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Rubio-Pérez L, Frago S, Compte M, Navarro R, Harwood SL, Lázaro-Gorines R, Gómez-Rosel M, Hangiu O, Silva-Pilipich N, Vanrell L, Smerdou C, Álvarez-Vallina L. Characterization of a Trispecific PD-L1 Blocking Antibody That Exhibits EGFR-Conditional 4-1BB Agonist Activity. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:34. [PMID: 38804302 PMCID: PMC11130918 DOI: 10.3390/antib13020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade has changed the treatment paradigm for advanced solid tumors, but the overall response rates are still limited. The combination of checkpoint blockade with anti-4-1BB antibodies to stimulate tumor-infiltrating T cells has shown anti-tumor activity in human trials. However, the further clinical development of these antibodies has been hampered by significant off-tumor toxicities. Here, we generated an anti-4-1BB/EGFR/PD-L1 trispecific antibody consisting of a triple-targeting tandem trimerbody (TT) fused to an engineered silent Fc region. This antibody (IgTT-4E1-S) was designed to combine the blockade of the PD-L1/PD-1 axis with conditional 4-1BB costimulation specifically confined to the tumor microenvironment (TME). The antibody demonstrated simultaneous binding to purified EGFR, PD-L1, and 4-1BB in solution, effective blockade of the PD-L1/PD1 interaction, and potent 4-1BB-mediated costimulation, but only in the presence of EGFR-expressing cells. These results demonstrate the feasibility of IgTT-4E1-S specifically blocking the PD-L1/PD-1 axis and inducing EGFR-conditional 4-1BB agonist activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rubio-Pérez
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario12 de Octubre (H12O), 28041 Madrid, Spain; (L.R.-P.); (R.L.-G.); (M.G.-R.); (O.H.)
- Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
- H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chair for Immunology UFV/Merck, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV), Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Frago
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, QUBE Technology Park, Tres Cantos, 28760 Madrid, Spain; (S.F.); (M.C.); (R.N.)
| | - Marta Compte
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, QUBE Technology Park, Tres Cantos, 28760 Madrid, Spain; (S.F.); (M.C.); (R.N.)
| | - Rocío Navarro
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, QUBE Technology Park, Tres Cantos, 28760 Madrid, Spain; (S.F.); (M.C.); (R.N.)
| | - Seandean L. Harwood
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
| | - Rodrigo Lázaro-Gorines
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario12 de Octubre (H12O), 28041 Madrid, Spain; (L.R.-P.); (R.L.-G.); (M.G.-R.); (O.H.)
- Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
- H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Gómez-Rosel
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario12 de Octubre (H12O), 28041 Madrid, Spain; (L.R.-P.); (R.L.-G.); (M.G.-R.); (O.H.)
- Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
- H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Oana Hangiu
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario12 de Octubre (H12O), 28041 Madrid, Spain; (L.R.-P.); (R.L.-G.); (M.G.-R.); (O.H.)
- Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, QUBE Technology Park, Tres Cantos, 28760 Madrid, Spain; (S.F.); (M.C.); (R.N.)
| | - Noelia Silva-Pilipich
- Division of DNA and RNA Medicine, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (N.S.-P.); (C.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA) and CCUN, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Lucía Vanrell
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad ORT Uruguay, 11100 Montevideo, Uruguay;
- Nanogrow Biotech, Montevideo 11500, Uruguay
| | - Cristian Smerdou
- Division of DNA and RNA Medicine, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (N.S.-P.); (C.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA) and CCUN, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Luis Álvarez-Vallina
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario12 de Octubre (H12O), 28041 Madrid, Spain; (L.R.-P.); (R.L.-G.); (M.G.-R.); (O.H.)
- Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
- H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chair for Immunology UFV/Merck, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV), Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
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2
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Zhang T, Tai Z, Miao F, Zhang X, Li J, Zhu Q, Wei H, Chen Z. Adoptive cell therapy for solid tumors beyond CAR-T: Current challenges and emerging therapeutic advances. J Control Release 2024; 368:372-396. [PMID: 38408567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.033] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular immunotherapy using immune cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is a highly specific anti-tumor immunotherapy that has shown promise in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, there has been a slow progress toward the treatment of solid tumors owing to the complex tumor microenvironment that affects the localization and killing ability of the CAR cells. Solid tumors with a strong immunosuppressive microenvironment and complex vascular system are unaffected by CAR cell infiltration and attack. To improve their efficacy toward solid tumors, CAR cells have been modified and upgraded by "decorating" and "pruning". This review focuses on the structure and function of CARs, the immune cells that can be engineered by CARs and the transformation strategies to overcome solid tumors, with a view to broadening ideas for the better application of CAR cell therapy for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingrui Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China; Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fengze Miao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Jiadong Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China.
