1
|
Stamm SM, Wagner R, Lang DA, Skerra A, Gebauer M. Development of a Clonal and High-Yield Mammalian Cell Line for the Manufacturing of a Hyperactive Human DNase I with Extended Plasma Half-Life Using PASylation ® Technology. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:967. [PMID: 39065664 PMCID: PMC11280007 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070967] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cumulative evidence from several pre-clinical studies suggests that restoration of plasma DNase activity in a thrombo-inflammatory state may improve clinical outcomes. Following injury, hyperactivated immune cells release large amounts of granular proteins together with DNA, which often accumulate in the surrounding environment in so-called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Degradation of excess NETs by systemic DNase administration offers a promising therapeutic approach to ameliorate inflammation and dissolve intravascular clots. In order to expand the therapeutic utility of human DNase I, a variant of the enzyme was developed that has both a prolonged systemic half-life and a higher catalytic activity compared to Dornase alfa (Pulmozyme®), the recombinant form of DNase I approved for inhaled therapy of cystic fibrosis. The hyperactive enzyme was "PASylated" by genetic fusion with a strongly hydrophilic and biodegradable PAS-polypeptide to increase its hydrodynamic volume and retard kidney filtration. A stable TurboCell™ CHO-K1-based cell line was generated which is suitable for the future production of PASylated DNase I according to good manufacturing practice (GMP). Furthermore, a robust bioprocess strategy was devised and an effective downstream process was developed. The final protein product is characterized by excellent purity, favorable physicochemical properties, a 14-fold higher DNA-degrading activity than Dornase alfa and a sustained pharmacokinetic profile, with a 22-fold slower clearance in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serge M. Stamm
- Rentschler Biopharma SE, Erwin-Rentschler-Str. 21, 88471 Laupheim, Germany; (S.M.S.); (R.W.)
| | - Roland Wagner
- Rentschler Biopharma SE, Erwin-Rentschler-Str. 21, 88471 Laupheim, Germany; (S.M.S.); (R.W.)
| | - Dietmar A. Lang
- Rentschler Biopharma SE, Erwin-Rentschler-Str. 21, 88471 Laupheim, Germany; (S.M.S.); (R.W.)
| | - Arne Skerra
- XL-Protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Str. 30, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nguyen TTK, Pham KY, Yook S. Engineered therapeutic proteins for sustained-release drug delivery systems. Acta Biomater 2023; 171:131-154. [PMID: 37717712 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.018] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Proteins play a vital role in diverse biological processes in the human body, and protein therapeutics have been applied to treat different diseases such as cancers, genetic disorders, autoimmunity, and inflammation. Protein therapeutics have demonstrated their advantages, such as specific pharmaceutical effects, low toxicity, and strong solubility. However, several disadvantages arise in clinical applications, including short half-life, immunogenicity, and low permeation, leading to reduced drug effectiveness. The structure of protein therapeutics can be modified to increase molecular size, leading to prolonged stability and increased plasma half-life. Notably, the controlled-release delivery systems for the sustained release of protein drugs and preserving the stability of cargo proteins are envisioned as a potential approach to overcome these challenges. In this review, we summarize recent research progress related to structural modifications (PEGylation, glycosylation, poly amino acid modification, and molecular biology-based strategies) and promising long-term delivery systems, such as polymer-based systems (injectable gel/implants, microparticles, nanoparticles, micro/nanogels, functional polymers), lipid-based systems (liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers), and inorganic nanoparticles exploited for protein therapeutics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this review, we highlight recent advances concerning modifying proteins directly to enhance their stability and functionality and discuss state-of-the-art methods for the delivery and controlled long-term release of active protein therapeutics to their target site. In terms of drug modifications, four widely used strategies, including PEGylation, poly amino acid modification, glycosylation, and genetic, are discussed. As for drug delivery systems, we emphasize recent progress relating to polymer-based systems, lipid-based systems developed, and inorganic nanoparticles for protein sustained-release delivery. This review points out the areas requiring focused research attention before the full potential of protein therapeutics for human health and disease can be realized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thoa Thi Kim Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Khang-Yen Pham
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea.
| | - Simmyung Yook
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea; School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cosby AG, Arino T, Bailey TA, Buerger M, Woods JJ, Aguirre Quintana LM, Alvarenga Vasquez JV, Wacker JN, Gaiser AN, Strong RK, Abergel RJ. Siderocalin fusion proteins enable a new 86Y/ 90Y theranostic approach. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:587-591. [PMID: 37547455 PMCID: PMC10398355 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00050h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian protein siderocalin binds bacterial siderophores and their iron complexes through cation-π and electrostatic interactions, but also displays high affinity for hydroxypyridinone complexes of trivalent lanthanides and actinides. In order to circumvent synthetic challenges, the use of siderocalin-antibody fusion proteins is explored herein as an alternative targeting approach for precision delivery of trivalent radiometals. We demonstrate the viability of this approach in vivo, using the theranostic pair 90Y (β-, t1/2 = 64 h)/86Y (β+, t1/2 = 14.7 h) in a SKOV-3 xenograft mouse model. Ligand radiolabeling with octadentate hydroxypyridinonate 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) and subsequent protein binding were achieved at room temperature. The results reported here suggest that the rapid non-covalent binding interaction between siderocalin fusion proteins and the negatively charged Y(iii)-3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) complexes could enable purification-free, cold-kit labeling strategies for the application of therapeutically relevant radiometals in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexia G Cosby
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Trevor Arino
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley CA 94720 USA
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Tyler A Bailey
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley CA 94720 USA
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Matthew Buerger
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Seattle WA 98109 USA
| | - Joshua J Woods
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | | | | | - Jennifer N Wacker
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Alyssa N Gaiser
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Roland K Strong
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Seattle WA 98109 USA
| | - Rebecca J Abergel
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley CA 94720 USA
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ji Y, Liu D, Zhu H, Bao L, Chang R, Gao X, Yin J. Unstructured Polypeptides as a Versatile Drug Delivery Technology. Acta Biomater 2023; 164:74-93. [PMID: 37075961 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Although polyethylene glycol (PEG), or "PEGylation" has become a widely applied approach for improving the efficiency of drug delivery, the immunogenicity and non-biodegradability of this synthetic polymer have prompted an evident need for alternatives. To overcome these caveats and to mimic PEG -or other natural or synthetic polymers- for the purpose of drug half-life extension, unstructured polypeptides are designed. Due to their tunable length, biodegradability, low immunogenicity and easy production, unstructured polypeptides have the potential to replace PEG as the preferred technology for therapeutic protein/peptide delivery. This review provides an overview of the evolution of unstructured polypeptides, starting from natural polypeptides to engineered polypeptides and discusses their characteristics. Then, it is described that unstructured polypeptides have been successfully applied to numerous drugs, including peptides, proteins, antibody fragments, and nanocarriers, for half-life extension. Innovative applications of unstructured peptides as releasable masks, multimolecular adaptors and intracellular delivery carriers are also discussed. Finally, challenges and future perspectives of this promising field are briefly presented. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Polypeptide fusion technology simulating PEGylation has become an important topic for the development of long-circulating peptide or protein drugs without reduced activity, complex processes, and kidney injury caused by PEG modification. Here we provide a detailed and in-depth review of the recent advances in unstructured polypeptides. In addition to the application of enhanced pharmacokinetic performance, emphasis is placed on polypeptides as scaffolders for the delivery of multiple drugs, and on the preparation of reasonably designed polypeptides to manipulate the performance of proteins and peptides. This review will provide insight into future application of polypeptides in peptide or protein drug development and the design of novel functional polypeptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dingkang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Haichao Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lichen Bao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ruilong Chang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiangdong Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Jun Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Morath V, Brandt C, Deuschle FC, Mendler CT, Blechert B, Summer D, Barinka C, Decristoforo C, Weber WA, Schwaiger M, Skerra A. Molecular Design of 68Ga- and 89Zr-Labeled Anticalin Radioligands for PET-Imaging of PSMA-Positive Tumors. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:2490-2501. [PMID: 37068305 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c01066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Anticalin proteins directed against the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), optionally having tailored plasma half-life using PASylation technology, show promise as radioligands for PET-imaging of xenograft tumors in mice. To investigate their suitability, the short-circulating unmodified Anticalin was labeled with 68Ga (τ1/2 = 68 min), using the NODAGA chelator, whereas the half-life extended PASylated Anticalin was labeled with 89Zr (τ1/2 = 78 h), using either the linear chelator deferoxamine (Dfo) or a cyclic derivative, fusarinine C (FsC). Different PSMA targeting Anticalin versions (optionally carrying the PASylation sequence) were produced carrying a single exposed N- or C-terminal Cys residue and site-specifically conjugated with the different radiochelators via maleimide chemistry. These protein conjugates were labeled with radioisotopes having distinct physical half-lives and, subsequently, applied for PET-imaging of subcutaneous LNCaP xenograft tumors in CB17 SCID mice. Uptake of the protein tracers into tumor versus healthy tissues was assessed by segmentation of PET data as well as biodistribution analyses. PET-imaging with both the 68Ga-labeled plain Anticalin and the 89Zr-labeled PASylated Anticalin allowed clear delineation of the xenograft tumor. The radioligand A3A5.1-PAS(200)-FsC·89Zr, having an extended plasma half-life, led to a higher tumor uptake 24 h p.i. compared to the 68Ga·NODAGA-Anticalin imaged 60 min p.i. (2.5% ID/g vs 1.2% ID/g). Pronounced demetallation was observed for the 89Zr·Dfo-labeled PASylated Anticalin, which was ∼50% lower in the case of the cyclic radiochelator FsC (p < 0.0001). Adjusting the plasma half-life of Anticalin radioligands using PASylation technology is a viable approach to increase radioisotope accumulation within the tumor. Furthermore, 89Zr-ImmunoPET-imaging using the FsC radiochelator is superior to that using Dfo. Our strategy for the half-life adjustment of a tumor-targeting Anticalin to match the physical half-life of the applied radioisotope illustrates the potential of small binding proteins as an alternative to antibodies for PET-imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Volker Morath
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising 85354, Germany
| | - Corinna Brandt
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising 85354, Germany
| | - Friedrich-Christian Deuschle
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising 85354, Germany
| | - Claudia T Mendler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany
| | - Birgit Blechert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany
| | - Dominik Summer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Cyril Barinka
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec 252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Clemens Decristoforo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Wolfgang A Weber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising 85354, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Si Z, Cheng Y, Xu Z, Shi D, Shi H, Cheng D. Exploration of 68Ga-DOTA-MAL as a Versatile Vehicle for Facile Labeling of a Variety of Thiol-Containing Bioactive Molecules. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:4747-4755. [PMID: 36777559 PMCID: PMC9909812 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Efficient and site-specific radiolabeling reactions are essential in molecular probe synthesis. Thus, selecting an effective method for radiolabeling that does not affect bioactivity of the molecule is critical. Varieties of bifunctional chelating agents provide a solution in this matter. As a chemo-specific chelator, maleimido-mono-amide-DOTA (DOTA-Mal) holds significant potential for 68Ga labeling of bioactive molecules; it can react specifically with free sulfhydryl groups under mild conditions. Compared with amino and carboxylic acid groups, free sulfhydryl groups are relatively less common in most biomolecules and can serve as site-specific radiolabeling targets. Labeling of 68Ga usually employs a two-step labeling strategy; first, chelators are conjugated to the biomolecules, which is followed by radiolabeling. However, the bioactivity of biomolecules may be affected by harsh labeling conditions. In this study, three 68Ga-labeled bioactive molecules, namely, 68Ga-DOTA-RGD, 68Ga-DOTA-FA, and 68Ga-DOTA-BSA, were prepared using a novel strategy under mild conditions (pH of 8.0 at room temperature). Using this strategy, DOTA-Mal was labeled by 68Ga before it reacted with the sulfhydryl group-containing biomolecules, which avoided damage to said biomolecules caused by the harsh reaction conditions required in 68Ga-labeling procedures. The biological and chemical properties of these three radiotracers synthesized using this strategy are well manifested. Through a series of experiments, the effectiveness of this strategy is demonstrated, and we believe that this site-specific bioactivity-friendly reaction strategy will facilitate developments and translation applications of varieties of 68Ga-labeled positron emission tomography probes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Si
