trials have found no differences versus placebo in the change from baseline in European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score and fatigue score. Possible causes of the disappointing outcomes mainly include the inefficacy of those evaluated biologics in treating pSS, the high heterogeneous nature of pSS, irreversible exocrine glandular failure at advanced disease stages, inappropriate recruitment strategy in clinical trials, and outcome measures. Early diagnosis and glandular function-centered outcome measures may help to improve the current situation in the systemic therapy of pSS.
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13
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Garreto L, Charneau S, Mandacaru SC, Nóbrega OT, Motta FN, de Araújo CN, Tonet AC, Modesto FMB, Paula LM, de Sousa MV, Santana JM, Acevedo AC, Bastos IMD. Mapping Salivary Proteases in Sjögren's Syndrome Patients Reveals Overexpression of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4/CD26. Front Immunol 2021; 12:686480. [PMID: 34220840 PMCID: PMC8247581 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.686480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune exocrinopathy characterized by the progressive damage of salivary and lacrimal glands associated with lymphocytic infiltration. Identifying new non-invasive biomarkers for SS diagnosis remains a challenge, and alterations in saliva composition reported in patients turn this fluid into a source of potential biomarkers. Among these, proteases are promising candidates since they are involved in several key physio-pathological processes. This study evaluated differentially expressed proteases in SS individuals' saliva using synthetic fluorogenic substrates, zymography, ELISA, and proteomic approaches. Here we reported, for the first time, increased activity of the serine protease dipeptidyl peptidase-4/CD26 (DPP4/CD26) in pSS saliva, the expression level of which was corroborated by ELISA assay. Gelatin zymograms showed that metalloproteinase proteolytic band profiles differed significantly in intensity between control and SS groups. Focusing on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) expression, an increased tendency in pSS saliva (p = 0.0527) was observed compared to the control group. Samples of control, pSS, and sSS were analyzed by mass spectrometry to reveal a general panorama of proteases in saliva. Forty-eight protein groups of proteases were identified, among which were the serine proteases cathepsin G (CTSG), neutrophil elastase (ELANE), myeloblastin (PRTN3), MMP9 and several protease inhibitors. This work paves the way for proteases to be explored in the future as biomarkers, emphasizing DPP4 by its association in several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Besides its proteolytic role, DPP4/CD26 acts as a cell surface receptor, signal transduction mediator, adhesion and costimulatory protein involved in T lymphocytes activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís Garreto
- Pathogen–Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Sébastien Charneau
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Samuel Coelho Mandacaru
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Flávia N. Motta
- Pathogen–Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Carla N. de Araújo
- Pathogen–Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Audrey C. Tonet
- Laboratory of Immune Gerontology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Lilian M. Paula
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, Department of Odontology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Valle de Sousa
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Jaime M. Santana
- Pathogen–Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Acevedo
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, Department of Odontology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Izabela M. D. Bastos
- Pathogen–Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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14
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Kratochwil NA, Stillhart C, Diack C, Nagel S, Al Kotbi N, Frey N. Population pharmacokinetic analysis of RO5459072, a low water-soluble drug exhibiting complex food-drug interactions. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:3550-3560. [PMID: 33576513 PMCID: PMC8451882 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14771] [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: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims RO5459072, a cathepsin‐S inhibitor, Biopharmaceutics Classification System class 2 and P‐glycoprotein substrate, exhibited complex, nonlinear pharmacokinetics (PK) while fasted that seemed to impact both the absorption and the disposition phases. When given with food, all nonlinearities disappeared. Physiologically based PK (PBPK) modelling attributed those nonlinearities to dose‐dependent solubilisation and colonic absorption. The objective of this population PK analysis was to complement the PBPK analysis. Methods PK profiles in 39 healthy volunteers after first oral dosing (1–600 mg) while fasted or fed in single and multiple ascending dose studies were analysed using population compartmental modelling. Results The PK of RO5459072 while fed was characterized by a 1‐compartmental PK model with linear absorption and elimination. The nonlinearities while fasted were captured using dose dependent bioavailability and 2 sequential first‐order absorption phases: one following drug administration and one occurring 11 hours later and only for doses >10 mg. The bioavailability in the first absorption phase increased between 1 and 10 mg and then decreased with dose, in agreement with in vitro dissolution and solubility studies. The remaining fraction of doses to be absorbed by the second absorption phase was found to have a bioavailability similar to that in the first absorption phase. Conclusion The population PK model supported that dissolution‐ and solubility‐limited absorption from the proximal and distal intestine alone explains the nonlinear PK of RO5459072 in fasted state and the linear PK in fed state. This work, together with the PBPK analysis, raised our confidence in the understanding of this complex PK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Kratochwil
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Holding AG, Switzerland
| | - Cordula Stillhart
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Holding AG, Switzerland
| | - Cheikh Diack
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Holding AG, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Nagel
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Holding AG, Switzerland
| | | | - Nicolas Frey
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Holding AG, Switzerland
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15
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Schade M, Merla B, Lesch B, Wagener M, Timmermanns S, Pletinckx K, Hertrampf T. Highly Selective Sub-Nanomolar Cathepsin S Inhibitors by Merging Fragment Binders with Nitrile Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:11801-11808. [PMID: 32880457 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological inhibition of cathepsin S (CatS) allows for a specific modulation of the adaptive immune system and many major diseases. Here, we used NMR fragment screening and crystal structure-aided merging to synthesize novel, highly selective CatS inhibitors with picomolar enzymatic Ki values and nanomolar functional activity in human Raji cells. Noncovalent fragment hits revealed binding hotspots, while the covalent inhibitor structure-activity relationship enabled efficient potency optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Schade
- Grünenthal GmbH, Zieglerstr. 6, 52078 Aachen, Germany
| | - Beatrix Merla
- Grünenthal GmbH, Zieglerstr. 6, 52078 Aachen, Germany
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16
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Vizovišek M, Vidak E, Javoršek U, Mikhaylov G, Bratovš A, Turk B. Cysteine cathepsins as therapeutic targets in inflammatory diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:573-588. [PMID: 32228244 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1746765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Cysteine cathepsins are involved in the development and progression of numerous inflammation-associated diseases such as cancer, arthritis, bone and immune disorders. Consequently, there is a drive to progress research efforts focused on cathepsin use in diagnostics and as therapeutic targets in disease.Areas covered: This review discusses the potential of cysteine cathepsins as therapeutic targets in inflammation-associated diseases and recent advances in preclinical and clinical research. We describe direct targeting of cathepsins for treatment purposes and their indirect use in diagnostics.Expert opinion: The targeting of cysteine cathepsins has not translated into the clinic; this failure is attributed to off- and on-target side effects and/or the lack of companion biomarkers. This field now embraces developments in diagnostic imaging, the activation of prodrugs and antibody-drug conjugates for targeted drug delivery. The future lies in improved molecular tools and therapeutic concepts that will find a wide spectrum of uses in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Vizovišek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Vidak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urban Javoršek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Georgy Mikhaylov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andreja Bratovš
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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