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Medina Pérez VM, Baselga M, Schuhmacher AJ. Single-Domain Antibodies as Antibody-Drug Conjugates: From Promise to Practice-A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2681. [PMID: 39123409 PMCID: PMC11311928 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent potent cancer therapies that deliver highly toxic drugs to tumor cells precisely, thus allowing for targeted treatment and significantly reducing off-target effects. Despite their effectiveness, ADCs can face limitations due to acquired resistance and potential side effects. OBJECTIVES This study focuses on advances in various ADC components to improve both the efficacy and safety of these agents, and includes the analysis of several novel ADC formats. This work assesses whether the unique features of VHHs-such as their small size, enhanced tissue penetration, stability, and cost-effectiveness-make them a viable alternative to conventional antibodies for ADCs and reviews their current status in ADC development. METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines, this study focused on VHHs as components of ADCs, examining advancements and prospects from 1 January 2014 to 30 June 2024. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and LILACS using specific terms related to ADCs and single-domain antibodies. Retrieved articles were rigorously evaluated, excluding duplicates and non-qualifying studies. The selected peer-reviewed articles were analyzed for quality and synthesized to highlight advancements, methods, payloads, and future directions in ADC research. RESULTS VHHs offer significant advantages for drug conjugation over conventional antibodies due to their smaller size and structure, which enhance tissue penetration and enable access to previously inaccessible epitopes. Their superior stability, solubility, and manufacturability facilitate cost-effective production and expand the range of targetable antigens. Additionally, some VHHs can naturally cross the blood-brain barrier or be easily modified to favor their penetration, making them promising for targeting brain tumors and metastases. Although no VHH-drug conjugates (nADC or nanoADC) are currently in the clinical arena, preclinical studies have explored various conjugation methods and linkers. CONCLUSIONS While ADCs are transforming cancer treatment, their unique mechanisms and associated toxicities challenge traditional views on bioavailability and vary with different tumor types. Severe toxicities, often linked to compound instability, off-target effects, and nonspecific blood cell interactions, highlight the need for better understanding. Conversely, the rapid distribution, tumor penetration, and clearance of VHHs could be advantageous, potentially reducing toxicity by minimizing prolonged exposure. These attributes make single-domain antibodies strong candidates for the next generation of ADCs, potentially enhancing both efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Manuel Medina Pérez
- Molecular Oncology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Marta Baselga
- Molecular Oncology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Alberto J. Schuhmacher
- Molecular Oncology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Fundación Aragonesa para la Investigación y el Desarrollo (ARAID), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
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Li Y, Li XM, Yang KD, Tong WH. Advancements in ovarian cancer immunodiagnostics and therapeutics via phage display technology. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1402862. [PMID: 38863706 PMCID: PMC11165035 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1402862] [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: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, ranking as the seventh most prevalent malignancy among women globally, faces significant challenges in diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. The difficulties in early detection are amplified by the limitations and inefficacies inherent in current screening methodologies, highlighting a pressing need for more efficacious diagnostic and treatment strategies. Phage display technology emerges as a pivotal innovation in this context, utilizing extensive phage-peptide libraries to identify ligands with specificity for cancer cell markers, thus enabling precision-targeted therapeutic strategies. This technology promises a paradigm shift in ovarian cancer management, concentrating on targeted drug delivery systems to improve treatment accuracy and efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Through a meticulous review, this paper evaluates the revolutionary potential of phage display in enhancing ovarian cancer therapy, representing a significant advancement in combating this challenging disease. Phage display technology is heralded as an essential instrument for developing effective immunodiagnostic and therapeutic approaches in ovarian cancer, facilitating early detection, precision-targeted medication, and the implementation of customized treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiao-meng Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kai-di Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei-hua Tong
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Tillib SV, Goryainova OS. Extending Linker Sequences between Antigen-Recognition Modules Provides More Effective Production of Bispecific Nanoantibodies in the Periplasma of E. coli. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:933-941. [PMID: 38880653 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924050134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Technology of production of single-domain antibodies (NANOBODY® molecules, also referred to as nanoantibodies, nAb, or molecules based on other stable protein structures) and their derivatives to solve current problems in biomedicine is becoming increasingly popular. Indeed, the format of one small, highly soluble protein with a stable structure, fully functional in terms of specific recognition, is very convenient as a module for creating multivalent, bi-/oligo-specific genetically engineered targeting molecules and structures. Production of nAb in periplasm of E. coli bacterium is a very convenient and fairly universal way to obtain analytical quantities of nAb for the initial study of the properties of these molecules and selection of the most promising nAb variants. The situation is more complicated with production of bi- and multivalent derivatives of the initially selected nAbs under the same conditions. In this work, extended linker sequences (52 and 86 aa) between the antigen-recognition modules in the cloned expression constructs were developed and applied in order to increase efficiency of production of bispecific nanoantibodies (bsNB) in the periplasm of E. coli bacteria. Three variants of model bsNBs described in this study were produced in the periplasm of bacteria and isolated in soluble form with preservation of functionality of all the protein domains. If earlier our attempts to produce bsNB in the periplasm with traditional linkers no longer than 30 aa were unsuccessful, the extended linkers used here provided a significantly more efficient production of bsNB, comparable in efficiency to the traditional production of original monomeric nAbs. The use of sufficiently long linkers could presumably be useful for increasing efficiency of production of other bsNBs and similar molecules in the periplasm of E. coli bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei V Tillib