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute
of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai
Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute
of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai
Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhan Xu
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute
of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai
Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dai Shi
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute
of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai
Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hongcheng Shi
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute
of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai
Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dengfeng Cheng
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute
of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai
Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Goncalves AG, Hartzell EJ, Sullivan MO, Chen W. Recombinant protein polymer-antibody conjugates for applications in nanotechnology and biomedicine. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114570. [PMID: 36228897 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there are over 100 antibody-based therapeutics on the market for the treatment of various diseases. The increasing importance of antibody treatment is further highlighted by the recent FDA emergency use authorization of certain antibody therapies for COVID-19 treatment. Protein-based materials have gained momentum for antibody delivery due to their biocompatibility, tunable chemistry, monodispersity, and straightforward synthesis and purification. In this review, we discuss progress in engineering the molecular features of protein-based biomaterials, in particular recombinant protein polymers, for introducing novel functionalities and enhancing the delivery properties of antibodies and related binding protein domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio G Goncalves
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Emily J Hartzell
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
| | - Wilfred Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Friedrich L, Kikuchi Y, Matsuda Y, Binder U, Skerra A. Efficient secretory production of proline/alanine/serine (PAS) biopolymers in Corynebacterium glutamicum yielding a monodisperse biological alternative to polyethylene glycol (PEG). Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:227. [PMID: 36307781 PMCID: PMC9616612 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01948-5] [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: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background PAS biopolymers are recombinant polypeptides comprising the small uncharged l-amino acids Pro, Ala and/or Ser which resemble the widely used poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) in terms of pronounced hydrophilicity. Likewise, their random chain behaviour in physiological solution results in a strongly expanded hydrodynamic volume. Thus, apart from their use as fusion partner for biopharmaceuticals to achieve prolonged half-life in vivo, PAS biopolymers appear attractive as substitute for PEG—or other poorly degradable chemical polymers—in many areas. As a prerequisite for the wide application of PAS biopolymers at affordable cost, we have established their highly efficient biotechnological production in Corynebacterium glutamicum serving as a well characterized bacterial host organism. Results Using the CspA signal sequence, we have secreted two representative PAS biopolymers as polypeptides with ~ 600 and ~ 1200 amino acid residues, respectively. Both PAS biopolymers were purified from the culture supernatant by means of a simple downstream process in a truly monodisperse state as evidenced by ESI–MS. Yields after purification were up to ≥ 4 g per liter culture, with potential for further increase by strain optimization as well as fermentation and bioprocess development. Beyond direct application as hydrocolloids or to exploit their rheological properties, such PAS biopolymers are suitable for site-specific chemical conjugation with pharmacologically active molecules via their unique terminal amino or carboxyl groups. To enable the specific activation of the carboxylate, without interference by the free amino group, we generated a blocked N-terminus for the PAS(1200) polypeptide simply by introducing an N-terminal Gln residue which, after processing of the signal peptide, was cyclised to a chemically inert pyroglutamyl group upon acid treatment. The fact that PAS biopolymers are genetically encoded offers further conjugation strategies via incorporation of amino acids with reactive side chains (e.g., Cys, Lys, Glu/Asp) at defined positions. Conclusions Our new PAS expression platform using Corynex® technology opens the way to applications of PASylation® technology in multiple areas such as the pharmaceutical industry, cosmetics and food technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Friedrich
- XL-protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 30, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Y Kikuchi
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1 Suzuki-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Japan
| | - Y Matsuda
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1 Suzuki-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Japan
| | - U Binder
- XL-protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 30, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - A Skerra
- XL-protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 30, 85354, Freising, Germany. .,Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354, Freising, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Seifert O, Kontermann RE. GlycoTAIL and FlexiTAIL as Half-Life Extension Modules for Recombinant Antibody Fragments. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27103272. [PMID: 35630749 PMCID: PMC9143431 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many therapeutic proteins are small in size and are rapidly cleared from circulation. Consequently, half-life extension strategies have emerged to improve pharmacokinetic properties, including fusion or binding to long-lasting serum proteins, chemical modifications with hydrophilic polymers such as PEGylation, or, more recently, fusion to PEG mimetic polypeptides. In the present study, two different PEG mimetic approaches, the GlycoTAIL and the FlexiTAIL, were applied to increase the hydrodynamic radius of antibody fragments of different sizes and valencies, including scFv, diabody, and scFv-EHD2 fusion proteins. The GlycoTAIL and FlexiTAIL sequences of varying lengths are composed of aliphatic and hydrophilic residues, with the GlycoTAIL furthermore comprising N-glycosylation sites. All modified proteins could be produced in a mammalian expression system without reducing stability and antigen binding, and all modified proteins exhibited a prolonged half-life and increased drug disposition in mice. The strongest effects were observed for proteins comprising a FlexiTAIL of 248 residues. Thus, the GlycoTAIL and FlexiTAIL sequences represent a flexible and modular system to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Seifert
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany;
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB), University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Roland E. Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany;
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB), University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dun Y, Huang G, Liu J, Wei W. ImmunoPET imaging of hematological malignancies: From preclinical promise to clinical reality. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:1196-1203. [PMID: 34838729 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET) imaging is a paradigm-shifting imaging technique for whole-body and all-lesion tumor detection, based on the combined specificity of tumor-targeting vectors [e.g., monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), nanobodies, and bispecific antibodies] and the sensitivity of PET imaging. By noninvasively, comprehensively, and serially revealing heterogeneous tumor antigen expression, immunoPET imaging is gradually improving the theranostic prospects for hematological malignancies. In this review, we summarize the available literature regarding immunoPET in imaging hematological malignancies. We also highlight the pros and cons of current conjugation strategies, and modular chemistry that can be leveraged to develop novel immunoPET probes for hematological malignancies. Lastly, we discuss the use of immunoPET imaging in guiding antibody drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Dun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200217, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200217, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200217, China.
| | - Weijun Wei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200217, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang Q, Qian M, Wu Y, Wang Y, Shangguan W, Lu J, Zhao W, Feng J. Design and biological evaluation of novel long-acting adalimumab Fab conjugated with the albumin binding domain. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 904:174152. [PMID: 33964292 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) are preferred alternatives to antibodies for medical application, whereas their short half-lives limit therapeutic effectiveness. Albumin binding domain (ABD) with high affinity for albumin possesses a great potential in enhancing in vivo performance of biotherapeutics. In this study, to mitigate the poor pharmacokinetics of adalimumab Fab targeting tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), an ABD fusion strategy was applied innovatively using GA3, ABD035, ABD094 and ABDCon with high affinities for albumin. The prokaryotic expression, bioactivities and half-lives of those novel Fab-ABD fusions were investigated in vitro and in vivo. All Fab-ABD fusions were successfully purified, and they retained similar TNFα-binding activities with the unmodified Fab control, also presented high affinities for human/mouse serum albumin (HSA/MSA). Additionally, the simultaneous binding of the difunctional Fab-ABD fusions to TNFα and albumin was verified, and ABD fused to Fab neither interfered with Fab-TNFα binding nor impaired the association between Fc fragment of IgG receptor and transporter (FcRn) and albumin. Based on the highest binding affinity for HSA and maximal yield, Fab-ABDCon was selected for further evaluation. Fab-ABDCon showed similar thermostability with the Fab control and robust stability in human and mouse plasma. Most notably, the pharmacokinetics of Fab-ABDCon in mice was significantly improved with a 22-fold longer plasma half-life (28.2 h) compared with that of Fab control (1.31 h), which have contributed to its satisfactory therapeutic efficacy in murine TNFα-induced hepatonecrosis model. Thus, Fab-ABDCon could be a promising long-acting candidate suitable for drug development targeting TNFα-mediated inflammatory disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingbin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Mengxin Qian
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Duomirui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yapeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | | | - Jianguang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Duomirui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wenjie Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Duomirui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jun Feng
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Duomirui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Molecular recognition of structurally disordered Pro/Ala-rich sequences (PAS) by antibodies involves an Ala residue at the hot spot of the epitope. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167113. [PMID: 34161780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Pro/Ala-rich sequences (PAS) are polypeptides that were developed as a biological alternative to poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) to generate biopharmaceuticals with extended plasma half-life. Like PEG, PAS polypeptides are conformationally disordered and show high solubility in water. Devoid of any charged or prominent hydrophobic side chains, these biosynthetic polymers represent an extreme case of intrinsically disordered proteins. Despite lack of immunogenicity of PAS tags in numerous animal studies we now succeeded in generating monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against three different PAS versions. To this end, mice were immunized with a PAS#1, P/A#1 or APSA 40mer peptide conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin as highly immunogenic carrier protein. In each case, one MAb with high binding activity and specificity towards a particular PAS motif was obtained. The apparent affinity was strongly dependent on the avidity effect and most pronounced for the bivalent MAb when interacting with a long PAS repeat. X-ray structural analysis of four representative anti-PAS Fab fragments in complex with their cognate PAS epitope peptides revealed interactions dominated by hydrogen bond networks involving the peptide backbone as well as multiple Van der Waals contacts arising from intimate shape complementarity. Surprisingly, Ala, the L-amino acid with the smallest side chain, emerged as a crucial feature for epitope recognition, contributing specific contacts at the center of the paratope in several anti-PAS complexes. Apart from these insights into how antibodies can recognize feature-less peptides without secondary structure, the MAbs characterized in this study offer valuable reagents for the preclinical and clinical development of PASylated biologics.
