1
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Alcantara KP, Malabanan JWT, Vajragupta O, Rojsitthisak P, Rojsitthisak P. A promising strategy of surface-modified nanoparticles targeting CXCR4 for precision cancer therapy. J Drug Target 2024; 32:587-605. [PMID: 38634290 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2345235] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Nanoparticle (NP) functionalization with specific ligands enhances targeted cancer therapy and imaging by promoting receptor recognition and improving cellular uptake. This review focuses on recent research exploring the interaction between cancer cell-expressed chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and ligand-conjugated NPs, utilising small molecules, peptides, and antibodies. Active NP targeting has shown improved tumour targeting and reduced toxicity, enabling precision therapy and diagnosis. However, challenges persist in the clinical translation of targeted NPs due to issues with biological response, tumour accumulation, and maintaining NP quality at an industrial scale. Biological and intratumoral barriers further hinder efficient NP accumulation in tumours, hampering translatability. To address these challenges, the academic community is refocusing efforts on understanding NP biological fate and establishing robust preclinical models. Future studies should investigate NP-body interactions, develop computational models, and identify optimal preclinical models. Establishing central NP research databases and fostering collaboration across disciplines is crucial to expediting clinical translation. Overcoming these hurdles will unlock the transformative potential of CXCR4-ligand-NP conjugates in revolutionising cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khent Primo Alcantara
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - John Wilfred T Malabanan
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Opa Vajragupta
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Molecular Probes for Imaging Research Network, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornchai Rojsitthisak
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pranee Rojsitthisak
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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2
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Ghafoor B, Masthan SS, Hameed M, Akhtar HH, Khalid A, Ghafoor S, Allah HM, Arshad MM, Iqbal I, Iftikhar A, Husnain M, Anwer F. Waldenström macroglobulinemia: a review of pathogenesis, current treatment, and future prospects. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:1859-1876. [PMID: 37414960 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05345-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by lymphoplasmacytic cell overgrowth in the bone marrow and increased secretion of IgM immunoglobulins into the serum. Patients with WM have a variety of clinical outcomes, including long-term survival but inevitable recurrence. Recent advances in disease knowledge, including molecular and genetic principles with the discovery of MYD88 and CXCR4 mutations, have rapidly increased patient-tolerable treatment options. WM patients may benefit from chemotherapy regimens that include rituximab-based regimens, alkylating drugs, proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and drugs targeting Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In light of these advancements, patients can now receive treatment customized to their specific clinical characteristics, focusing on enhancing the depth and durability of their response while limiting the adverse effects. Despite the rapidly developing therapeutic armament against WM, a lack of high-quality evidence from extensive phase 3 trials remains a significant challenge in the research. We believe clinical outcomes will keep improving when new medicines are introduced while preserving efficacy and minimizing toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Ghafoor
- Department of Internal Medicine, Capital Health Medical Center, Trenton, NJ, USA
| | | | - Maha Hameed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Florida State University/Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Sana Ghafoor
- Department of Medicine and Endocrinology, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert, UK
| | | | | | - Iman Iqbal
- Clements High School, Sugarland, TX, USA
| | - Ahmad Iftikhar
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | | | - Faiz Anwer
- Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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3
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Bagratuni T, Aktypi F, Theologi O, Sakkou M, Verrou KM, Mavrianou‐Koutsoukou N, Patseas D, Liacos C, Skourti S, Papadimou A, Taouxi K, Theodorakakou F, Kollias G, Sfikakis P, Terpos E, Dimopoulos MA, Kastritis E. Single-cell analysis of MYD88 L265P and MYD88 WT Waldenström macroglobulinemia patients. Hemasphere 2024; 8:e27. [PMID: 38435423 PMCID: PMC10878187 DOI: 10.1002/hem3.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is characterized by the expansion of clonal lymphoplasmacytic cells; the MYD88L265P somatic mutation is found in >90% of patients, but malignant B cells may still display intra-clonal heterogeneity. To assess clonal heterogeneity in WM, we generated and performed single-cell RNA sequencing of CD19+ sorted cells from five patients with MYD88 L265P and two patients with MYD88 WT genotype as well as two healthy donors. We identified distinct transcriptional patterns in the clonal subpopulations not only between the two genetically distinct WM subgroups but also among MYD88 L265P patients, which affected the B cell composition in the different subgroups. Comparison of clonal and normal/polyclonal B cells within each patient sample enabled the identification of patient-specific transcriptional changes. We identified gene signatures active in a subset of MYD88L265P patients, while other signatures were active in MYD88 WT patients. Finally, gene expression analysis showed common transcriptional features between patients compared to the healthy control but also differentially expressed genes between MYD88 L265P and MYD88 WT patients involved in distinct pathways, including NFκΒ, BCL2, and BTK. Overall, our data highlight the intra-tumor clonal heterogeneity in WM with potential prognostic and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Bagratuni