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Oksana S Goryainova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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Abdolvahab MH, Karimi P, Mohajeri N, Abedini M, Zare H. Targeted drug delivery using nanobodies to deliver effective molecules to breast cancer cells: the most attractive application of nanobodies. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:67. [PMID: 38341580 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03259-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted drug delivery is one of the attractive ways in which cancer treatment can significantly reduce side effects. In the last two decades, the use of antibodies as a tool for accurate detection of cancer has been noted. On the other hand, the binding of drugs and carriers containing drugs to the specific antibodies of cancer cells can specifically target only these cells. However, the use of whole antibodies brings challenges, including their large size, the complexity of conjugation, the high cost of production, and the creation of immunogenic reactions in the body. The use of nanobodies, or VHHs, which are a small part of camel heavy chain antibodies, is very popular due to their small size, high craftsmanship, and low production cost. In this article, in addition to a brief overview of the structure and characteristics of nanobodies, the use of this molecule in the targeted drug delivery of breast cancer has been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohadeseh Haji Abdolvahab
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Karimi
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Mohajeri
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abedini
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Zare
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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Guo X, Wu Y, Xue Y, Xie N, Shen G. Revolutionizing cancer immunotherapy: unleashing the potential of bispecific antibodies for targeted treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1291836. [PMID: 38106416 PMCID: PMC10722299 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1291836] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent progressions in immunotherapy have transformed cancer treatment, providing a promising strategy that activates the immune system of the patient to find and eliminate cancerous cells. Bispecific antibodies, which engage two separate antigens or one antigen with two distinct epitopes, are of tremendous concern in immunotherapy. The bi-targeting idea enabled by bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) is especially attractive from a medical standpoint since most diseases are complex, involving several receptors, ligands, and signaling pathways. Several research look into the processes in which BsAbs identify different cancer targets such angiogenesis, reproduction, metastasis, and immune regulation. By rerouting cells or altering other pathways, the bispecific proteins perform effector activities in addition to those of natural antibodies. This opens up a wide range of clinical applications and helps patients with resistant tumors respond better to medication. Yet, further study is necessary to identify the best conditions where to use these medications for treating tumor, their appropriate combination partners, and methods to reduce toxicity. In this review, we provide insights into the BsAb format classification based on their composition and symmetry, as well as the delivery mode, focus on the action mechanism of the molecule, and discuss the challenges and future perspectives in BsAb development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Guo
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Xue
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Na Xie
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Guobo Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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França RKA, Studart IC, Bezerra MRL, Pontes LQ, Barbosa AMA, Brigido MM, Furtado GP, Maranhão AQ. Progress on Phage Display Technology: Tailoring Antibodies for Cancer Immunotherapy. Viruses 2023; 15:1903. [PMID: 37766309 PMCID: PMC10536222 DOI: 10.3390/v15091903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The search for innovative anti-cancer drugs remains a challenge. Over the past three decades, antibodies have emerged as an essential asset in successful cancer therapy. The major obstacle in developing anti-cancer antibodies is the need for non-immunogenic antibodies against human antigens. This unique requirement highlights a disadvantage to using traditional hybridoma technology and thus demands alternative approaches, such as humanizing murine monoclonal antibodies. To overcome these hurdles, human monoclonal antibodies can be obtained directly from Phage Display libraries, a groundbreaking tool for antibody selection. These libraries consist of genetically engineered viruses, or phages, which can exhibit antibody fragments, such as scFv or Fab on their capsid. This innovation allows the in vitro selection of novel molecules directed towards cancer antigens. As foreseen when Phage Display was first described, nowadays, several Phage Display-derived antibodies have entered clinical settings or are undergoing clinical evaluation. This comprehensive review unveils the remarkable progress in this field and the possibilities of using clever strategies for phage selection and tailoring the refinement of antibodies aimed at increasingly specific targets. Moreover, the use of selected antibodies in cutting-edge formats is discussed, such as CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) in CAR T-cell therapy or ADC (antibody drug conjugate), amplifying the spectrum of potential therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Kaylan Alves França
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (R.K.A.F.); (M.M.B.)
- Graduate Program in Molecular Pathology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Igor Cabral Studart
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz Ceará, Eusébio 61773-270, Brazil; (I.C.S.); (M.R.L.B.); (L.Q.P.); (A.M.A.B.); (G.P.F.)
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology of Natural Resources, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60440-970, Brazil
| | - Marcus Rafael Lobo Bezerra
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz Ceará, Eusébio 61773-270, Brazil; (I.C.S.); (M.R.L.B.); (L.Q.P.); (A.M.A.B.); (G.P.F.)
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology of Natural Resources, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60440-970, Brazil
| | - Larissa Queiroz Pontes
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz Ceará, Eusébio 61773-270, Brazil; (I.C.S.); (M.R.L.B.); (L.Q.P.); (A.M.A.B.); (G.P.F.)
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology of Natural Resources, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60440-970, Brazil
| | - Antonio Marcos Aires Barbosa
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz Ceará, Eusébio 61773-270, Brazil; (I.C.S.); (M.R.L.B.); (L.Q.P.); (A.M.A.B.); (G.P.F.)
- Graduate Program in Applied Informatics, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza 60811-905, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Macedo Brigido
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (R.K.A.F.); (M.M.B.)
| | - Gilvan Pessoa Furtado
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz Ceará, Eusébio 61773-270, Brazil; (I.C.S.); (M.R.L.B.); (L.Q.P.); (A.M.A.B.); (G.P.F.)
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology of Natural Resources, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60440-970, Brazil
| | - Andréa Queiroz Maranhão
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (R.K.A.F.); (M.M.B.)
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