Collapse
|
13
|
Bouleau A, Lebon V, Truillet C. PET imaging of immune checkpoint proteins in oncology. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 222:107786. [PMID: 33307142 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the remarkable clinical successes of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in various advanced cancers, response is still limited to a subset of patients that generally exhibit tumoral expression of immune checkpoint (IC) proteins. Development of biomarkers assessing the expression of such ICs is therefore a major challenge nowadays to refine patient selection and improve therapeutic benefits. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using IC-targeted radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies (immunoPET) provides a non-invasive and whole-body visualization of in vivo IC biodistribution. As such, PET imaging of ICs may serve as a robust biomarker to predict and monitor responses to ICIs, complementing the existing immunohistochemical techniques. Besides monoclonal antibodies, other PET radioligand formats, ranging from antibody-derived fragments to small proteins, have gained increasing interest owing to their faster pharmacokinetics and enhanced imaging characteristics. We provide an overview of the various strategies investigated so far for PET imaging of ICs in preclinical and clinical studies, emphasizing their benefits and limitations. Moreover, we discuss various parameters to consider for designing optimized and best-suited PET radioligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alizée Bouleau
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Inserm, BioMaps, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, 4 place du Général Leclerc, 91401 ORSAY, France
| | - Vincent Lebon
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Inserm, BioMaps, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, 4 place du Général Leclerc, 91401 ORSAY, France
| | - Charles Truillet
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Inserm, BioMaps, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, 4 place du Général Leclerc, 91401 ORSAY, France.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Peplau E, De Rose F, Eichinger A, Reder S, Mittelhäuser M, Scafetta G, Schwaiger M, Weber WA, Bartolazzi A, D'Alessandria C, Skerra A. Effective rational humanization of a PASylated anti-galectin-3 Fab for the sensitive PET imaging of thyroid cancer in vivo. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7358. [PMID: 33795750 PMCID: PMC8016950 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of a non-invasive test for malignant thyroid nodules makes the diagnosis of thyroid cancer (TC) challenging. Human galectin-3 (hGal3) has emerged as a promising target for medical TC imaging and diagnosis because of its exclusive overexpression in malignant thyroid tissues. We previously developed a human-chimeric αhGal3 Fab fragment derived from the rat monoclonal antibody (mAb) M3/38 with optimized clearance characteristics using PASylation technology. Here, we describe the elucidation of the hGal3 epitope recognized by mAb M3/38, X-ray crystallographic analysis of its complex with the chimeric Fab and, based on the three-dimensional structure, the rational humanization of the Fab by CDR grafting. Four CDR-grafted versions were designed using structurally most closely related fully human immunoglobulin VH/VL regions of which one-employing the acceptor framework regions of the HIV-1 neutralizing human antibody m66-showed the highest antigen affinity. By introducing two additional back-mutations to the rodent donor sequence, an affinity toward hGal3 indistinguishable from the chimeric Fab was achieved (KD = 0.34 ± 0.02 nM in SPR). The PASylated humanized Fab was site-specifically labelled with the fluorescent dye Cy7 and applied for the immuno-histochemical staining of human tissue sections representative for different TCs. The same protein was conjugated with the metal chelator Dfo, followed by radiolabelling with 89Zr(IV). The resulting protein tracer allowed the highly sensitive and specific PET/CT imaging of orthotopic tumors in mice, which was confirmed by quantitative analysis of radiotracer accumulation. Thus, the PASylated humanized αhGal3 Fab offers clinical potential for the diagnostic imaging of TC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Peplau
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, 85354, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
| | - Francesco De Rose
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Nuclear Medicine Department, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Eichinger
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, 85354, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
| | - Sybille Reder
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Nuclear Medicine Department, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Mittelhäuser
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Nuclear Medicine Department, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Giorgia Scafetta
- Pathology Research Laboratory, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Nuclear Medicine Department, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Weber
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Nuclear Medicine Department, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Armando Bartolazzi
- Pathology Research Laboratory, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Hospital, 17176, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pathology Research Laboratory, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Calogero D'Alessandria
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Nuclear Medicine Department, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, 85354, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cao SJ, Lv ZQ, Guo S, Jiang GP, Liu HL. An update - Prolonging the action of protein and peptide drugs. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.102124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
16
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anticalin proteins are engineered versions of lipocalins that constitute a novel class of clinical-stage biopharmaceuticals. The lipocalins exhibit a central β-barrel with eight antiparallel β-strands and an α-helix attached to its side. Four structurally variable loops at the open end of the β-barrel form a pronounced binding pocket, which can be reshaped to generate specificities toward diverse disease-relevant molecular targets. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the current status of Anticalin engineering, from the basic principles to the development of Anticalins with high target affinity and specificity via combinatorial protein design and directed evolution, including examples of Anticalin-based drug candidates under preclinical and clinical development. EXPERT OPINION Combinatorial gene libraries together with powerful molecular selection techniques have enabled the expansion of the natural ligand specificities of lipocalins from small molecules to peptides and proteins. This biomolecular concept has been validated by structural analyses of a series of Anticalin•target complexes. Promising Anticalin lead candidates have reached different preclinical and clinical development stages in the areas of (immuno)oncology, metabolic, and respiratory diseases, as antidotes to treat intoxications and as novel antibiotics. Thus, Anticalins offer an alternative to antibodies with promising and potentially superior features as next-generation biologics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Ilyukhina
- Chair of Biological Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- Chair of Biological Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Peplau E, De Rose F, Reder S, Mittelhäuser M, Scafetta G, Schwaiger M, Weber WA, Bartolazzi A, Skerra A, D'Alessandria C. Development of a Chimeric Antigen-Binding Fragment Directed Against Human Galectin-3 and Validation as an Immuno-Positron Emission Tomography Tracer for the Sensitive In Vivo Imaging of Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid 2020; 30:1314-1326. [PMID: 32200708 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2019.0670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: The lack of facile methods for the specific characterization of malignant thyroid nodules makes the diagnosis of thyroid cancer (TC) challenging. Due to its restricted expression in such nodules, the cell-associated lectin galectin-3 (Gal3) has emerged as a marker for TC with growing interest for in vivo imaging as well as targeted radionuclide therapy. To accelerate translation into clinical application, we have developed a cognate chimeric human antigen-binding fragment (Fab) derived from the rat anti-Gal3 monoclonal antibody M3/38. Methods: The variable immunoglobulin (Ig) light and heavy chain sequences were cloned from the hybridoma cell line, and the corresponding Fab carrying human IgG1/κ constant genes was functionally produced in the periplasm of Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. To moderately prolong its plasma half-life and, thus, increase tumor uptake, the recombinant Fab was fused with a long disordered amino acid chain comprising in total 200 Pro, Ala, and Ser residues (PASylation). This novel tracer was subjected to in vitro characterization and in vivo validation by using two thyroid cancer orthotopic murine models. To this end, the αGal3-Fab-PAS200 was conjugated with deferoxamine (Dfo), labeled with 89Zr under mild conditions and tested for binding on TC cell lines. Athymic nude mice were inoculated either with FRO82-1 or with CAL62 tumor cells into the left thyroid lobe. After intravenous injection with ∼3.0 MBq of 89Zr-Dfo-PAS200-Fab, these mice were subjected to positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography imaging followed by quantification of tumor accumulation and immunohistochemical analysis. Results: The αGal3-Fab-PAS200 revealed high affinity toward the recombinant Gal3 antigen, with a dissociation constant ≤1 nM as measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, and radioactive cell binding assay. The in vivo Gal3-targeting by the 89Zr(IV)-labeled protein tracer, as investigated by immuno-PET, demonstrated highly selective and fast accumulation in orthotopically implanted tumors, with strong contrast images achieved 24 hours postinjection, and no uptake in the tumor-free thyroid lobe, as also confirmed by biodistribution studies. Conclusions: The chimeric αGal3 89Zr-Dfo-PAS200-Fab tracer exhibits selective accumulation in the tumor-bearing thyroid lobe of xenograft mice. Thus, this novel radioactive probe offers potential to change TC management, in addition to current diagnostic procedures, and to reduce unnecessary thyroidectomies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Peplau
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Francesco De Rose
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sybille Reder
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Mittelhäuser
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Giorgia Scafetta
- Pathology Research Laboratory, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Weber
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Armando Bartolazzi
- Pathology Research Laboratory, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- Pathology Research Laboratory, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arne Skerra
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Calogero D'Alessandria
