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Chen C, Sun Z, Wang Z, Shin S, Berrios A, Mellors JW, Dimitrov DS, Li W. Identification of a Fully Human Antibody VH Domain Targeting Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) with Applications in ALK-Positive Solid Tumor Immunotherapy. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:39. [PMID: 38804307 PMCID: PMC11130946 DOI: 10.3390/antib13020039] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK, CD247) is a potential target for antibody-based therapy. However, no antibody-based therapeutics targeting ALK have entered clinical trials, necessitating the development of novel antibodies with unique therapeutic merits. Single-domain antibodies (sdAb) bear therapeutic advantages compared to the full-length antibody including deeper tumor penetration, cost-effective production and fast washout from normal tissues. In this study, we identified a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable domain (VH domain) (VH20) from an in-house phage library. VH20 exhibits good developability and high specificity with no off-target binding to ~6000 human membrane proteins. VH20 efficiently bound to the glycine-rich region of ALK with an EC50 of 0.4 nM and a KD of 6.54 nM. Both VH20-based bispecific T cell engager (TCE) and chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR Ts) exhibited potent cytolytic activity to ALK-expressing tumor cells in an ALK-dependent manner. VH20 CAR Ts specifically secreted proinflammatory cytokines including IL-2, TNFα and IFNγ after incubation with ALK-positive cells. To our knowledge, this is the first reported human single-domain antibody against ALK. Our in vitro characterization data indicate that VH20 could be a promising ALK-targeting sdAb with potential applications in ALK-expressing tumors, including neuroblastoma (NBL) and non-small cell lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Chen
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (C.C.); (Z.S.); (S.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Zehua Sun
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (C.C.); (Z.S.); (S.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Zening Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Seungmin Shin
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (C.C.); (Z.S.); (S.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Abigail Berrios
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA;
| | - John W. Mellors
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (C.C.); (Z.S.); (S.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Dimiter S. Dimitrov
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (C.C.); (Z.S.); (S.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Wei Li
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (C.C.); (Z.S.); (S.S.); (J.W.M.)
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2
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Cheng L, Chen L, Shi Y, Gu W, Ding W, Zheng X, Liu Y, Jiang J, Zheng Z. Efficacy and safety of bispecific antibodies vs. immune checkpoint blockade combination therapy in cancer: a real-world comparison. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:77. [PMID: 38627681 PMCID: PMC11020943 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01956-6] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging tumor immunotherapy methods encompass bispecific antibodies (BSABs), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and adoptive cell immunotherapy. BSABs belong to the antibody family that can specifically recognize two different antigens or epitopes on the same antigen. These antibodies demonstrate superior clinical efficacy than monoclonal antibodies, indicating their role as a promising tumor immunotherapy option. Immune checkpoints are also important in tumor immunotherapy. Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) is a widely acknowledged immune checkpoint target with effective anti-tumor activity. PD-1 inhibitors have demonstrated notable therapeutic efficacy in treating hematological and solid tumors; however, more than 50% of patients undergoing this treatment exhibit a poor response. However, ICI-based combination therapies (ICI combination therapies) have been demonstrated to synergistically increase anti-tumor effects and immune response rates. In this review, we compare the clinical efficacy and side effects of BSABs and ICI combination therapies in real-world tumor immunotherapy, aiming to provide evidence-based approaches for clinical research and personalized tumor diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyan Cheng
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yuan Shi
- Laboratory of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Weiying Gu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weidong Ding
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China.
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China.