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3
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Narbona J, Hernández-Baraza L, Gordo RG, Sanz L, Lacadena J. Nanobody-Based EGFR-Targeting Immunotoxins for Colorectal Cancer Treatment. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1042. [PMID: 37509078 PMCID: PMC10377705 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxins (ITXs) are chimeric molecules that combine the specificity of a targeting domain, usually derived from an antibody, and the cytotoxic potency of a toxin, leading to the selective death of tumor cells. However, several issues must be addressed and optimized in order to use ITXs as therapeutic tools, such as the selection of a suitable tumor-associated antigen (TAA), high tumor penetration and retention, low kidney elimination, or low immunogenicity of foreign proteins. To this end, we produced and characterized several ITX designs, using a nanobody against EGFR (VHH 7D12) as the targeting domain. First, we generated a nanoITX, combining VHH 7D12 and the fungal ribotoxin α-sarcin (αS) as the toxic moiety (VHHEGFRαS). Then, we incorporated a trimerization domain (TIEXVIII) into the construct, obtaining a trimeric nanoITX (TriVHHEGFRαS). Finally, we designed and characterized a bispecific ITX, combining the VHH 7D12 and the scFv against GPA33 as targeting domains, and a deimmunized (DI) variant of α-sarcin (BsITXαSDI). The results confirm the therapeutic potential of α-sarcin-based nanoITXs. The incorporation of nanobodies as target domains improves their therapeutic use due to their lower molecular size and binding features. The enhanced avidity and toxic load in the trimeric nanoITX and the combination of two different target domains in the bispecific nanoITX allow for increased antitumor effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Narbona
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luisa Hernández-Baraza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- University Institute of Biomedical and Health Research (IUIBS), Las Palmas University, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rubén G Gordo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Lacadena
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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4
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Maali A, Gholizadeh M, Feghhi-Najafabadi S, Noei A, Seyed-Motahari SS, Mansoori S, Sharifzadeh Z. Nanobodies in cell-mediated immunotherapy: On the road to fight cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1012841. [PMID: 36761751 PMCID: PMC9905824 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1012841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system is essential in recognizing and eliminating tumor cells. The unique characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as heterogeneity, reduced blood flow, hypoxia, and acidity, can reduce the efficacy of cell-mediated immunity. The primary goal of cancer immunotherapy is to modify the immune cells or the TME to enable the immune system to eliminate malignancies successfully. Nanobodies, known as single-domain antibodies, are light chain-free antibody fragments produced from Camelidae antibodies. The unique properties of nanobodies, including high stability, reduced immunogenicity, enhanced infiltration into the TME of solid tumors and facile genetic engineering have led to their promising application in cell-mediated immunotherapy. They can promote the cancer therapy either directly by bridging between tumor cells and immune cells and by targeting cancer cells using immune cell-bound nanobodies or indirectly by blocking the inhibitory ligands/receptors. The T-cell activation can be engaged through anti-CD3 and anti-4-1BB nanobodies in the bispecific (bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs)) and trispecific (trispecific T-cell engager (TriTEs)) manners. Also, nanobodies can be used as natural killer (NK) cell engagers (BiKEs, TriKEs, and TetraKEs) to create an immune synapse between the tumor and NK cells. Nanobodies can redirect immune cells to attack tumor cells through a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) incorporating a nanobody against the target antigen. Various cancer antigens have been targeted by nanobody-based CAR-T and CAR-NK cells for treating both hematological and solid malignancies. They can also cause the continuation of immune surveillance against tumor cells by stopping inappropriate inhibition of immune checkpoints. Other roles of nanobodies in cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy include reprogramming macrophages to reduce metastasis and angiogenesis, as well as preventing the severe side effects occurring in cell-mediated immunotherapy. Here, we highlight the critical functions of various immune cells, including T cells, NK cells, and macrophages in the TME, and discuss newly developed immunotherapy methods based on the targeted manipulation of immune cells and TME with nanobodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Monireh Gholizadeh
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Ahmad Noei
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Sheila Seyed-Motahari
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Sharifzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,*Correspondence: Zahra Sharifzadeh,
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5