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kang L, Li C, Rosenkrans ZT, Engle JW, Wang R, Jiang D, Xu X, Cai W. Noninvasive Evaluation of CD20 Expression Using 64Cu-Labeled F(ab') 2 Fragments of Obinutuzumab in Lymphoma. J Nucl Med 2020; 62:372-378. [PMID: 32826320 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.120.246595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CD20-overexpressed non-Hodgkin lymphoma typically indicates progressive malignancy. Obinutuzumab is a next-generation Food and Drug Administration-approved humanized monoclonal antibody that targets CD20. Previous studies with 89Zr-labeled obinutuzumab have successfully imaged CD20 in vivo. However, delayed tumor uptake and increased radioactive exposure caused by long blood circulation limit its clinical translation. This study aimed to develop 64Cu-labeled F(ab')2 fragments of obinutuzumab for imaging CD20 in lymphoma xenograft tumor models. Methods: F(ab')2 fragments were produced from obinutuzumab using an IgG-degrading enzyme of Streptococcus pyogenes (IdeS) enzyme and purified with protein A beads. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography were performed to evaluate the products and their stability. F(ab')2 products were conjugated with p-SCN-Bn-NOTA (NOTA) for 64Cu radiolabeling. Western blotting was performed to screen the CD20 expression levels of lymphoma cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and confocal imaging were used to test the binding affinity in vitro. Serial PET imaging and biodistribution studies in subcutaneous lymphoma-bearing mice were performed using 64Cu-NOTA-F(ab')2-obinutuzumab or 64Cu-NOTA-F(ab')2-IgG. Results: F(ab')2-obinutuzumab and F(ab')2-IgG produced by the IdeS digestion system were confirmed with sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography. The radiochemical purity of 64Cu-labeled F(ab')2 fragments was no less than 98%, and the specific activity was 56.3 ± 7.9 MBq/mg (n = 6). Among the 5 lymphoma cell lines, Ramos showed the strongest expression of CD20, and CLL-155 showed the lowest, as confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and confocal imaging. PET imaging revealed rapid and sustained tumor uptake of 64Cu-NOTA-F(ab')2-obinutuzumab in Ramos tumor-bearing mice. The peak tumor uptake (9.08 ± 1.67 percentage injected dose per gram of tissue [%ID/g]) in the Ramos model was significantly higher than that in the CCL-155 model (2.78 ± 0.62 %ID/g) or the 64Cu-NOTA-F(ab')2-IgG control (1.93 ± 0.26 %ID/g, n = 4, P < 0.001). The tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-muscle ratios were 7.3 ± 1.6 and 21.9 ± 9.0, respectively, at 48 h after injection in the 64Cu-NOTA-F(ab')2-obinutuzumab group. Of the measured off-target organs, the kidneys showed the highest uptake. Ex vivo immunofluorescent staining verified the differential CD20 expression in the Ramos and CCL-155 tumor models. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that 64Cu-NOTA-F(ab')2-obinutuzumab had a rapid and sustained tumor uptake in CD20-positive lymphoma with high contrast, which could enable noninvasive evaluation of CD20 levels in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Kang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Cuicui Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zachary T Rosenkrans
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jonathan W Engle
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Rongfu Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dawei Jiang
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; and
| | - Xiaojie Xu
- Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Weibo Cai
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin .,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Richter A, Knorr K, Schlapschy M, Robu S, Morath V, Mendler C, Yen HY, Steiger K, Kiechle M, Weber W, Skerra A, Schwaiger M. First In-Human Medical Imaging with a PASylated 89Zr-Labeled Anti-HER2 Fab-Fragment in a Patient with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2020; 54:114-119. [PMID: 32377263 PMCID: PMC7198682 DOI: 10.1007/s13139-020-00638-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose PASylation® offers the ability to systematically tune and optimize the pharmacokinetics of protein tracers for molecular imaging. Here we report the first clinical translation of a PASylated Fab fragment (89Zr∙Df-HER2-Fab-PAS200) for the molecular imaging of tumor-related HER2 expression. Methods A patient with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer received 37 MBq of 89Zr∙Df-HER2-Fab-PAS200 at a total mass dose of 70 μg. PET/CT was carried out 6, 24, and 45 h after injection, followed by image analysis of biodistribution, normal organ uptake, and lesion targeting. Results Images show a biodistribution typical for protein tracers, characterized by a prominent blood pool 6 h p.i., which decreased over time. Lesions were detectable as early as 24 h p.i. 89Zr∙Df-HER2-Fab-PAS200 was tolerated well. Conclusion This study demonstrates that a PASylated Fab tracer shows appropriate blood clearance to allow sensitive visualization of small tumor lesions in a clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Richter
- 1Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Karina Knorr
- 1Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Schlapschy
- 2Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Stephanie Robu
- 1Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Morath
- 1Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Mendler
- 1Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Hsi-Yu Yen
- 3Comparative Experimental Pathology, Institut für Allgemeine Pathologie und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- 3Comparative Experimental Pathology, Institut für Allgemeine Pathologie und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Marion Kiechle
- 4Department of Gynaecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Weber
- 1Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- 2Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- 5Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shamloo A, Rostami P, Mahmoudi A. PASylation Enhances the Stability, Potency, and Plasma Half-Life of Interferon α-2a: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Biotechnol J 2020; 15:e1900385. [PMID: 32277577 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201900385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the effectiveness of PASylation in enhancing the potency and plasma half-life of pharmaceutical proteins has been accredited as an alternative technique to the conventional methods such as PEGylation. Proline, alanine, and serine (PAS) chain has shown some advantages including biodegradability improvement and plasma half-life enhancement while lacking immunogenicity or toxicity. Although some experimental studies have been performed to find the mechanism behind PASylation, the detailed mechanism of PAS effects on the pharmaceutical proteins has remained obscure, especially at the molecular level. In this study, the interaction of interferon α-2a (IFN) and PAS chain is investigated using molecular dynamics simulation method. Several important parameters including secondary structure, root-mean-square distance, and solvent accessible surface area to investigate the stability, bioavailability, and bioactivity of the PASylated protein are studied. The results demonstrate that IFN conformation is not affected critically through PASylation while it results in improvement of the protein stability and bioactivity. Therefore, PASylation can be considered as a proper biological alternative technique to increase the plasma half-life of the biopharmaceutical proteins through enlarging apparent volume. The proposed simulation represents a computational approach that would provide a basis for the study of PASylated pharmaceutical proteins for different future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Shamloo
- Department of mechanical engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave. 11155-9567, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peyman Rostami
- Department of mechanical engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave. 11155-9567, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashkan Mahmoudi
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave. 11365-11155, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Powers NE, Swartzwelter B, Marchetti C, de Graaf DM, Lerchner A, Schlapschy M, Datar R, Binder U, Edwards CK, Skerra A, Dinarello CA. PASylation of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) retains IL-1 blockade and extends its duration in mouse urate crystal-induced peritonitis. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:868-882. [PMID: 31819009 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key mediator of inflammation and immunity. Naturally-occurring IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) binds and blocks the IL-1 receptor-1 (IL-1R1), preventing signaling. Anakinra, a recombinant form of IL-1Ra, is used to treat a spectrum of inflammatory diseases. However, anakinra is rapidly cleared from the body and requires daily administration. To create a longer-lasting alternative, PASylated IL-1Ra (PAS-IL-1Ra) has been generated by in-frame fusion of a long, defined-length, N-terminal Pro/Ala/Ser (PAS) random-coil polypeptide with IL-1Ra. Here, we compared the efficacy of two PAS-IL-1Ra molecules, PAS600-IL-1Ra and PAS800-IL-1Ra (carrying 600 and 800 PAS residues, respectively), with that of anakinra in mice. PAS600-IL-1Ra displayed markedly extended blood plasma levels 3 days post-administration, whereas anakinra was undetectable after 24 h. We also studied PAS600-IL-1Ra and PAS800-IL-1Ra for efficacy in monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-induced peritonitis. 5 days post-administration, PAS800-IL-1Ra significantly reduced leukocyte influx and inflammatory markers in MSU-induced peritonitis, whereas equimolar anakinra administered 24 h before MSU challenge was ineffective. The 6-h pretreatment with equimolar anakinra or PAS800-IL-1Ra before MSU challenge similarly reduced inflammatory markers. In cultured A549 lung carcinoma cells, anakinra, PAS600-IL-1Ra, and PAS800-IL-Ra reduced IL-1α-induced IL-6 and IL-8 levels with comparable potency. In human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, these molecules suppressed Candida albicans-induced production of the cancer-promoting cytokine IL-22. Surface plasmon resonance analyses revealed significant binding between PAS-IL-1Ra and IL-1R1, although with a slightly lower affinity than anakinra. These results validate PAS-IL-1Ra as an active IL-1 antagonist with marked in vivo potency and a significantly extended half-life compared with anakinra.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E Powers
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | | | - Carlo Marchetti
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Dennis M de Graaf
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045.,Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martin Schlapschy
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Rajiv Datar
- DNX Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California 92121
| | - Uli Binder
- XL-protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 30, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Carl K Edwards
- DNX Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California 92121
| | - Arne Skerra
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Charles A Dinarello
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045.,Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Deuschle FC, Morath V, Schiefner A, Brandt C, Ballke S, Reder S, Steiger K, Schwaiger M, Weber W, Skerra A. Development of a high affinity Anticalin ® directed against human CD98hc for theranostic applications. Theranostics 2020; 10:2172-2187. [PMID: 32089738 PMCID: PMC7019167 DOI: 10.7150/thno.38968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhanced amino acid supply and dysregulated integrin signaling constitute two hallmarks of cancer and are pivotal for metastatic transformation of cells. In line with its function at the crossroads of both processes, overexpression of CD98hc is clinically observed in various cancer malignancies, thus rendering it a promising tumor target. Methods: We describe the development of Anticalin proteins based on the lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) scaffold against the human CD98hc ectodomain (hCD98hcED) using directed evolution and protein design. X-ray structural analysis was performed to identify the epitope recognized by the lead Anticalin candidate. The Anticalin - with a tuned plasma half-life using PASylation® technology - was labeled with 89Zr and investigated by positron emission tomography (PET) of CD98-positive tumor xenograft mice. Results: The Anticalin P3D11 binds CD98hc with picomolar affinity and recognizes a protruding loop structure surrounded by several glycosylation sites within the solvent exposed membrane-distal part of the hCD98hcED. In vitro studies revealed specific binding activity of the Anticalin towards various CD98hc-expressing human tumor cell lines, suggesting broader applicability in cancer research. PET/CT imaging of mice bearing human prostate carcinoma xenografts using the optimized and 89Zr-labeled Anticalin demonstrated strong and specific tracer accumulation (8.6 ± 1.1 %ID/g) as well as a favorable tumor-to-blood ratio of 11.8. Conclusion: Our findings provide a first proof of concept to exploit CD98hc for non-invasive biomedical imaging. The novel Anticalin-based αhCD98hc radiopharmaceutical constitutes a promising tool for preclinical and, potentially, clinical applications in oncology.