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Foteini Aktypi
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Ourania Theologi
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Maria Sakkou
- School of Medicine, Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
- Department of PhysiologyNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical SchoolAthensGreece
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center (BSRC) ‘Alexander Fleming’Institute for BioinnovationVariGreece
| | - Kleio Maria Verrou
- School of Medicine, Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
- Joint Rheumatology ProgramNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical SchoolAthensGreece
| | - Nefeli Mavrianou‐Koutsoukou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Dimitrios Patseas
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Christine Liacos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Stamatia Skourti
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Alexandra Papadimou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Kostantina Taouxi
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Foteini Theodorakakou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Georgios Kollias
- School of Medicine, Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
- Department of PhysiologyNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical SchoolAthensGreece
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center (BSRC) ‘Alexander Fleming’Institute for BioinnovationVariGreece
| | - Petros Sfikakis
- School of Medicine, Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
- Joint Rheumatology ProgramNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical SchoolAthensGreece
| | - Evangelos Terpos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Meletios A. Dimopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Efstathios Kastritis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
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4
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Harms M, Fabech Hansson R, Gilg A, Almeida-Hernández Y, Löffler J, Rodríguez-Alfonso A, Habib MMW, Albers D, Ahmed NS, Abadi AH, Winter G, Rasche V, Beer AJ, Weidinger G, Preising N, Ständker L, Wiese S, Sanchez-Garcia E, Zelikin AN, Münch J. Development of N-Terminally Modified Variants of the CXCR4-Antagonistic Peptide EPI-X4 for Enhanced Plasma Stability. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15189-15204. [PMID: 37940118 PMCID: PMC10682998 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
EPI-X4, a natural peptide CXCR4 antagonist, shows potential for treating inflammation and cancer, but its short plasma stability limits its clinical application. We aimed to improve the plasma stability of EPI-X4 analogues without compromising CXCR4 antagonism. Our findings revealed that only the peptide N-terminus is prone to degradation. Consequently, incorporating d-amino acids or acetyl groups in this region enhanced peptide stability in plasma. Notably, EPI-X4 leads 5, 27, and 28 not only retained their CXCR4 binding and antagonism but also remained stable in plasma for over 8 h. Molecular dynamic simulations showed that these modified analogues bind similarly to CXCR4 as the original peptide. To further increase their systemic half-lives, we conjugated these stabilized analogues with large polymers and albumin binders. These advances highlight the potential of the optimized EPI-X4 analogues as promising CXCR4-targeted therapeutics and set the stage for more detailed preclinical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirja Harms
- Institute
of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical
Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Rikke Fabech Hansson
- Department
of Chemistry and iNANO Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Andrea Gilg
- Institute
of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical
Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Yasser Almeida-Hernández
- Department
of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Computational Bioengineering, Emil-Figge Str. 66, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Jessica Löffler
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical
Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Armando Rodríguez-Alfonso
- Core
Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University
Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
- Core Unit
Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Ulm University
Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Monica M. W. Habib
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Pharmaceutical
Chemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic
Foundation, Cairo 11865, Egypt
| | - Dan Albers
- Institute
of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical
Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Nermin S. Ahmed
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Ashraf H. Abadi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Gordon Winter
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical
Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Volker Rasche
- Experimental
Cardiovascular Imaging (ExCaVI), Ulm University
Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Ambros J. Beer
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical
Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Gilbert Weidinger
- Institute
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm
University, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Nico Preising
- Core
Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University
Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Core
Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University
Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wiese
- Core Unit
Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Ulm University
Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Elsa Sanchez-Garcia
- Department
of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Computational Bioengineering, Emil-Figge Str. 66, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Alexander N. Zelikin
- Department
of Chemistry and iNANO Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute