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Cheng LS, Cheng YF, Liu WT, Shen A, Zhang D, Xu T, Yin W, Cheng M, Ma X, Wang F, Zhao Q, Zeng X, Zhang Y, Shen G. A humanized 4-1BB-targeting agonistic antibody exerts potent antitumor activity in colorectal cancer without systemic toxicity. Lab Invest 2022; 20:415. [PMID: 36076251 PMCID: PMC9461191 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03619-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies and the patient survival rate remains unacceptably low. The anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody-based immune checkpoint inhibitors have been added to CRC treatment regimens, however, only a fraction of patients benefits. As an important co-stimulatory molecule, 4-1BB/CD137 is mainly expressed on the surface of immune cells including T and natural killer (NK) cells. Several agonistic molecules targeting 4-1BB have been clinically unsuccessful due to systemic toxicity or weak antitumor effects. We generated a humanized anti-4-1BB IgG4 antibody, HuB6, directed against a unique epitope and hypothesized that it would promote antitumor immunity with high safety. Methods The antigen binding specificity, affinity and activity of HuB6 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), biolayer interferometry (BLI) and flow cytometry. The antitumor effects were evaluated in humanized mice bearing syngeneic tumors, and possible toxicity was evaluated in humanized mice and cynomolgus monkeys. Results HuB6 showed high specificity and affinity for a binding epitope distinct from those of other known 4-1BB agonists, including utomilumab and urelumab, and induced CD8 + T, CD4 + T and NK cell stimulation dependent on Fcγ receptor (FcγR) crosslinking. HuB6 inhibited CRC tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner, and the antitumor effect was similar with urelumab and utomilumab in humanized mouse models of syngeneic CRC. Furthermore, HuB6 combined with an anti-PD-L1 antibody significantly inhibited CRC growth in vivo. Additionally, HuB6 induced antitumor immune memory in tumor model mice rechallenged with 4 × 106 tumor cells. Toxicology data for humanized 4-1BB mice and cynomolgus monkeys showed that HuB6 could be tolerated up to a 180 mg/kg dose without systemic toxicity. Conclusions This study demonstrated that HuB6 should be a suitable candidate for further clinical development and a potential agent for CRC immunotherapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03619-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Sheng Cheng
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Gerontology Institute of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.,Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy and Nutrition Therapy, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Yong-Feng Cheng
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wen-Ting Liu
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Aolin Shen
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy and Nutrition Therapy, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Dayan Zhang
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Tingjuan Xu
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Gerontology Institute of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy and Nutrition Therapy, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Wu Yin
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Gerontology Institute of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy and Nutrition Therapy, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Min Cheng
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Gerontology Institute of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy and Nutrition Therapy, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaopeng Ma
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
| | - Fengrong Wang
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoli Zeng
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Health Service Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Guodong Shen
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Gerontology Institute of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China. .,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy and Nutrition Therapy, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
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6
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Hangiu O, Compte M, Dinesen A, Navarro R, Tapia-Galisteo A, Mandrup OA, Erce-Llamazares A, Lázaro-Gorines R, Nehme-Álvarez D, Domínguez-Alonso C, Harwood SL, Alfonso C, Blanco B, Rubio-Pérez L, Jiménez-Reinoso A, Díez-Alonso L, Blanco FJ, Sanz L, Howard KA, Álvarez-Vallina L. Tumor targeted 4-1BB agonist antibody-albumin fusions with high affinity to FcRn induce anti-tumor immunity without toxicity. iScience 2022; 25:104958. [PMID: 36072551 PMCID: PMC9441337 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Costimulation of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes by anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has shown anti-tumor activity in human trials, but can be associated with significant off-tumor toxicities involving FcγR interactions. Here, we introduce albumin-fused mouse and human bispecific antibodies with clinically favorable pharmacokinetics designed to confine 4-1BB costimulation to the tumor microenvironment. These Fc-free 4-1BB agonists consist of an EGFR-specific VHH antibody, a 4-1BB-specific scFv, and a human albumin sequence engineered for high FcRn binding connected in tandem (LiTCo-Albu). We demonstrate in vitro cognate target engagement, EGFR-specific costimulatory activity, and FcRn-driven cellular recycling similar to non-fused FcRn high-binding albumin. The mouse LiTCo-Albu exhibited a prolonged circulatory half-life and in vivo tumor inhibition, with no indication of 4-1BB mAb-associated toxicity. Furthermore, we show a greater therapeutic effect when used in combination with PD-1-blocking mAbs. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of tumor-specific LiTCo-Albu antibodies for safe and effective costimulatory strategies in cancer immunotherapy. Tumor targeted 4-1BB agonist antibody-albumin fusions with high affinity to FcRn Potent EGFR-specific 4-1BB costimulation and FcRn-driven cellular recycling Prolonged circulatory half-life and in vivo tumor inhibition, without toxicity Combination with an anti-PD-1 blocking antibody further enhanced anti-tumor activity
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7
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Upadhyaya P, Kristensson J, Lahdenranta J, Repash E, Ma J, Kublin J, Mudd GE, Luus L, Jeffrey P, Hurov K, McDonnell K, Keen N. Discovery and Optimization of a Synthetic Class of Nectin-4-Targeted CD137 Agonists for Immuno-oncology. J Med Chem 2022; 65:9858-9872. [PMID: 35819182 PMCID: PMC9340768 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
![]()
CD137 (4-1BB) is a co-stimulatory receptor on immune
cells and
Nectin-4 is a cell adhesion molecule that is overexpressed in multiple
tumor types. Using a series of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based linkers,
synthetic bicyclic peptides targeting CD137 were conjugated to Bicycles targeting Nectin-4. The resulting bispecific molecules
were potent CD137 agonists that require the presence of both Nectin-4-expressing
tumor cells and CD137-expressing immune cells for activity. A multipronged
approach was taken to optimize these Bicycle tumor-targeted
immune cell agonists by exploring the impact of chemical configuration,
binding affinity, and pharmacokinetics on CD137 agonism and antitumor
activity. This effort resulted in the discovery of BT7480, which elicited
robust CD137 agonism and maximum antitumor activity in syngeneic mouse
models. A tumor-targeted approach to CD137 agonism using low-molecular-weight,
short-acting molecules with high tumor penetration is a yet unexplored
path in the clinic, where emerging data suggest that persistent target
engagement, characteristic of biologics, may lead to suboptimal immune
response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punit Upadhyaya
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
| | - Julia Kristensson
- Bicycle Therapeutics, B900 Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, U.K
| | - Johanna Lahdenranta
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
| | - Elizabeth Repash
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
| | - Jun Ma
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
| | - Jessica Kublin
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
| | - Gemma E Mudd
- Bicycle Therapeutics, B900 Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, U.K
| | - Lia Luus
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
| | - Phil Jeffrey
- Bicycle Therapeutics, B900 Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, U.K
| | - Kristen Hurov
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
| | - Kevin McDonnell
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
| | - Nicholas Keen
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
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8
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Nielsen MA, Juul-Madsen K, Stegmayr J, Gao C, Mehta AY, Greisen SR, Kragstrup TW, Hvid M, Vorup-Jensen T, Cummings RD, Leffler H, Deleuran BW. Galectin-3 Decreases 4-1BBL Bioactivity by Crosslinking Soluble and Membrane Expressed 4-1BB. Front Immunol 2022; 13:915890. [PMID: 35812455 PMCID: PMC9263355 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.915890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
4-1BB is a T cell costimulatory receptor and a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. Here, we show that Galectin-3 (Gal-3) decreases the cellular response to its ligand (4-1BBL). Gal-3 binds to both soluble 4-1BB (s4-1BB) and membrane-bound 4-1BB (mem4-1BB), without blocking co-binding of 4-1BBL. In plasma, we detected complexes composed of 4-1BB and Gal-3 larger than 100 nm in size; these complexes were reduced in synovial fluid from rheumatoid arthritis. Both activated 4-1BB+ T cells and 4-1BB-transfected HEK293 cells depleted these complexes from plasma, followed by increased expression of 4-1BB and Gal-3 on the cell surface. The increase was accompanied by a 4-fold decrease in TNFα production by the 4-1BBhighGal-3+ T cells, after exposure to 4-1BB/Gal-3 complexes. In RA patients, complexes containing 4-1BB/Gal-3 were dramatically reduced in both plasma and SF compared with healthy plasma. These results support that Gal-3 binds to 4-1BB without blocking the co-binding of 4-1BBL. Instead, Gal-3 leads to formation of large soluble 4-1BB/Gal-3 complexes that attach to mem4-1BB on the cell surfaces, resulting in suppression of 4-1BBL’s bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Aagaard Nielsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - John Stegmayr
- Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Division for Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology (MIG), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, National Center for Functional Glycomics, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Akul Y. Mehta
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, National Center for Functional Glycomics, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stinne Ravn Greisen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tue Wenzel Kragstrup
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Malene Hvid
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Richard D. Cummings
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, National Center for Functional Glycomics, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hakon Leffler
- Division for Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology (MIG), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Bent Winding Deleuran
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Bent Winding Deleuran,
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9
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Awad RM, Meeus F, Ceuppens H, Ertveldt T, Hanssens H, Lecocq Q, Mateusiak L, Zeven K, Valenta H, De Groof TWM, De Vlaeminck Y, Krasniqi A, De Veirman K, Goyvaerts C, D'Huyvetter M, Hernot S, Devoogdt N, Breckpot K. Emerging applications of nanobodies in cancer therapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 369:143-199. [PMID: 35777863 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease, requiring treatment tailored to the unique phenotype of the patient's tumor. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and variants thereof have enabled targeted therapies to selectively target cancer cells. Cancer cell-specific mAbs have been used for image-guided surgery and targeted delivery of radionuclides or toxic agents, improving classical treatment strategies. Cancer cell-specific mAbs can further inhibit tumor cell growth or can stimulate immune-mediated destruction of cancer cells, a feature that has also been achieved through mAb-mediated manipulation of immune cells and pathways. Drawbacks of mAbs and their variants, together with the discovery of camelid heavy chain-only antibodies and the many advantageous features of their variable domains, referred to as VHHs, single domain antibodies or nanobodies (Nbs), resulted in the exploration of Nbs as an alternative targeting moiety. We therefore review the state-of-the-art as well as novel exploitation strategies of Nbs for targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fien Meeus
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Ceuppens
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heleen Hanssens
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Lecocq
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lukasz Mateusiak
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katty Zeven
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hana Valenta
- Lab for Nanobiology, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Timo W M De Groof
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannick De Vlaeminck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ahmet Krasniqi
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim De Veirman
- Laboratory for Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias D'Huyvetter
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Hernot
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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10
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Compte M, Sanz L, Álvarez-Vallina L. Applications of trimerbodies in cancer immunotherapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 369:71-87. [PMID: 35777865 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Trimerbodies, with their unique structural and functional properties, are the basis of a new generation of therapeutic antibodies, which due to their small size and plasticity are ideal for the generation of novel biological protein drugs with multiple competitive advantages over conventional full-length monoclonal antibodies. Since their emergence, trimerbodies have been used in preclinical cancer diagnosis and therapy. Trimerbodies are highly adaptable molecules, as they allow target-specific modulation of T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity to enhance preexisting responses or to generate de novo immune responses. In fact, a tumor-specific humanized 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody has shown a rather impressive safety and efficacy profile in preclinical studies making it a realistic option for clinical development. Moreover, thanks to the avidity effect they are endowed with considerable therapeutic potential as carriers to deliver cytotoxic payloads to tumors. In addition, molecular imaging studies could benefit from some intermediate-sized trivalent trimerbodies as promising candidates for targeted therapy and tumor imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Compte
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis S.L., Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Álvarez-Vallina
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain.