Collapse
|
23
|
Powers NE, Swartzwelter B, Marchetti C, de Graaf DM, Lerchner A, Schlapschy M, Datar R, Binder U, Edwards CK, Skerra A, Dinarello CA. PASylation of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) retains IL-1 blockade and extends its duration in mouse urate crystal-induced peritonitis. J Biol Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)49941-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
|
24
|
Eggenstein E, Richter A, Skerra A. FluoroCalins: engineered lipocalins with novel binding functions fused to a fluorescent protein for applications in biomolecular imaging and detection. Protein Eng Des Sel 2019; 32:289-296. [PMID: 31927584 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzz047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
FluoroCalins represent novel bifunctional protein reagents derived from engineered lipocalins fused to a fluorescent reporter protein, here the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). We demonstrate the construction, facile bacterial production and broad applicability of FluoroCalins using two Anticalin® molecules directed against the tumor vasculature-associated extra domain B of fibronectin (ED-B) and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3, a marker of tumor and lymphangiogenesis. FluoroCalins were prepared with two different spacers: (i) a short Ser3Ala linker and (ii) a long hydrophilic and conformationally unstructured PASylation® polypeptide comprising 200 Pro, Ala and Ser residues. These FluoroCalins were applied for direct target quantification in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as well as target detection by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy of live and fixed cells, respectively, demonstrating high specificity and signal-to-noise ratio. Hence, FluoroCalins offer a promising alternative to antibody-based reagents for state of the art fluorescent in vitro detection and biomolecular imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Eggenstein
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Antonia Richter
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Thomas OS, Weber W. Overcoming Physiological Barriers to Nanoparticle Delivery-Are We There Yet? Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:415. [PMID: 31921819 PMCID: PMC6928054 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The exploitation of nanosized materials for the delivery of therapeutic agents is already a clinical reality and still holds unrealized potential for the treatment of a variety of diseases. This review discusses physiological barriers a nanocarrier must overcome in order to reach its target, with an emphasis on cancer nanomedicine. Stages of delivery include residence in the blood stream, passive accumulation by virtue of the enhanced permeability and retention effect, diffusion within the tumor lesion, cellular uptake, and arrival at the site of action. We also briefly outline strategies for engineering nanoparticles to more efficiently overcome these challenges: Increasing circulation half-life by shielding with hydrophilic polymers, such as PEG, the limitations of PEG and potential alternatives, targeting and controlled activation approaches. Future developments in these areas will allow us to harness the full potential of nanomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver S. Thomas
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Brandl F, Merten H, Zimmermann M, Béhé M, Zangemeister-Wittke U, Plückthun A. Influence of size and charge of unstructured polypeptides on pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of targeted fusion proteins. J Control Release 2019; 307:379-392. [PMID: 31252038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Alternative non-IgG binding proteins developed for therapy are small in size and, thus, are rapidly cleared from the circulation by renal filtration. To avoid repeated injection or continuous infusion for the maintenance of therapeutic serum concentrations, extensions of unfolded polypeptides have been developed to prolong serum half-life, but systematic, comparative studies investigating the influence of their size and charge on serum half-life, extravasation, tumor localization and excretion mechanisms have so far been lacking. Here we used a high-affinity Designed Ankyrin Repeat Protein (DARPin) targeting the tumor marker epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in a preclinical tumor xenograft model in mice, and fused it with a series of defined unstructured polypeptides. We used three different sizes of two previously described polypeptides, an uncharged one consisting of only Pro, Ala and Ser (termed PAS) and a charged one consisting of Pro, Ala, Ser, Thr, Gly, Glu (termed XTEN) and performed for the first time a precise comparative localization, distribution and extravasation study. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed a clear linear relationship between hydrodynamic radius and serum half-life across both polypeptides, reaching a half-life of up to 21 h in mice. Tumor uptake was EpCAM-dependent and directly proportional to half-life and size, showing an even tumor penetration for all fusion proteins without unspecific accumulation in non-target tissue. Unexpectedly, charge had no influence on any parameter, neither tumor nor tissue accumulation nor kidney elimination kinetics. Thus, both polypeptide types have a very similar potential for precise half-life modification and tumor targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Brandl
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital INO-F, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hannes Merten
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Zimmermann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Béhé
- Center of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Zangemeister-Wittke
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital INO-F, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Enhancing bioactivity, physicochemical, and pharmacokinetic properties of a nano-sized, anti-VEGFR2 Adnectin, through PASylation technology. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2978. [PMID: 30814652 PMCID: PMC6393559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39776-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The crucial role of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling in the angiogenesis and metastasis of solid tumors has prompted the development of inhibitors with minimal bystander effects. Recently, Adnectin C has attracted attention for cancer treatment. To overcome the problematic properties of Adnectin, a novel form of Adnectin C has been designed by its fusion to a biodegradable polymeric peptide containing Pro/Ala/Ser (PAS) repetitive residues. E. coli-expressed recombinant fused and unfused proteins were compared in terms of bioactivity, physicochemical, and pharmacokinetic properties using standard methods. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis of PASylated adnectin C revealed an approximate 2-fold increase in particle size with a slight change in the net charge. Additionally, fusion of the PAS sequence improved its stability against the growth of thermo-induced aggregated forms. The high receptor-binding and improved binding kinetic parameters of PASylated Adnectin C was confirmed by ELISA and surface plasmon resonance assays, respectively. Pharmacokinetic studies showed a noticeable increase in the terminal half-life of Adnectin C-PAS#1(200) by a factor of 4.57 after single dose by intravenous injection into female BALB/c mice. The results suggest that PASylation could offer a superior delivery strategy for developing Adnectin-derived drugs with improved patient compliance.
Collapse
|
28
|
Fluorescence-guided tumor detection with a novel anti-EpCAM targeted antibody fragment: Preclinical validation. Surg Oncol 2018; 28:1-8. [PMID: 30851880 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-specific fluorescent imaging agents are moving towards the clinic, supporting surgeons with real-time intraoperative feedback about tumor locations. The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is considered as one of the most promising tumor-specific proteins due its high overexpression on epithelial-derived cancers. This study describes the development and evaluation of EpCAM-F800, a novel fluorescent anti-EpCAM antibody fragment, for intraoperative tumor imaging. Fab production, conjugation to the fluorophore IRDye 800CW, and binding capacities were determined and validated using HPLC, spectrophotometry and cell-based assays. In vivo, dose escalation-, blocking-, pharmacokinetic- and biodistribution studies (using both fluorescence and radioactivity) were performed, next to imaging of clinically relevant orthotopic xenografts for breast and colorectal cancer. EpCAM-F800 targets EpCAM with high specificity in vitro, which was validated using in vivo blocking experiments with a 10x higher dose of unlabeled Fab. The optimal dose range for fluorescence tumor detection in mice was 1-5 nmol (52-260 μg), which corresponds to a human equivalent dose of 0.2-0.8 mg/kg. Biodistribution showed high accumulation of EpCAM-F800 in tumors and metabolizing organs. Breast and colorectal tumors could clearly be visualized within 8 h post-injection and up to 96 h, while the agent already showed homogenous tumor distribution within 4 h. The blood half-life was 4.5 h. This study describes the development and evaluation of a novel EpCAM-targeting agent and the feasibility to visualize breast and colorectal tumors by fluorescence imaging during resections. EpCAM-F800 will be translated for clinical use, considering its abundance in a broad range of tumor types.
