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Shaw SM, Middleton J, Wigglesworth K, Charlemagne A, Schulz O, Glossop MS, Whalen GF, Old R, Westby M, Pickford C, Tabakman R, Carmi-Levy I, Vainstein A, Sorani E, Zur AA, Kristian SA. AGI-134: a fully synthetic α-Gal glycolipid that converts tumors into in situ autologous vaccines, induces anti-tumor immunity and is synergistic with an anti-PD-1 antibody in mouse melanoma models. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:346. [PMID: 31889898 PMCID: PMC6923872 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-1059-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Treatments that generate T cell-mediated immunity to a patient’s unique neoantigens are the current holy grail of cancer immunotherapy. In particular, treatments that do not require cumbersome and individualized ex vivo processing or manufacturing processes are especially sought after. Here we report that AGI-134, a glycolipid-like small molecule, can be used for coating tumor cells with the xenoantigen Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc (α-Gal) in situ leading to opsonization with pre-existing natural anti-α-Gal antibodies (in short anti-Gal), which triggers immune cascades resulting in T cell mediated anti-tumor immunity. Methods Various immunological effects of coating tumor cells with α-Gal via AGI-134 in vitro were measured by flow cytometry: (1) opsonization with anti-Gal and complement, (2) antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by NK cells, and (3) phagocytosis and antigen cross-presentation by antigen presenting cells (APCs). A viability kit was used to test AGI-134 mediated complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) in cancer cells. The anti-tumoral activity of AGI-134 alone or in combination with an anti-programmed death-1 (anti-PD-1) antibody was tested in melanoma models in anti-Gal expressing galactosyltransferase knockout (α1,3GT−/−) mice. CDC and phagocytosis data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, ADCC results by paired t-test, distal tumor growth by Mantel–Cox test, C5a data by Mann–Whitney test, and single tumor regression by repeated measures analysis. Results In vitro, α-Gal labelling of tumor cells via AGI-134 incorporation into the cell membrane leads to anti-Gal binding and complement activation. Through the effects of complement and ADCC, tumor cells are lysed and tumor antigen uptake by APCs increased. Antigen associated with lysed cells is cross-presented by CD8α+ dendritic cells leading to activation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. In B16-F10 or JB/RH melanoma models in α1,3GT−/− mice, intratumoral AGI-134 administration leads to primary tumor regression and has a robust abscopal effect, i.e., it protects from the development of distal, uninjected lesions. Combinations of AGI-134 and anti-PD-1 antibody shows a synergistic benefit in protection from secondary tumor growth. Conclusions We have identified AGI-134 as an immunotherapeutic drug candidate, which could be an excellent combination partner for anti-PD-1 therapy, by facilitating tumor antigen processing and increasing the repertoire of tumor-specific T cells prior to anti-PD-1 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Shaw
- Agalimmune Ltd., Sandwich, Kent, UK.,BioLineRx Ltd, Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Israel
| | - Jenny Middleton
- Agalimmune Ltd., Sandwich, Kent, UK.,BioLineRx Ltd, Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Israel
| | - Kim Wigglesworth
- 3Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA USA
| | | | - Oliver Schulz
- 4Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Giles F Whalen
- 3Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA USA.,5Department of Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA USA
| | - Robert Old
- 6Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ella Sorani
- BioLineRx Ltd, Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Israel
| | - Arik A Zur
- BioLineRx Ltd, Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Israel
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Bello-Gil D, Manez R. Exploiting natural anti-carbohydrate antibodies for therapeutic purposes. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2015; 80:836-45. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006297915070044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Long DE, Karmakar P, Wall KA, Sucheck SJ. Synthesis of α-L-rhamnosyl ceramide and evaluation of its binding with anti-rhamnose antibodies. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:5279-89. [PMID: 25172148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
An α-L-rhamnosyl ceramide (1, α-L-RhaCer) has been prepared that was recognized by anti-L-rhamnose (anti-Rha) antibodies. During these studies we explored the use of an α-L-rhamnosyl thioglycoside and a trichloroacetimidate as a glycosyl donors. Subsequently, the acceptors desired for glycosylation, 3-O-benzoylazidosphingosine or 3-O-alloxycarbonylsphingosine, were prepared from D-xylose. The thioglycoside donor, 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-1-(4-tolyl)thio-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, and the trichloroacetimidate donor, 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-1-(2,2,2-trichloroethanimidate)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, were synthesized in 50% and 78% yield overall, respectively. The synthesis of the glycosylation acceptor employed an addition-fragmentation olefination that was successfully carried out in 53% yield. With the successful synthesis of key intermediates, α-L-RhaCer (1) was prepared without any insurmountable obstacles. Anti-Rha antibodies were prepared in BALB/c mice by immunizing them with rhamnose-ovalbumin (Rha-Ova) with Sigma Adjuvant System (SAS) and the anti-L-Rha antibodies were isolated from the blood sera. Liposomes and EL4 tumor cells were used as model systems to demonstrate the ability of 1 to insert into a lipid bilayer. The interaction of the liposomes or the EL4 cells with α-L-RhaCer (1) and anti-Rha antibodies were investigated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively, to confirm the ability of glycolipid 1 to be displayed on the tumor cell surface as well as the ability to be recognized by anti-Rha antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Long
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Street, MS602, Toledo, OH 43606, United States
| | - Partha Karmakar
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Street, MS602, Toledo, OH 43606, United States
| | - Katherine A Wall
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, The University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Street, MS602, Toledo, OH 43606, United States.