of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical
Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
- Core
Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University
Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
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5
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Schauenburg D, Zech F, Heck AJ, von Maltitz P, Harms M, Führer S, Alleva N, Münch J, Kuan SL, Kirchhoff F, Weil T. Peptide Bispecifics Inhibiting HIV-1 Infection by an Orthogonal Chemical and Supramolecular Strategy. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:1645-1652. [PMID: 37665137 PMCID: PMC10515486 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Viral infections pose a significant threat to human health, and effective antiviral strategies are urgently needed. Antiviral peptides have emerged as a promising class of therapeutic agents due to their unique properties and mechanisms of action. While effective on their own, combining antiviral peptides may allow us to enhance their potency and to prevent viral resistance. Here, we developed an orthogonal chemical strategy to prepare a heterodimeric peptide conjugate assembled on a protein-based nanoplatform. Specifically, we combined the optimized version of two peptides inhibiting HIV-1 by distinct mechanisms. Virus-inhibitory peptide (VIRIP) is a 20 amino acid fragment of α1-antitrypsin that inhibits HIV-1 by targeting the gp41 fusion peptide. Endogenous peptide inhibitor of CXCR4 (EPI-X4) is a 16-residue fragment of human serum albumin that prevents HIV-1 entry by binding to the viral CXCR4 co-receptor. Optimized forms of both peptides are assembled on supramolecular nanoplatforms through the streptavidin-biotin interaction. We show that the construct consisting of the two different peptides (SAv-VIR-102C9-EPI-X4 JM#173-C) shows increased activity against CCR5- and CXCR4-tropic HIV-1 variants. Our results are a proof of concept that peptides with different modes of action can be assembled on nanoplatforms to enhance their antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Schauenburg
- Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Fabian Zech
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Meyerhofstr. 1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Astrid Johanna Heck
- Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Pascal von Maltitz
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Meyerhofstr. 1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Mirja Harms
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Meyerhofstr. 1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Siska Führer
- Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Nico Alleva
- Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Meyerhofstr. 1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Seah Ling Kuan
- Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Meyerhofstr. 1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Tanja Weil
- Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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6
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Bao S, Darvishi M, H Amin A, Al-Haideri MT, Patra I, Kashikova K, Ahmad I, Alsaikhan F, Al-Qaim ZH, Al-Gazally ME, Kiasari BA, Tavakoli-Far B, Sidikov AA, Mustafa YF, Akhavan-Sigari R. CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) blockade in cancer treatment. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:7945-7968. [PMID: 36905421 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04444-w] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) superfamily and is specific for CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12, also known as SDF-1), which makes CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. CXCR4 interacts with its ligand, triggering downstream signaling pathways that influence cell proliferation chemotaxis, migration, and gene expression. The interaction also regulates physiological processes, including hematopoiesis, organogenesis, and tissue repair. Multiple evidence revealed that CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is implicated in several pathways involved in carcinogenesis and plays a key role in tumor growth, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Several CXCR4-targeting compounds have been discovered and used for preclinical and clinical cancer therapy, most of which have shown promising anti-tumor activity. In this review, we summarized the physiological signaling of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and described the role of this axis in tumor progression, and focused on the potential therapeutic options and strategies to block CXCR4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunshun Bao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, 221000, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mohammad Darvishi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMRC), Department of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, AJA University of Medicinal Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali H Amin
- Deanship of Scientific Research, Umm Al-Qura University, 21955, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, 35516, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Maysoon T Al-Haideri
- Department of Physiotherapy, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Indrajit Patra
- An Independent Researcher, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Bahman Abedi Kiasari
- Virology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bahareh Tavakoli-Far
- Dietary Supplements and Probiotic Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Akmal A Sidikov
- Rector, Ferghana Medical Institute of Public Health, Ferghana, Uzbekistan
| | - Yasser Fakri Mustafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, 41001, Iraq
| | - Reza Akhavan-Sigari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University, Warsaw, Poland
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7