Collapse
|
29
|
Jing S, He Y, He Y, Wang L, Jia J, Shan X, Liu S, Tang M, Peng Z, Liu X. Imaging Potential Evaluation of Fab Derived from the Anti-EGFRvIII Monoclonal Antibody 4G1. Radiat Res 2018; 190:194-203. [DOI: 10.1667/rr15069.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shen Jing
- Department of Radiological Medicine and Oncology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yujia He
- Department of Radiological Medicine and Oncology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanqiong He
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the First People's Hospital of Chongqing Liang Jiang New Area, Chongqing, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Radiological Medicine and Oncology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianhua Jia
- Department of Radiological Medicine and Oncology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaomin Shan
- Forensic Medicine and Biomedical Information Research Room, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Tang
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiping Peng
- Department of Radiological Medicine and Oncology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xujie Liu
- Department of Radiological Medicine and Oncology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bonnard T, Jayapadman A, Putri JA, Cui J, Ju Y, Carmichael C, Angelovich TA, Cody SH, French S, Pascaud K, Pearce HA, Jagdale S, Caruso F, Hagemeyer CE. Low-Fouling and Biodegradable Protein-Based Particles for Thrombus Imaging. ACS NANO 2018; 12:6988-6996. [PMID: 29874911 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b02588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Nanomedicine holds great promise for vascular disease diagnosis and specific therapy, yet rapid sequestration by the mononuclear phagocytic system limits the efficacy of particle-based agents. The use of low-fouling polymers, such as poly(ethylene glycol), efficiently reduces this immune recognition, but these nondegradable polymers can accumulate in the human body and may cause adverse effects after prolonged use. Thus, new particle formulations combining stealth, low immunogenicity and biocompatible features are required to enable clinical use. Here, a low-fouling particle platform is described using exclusively protein material. A recombinant protein with superior hydrophilic characteristics provided by the amino acid repeat proline, alanine, and serine (PAS) is designed and cross-linked into particles with lysine (K) and polyglutamic acid (E) using mesoporous silica templating. The obtained PASKE particles have low-fouling behavior, have a prolonged circulation time compared to albumin-based particles, and are rapidly degraded in the cell's lysosomal compartment. When labeled with near-infrared fluorescent molecules and functionalized with an anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa single-chain antibody targeting activated platelets, the particles show potential as a noninvasive molecular imaging tool in a mouse model of carotid artery thrombosis. The PASKE particles constitute a promising biodegradable and versatile platform for molecular imaging of vascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bonnard
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School , Monash University , Melbourne 3004 , Victoria , Australia
| | - Anand Jayapadman
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School , Monash University , Melbourne 3004 , Victoria , Australia
| | - Jasmine A Putri
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School , Monash University , Melbourne 3004 , Victoria , Australia
| | - Jiwei Cui
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, and the Department of Chemical Engineering , The University of Melbourne , Parkville 3010 , Victoria , Australia
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Shandong University , Jinan 250100 , China
| | - Yi Ju
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, and the Department of Chemical Engineering , The University of Melbourne , Parkville 3010 , Victoria , Australia
| | - Catherine Carmichael
- Mammalian Functional Genetics Laboratory, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School , Monash University , Melbourne 3004 , Victoria , Australia
| | - Thomas A Angelovich
- Chronic Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Program , School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University , Melbourne 3004 , Australia
- Life Sciences , Burnet Institute , Melbourne 3004 , Victoria , Australia
| | - Stephen H Cody
- Monash Micro Imaging , Monash University , Melbourne 3004 , Victoria , Australia
| | - Shauna French
- Platelets and Thrombosis Laboratory, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School , Monash University , Melbourne 3004 , Victoria , Australia
| | - Karline Pascaud
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School , Monash University , Melbourne 3004 , Victoria , Australia
| | - Hannah A Pearce
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School , Monash University , Melbourne 3004 , Victoria , Australia
| | - Shweta Jagdale
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School , Monash University , Melbourne 3004 , Victoria , Australia
| | - Frank Caruso
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, and the Department of Chemical Engineering , The University of Melbourne , Parkville 3010 , Victoria , Australia
| | - Christoph E Hagemeyer
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School , Monash University , Melbourne 3004 , Victoria , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Schlichthaerle T, Eklund AS, Schueder F, Strauss MT, Tiede C, Curd A, Ries J, Peckham M, Tomlinson DC, Jungmann R. Ortsspezifische Funktionalisierung von Affimeren für die DNA-PAINT-Mikroskopie. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201804020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schlichthaerle
- Fakultät für Physik und Center for Nanoscience; LMU München; München Deutschland
- Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie; Martinsried Deutschland
| | - Alexandra S. Eklund
- Fakultät für Physik und Center for Nanoscience; LMU München; München Deutschland
- Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie; Martinsried Deutschland
| | - Florian Schueder
- Fakultät für Physik und Center for Nanoscience; LMU München; München Deutschland
- Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie; Martinsried Deutschland
| | - Maximilian T. Strauss
- Fakultät für Physik und Center for Nanoscience; LMU München; München Deutschland
- Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie; Martinsried Deutschland
| | - Christian Tiede
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology; University of Leeds; Leeds Großbritannien
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology; University of Leeds; Leeds Großbritannien
| | - Alistair Curd
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology; University of Leeds; Leeds Großbritannien
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology; University of Leeds; Leeds Großbritannien
| | - Jonas Ries
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory; Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit; Heidelberg Deutschland
| | - Michelle Peckham
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology; University of Leeds; Leeds Großbritannien
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology; University of Leeds; Leeds Großbritannien
| | - Darren C. Tomlinson
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology; University of Leeds; Leeds Großbritannien
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology; University of Leeds; Leeds Großbritannien
| | - Ralf Jungmann
- Fakultät für Physik und Center for Nanoscience; LMU München; München Deutschland
- Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie; Martinsried Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Schlichthaerle T, Eklund AS, Schueder F, Strauss MT, Tiede C, Curd A, Ries J, Peckham M, Tomlinson DC, Jungmann R. Site-Specific Labeling of Affimers for DNA-PAINT Microscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018; 57:11060-11063. [PMID: 29873161 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201804020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Optical super-resolution techniques allow fluorescence imaging below the classical diffraction limit of light. From a technology standpoint, recent methods are approaching molecular-scale spatial resolution. However, this remarkable achievement is not easily translated to imaging of cellular components, since current labeling approaches are limited by either large label sizes (antibodies) or the sparse availability of small and efficient binders (nanobodies, aptamers, genetically-encoded tags). In this work, we combined recently developed Affimer reagents with site-specific DNA modification for high-efficiency labeling and imaging using DNA-PAINT. We assayed our approach using an actin Affimer. The small DNA-conjugated affinity binders could provide a solution for efficient multitarget super-resolution imaging in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schlichthaerle
- Faculty of Physics and Center for Nanoscience, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Alexandra S Eklund
- Faculty of Physics and Center for Nanoscience, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Florian Schueder
- Faculty of Physics and Center for Nanoscience, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Maximilian T Strauss
- Faculty of Physics and Center for Nanoscience, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christian Tiede
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Alistair Curd
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Jonas Ries
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michelle Peckham
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Darren C Tomlinson
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ralf Jungmann
- Faculty of Physics and Center for Nanoscience, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Klein PM, Klinker K, Zhang W, Kern S, Kessel E, Wagner E, Barz M. Efficient Shielding of Polyplexes Using Heterotelechelic Polysarcosines. Polymers (Basel) 2018; 10:E689. [PMID: 30966723 PMCID: PMC6404158 DOI: 10.3390/polym10060689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Shielding agents are commonly used to shield polyelectrolyte complexes, e.g., polyplexes, from agglomeration and precipitation in complex media like blood, and thus enhance their in vivo circulation times. Since up to now primarily poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been investigated to shield non-viral carriers for systemic delivery, we report on the use of polysarcosine (pSar) as a potential alternative for steric stabilization. A redox-sensitive, cationizable lipo-oligomer structure (containing two cholanic acids attached via a bioreducible disulfide linker to an oligoaminoamide backbone in T-shape configuration) was equipped with azide-functionality by solid phase supported synthesis. After mixing with small interfering RNA (siRNA), lipopolyplexes formed spontaneously and were further surface-functionalized with polysarcosines. Polysarcosine was synthesized by living controlled ring-opening polymerization using an azide-reactive dibenzo-aza-cyclooctyne-amine as an initiator. The shielding ability of the resulting formulations was investigated with biophysical assays and by near-infrared fluorescence bioimaging in mice. The modification of ~100 nm lipopolyplexes was only slightly increased upon functionalization. Cellular uptake into cells was strongly reduced by the pSar shielding. Moreover, polysarcosine-shielded polyplexes showed enhanced blood circulation times in bioimaging studies compared to unshielded polyplexes and similar to PEG-shielded polyplexes. Therefore, polysarcosine is a promising alternative for the shielding of non-viral, lipo-cationic polyplexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Michael Klein
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Kristina Klinker
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 10-14, D-55128 Mainz, Germany.
- Graduate School Materials Science in Mainz, Staudinger Weg 9, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Sarah Kern
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Eva Kessel
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany.
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich, Schellingstraße 4, D-80799 Munich, Germany.
| | - Matthias Barz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 10-14, D-55128 Mainz, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gebauer M, Skerra A. Prospects of PASylation® for the design of protein and peptide therapeutics with extended half-life and enhanced action. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:2882-2887. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
35
|
Fiedler L, Kellner M, Oos R, Böning G, Ziegler S, Bartenstein P, Zeidler R, Gildehaus FJ, Lindner S. Fully Automated Production and Characterization of 64 Cu and Proof-of-Principle Small-Animal PET Imaging Using 64 Cu-Labelled CA XII Targeting 6A10 Fab. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:1230-1237. [PMID: 29667369 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
64 Cu is a cyclotron-produced radionuclide which offers, thanks to its characteristic decay scheme, the possibility of combining positron emission tomography (PET) investigations with radiotherapy. We evaluated the Alceo system from Comecer SpA to automatically produce 64 Cu for radiolabelling purposes. We established a 64 Cu production routine with high yields and radionuclide purity in combination with excellent operator radiation protection. The carbonic anhydrase XII targeting 6A10 antibody Fab fragment was successfully radiolabelled with the produced 64 Cu, and proof-of-principle small-animal PET experiments on mice bearing glioma xenografts were performed. We obtained a high tumor-to-contralateral muscle ratio, which encourages further in vivo investigations of the radioconjugate regarding a possible application in diagnostic tumor imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luise Fiedler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Kellner
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Research Group Gene Vectors, Marchioninistrasse 25, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Rosel Oos
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Guido Böning
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Sibylle Ziegler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Reinhard Zeidler
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Research Group Gene Vectors, Marchioninistrasse 25, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Josef Gildehaus
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zvonova EA, Tyurin AA, Soloviev AA, Goldenkova-Pavlova IV. Strategies for Modulation of Pharmacokinetics of Recombinant Therapeutic Proteins. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079086418020093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
37
|