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
| | - Zhuojun Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
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3
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Cherkasova EA, Chen L, Childs RW. Mechanistic regulation of HERV activation in tumors and implications for translational research in oncology. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1358470. [PMID: 38379771 PMCID: PMC10877039 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1358470] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription of distinct loci of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) and in some cases, translation of these transcripts have been consistently observed in many types of cancer. It is still debated whether HERV activation serves as a trigger for carcinogenesis or rather occurs as a consequence of epigenetic alterations and other molecular sequelae that characterize cellular transformation. Here we review the known molecular and epigenetic mechanisms of HERV activation in cancer cells as well as its potential contribution to carcinogenesis. Further, we describe the use of HERV expression in cancer diagnostic and characterize the potential of HERV-derived antigens to serve as novel targets for cancer immunotherapy. We believe this review, which summarizes both what is known as well as unknown in this rapidly developing field, will boost interest in research on the therapeutic potential of targeting HERV elements in tumors and the impact of HERV activation in oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard W. Childs
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunotherapy, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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4
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Susukida T, Sasaki SI, Shirayanagi T, Aoki S, Ito K, Hayakawa Y. Drug-induced altered self-presentation increases tumor immunogenicity. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115241. [PMID: 37523987 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115241] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug abacavir (ABC) binds to the specific allele of human leukocyte antigen (HLA-B*57:01) and activates CD8+ T cells by presenting altered abnormal peptides. Here, we examined the effect of ABC-induced altered self-presentation by HLA-B*57:01 on immunogenicity of cancer cells and CD8+ T-cell-dependent anti-tumor immunity. We established human-mouse chimeric HLA-B*57:01-expressing tumor cell lines (B16F10 and 3LL) and tested the anti-tumor effect of ABC in vivo. ABC treatment inhibited the growth of HLA-B*57:01-expressing tumors by a CD8+ T-cell-dependent mechanism. ABC treatment induced CXCR3-dependent infiltration of CD8+ T cells into HLA-B*57:01-expressing tumors, and activated those tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells to proliferate and secrete IFN-γ. The activation of CD8+ T cells using drug-induced altered self-presentation may be a new strategy to increase tumor immunogenicity and improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Susukida
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Section of Host Defences, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - So-Ichiro Sasaki
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Section of Host Defences, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Shirayanagi
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shigeki Aoki
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kousei Ito
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Hayakawa
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Section of Host Defences, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.
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5
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Kühl L, Schäfer AK, Kraft S, Aschmoneit N, Kontermann RE, Seifert O. eIg-based bispecific T-cell engagers targeting EGFR: Format matters. MAbs 2023; 15:2183540. [PMID: 36864566 PMCID: PMC9988351 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2183540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies are molecules with versatile modes of action and applications for therapy. They are commonly developed as T-cell engagers (TCE), which simultaneously target an antigen expressed by tumor cells and CD3 expressed by T-cells, thereby inducing T-cell-mediated target cell killing. There is growing evidence that the molecular composition and valency for the target antigen influence the activity of TCEs. Here, the eIg platform technology was used to generate a set of bispecific TCEs targeting epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) and CD3. These molecules either included or lacked an Fc region and exhibited one binding site for CD3 and either one or two binding sites for EGFR (1 + 1 or 2 + 1 formats) utilizing different molecular arrangements of the binding sites. In total, 11 different TCE formats were analyzed for binding to target cells and T cells, T cell-mediated killing of tumor cells, and for the activation of T cells (release of cytokines and proliferation of T-cells). Bivalent binding to EGFR strongly increased binding and T cell-mediated killing. However, the molecular composition and position of the CD3-binding arm also affected target cell killing, cytokine release, and T-cell proliferation. Our findings support that screening of a panel of formats is beneficial to identify the most potent bispecific TCE, and that format matters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Kühl
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Annelie K Schäfer
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kraft
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nadine Aschmoneit
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Oliver Seifert
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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6
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Arvedson T, Bailis JM, Urbig T, Stevens JL. Considerations for design, manufacture, and delivery for effective and safe T-cell engager therapies. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 78:102799. [PMID: 36179408 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
T-cell engager (TCE) molecules provide a targeted immunotherapy approach to treat hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Since the approval of the CD19-targeted BiTE® (bispecific T-cell engager) molecule blinatumomab, multiple TCE molecules against different targets have been developed in several tumor types, with the approval of three additional TCE molecules in 2022. Some of the initial challenges, such as the need for continuous intravenous administration and low productivity, have been addressed in subsequent iterations of the platform by advancing half-life extended, Fc-based molecules. As clinical data from these molecules emerge, additional optimization of formats and manufacturability will be necessary. Ongoing efforts are focused on further improving TCE efficacy, safety, and convenience of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Arvedson