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Gaonkar RH, Schmidt YT, Mansi R, Almeida-Hernanadez Y, Sanchez-Garcia E, Harms M, Münch J, Fani M. Development of a New Class of CXCR4-Targeting Radioligands Based on the Endogenous Antagonist EPI-X4 for Oncological Applications. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37328158 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The peptide fragment of human serum albumin that was identified as an inhibitor of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), termed EPI-X4, was investigated as a scaffold for the development of CXCR4-targeting radio-theragnostics. Derivatives of its truncated version JM#21 (ILRWSRKLPCVS) were conjugated to 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and tested in Jurkat and Ghost-CXCR4 cells. Ligand-1, -2, -5, -6, -7, -8, and -9 were selected for radiolabeling. Molecular modeling indicated that 177Lu-DOTA incorporation C-terminally did not interfere with the CXCR4 binding. Lipophilicity, in vitro plasma stability, and cellular uptake hinted 177Lu-7 as superior. In Jurkat xenografts, all radioligands showed >90% washout from the body within an hour, with the exception of 177Lu-7 and 177Lu-9. 177Lu-7 demonstrated best CXCR4-tumor targeting. Ex vivo biodistribution and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/positron emission tomography (PET)/CT imaging of 177Lu-7/68Ga-7 showed the same distribution profile for both radioligands, characterized by very low uptake in all nontargeted organs except the kidneys. The data support the feasibility of CXCR4-targeting with EPI-X4-based radioligands and designate ligand-7 as a lead candidate for further optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghuvir Haridas Gaonkar
- Division of Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry, Department Theragnostics, University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Yannik Tim Schmidt
- Division of Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry, Department Theragnostics, University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Rosalba Mansi
- Division of Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry, Department Theragnostics, University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Yasser Almeida-Hernanadez
- Computational Biochemistry, Center of Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45117, Germany
- Computational Bioengineering, Faculty of Bio- and Chemical Engineering, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Elsa Sanchez-Garcia
- Computational Biochemistry, Center of Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45117, Germany
- Computational Bioengineering, Faculty of Bio- and Chemical Engineering, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Mirja Harms
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Melpomeni Fani
- Division of Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry, Department Theragnostics, University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
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8
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Advanced EPI-X4 Derivatives Covalently Bind Human Serum Albumin Resulting in Prolonged Plasma Stability. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315029. [PMID: 36499357 PMCID: PMC9735595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced derivatives of the Endogenous Peptide Inhibitor of CXCR4 (EPI-X4) have shown therapeutic efficacy upon topical administration in animal models of asthma and dermatitis. Here, we studied the plasma stability of the EPI-X4 lead compounds WSC02 and JM#21, using mass spectrometry to monitor the chemical integrity of the peptides and a functional fluorescence-based assay to determine peptide function in a CXCR4-antibody competition assay. Although mass spectrometry revealed very rapid disappearance of both peptides in human plasma within seconds, the functional assay revealed a significantly higher half-life of 9 min for EPI-X4 WSC02 and 6 min for EPI-X4 JM#21. Further analyses demonstrated that EPI-X4 WSC02 and EPI-X4 JM#21 interact with low molecular weight plasma components and serum albumin. Albumin binding is mediated by the formation of a disulfide bridge between Cys10 in the EPI-X4 peptides and Cys34 in albumin. These covalently linked albumin-peptide complexes have a higher stability in plasma as compared with the non-bound peptides and retain the ability to bind and antagonize CXCR4. Remarkably, chemically synthesized albumin-EPI-X4 conjugates coupled by non-breakable bonds have a drastically increased plasma stability of over 2 h. Thus, covalent coupling of EPI-X4 to albumin in vitro before administration or in vivo post administration may significantly increase the pharmacokinetic properties of this new class of CXCR4 antagonists.
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9
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Hu X, Wang H, Yuan D, Qu H, Li Y, Wang N, Wang X, Liu X, Xu H, Zhang Y, Wang X. An Extended Prognostic Index of the ISSWM Score Based on Thyroid Complications in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia/Lymphoplasmacytoid Lymphoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:870258. [PMID: 35646661 PMCID: PMC9136013 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.870258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma (WM/LPL) is a rare lymphoproliferative neoplasm characterized by clonally related lymphocytes, lymphoplasmacytic cells, and plasma cell proliferation. WM/LPL patients commonly present with elevated immunoglobulin, predominantly immunoglobulin M (IgM). Previous studies reported that thyroid dysfunction was associated with the development and progression of solid tumors. However, only limited information is available on the correlation between thyroid complications and lymphoid malignancies. The aim of our study was to explore the prognostic significance of thyroid complications in WM/LPL. Herein, 13.3% of WM/LPL patients were diagnosed with thyroid complications, which were significantly associated with unfavorable progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse treatment response. Co-existing thyroid disease was significantly related to alleviated serum IgM levels, providing an answer to practical problems. Furthermore, the presence of thyroid complications was identified as an independent prognostic indicator for PFS in WM/LPL. Incorporating the ISSWM score with thyroid complications was superior to ISSWM alone in risk stratification and prognostic prediction. Furthermore, subgroup analyses of WM/LPL patients revealed that subclinical hypothyroidism predicted undesirable outcomes at the early stage. These results were also supported by independent microarray dataset analyses. In conclusion, the primary strength of this study is that it provides robust real-world evidence on the prognostic role of thyroid complications, highlighting further clinical concerns in the management of WM/LPL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinting Hu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, China