Uehara T, Yokoyama M, Suzuki H, Hanaoka H, Arano Y. A Gallium-67/68–Labeled Antibody Fragment for Immuno-SPECT/PET Shows Low Renal Radioactivity Without Loss of Tumor Uptake. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:3309-3316. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
38
|
Krasniqi A, Bialkowska M, Xavier C, Van der Jeught K, Muyldermans S, Devoogdt N, D'Huyvetter M. Pharmacokinetics of radiolabeled dimeric sdAbs constructs targeting human CD20. N Biotechnol 2018; 45:69-79. [PMID: 29574274 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Single-domain antibody fragments (sdAbs) are the smallest functional antigen-binding fragments, derived from heavy chain-only camelid antibodies. When designed as radiolabeled monomeric probes for imaging and therapy of cancer, their fast and specific targeting results in high tumor-to-background ratios early after injection. However, their moderate absolute uptake into tumors might not always be sufficient to treat cancerous lesions. We have evaluated the pharmacokinetics of seven constructs derived from a CD20-targeting monomeric sdAb (αCD20). The constructs differed in affinity or avidity towards CD20 (dimeric αCD20-αCD20 and αCD20 fused to a non-targeting control sdAb, referred to as αCD20-ctrl) and blood half-lives (αCD20 fused to an albumin-targeting sdAb (αAlb) = αCD20-αAlb). The constructs were radiolabeled with 111In (imaging) and 177Lu (therapy) using the bifunctional chelator CHX-A"-DTPA and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In mice, tumor uptake of 177Lu-DTPA-αCD20 decreased from 4.82 ± 1.80 to 0.13 ± 0.05% IA/g over 72 h. Due to its rapid blood clearance, tumor-to-blood (T/B) ratios of >100 were obtained within 24 h. Although in vitro internalization indicated that dimeric 177Lu-DTPA-αCD20-αCD20 was superior in terms of total cell-associated radioactivity, this was not confirmed in vivo. Blood clearance was slower and absolute tumor uptake became significantly higher for αCD20-αAlb. Blood levels of 177Lu-DTPA-αCD20-αAlb decreased from 68.30 ± 10.53 to 3.58 ± 0.66% IA/g over 120 h, while tumor uptake increased from 6.21 ± 0.94 to 24.90 ± 2.83% IA/g, resulting in lower T/B ratios. Taken together, these results indicate that the increased size of dimeric αCD20-αCD20 or the fusion of monomeric αCD20 to an albumin-targeting moiety (αAlb) counterbalance their improved tumor targeting capacity compared to monomeric αCD20.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Krasniqi
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Magdalena Bialkowska
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catarina Xavier
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Van der Jeught
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias D'Huyvetter
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Friedrich L, Kornberger P, Mendler CT, Multhoff G, Schwaiger M, Skerra A. Selection of an Anticalin® against the membrane form of Hsp70 via bacterial surface display and its theranostic application in tumour models. Biol Chem 2017; 399:235-252. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2017-0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
We describe the selection of Anticalins against a common tumour surface antigen, human Hsp70, using functional display on live Escherichia coli cells as fusion with a truncated EspP autotransporter. While found intracellularly in normal cells, Hsp70 is frequently exposed in a membrane-bound state on the surface of tumour cells and, even more pronounced, in metastases or after radiochemotherapy. Employing a recombinant Hsp70 fragment comprising residues 383-548 as the target, Anticalins were selected from a naïve bacterial library. The Anticalin with the highest affinity (K
D=13 nm), as determined towards recombinant full-length Hsp70 by real-time surface plasmon resonance analysis, was improved to K
D=510 pm by doped random mutagenesis and another cycle of E. coli surface display, followed by rational combination of mutations. This Anticalin, which recognises a linear peptide epitope located in the interdomain linker of Hsp70, was demonstrated to specifically bind Hsp70 in its membrane-associated form in immunofluorescence microscopy and via flow cytometry using the FaDu cell line, which is positive for surface Hsp70. The radiolabelled and PASylated Anticalin revealed specific tumour accumulation in xenograft mice using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Furthermore, after enzymatic coupling to the protein toxin gelonin, the Anticalin showed potent cytotoxicity on FaDu cells in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Friedrich
- Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science, CIPS-M, and Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie , Technische Universität München , D-85354 Freising (Weihenstephan) , Germany
| | - Petra Kornberger
- Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science, CIPS-M, and Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie , Technische Universität München , D-85354 Freising (Weihenstephan) , Germany
| | - Claudia T. Mendler
- Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science, CIPS-M, and Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie , Technische Universität München , D-85354 Freising (Weihenstephan) , Germany
| | - Gabriele Multhoff
- Department of Radiation Oncology , Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München , D-81675 München , Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar , Technische Universität München , D-81675 München , Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science, CIPS-M, and Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie , Technische Universität München , D-85354 Freising (Weihenstephan) , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Breibeck J, Skerra A. The polypeptide biophysics of proline/alanine-rich sequences (PAS): Recombinant biopolymers with PEG-like properties. Biopolymers 2017; 109. [PMID: 29076532 PMCID: PMC5813227 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PAS polypeptides comprise long repetitive sequences of the small L‐amino acids proline, alanine and/or serine that were developed to expand the hydrodynamic volume of conjugated pharmaceuticals and prolong their plasma half‐life by retarding kidney filtration. Here, we have characterized the polymer properties both of the free polypeptides and in fusion with the biopharmaceutical IL‐1Ra. Data from size exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism spectroscopy and quantification of hydrodynamic and polar properties demonstrate that the biosynthetic PAS polypeptides exhibit random coil behavior in aqueous solution astonishingly similar to the chemical polymer poly‐ethylene glycol (PEG). The solvent‐exposed PAS peptide groups, in the absence of secondary structure, account for strong hydrophilicity, with negligible contribution by the Ser side chains. Notably, PAS polypeptides exceed PEG of comparable molecular mass in hydrophilicity and hydrodynamic volume while exhibiting lower viscosity. Their uniform monodisperse composition as genetically encoded polymers and their biological nature, offering biodegradability, render PAS polypeptides a promising PEG mimetic for biopharmaceutical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joscha Breibeck
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, 85354, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, 85354, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany.,XL-protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Str. 30, 85354, Freising, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Krasniqi A, D'Huyvetter M, Xavier C, Van der Jeught K, Muyldermans S, Van Der Heyden J, Lahoutte T, Tavernier J, Devoogdt N. Theranostic Radiolabeled Anti-CD20 sdAb for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:2828-2839. [PMID: 29054987 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anti-CD20 radioimmunotherapy is an effective approach for therapy of relapsed or refractory CD20pos lymphomas, but faces limitations due to poor tumor penetration and undesirable pharmacokinetics of full antibodies. Camelid single-domain Ab fragments (sdAb) might circumvent some of the limitations of radiolabeled full antibodies. In this study, a set of hCD20-targeting sdAbs was generated, and their capacity to bind hCD20 was evaluated in vitro and in vivo A lead sdAb, sdAb 9079, was selected on the basis of its specific tumor targeting and significant lower kidney accumulation compared with other sdAbs. SdAb 9079 was then radiolabeled with 68Ga and 177Lu for PET imaging and targeted therapy. The therapeutic potential of 177Lu-DTPA-sdAb was compared with that of 177Lu-DTPA-rituximab and unlabeled rituximab in mice bearing hCD20pos tumors. Radiolabeled with 68Ga, sdAb 9079 showed specific tumor uptake, with very low accumulation in nontarget organs, except kidneys. The tumor uptake of 177Lu-DTPA-sdAb 9079 after 1.5 h was 3.4 ± 1.3% ID/g, with T/B and T/M ratios of 13.3 ± 4.6 and 32.9 ± 15.6. Peak tumor accumulation of 177Lu-DTPA-rituximab was about 9 times higher, but concomitantly with high accumulation in nontarget organs and very low T/B and T/M ratios (0.8 ± 0.1 and 7.1 ± 2.4). Treatment of mice with 177Lu-DTPA-sdAb 9079 significantly prolonged median survival compared with control groups and was as effective as treatment with rituximab or its 177Lu-labeled variant. Taken together, sdAb 9079 displays promising features as a theranostic drug to treat CD20pos lymphomas. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(12); 2828-39. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Krasniqi
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Matthias D'Huyvetter
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catarina Xavier
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Van der Jeught
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Tony Lahoutte
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Center for Medical Biotechnology, Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, VIB and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Binder U, Skerra A. PASylation®: A versatile technology to extend drug delivery. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
43
|
Khodabakhsh F, Norouzian D, Vaziri B, Ahangari Cohan R, Sardari S, Mahboudi F, Behdani M, Mansouri K, Mehdizadeh A. Development of a novel nano-sized anti-VEGFA nanobody with enhanced physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 46:1402-1414. [PMID: 28841807 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2017.1369426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Since physiological and pathological processes occur at nano-environments, nanotechnology has considered as an efficient tool for designing of next generation specific biomolecules with enhanced pharmacodynamic and pharmacodynamic properties. In the current investigation, by control of the size and hydrodynamic volume at the nanoscale, for the first time, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of an anti-VEGFA nanobody was remarkably improved by attachment of a Proline-Alanine-Serine (PAS) rich sequence. The results elucidated unexpected impressive effects of PAS sequence on physicochemical properties especially on size, hydrodynamics radius, and even solubility of nanobody. CD analysis revealed an increment in random coil structure of the PASylated protein in comparison to native one without any change in charge state or binding kinetic parameters of nanobody assessed by isoelectric focusing and surface plasmon resonance measurements, respectively. In vitro biological activities of nanobody were not affected by coupling of the PAS sequence. In contrast, the terminal half-life was significantly increased by a factor of 14 for the nanobody-PAS after single dose IV injection to the mice. Our study demonstrated that the control of size in the design of small therapeutic proteins has a promising effect on the stability and solubility, in addition to their physiochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. The designed new anti-VEGFA nanobody could promise a better therapeutic agent with a long administration intervals and lower dose, which in turn leads to a better patient compliance. Size adjustment of an anti-VEGF nanobody at the nanoscale by the attachment of a natural PAS polymer remarkably improves physicochemical properties, as well as a pharmacokinetic profile without any change in biological activity of the miniaturized antibody.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Khodabakhsh
- a Department of Nanobiotechnology , Advanced Technology Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran.,b Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Dariush Norouzian
- a Department of Nanobiotechnology , Advanced Technology Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Behrouz Vaziri
- b Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Reza Ahangari Cohan
- a Department of Nanobiotechnology , Advanced Technology Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Soroush Sardari
- c Drug Design and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Medical Biotechnology , Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Fereidoun Mahboudi
- b Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- d Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory , Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Kamran Mansouri
- e Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences , Kermanshah , Iran
| | - Ardavan Mehdizadeh
- f Department of Civil Engineering , Sharif University of Technology , Tehran , Iran
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Influence of Defined Hydrophilic Blocks within Oligoaminoamide Copolymers: Compaction versus Shielding of pDNA Nanoparticles. Polymers (Basel) 2017; 9:polym9040142. [PMID: 30970822 PMCID: PMC6432433 DOI: 10.3390/polym9040142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cationic polymers are promising components of the versatile platform of non-viral nucleic acid (NA) delivery agents. For a successful gene delivery system, these NA vehicles need to comprise several functionalities. This work focuses on the modification of oligoaminoamide carriers with hydrophilic oligomer blocks mediating nanoparticle shielding potential, which is necessary to prevent aggregation or dissociation of NA polyplexes in vitro, and hinder opsonization with blood components in vivo. Herein, the shielding agent polyethylene glycol (PEG) in three defined lengths (12, 24, or 48 oxyethylene repeats) is compared with two peptidic shielding blocks composed of four or eight repeats of sequential proline-alanine-serine (PAS). With both types of shielding agents, we found opposing effects of the length of hydrophilic segments on shielding and compaction of formed plasmid DNA (pDNA) nanoparticles. Two-arm oligoaminoamides with 37 cationizable nitrogens linked to 12 oxyethylene units or four PAS repeats resulted in very compact 40⁻50 nm pDNA nanoparticles, whereas longer shielding molecules destabilize the investigated polyplexes. Thus, the balance between sufficiently shielded but still compact and stable particles can be considered a critical optimization parameter for non-viral nucleic acid vehicles based on hydrophilic-cationic block oligomers.