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julie M Bailis
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
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7
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Bispecific Antibodies: A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Solid Tumors. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112442. [PMID: 36432631 PMCID: PMC9694302 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112442] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancement in sequencing technologies allows for the identification of molecular pathways involved in tumor progression and treatment resistance. Implementation of novel agents targeting these pathways, defined as targeted therapy, significantly improves the prognosis of cancer patients. Targeted therapy also includes the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). These drugs recognize specific oncogenic proteins expressed in cancer cells. However, as with many other types of targeting agents, mAb-based therapy usually fails in the long-term control of cancer progression due to the development of resistance. In many cases, resistance is caused by the activation of alternative pathways involved in cancer progression and the development of immune evasion mechanisms. To overcome this off-target resistance, bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) were developed to simultaneously target differential oncogenic pathway components, tumor-associated antigens (TAA) and immune regulatory molecules. As a result, in the last few years, several bsAbs have been tested or are being tested in cancer patients. A few of them are currently approved for the treatment of some hematologic malignancies but no bsAbs are approved in solid tumors. In this review, we will provide an overview of the state-of-the-art of bsAbs for the treatment of solid malignancies outlining their classification, design, main technologies utilized for production, mechanisms of action, updated clinical evidence and potential limitations.
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8
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Zheng S, Prell R, Sheng J, Wang Y, Hamuro L. Changing the drug development and therapeutic paradigm with biologic drug combinations and bispecifics: How to choose between these two approaches? Clin Transl Sci 2022; 15:2096-2104. [PMID: 35611545 PMCID: PMC9468564 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Biologics are increasingly being co-developed in combination or as novel constructs like bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) with the goal of targeting multiple, non-redundant mechanisms of action. Rational design of combinations and dual-targeting approaches that consider disease complexities have the potential to improve efficacy and safety, to increase duration of clinical benefit, and to minimize clinical resistance mechanisms. Here we summarize examples of BsAbs and biologic combinations that have been approved by health authorities and present drug development considerations when deciding between these two strategies. These include an understanding of target biology, nonclinical safety risks, dose optimization strategies, the regulatory framework, pharmacokinetic, immunogenicity, and bioanalytical assay considerations. The disease biology, target dynamics, and pharmacology objectives were identified as important factors in early drug development to decide between a BsAb versus a combination. Nonclinical safety assessment and dose optimization strategies can also pose challenges for BsAb versus combinations. High unmet medical needs and lack of treatment options are often the common denominators for deciding to develop a BsAb or a combination. Future development of biologic triple combinations and BsAbs combinations with other biologics will further increase drug development complexities and hold promise for more effective treatment options for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songmao Zheng
- Clinical and Quantitative PharmacologyAdageneSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Rodney Prell
- Safety Assessment, GenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jennifer Sheng
- Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics, Bristol Myers SquibbPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Yow‐Ming Wang
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, OTS/CDER/FDASilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Lora Hamuro
- Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics, Bristol Myers SquibbPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
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9
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Determination of starting dose of the T cell-redirecting bispecific antibody ERY974 targeting glypican-3 in first-in-human clinical trial. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12312. [PMID: 35853994 PMCID: PMC9296674 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, ERY974, a humanized IgG4 bispecific T cell-redirecting antibody recognizing glypican-3 and CD3, is in phase I clinical trials. After a first-in-human clinical trial of an anti-CD28 agonist monoclonal antibody resulting in severe life-threatening adverse events, the minimal anticipated biological effect level approach has been considered for determining the first-in-human dose of high-risk drugs. Accordingly, we aimed to determine the first-in-human dose of ERY974 using both the minimal anticipated biological effect level and no observed adverse effect level approaches. In the former, we used the 10% effective concentration value from a cytotoxicity assay using the huH-1 cell line with the highest sensitivity to ERY974 to calculate the first-in-human dose of 4.9 ng/kg, at which maximum drug concentration after 4 h of intravenous ERY974 infusion was equal to the 10% effective concentration value. To determine the no observed adverse effect level, we conducted a single-dose study in cynomolgus monkeys that were intravenously infused with ERY974 (0.1, 1, and 10 μg/kg). The lowest dose of 0.1 μg/kg was determined as the no observed adverse effect level, and the first-in-human dose of 3.2 ng/kg was calculated, considering body surface area and species difference. For the phase I clinical trial, we selected 3.0 ng/kg as a starting dose, which was lower than the first-in-human dose calculated from both the no observed adverse effect level and minimal anticipated biological effect level. Combining these two methods to determine the first-in-human dose of strong immune modulators such as T cell-redirecting antibodies would be a suitable approach from safety and efficacy perspectives. Clinical trial registration: JapicCTI-194805/NCT05022927.