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11
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Compte M, Harwood SL, Erce-Llamazares A, Tapia-Galisteo A, Romero E, Ferrer I, Garrido-Martin EM, Enguita AB, Ochoa MC, Blanco B, Oteo M, Merino N, Nehme-Álvarez D, Hangiu O, Domínguez-Alonso C, Zonca M, Ramírez-Fernández A, Blanco FJ, Morcillo MA, Muñoz IG, Melero I, Rodriguez-Peralto JL, Paz-Ares L, Sanz L, Alvarez-Vallina L. An Fc-free EGFR-specific 4-1BB-agonistic Trimerbody Displays Broad Antitumor Activity in Humanized Murine Cancer Models without Toxicity. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:3167-3177. [PMID: 33785484 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-4625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The induction of 4-1BB signaling by agonistic antibodies can drive the activation and proliferation of effector T cells and thereby enhance a T-cell-mediated antitumor response. Systemic administration of anti-4-1BB-agonistic IgGs, although effective preclinically, has not advanced in clinical development due to their severe hepatotoxicity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Here, we generated a humanized EGFR-specific 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody, which replaces the IgG Fc region with a human collagen homotrimerization domain. It was characterized by structural analysis and in vitro functional studies. We also assessed pharmacokinetics, antitumor efficacy, and toxicity in vivo. RESULTS In the presence of a T-cell receptor signal, the trimerbody provided potent T-cell costimulation that was strictly dependent on 4-1BB hyperclustering at the point of contact with a tumor antigen-displaying cell surface. It exhibits significant antitumor activity in vivo, without hepatotoxicity, in a wide range of human tumors including colorectal and breast cancer cell-derived xenografts, and non-small cell lung cancer patient-derived xenografts associated with increased tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. The combination of the trimerbody with a PD-L1 blocker led to increased IFNγ secretion in vitro and resulted in tumor regression in humanized mice bearing aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the nontoxic broad antitumor activity of humanized Fc-free tumor-specific 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbodies and their synergy with checkpoint blockers, which may provide a way to elicit responses in most patients with cancer while avoiding Fc-mediated adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Compte
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Madrid, Spain
| | - Seandean L Harwood
- Immunotherapy and Cell Engineering Laboratory, Department of Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ainhoa Erce-Llamazares
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Madrid, Spain.,Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Tapia-Galisteo
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Romero
- Biomedical Applications and Pharmacokinetics Unit, Centro de investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Ferrer
- H12O-CNIO Lung Cancer Clinical Research Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), and Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Oncología (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva M Garrido-Martin
- H12O-CNIO Lung Cancer Clinical Research Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), and Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Oncología (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana B Enguita
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology. Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria C Ochoa
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Belén Blanco
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Oteo
- Biomedical Applications and Pharmacokinetics Unit, Centro de investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nekane Merino
- Structural Biology Unit, CIC bioGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Derio, Spain
| | - Daniel Nehme-Álvarez
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Oana Hangiu
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Domínguez-Alonso
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuela Zonca
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Ramírez-Fernández
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J Blanco
- Structural and Chemical Biology Department, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CIB-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Morcillo
- Biomedical Applications and Pharmacokinetics Unit, Centro de investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ines G Muñoz
- Crystallography and Protein Engineering Unit, Structural Biology Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Oncología (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Immunology, University Clinic, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - José L Rodriguez-Peralto
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Oncología (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology. Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Cutaneous Oncology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Paz-Ares
- H12O-CNIO Lung Cancer Clinical Research Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), and Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Oncología (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Alvarez-Vallina
- Immunotherapy and Cell Engineering Laboratory, Department of Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark. .,Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
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12
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Compte M, Harwood SL, Martínez-Torrecuadrada J, Perez-Chacon G, González-García P, Tapia-Galisteo A, Van Bergen En Henegouwen PMP, Sánchez A, Fabregat I, Sanz L, Zapata JM, Alvarez-Vallina L. Case Report: An EGFR-Targeted 4-1BB-agonistic Trimerbody Does Not Induce Hepatotoxicity in Transgenic Mice With Liver Expression of Human EGFR. Front Immunol 2021; 11:614363. [PMID: 33488625 PMCID: PMC7817978 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.614363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Agonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the co-stimulatory receptor 4-1BB are among the most effective immunotherapeutic agents across pre-clinical cancer models. However, clinical development of full-length 4-1BB agonistic mAbs, has been hampered by dose-limiting liver toxicity. We have previously developed an EGFR-targeted 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody (1D8N/CEGa1) that induces potent anti-tumor immunity without systemic toxicity, in immunocompetent mice bearing murine colorectal carcinoma cells expressing human EGFR. Here, we study the impact of human EGFR expression on mouse liver in the toxicity profile of 1D8N/CEGa1. Systemic administration of IgG-based anti-4-1BB agonist resulted in nonspecific immune stimulation and hepatotoxicity in a liver-specific human EGFR-transgenic immunocompetent mouse, whereas in 1D8N/CEGa1-treated mice no such immune-related adverse effects were observed. Collectively, these data support the role of FcγR interactions in the major off-tumor toxicities associated with IgG-based 4-1BB agonists and further validate the safety profile of EGFR-targeted Fc-less 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbodies in systemic cancer immunotherapy protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Compte