| | - Dai Yuan
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Huiting Qu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xianghua Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hongzhi Xu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ya Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Wang, ; Ya Zhang,
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Wang, ; Ya Zhang,
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10
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Khan AM. The Use of Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050676. [PMID: 35629099 PMCID: PMC9146645 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) remains an incurable malignancy. However, a number of treatment options exist for patients with WM, including alkylating agents, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, and small molecule inhibitors such as proteasome inhibitors and Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi). The focus of this review is to highlight the role of BTKi in the management of WM. The first BTKi to receive US Food and Drug Administration approval for WM was ibrutinib. Ibrutinib has been extensively studied in both treatment-naïve WM patients and in those with relapsed/refractory disease. The next BTKi approved for use was zanubrutinib, and prospective data for acalabrutinib and tirabrutinib have also recently been published. Efficacy data for BTKi will be discussed, as well as the differences in their adverse event profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Mohammad Khan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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11
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Harms M, Hansson RF, Carmali S, Almeida-Hernández Y, Sanchez-Garcia E, Münch J, Zelikin AN. Dimerization of the Peptide CXCR4-Antagonist on Macromolecular and Supramolecular Protraction Arms Affords Increased Potency and Enhanced Plasma Stability. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:594-607. [PMID: 35293739 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Peptides are prime drug candidates due to their high specificity of action but are disadvantaged by low proteolytic stability. Here, we focus on the development of stabilized analogues of EPI-X4, an endogenous peptide antagonist of CXCR4. We synthesized macromolecular peptide conjugates and performed side-by-side comparison with their albumin-binding counterparts and considered monovalent conjugates, divalent telechelic conjugates, and Y-shaped peptide dimers. All constructs were tested for competition with the CXCR4 antibody-receptor engagement, inhibition of receptor activation, and inhibition of the CXCR4-tropic human immunodeficiency virus infection. We found that the Y-shaped conjugates were more potent than the parent peptide and at the same time more stable in human plasma, with a favorable outlook for translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirja Harms
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Rikke Fabech Hansson
- Department of Chemistry and iNano Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Sheiliza Carmali
- Department of Chemistry and iNano Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Yasser Almeida-Hernández
- Computational Biochemistry, Center of Medical Biotechnology, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Elsa Sanchez-Garcia
- Computational Biochemistry, Center of Medical Biotechnology, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexander N Zelikin
- Department of Chemistry and iNano Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
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12
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Treon SP, Meid K, Hunter ZR, Flynn CA, Sarosiek SR, Leventoff CR, White TP, Cao Y, Roccaro AM, Sacco A, Demos MG, Guerrera ML, Kofides A, Liu X, Xu L, Patterson CJ, Munshi M, Tsakmaklis N, Yang G, Ghobrial IM, Branagan AR, Castillo JJ. Phase 1 study of ibrutinib and the CXCR4 antagonist ulocuplumab in CXCR4-mutated Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Blood 2021; 138:1535-1539. [PMID: 34289017 PMCID: PMC8786275 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021012953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
MYD88 and CXCR4 mutations are common in Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). Mutated CXCR4 (CXCR4Mut) impacts BTK-inhibitor response. We conducted a phase 1 trial of the CXCR4-antagonist ulocuplumab with ibrutinib in this first-ever study to target CXCR4Mut in WM. Ibrutinib was initiated at 420 mg/d with cycle 1 and continued until intolerance or progression; ulocuplumab was given cycles 1 to 6, with a 3 + 3 dose-escalation design. Each cycle was 4 weeks. Thirteen symptomatic patients, of whom 9 were treatment-naive patients were enrolled. Twelve were evaluable for response. At best response, their median serum immunoglobulin M declined from 5574 to 1114 mg/dL; bone marrow disease decreased from 65% to 10%, and hemoglobin increased from 10.1 to 14.2 g/dL (P < .001). The major and VGPR response rates were 100% and 33%, respectively, with VGPRs observed at lower ulocuplumab dose cohorts. Median times to minor and major responses were 0.9 and 1.2 months, respectively. With a median follow-up of 22.4 months, the estimated 2-year progression-free survival was 90%. The most frequent recurring grade ≥2 adverse events included reversible thrombocytopenia, rash, and skin infections. Ulocuplumab dose-escalation did not impact adverse events. The study demonstrates the feasibility of combining a CXCR4-antagonist with ibrutinib and provides support for the development of CXCR4-antagonists for CXCR4Mut WM. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03225716.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Treon
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kirsten Meid