| | - Steven J Sucheck
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Street, MS602, Toledo, OH 43606, United States.
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Sheridan RTC, Hudon J, Hank JA, Sondel PM, Kiessling LL. Rhamnose glycoconjugates for the recruitment of endogenous anti-carbohydrate antibodies to tumor cells. Chembiochem 2014; 15:1393-8. [PMID: 24909955 PMCID: PMC4205123 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201402019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising strategy for targeting tumors. One emerging approach is to harness the immune effector functions of natural antibodies to destroy tumor cells. Dinitrophenyl (DNP) and the galactose-α-1,3-galactose (αGal) epitope are two haptens that bind endogenous antibodies. One potential alternative is the deoxysugar L-rhamnose. We compared these candidates by using a biosensor assay to evaluate human sera for endogenous antibody concentration, antibody isotype distribution, and longevity of antibody-hapten interactions. Antibodies recognizing α-rhamnose are of equal or greater abundance and affinity as those recognizing αGal. Moreover, both rhamnose and αGal epitopes are more effective than DNP at recruiting the IgG antibody subtype. Exposure of tumor cells to rhamnose-bearing glycolipids and human serum promotes complement-mediated cytotoxicity. These data highlight the utility of α-rhamnose-containing glycoconjugates to direct the immune system to target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Hudon
- Department of Chemistry, UW-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706
| | - Jacquelyn A. Hank
- Department of Human Oncology, UW-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705
| | - Paul M. Sondel
- Department of Human Oncology, UW-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705
| | - Laura L. Kiessling
- Department of Biochemistry, UW-Madison, 433 Babcock Dr., Madison, WI 53706
- Department of Chemistry, UW-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706
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Amon R, Reuven EM, Leviatan Ben-Arye S, Padler-Karavani V. Glycans in immune recognition and response. Carbohydr Res 2014; 389:115-22. [PMID: 24680512 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Glycans at the forefront of cells facilitate immune recognition processes. Cancer cells commonly present altered cell surface glycosylation, especially manifested in the expression of sialic acid at the termini of glycolipids and glycoproteins. Although tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) result in expression of altered-self, most such carbohydrates do not elicit strong humoral responses. Various strategies had been devised to elicit increased immunogenicity of such TACA aiming for potent immunotherapeutic antibodies or cancer vaccines. However some carbohydrates are immunogenic in humans and hold potential for novel glycotherapies. N-Glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) is a foreign immunogenic sugar in humans originating from the diet (e.g., red meat) and subsequently expressed on the cell surface, especially accumulating on carcinoma. Consequently, the human immune system detects this non-self carbohydrate generating a broad anti-Neu5Gc antibody response. The co-existence of Neu5Gc/anti-Neu5Gc within humans spurs chronic inflammation mediated disease, including cancer. Concurrently, anti-Neu5Gc antibodies hold potential for novel targeted therapy. αGal is another foreign immunogenic carbohydrate antigen in humans and all humans have circulating anti-Gal antibodies. This review aims to describe the immunogenicity of Neu5Gc and its implications for human diseases, highlighting differences and similarities with αGal and its potential for novel targeted theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Amon
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Eliran Moshe Reuven
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Shani Leviatan Ben-Arye
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Vered Padler-Karavani
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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Galili U. Anti-Gal: an abundant human natural antibody of multiple pathogeneses and clinical benefits. Immunology 2013; 140:1-11. [PMID: 23578170 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-Gal is the most abundant natural antibody in humans, constituting ~ 1% of immunoglobulins. Anti-Gal is naturally produced also in apes and Old World monkeys. The ligand of anti-Gal is a carbohydrate antigen called the 'α-gal epitope' with the structure Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R. The α-gal epitope is present as a major carbohydrate antigen in non-primate mammals, prosimians and New World monkeys. Anti-Gal can contributes to several immunological pathogeneses. Anti-Gal IgE produced in some individuals causes allergies to meat and to the therapeutic monoclonal antibody cetuximab, all presenting α-gal