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10
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Shin HG, Yang HR, Yoon A, Lee S. Bispecific Antibody-Based Immune-Cell Engagers and Their Emerging Therapeutic Targets in Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5686. [PMID: 35628495 PMCID: PMC9146966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular diseases. Harnessing the power of immune cells is a promising strategy to improve the antitumor effect of cancer immunotherapy. Recent progress in recombinant DNA technology and antibody engineering has ushered in a new era of bispecific antibody (bsAb)-based immune-cell engagers (ICEs), including T- and natural-killer-cell engagers. Since the first approval of blinatumomab by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), various bsAb-based ICEs have been developed for the effective treatment of patients with cancer. Simultaneously, several potential therapeutic targets of bsAb-based ICEs have been identified in various cancers. Therefore, this review focused on not only highlighting the action mechanism, design and structure, and status of bsAb-based ICEs in clinical development and their approval by the US FDA for human malignancy treatment, but also on summarizing the currently known and emerging therapeutic targets in cancer. This review provides insights into practical considerations for developing next-generation ICEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Gyeong Shin
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea; (H.G.S.); (H.R.Y.)
| | - Ha Rim Yang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea; (H.G.S.); (H.R.Y.)
| | - Aerin Yoon
- R&D Division, GC Biopharma, Yongin 16924, Korea
| | - Sukmook Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea; (H.G.S.); (H.R.Y.)
- Biopharmaceutical Chemistry Major, School of Applied Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
- Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
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11
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Aghanejad A, Bonab SF, Sepehri M, Haghighi FS, Tarighatnia A, Kreiter C, Nader ND, Tohidkia MR. A review on targeting tumor microenvironment: The main paradigm shift in the mAb-based immunotherapy of solid tumors. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 207:592-610. [PMID: 35296439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as biological macromolecules have been remarked the large and growing pipline of the pharmaceutical market and also the most promising tool in modern medicine for cancer therapy. These therapeutic entities, which consist of whole mAbs, armed mAbs (i.e., antibody-toxin conjugates, antibody-drug conjugates, and antibody-radionuclide conjugates), and antibody fragments, mostly target tumor cells. However, due to intrinsic heterogeneity of cancer diseases, tumor cells targeting mAb have been encountered with difficulties in their unpredictable efficacy as well as variability in remission and durable clinical benefits among cancer patients. To address these pitfalls, the area has undergone two major evolutions with the intent of minimizing anti-drug responses and addressing limitations experienced with tumor cell-targeted therapies. As a novel hallmark of cancer, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is becoming the great importance of attention to develop innovative strategies based on therapeutic mAbs. Here, we underscore innovative strategies targeting TME by mAbs which destroy tumor cells indirectly through targeting vasculature system (e.g., anti-angiogenesis), immune system modulation (i.e., stimulation, suppression, and depletion), the targeting and blocking of stroma-based growth signals (e.g., cancer-associated fibroblasts), and targeting cancer stem cells, as well as, their effector mechanisms, clinical uses, and relevant mechanisms of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayuob Aghanejad
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samad Farashi Bonab
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Sepehri
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadat Haghighi
- Yazd Diabetes Research Center, Shahid Sadoghi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Tarighatnia
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Christopher Kreiter
- Department of Anesthesiology, University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Nader D Nader
- Department of Anesthesiology, University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Mohammad Reza Tohidkia
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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12