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Gema Perez-Chacon
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (IIBm), CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Tapia-Galisteo
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), CIBEREHD and University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan M Zapata
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (IIBm), CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Alvarez-Vallina
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Hospital 12 de Octubre Biomedical Research Institute (imas12), Madrid, Spain
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13
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Mock J, Stringhini M, Villa A, Weller M, Weiss T, Neri D. An engineered 4-1BBL fusion protein with "activity on demand". Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:31780-31788. [PMID: 33239441 PMCID: PMC7749310 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2013615117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered cytokines are gaining importance in cancer therapy, but these products are often limited by toxicity, especially at early time points after intravenous administration. 4-1BB is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, which has been considered as a target for therapeutic strategies with agonistic antibodies or using its cognate cytokine ligand, 4-1BBL. Here we describe the engineering of an antibody fusion protein, termed F8-4-1BBL, that does not exhibit cytokine activity in solution but regains biological activity on antigen binding. F8-4-1BBL bound specifically to its cognate antigen, the alternatively spliced EDA domain of fibronectin, and selectively localized to tumors in vivo, as evidenced by quantitative biodistribution experiments. The product promoted a potent antitumor activity in various mouse models of cancer without apparent toxicity at the doses used. F8-4-1BBL represents a prototype for antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, which conditionally display "activity on demand" properties at the site of disease on antigen binding and reduce toxicity to normal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Mock
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Antibody Research, Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland;
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14
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Yang EY, Shah K. Nanobodies: Next Generation of Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1182. [PMID: 32793488 PMCID: PMC7390931 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of targeted medicine has greatly expanded treatment options and spurred new research avenues in cancer therapeutics, with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) emerging as a prevalent treatment in recent years. With mixed clinical success, mAbs still hold significant shortcomings, as they possess limited tumor penetration, high manufacturing costs, and the potential to develop therapeutic resistance. However, the recent discovery of “nanobodies,” the smallest-known functional antibody fragment, has demonstrated significant translational potential in preclinical and clinical studies. This review highlights their various applications in cancer and analyzes their trajectory toward their translation into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Y Yang
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Departments of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Khalid Shah
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Departments of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
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15
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Lejeune M, Köse MC, Duray E, Einsele H, Beguin Y, Caers J. Bispecific, T-Cell-Recruiting Antibodies in B-Cell Malignancies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:762. [PMID: 32457743 PMCID: PMC7221185 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are designed to recognize and bind to two different antigens or epitopes. In the last few decades, BsAbs have been developed within the context of cancer therapies and in particular for the treatment of hematologic B-cell malignancies. To date, more than one hundred different BsAb formats exist, including bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs), and new constructs are constantly emerging. Advances in protein engineering have enabled the creation of BsAbs with specific mechanisms of action and clinical applications. Moreover, a better understanding of resistance and evasion mechanisms, as well as advances in the protein engineering and in immunology, will help generating a greater variety of BsAbs to treat various cancer types. This review focuses on T-cell-engaging BsAbs and more precisely on the various BsAb formats currently being studied in the context of B-cell malignancies, on ongoing clinical trials and on the clinical concerns to be taken into account in the development of new BsAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Lejeune
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Murat Cem Köse
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Elodie Duray
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yves Beguin
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Hematology, CHU de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jo Caers
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Hematology, CHU de Liège, Liège, Belgium
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16
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Rader C. Bispecific antibodies in cancer immunotherapy. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2019; 65:9-16. [PMID: 31841859 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Among antibody-based cancer therapies, bispecific antibodies (biAbs) have gained momentum in preclinical and clinical investigations following the regulatory approvals of the trailblazing T-cell engaging biAb (T-biAb) blinatumomab. Discussed herein are recent strategies that aim at boosting the potency and mitigating the toxicity of T-biAbs, broadening their therapeutic utility from hematologic to solid malignancies, and generating T-biAbs in situ. In cancer immunotherapy, T-biAbs are facing fierce competition with chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-Ts), a battle for clinical and commercial viability that will be closely watched. However, innovative combinations of T-biAbs and CAR-Ts have also transpired. NK-cell engaging biAbs (NK-biAbs) are reemerging as an alternative that addresses liabilities of T-biAbs. Beyond NK-biAbs, other biAbs designed to recruit cellular and molecular components of the innate immune system will be covered in this reflection on new tools, technologies, and targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Rader
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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