Collapse
|
45
|
Hedayati MH, Norouzian D, Aminian M, Teimourian S, Ahangari Cohan R, Sardari S, Khorramizadeh MR. Molecular Design, Expression and Evaluation of PASylated Human Recombinant Erythropoietin with Enhanced Functional Properties. Protein J 2017; 36:36-48. [DOI: 10.1007/s10930-017-9699-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
46
|
England CG, Rui L, Cai W. Lymphoma: current status of clinical and preclinical imaging with radiolabeled antibodies. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2016; 44:517-532. [PMID: 27844106 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-016-3560-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Lymphoma is a complex disease that arises from cells of the immune system with an intricate pathology. While lymphoma may be classified as Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin, each type of tumor is genetically and phenotypically different and highly invasive tissue biopsies are the only method to investigate these differences. Noninvasive imaging strategies, such as immunoPET, can provide a vital insight into disease staging, monitoring treatment response in patients, and dose planning in radioimmunotherapy. ImmunoPET imaging with radiolabeled antibody-based tracers may also assist physicians in optimizing treatment strategies and enhancing patient stratification. Currently, there are two common biomarkers for molecular imaging of lymphoma, CD20 and CD30, both of which have been considered for investigation in preclinical imaging studies. In this review, we examine the current status of both preclinical and clinical imaging of lymphoma using radiolabeled antibodies. Additionally, we briefly investigate the role of radiolabeled antibodies in lymphoma therapy. As radiolabeled antibodies play critical roles in both imaging and therapy of lymphoma, the development of novel antibodies and the discovery of new biomarkers may greatly affect lymphoma imaging and therapy in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G England
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705-2275, USA.
| | - Lixin Rui
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Weibo Cai
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705-2275, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Room 7137, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705-2275, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
PASylation technology improves recombinant interferon-β1b solubility, stability, and biological activity. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 101:1975-1987. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7944-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
48
|
Kuhn N, Schmidt CQ, Schlapschy M, Skerra A. PASylated Coversin, a C5-Specific Complement Inhibitor with Extended Pharmacokinetics, Shows Enhanced Anti-Hemolytic Activity in Vitro. Bioconjug Chem 2016; 27:2359-2371. [PMID: 27598771 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.6b00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Ornithodoros moubata Complement Inhibitor (OmCI) binds complement component 5 (C5) with high affinity and, thus, selectively prevents proteolytic activation of the terminal lytic complement pathway. A recombinant version of OmCI (also known as Coversin and rEV576) has proven efficacious in several animal models of complement-mediated diseases and successfully completed a phase Ia clinical trial. Coversin is a small 17 kDa lipocalin protein which has a very short plasma half-life if not bound to C5; therefore, the drug requires frequent dosing. We have improved the pharmacokinetics of Coversin by N-terminal translational conjugation with a 600 residue polypeptide composed of Pro, Ala, and Ser (PAS) residues. To this end, PAS-Coversin as well as the unmodified Coversin were functionally expressed in the cytoplasm of E. coli and purified to homogeneity. Both versions showed identical affinity to human C5, as determined by surface plasmon resonance measurements, and revealed similar complement inhibitory activity, as measured in ELISAs with human serum. In line with the PEG-like biophysical properties, PASylation dramatically prolonged the plasma half-life of uncomplexed Coversin by a factor ≥50 in mice. In a clinically relevant in vitro model of the complement-mediated disease paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) both versions of Coversin effectively reduced erythrocyte lysis. Unexpectedly, while the IC50 values were comparable, PAS-Coversin reached a substantially lower plateau of residual lysis at saturating inhibitor concentrations. Taken together, our data demonstrate two clinically relevant improvements of PASylated Coversin: markedly increased plasma half-life and considerably reduced background hemolysis of erythrocytes with PNH-induced phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kuhn
- Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPS-M) and Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München , Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
| | - Christoph Q Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products & Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University , Helmholtzstrasse 20, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Martin Schlapschy
- Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPS-M) and Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München , Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany.,XL-protein GmbH , Lise-Meitner-Strasse 30, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPS-M) and Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München , Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany.,XL-protein GmbH , Lise-Meitner-Strasse 30, 85354 Freising, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Bolze F, Bast A, Mocek S, Morath V, Yuan D, Rink N, Schlapschy M, Zimmermann A, Heikenwalder M, Skerra A, Klingenspor M. Treatment of diet-induced lipodystrophic C57BL/6J mice with long-acting PASylated leptin normalises insulin sensitivity and hepatic steatosis by promoting lipid utilisation. Diabetologia 2016; 59:2005-12. [PMID: 27272237 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-4004-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Recombinant leptin offers a viable treatment for lipodystrophy (LD) syndromes. However, due to its short plasma half-life, leptin replacement therapy requires at least daily subcutaneous (s.c.) injections. Here, we optimised this treatment strategy in LD mice by using a novel leptin version with extended plasma half-life using PASylation technology. METHODS A long-acting leptin version was prepared by genetic fusion with a 600 residue polypeptide made of Pro, Ala and Ser (PASylation), which enlarges the hydrodynamic volume and, thus, retards renal filtration, allowing less frequent injection. LD was induced in C57BL/6J mice by feeding a diet supplemented with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Chronic and acute effects of leptin treatment were assessed by evaluating plasma insulin levels, insulin tolerance, histological liver sections, energy expenditure, energy intake and body composition. RESULTS In a cohort of female mice, 4 nmol PAS-leptin (applied via four s.c. injections every 3 days) successfully alleviated the CLA-induced LD phenotype, which was characterised by hyperinsulinaemia, insulin intolerance and hepatosteatosis. The same injection regimen had no measurable effect when unmodified recombinant leptin was administered at an equivalent dose. In a cohort of LD males, a single s.c. injection of PAS-leptin did not affect energy expenditure but inhibited food intake and promoted a shift in fuel selection towards preferential fat oxidation, which mechanistically substantiates the metabolic improvements. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION The excellent pharmacological properties render PASylated leptin an agent of choice for refining both animal studies and therapeutic strategies in the context of LD syndromes and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Bolze
- Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Ernährungsmedizin and Else Kröner-Fresenius Center, Technische Universität München, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 2, 85354, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Science (ZIEL), Technische Universität München, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
| | - Andrea Bast
- Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Ernährungsmedizin and Else Kröner-Fresenius Center, Technische Universität München, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 2, 85354, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Science (ZIEL), Technische Universität München, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
| | - Sabine Mocek
- Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Ernährungsmedizin and Else Kröner-Fresenius Center, Technische Universität München, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 2, 85354, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Science (ZIEL), Technische Universität München, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
| | - Volker Morath
- Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPS-M) and Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
| | - Detian Yuan
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nadine Rink
- Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Ernährungsmedizin and Else Kröner-Fresenius Center, Technische Universität München, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 2, 85354, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Science (ZIEL), Technische Universität München, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
| | - Martin Schlapschy
- Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPS-M) and Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
| | - Anika Zimmermann
- Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Ernährungsmedizin and Else Kröner-Fresenius Center, Technische Universität München, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 2, 85354, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Science (ZIEL), Technische Universität München, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPS-M) and Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany.
- XL-protein GmbH, Freising, Germany.
| | - Martin Klingenspor
- Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Ernährungsmedizin and Else Kröner-Fresenius Center, Technische Universität München, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 2, 85354, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany.
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Science (ZIEL), Technische Universität München, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Mendler CT, Feuchtinger A, Heid I, Aichler M, D'Alessandria C, Pirsig S, Blechert B, Wester HJ, Braren R, Walch A, Skerra A, Schwaiger M. Tumor Uptake of Anti-CD20 Fabs Depends on Tumor Perfusion. J Nucl Med 2016; 57:1971-1977. [PMID: 27417649 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.116.176784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies have become an established treatment modality in cancer therapy during the last decade. However, these treatments often suffer from an insufficient and heterogeneous response despite validated antigen or target receptor expression in the tumor. In fact, therapeutic success depends on both the presence of the tumor antigen and its accessibility by the antibody. In search of a suitable preclinical animal model to evaluate the mechanisms of tumor heterogeneity and hemodynamics, we characterized two exemplary non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes with comparable CD20 expression and metabolism, SUDHL-4 and Granta-519, using multimodal imaging techniques. METHODS To investigate in vivo biodistribution, two differently modified αCD20 antigen-binding fragments (Fab), prepared by PASylation with a 200-residue polypeptide tag comprising Pro, Ala, and Ser (PAS200) and by fusion with an albumin-binding domain (ABD), were radiolabeled with 125I and intravenously injected into immunocompromised mice bearing corresponding xenografts. RESULTS Validation with 18F-FDG revealed a similar distribution in vital tumor tissue 1 h after injection. However, large differences in tumor uptake were observed when the CD20-specific radiotracers 125I-Fab-ABD and 125I-Fab-PAS200 were applied (respective percentages injected dose per gram at 24 h after injection: 12.3 and 2.4 for Granta-519 vs. 5.8 and 1.2 for SUDHL-4). Three-dimensional light-sheet fluorescence microscopy with Cy5-Fab-PAS200 confirmed better tracer extravasation in the Granta-519 tumors. Moreover, dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI revealed significantly reduced perfusion in the SUDHL-4 tumors. CONCLUSION Tracer uptake was highly dependent on local tumor perfusion and Fab permeation in the SUDHL-4 and Granta-519 tumors. Thus, the SUDHL-4 xenograft offers an excellent model for investigating the influence of therapies affecting tumor angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Theresa Mendler
- Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany .,Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPS-M) and Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
| | - Annette Feuchtinger
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Irina Heid
- Institute of Radiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany; and
| | - Michaela Aichler
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Calogero D'Alessandria
- Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Sabine Pirsig
- Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Birgit Blechert
- Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Wester
- Pharmaceutical Radiochemistry, Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany
| | - Rickmer Braren
- Institute of Radiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany; and
| | - Axel Walch
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPS-M) and Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Freising (Weihenstephan), Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| |
Collapse
|