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T Cell Bispecific Antibodies: An Antibody-Based Delivery System for Inducing Antitumor Immunity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14111172. [PMID: 34832954 PMCID: PMC8619951 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As a breakthrough immunotherapy, T cell bispecific antibodies (T-BsAbs) are a promising antibody therapy for various kinds of cancer. In general, T-BsAbs have dual-binding specificity to a tumor-associated antigen and a CD3 subunit forming a complex with the TCR. This enables T-BsAbs to crosslink tumor cells and T cells, inducing T cell activation and subsequent tumor cell death. Unlike immune checkpoint inhibitors, which release the brake of the immune system, T-BsAbs serve as an accelerator of T cells by stimulating their immune response via CD3 engagement. Therefore, they can actively redirect host immunity toward tumors, including T cell recruitment from the periphery to the tumor site and immunological synapse formation between tumor cells and T cells. Although the low immunogenicity of solid tumors increases the challenge of cancer immunotherapy, T-BsAbs capable of immune redirection can greatly benefit patients with such tumors. To investigate the detailed relationship between T-BsAbs delivery and their T cell redirection activity, it is necessary to determine how T-BsAbs deliver antitumor immunity to the tumor site and bring about tumor cell death. This review article discusses T-BsAb properties, specifically their pharmacokinetics, redirection of anticancer immunity, and local mechanism of action within tumor tissues, and discuss further challenges to expediting T-BsAb development.
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13
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Lee E, Szvetecz S, Polli R, Grauel A, Chen J, Judge J, Jaiswal S, Maeda R, Schwartz S, Voedisch B, Piksa M, Japutra C, Sadhasivam L, Wang Y, Carrion A, Isim S, Liang J, Nicholson T, Lei H, Fang Q, Steinkrauss M, Walker D, Wagner J, Cremasco V, Wang HQ, Galli GG, Granda B, Mansfield K, Simmons Q, Nguyen AA, Vincent Jordan N. PAX8 lineage-driven T cell engaging antibody for the treatment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14841. [PMID: 34290299 PMCID: PMC8295318 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93992-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOC) represent the most common subtype of ovarian malignancies. Due to the frequency of late-stage diagnosis and high rates of recurrence following standard of care treatments, novel therapies are needed to promote durable responses. We investigated the anti-tumor activity of CD3 T cell engaging bispecific antibodies (TCBs) directed against the PAX8 lineage-driven HGSOC tumor antigen LYPD1 and demonstrated that anti-LYPD1 TCBs induce T cell activation and promote in vivo tumor growth inhibition in LYPD1-expressing HGSOC. To selectively target LYPD1-expressing tumor cells with high expression while sparing cells with low expression, we coupled bivalent low-affinity anti-LYPD1 antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) with the anti-CD3 scFv. In contrast to the monovalent anti-LYPD1 high-affinity TCB (VHP354), the bivalent low-affinity anti-LYPD1 TCB (QZC131) demonstrated antigen density-dependent selectivity and showed tolerability in cynomolgus monkeys at the maximum dose tested of 3 mg/kg. Collectively, these data demonstrate that bivalent TCBs directed against LYPD1 have compelling efficacy and safety profiles to support its use as a treatment for high-grade serous ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Lee
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Szvetecz
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ryan Polli
- PKS Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Angelo Grauel
- Immuno-Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jayson Chen
- PCS Toxicology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - Joyce Judge
- PCS Toxicology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Smita Jaiswal
- PCS Toxicology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rie Maeda
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie Schwartz
- Immuno-Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bernd Voedisch
- NIBR Biologics Center, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mateusz Piksa
- NIBR Biologics Center, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Chietara Japutra
- NIBR Biologics Center, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lingheswar Sadhasivam
- NIBR Biologics Center, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yiqin Wang
- NIBR Biologics Center, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ana Carrion
- NIBR Biologics Center, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sinan Isim
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jinsheng Liang
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Hong Lei
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Qing Fang
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Dana Walker
- PCS Toxicology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joel Wagner
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Viviana Cremasco
- Immuno-Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hui Qin Wang
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Giorgio G Galli
- Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Brian Granda
- NIBR Biologics Center, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Keith Mansfield
- PCS Toxicology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Quincey Simmons