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Zachary R Hunter
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Catherine A Flynn
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Shayna R Sarosiek
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Carly R Leventoff
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Timothy P White
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Yang Cao
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Maria G Demos
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Maria Luisa Guerrera
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Amanda Kofides
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Xia Liu
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Lian Xu
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | - Manit Munshi
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Nicholas Tsakmaklis
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Guang Yang
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Irene M Ghobrial
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Andrew R Branagan
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jorge J Castillo
- Bing Center for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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13
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Sokkar P, Harms M, Stürzel C, Gilg A, Kizilsavas G, Raasholm M, Preising N, Wagner M, Kirchhoff F, Ständker L, Weidinger G, Mayer B, Münch J, Sanchez-Garcia E. Computational modeling and experimental validation of the EPI-X4/CXCR4 complex allows rational design of small peptide antagonists. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1113. [PMID: 34552197 PMCID: PMC8458281 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02638-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
EPI-X4, a 16-mer fragment of albumin, is a specific endogenous antagonist and inverse agonist of the CXC-motif-chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and thus a key regulator of CXCR4 function. Accordingly, activity-optimized synthetic derivatives of EPI-X4 are promising leads for the therapy of CXCR4-linked disorders such as cancer or inflammatory diseases. We investigated the binding of EPI-X4 to CXCR4, which so far remained unclear, by means of biomolecular simulations combined with experimental mutagenesis and activity studies. We found that EPI-X4 interacts through its N-terminal residues with CXCR4 and identified its key interaction motifs, explaining receptor antagonization. Using this model, we developed shortened EPI-X4 derivatives (7-mers) with optimized receptor antagonizing properties as new leads for the development of CXCR4 inhibitors. Our work reveals the molecular details and mechanism by which the first endogenous peptide antagonist of CXCR4 interacts with its receptor and provides a foundation for the rational design of improved EPI-X4 derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pandian Sokkar
- Computational Biochemistry, Center of Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603103, India
| | - Mirja Harms
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christina Stürzel
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andrea Gilg
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Martina Raasholm
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Nico Preising
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Manfred Wagner
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Gilbert Weidinger
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Benjamin Mayer
- Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, 89075, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, 89081, Germany.
| | - Elsa Sanchez-Garcia
- Computational Biochemistry, Center of Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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14
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Gilg A, Harms M, Olari LR, Urbanowitz AK, Bonig H, Münch J. Absence of the CXCR4 antagonist EPI-X4 from pharmaceutical human serum albumin preparations. J Transl Med 2021; 19:190. [PMID: 33941197 PMCID: PMC8094565 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02859-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endogenous Peptide Inhibitor of CXCR4 (EPI-X4) is a natural antagonist of the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). EPI-X4 is a 16-mer peptide that is released from human serum albumin (HSA) by acidic aspartic proteases such as Cathepsin D and E. Since human serum albumin (HSA) is an important medicinal substance we asked whether different pharmaceutical HSA products contain EPI-X4 which could have been generated during manufacturing and whether HSA can serve as a substrate for cathepsins despite of the presence of stabilizers like caprylate. METHODS Eight pharmaceutical HSA preparations representing all currently used fractionation technologies were analyzed. The previously described specific EPI-X4 ELISA was used for quantification; in vitro EPI-X4 generation by acidification in the presence or absence of cathepsins was followed by quantification with ELISA. RESULTS None of the pharmaceutical HSA preparations tested contained EPI-X4. Acidification of HSA did not generate EPI-X4. Addition of cathepsins D and E to acidified HSA yielded high concentrations of EPI-X4 in all HSA preparations, indistinguishable between individual products. CONCLUSION Medicinal HSA preparations per se do not contain EPI-X4, but will replenish its precursor which can be cleaved to EPI-X4 in vivo, environmental conditions permitting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gilg
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mirja Harms
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lia-Raluca Olari
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Urbanowitz
- German Red Cross Blood Donor Service Baden-Wuerttemberg-Hessen, Institute Frankfurt, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Halvard Bonig
- German Red Cross Blood Donor Service Baden-Wuerttemberg-Hessen, Institute Frankfurt, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Goethe University, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Dept. of Medicine, Div. of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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