epitopes. Aberrant expression of the α-gal epitope or of antigens mimicking it in humans may result in autoimmune processes, as in Graves' disease. α-Gal epitopes produced by Trypanosoma cruzi interact with anti-Gal and induce 'autoimmune like' inflammatory reactions in Chagas' disease. Anti-Gal IgM and IgG further mediate rejection of xenografts expressing α-gal epitopes. Because of its abundance, anti-Gal may be exploited for various clinical uses. It increases immunogenicity of microbial vaccines (e.g. influenza vaccine) presenting α-gal epitopes by targeting them for effective uptake by antigen-presenting cells. Tumour lesions are converted into vaccines against autologous tumour-associated antigens by intra-tumoral injection of α-gal glycolipids, which insert into tumour cell membranes. Anti-Gal binding to α-gal epitopes on tumour cells targets them for uptake by antigen-presenting cells. Accelerated wound healing is achieved by application of α-gal nanoparticles, which bind anti-Gal, activate complement, and recruit and activate macrophages that induce tissue regeneration. This therapy may be of further significance in regeneration of internally injured tissues such as ischaemic myocardium and injured nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Galili
- Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
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Galili U. Discovery of the natural anti-Gal antibody and its past and future relevance to medicine. Xenotransplantation 2013; 20:138-47. [PMID: 23577774 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This is a personal account of the discovery of the natural anti-Gal antibody, the most abundant natural antibody in humans, the reciprocal distribution of this antibody and its ligand the α-gal epitope in mammals and the immunological barrier this antibody has formed in porcine to human xenotransplantation. This barrier has been overcome in the recent decade with the generation of α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout pigs. However, anti-Gal continues to be relevant in medicine as it can be harnessed for various therapeutic effects. Anti-Gal converts tumor lesions injected with α-gal glycolipids into vaccines that elicit a protective anti-tumor immune response by in situ targeting of tumor cells for uptake by antigen-presenting cells. This antibody further accelerates wound and burn healing by interaction with α-gal nanoparticles applied to injured areas and induction of rapid recruitment and activation of macrophages. Anti-Gal/α-gal nanoparticle immune complexes may further induce rapid recruitment and activation of macrophages in ischemic myocardium and injured nerves, thereby inducing tissue regeneration and prevention of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Galili
- Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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“Lost sugars” — reality of their biological and medical applications. Open Life Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.2478/s11535-012-0079-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe glycan chains attached to cell surfaces or to single proteins are highly dynamic structures with various functions. The glycan chains of mammals and of some microorganisms often terminate in sialic acids or α-1,3-galactose. Although these two sugars are completely distinct, there are several similarities in their biological and medical importance. First, one type of sialic acid, N-glycolylneuraminic acid, and the galactose bound by an α-1,3-linkage to LacNAc, that forms an α-gal epitope, were both eliminated in human evolution, resulting in the production of antibodies to these sugars. Both of these evolutionary events have consequences connected with the consumption of foods of mammalian origin, causing medical complications of varying severity. In terms of ageing, sialic acids prevent the clearance of glycoproteins and circulating blood cells, whereas cryptic α-gal epitopes on senescent red blood cells contribute to their removal from circulation. The efficiency of therapeutic proteins can be increased by sialylation. Another common feature is the connection with microorganisms since sialic acids and α-gal epitopes serve as receptors on host cells and can also be expressed on the surfaces of some microorganisms. Whereas, the sialylation of IgG antibodies may help to treat inflammation, the expression of the α-gal epitope on microbial antigens increases the immunogenicity of the corresponding vaccines. Finally, sialic acids and the α-gal epitope have applications in cancer immunotherapy. N-glycolylneuraminic acid is a powerful target for cancer immunotherapy, and the α-gal epitope increases the efficiency of cancer vaccines. The final section of this article contains a brief overview of the methods for oligosaccharide chain synthesis and the characteristics of sialyltransferases and α-1,3-galactosyltransferase.
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