- PCS Toxicology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Anh Nguyen
- NIBR Biologics Center, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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14
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Ravirala D, Mistretta B, Gunaratne PH, Pei G, Zhao Z, Zhang X. Co-delivery of novel bispecific and trispecific engagers by an amplicon vector augments the therapeutic effect of an HSV-based oncolytic virotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002454. [PMID: 34230110 PMCID: PMC8261877 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although oncolytic virotherapy has shown substantial promises as a new treatment modality for many malignancies, further improvement on its therapeutic efficacy will likely bring more clinical benefits. One plausible way of enhancing the therapeutic effect of virotherapy is to enable it with the ability to concurrently engage the infiltrating immune cells to provide additional antitumor mechanisms. Here, we report the construction and evaluation of two novel chimeric molecules (bispecific chimeric engager proteins, BiCEP and trispecific chimeric engager protein, TriCEP) that can engage both natural killer (NK) and T cells with tumor cells for enhanced antitumor activities. METHODS BiCEP was constructed by linking orthopoxvirus major histocompatibility complex class I-like protein, which can selectively bind to NKG2D with a high affinity to a mutant form of epidermal growth factor (EGF) that can strongly bind to EGF receptor. TriCEP is similarly constructed except that it also contains a modified form of interleukin-2 that can only function as a tethered form. As NKG2D is expressed on both NK and CD8+ T cells, both of which can thus be engaged by BiCEP and TriCEP. RESULTS Both BiCEP and TriCEP showed the ability to engage NK and T cells to kill tumor cells in vitro. Coadministration of BiCEP and TriCEP with an oncolytic herpes simplex virus enhanced the overall antitumor effect. Furthermore, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed that TriCEP not only engaged NK and T cells to kill tumor cells, it also promotes the infiltration and activation of these important immune cells. CONCLUSIONS These novel chimeric molecules exploit the ability of the oncolytic virotherapy in altering the tumor microenvironment with increased infiltration of important immune cells such as NK and T cells for cancer immunotherapy. The ability of BiCEP and TriCEP to engage both NK and T cells makes them an ideal choice for arming an oncolytic virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Ravirala
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Brandon Mistretta
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,UH Seq-N-Edit Core, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Preethi H Gunaratne
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,UH Seq-N-Edit Core, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Guangsheng Pei
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaoliu Zhang
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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15
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Zhong X, D’Antona AM. Recent Advances in the Molecular Design and Applications of Multispecific Biotherapeutics. Antibodies (Basel) 2021; 10:13. [PMID: 33808165 PMCID: PMC8103270 DOI: 10.3390/antib10020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant protein-based biotherapeutics drugs have transformed clinical pipelines of the biopharmaceutical industry since the launch of recombinant insulin nearly four decades ago. These biologic drugs are structurally more complex than small molecules, and yet share a similar principle for rational drug discovery and development: That is to start with a pre-defined target and follow with the functional modulation with a therapeutic agent. Despite these tremendous successes, this "one target one drug" paradigm has been challenged by complex disease mechanisms that involve multiple pathways and demand new therapeutic routes. A rapidly evolving wave of multispecific biotherapeutics is coming into focus. These new therapeutic drugs are able to engage two or more protein targets via distinct binding interfaces with or without the chemical conjugation to large or small molecules. They possess the potential to not only address disease intricacy but also exploit new therapeutic mechanisms and assess undruggable targets for conventional monospecific biologics. This review focuses on the recent advances in molecular design and applications of major classes of multispecific biotherapeutics drugs, which include immune cells engagers, antibody-drug conjugates, multispecific tetherbodies, biologic matchmakers, and small-scaffold multispecific modalities. Challenges posed by the multispecific biotherapeutics drugs and their future outlooks are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Zhong
- Department of BioMedicine Design, Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide R&D, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
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