1
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Engineering of an EpCAM-targeting cyclic peptide to improve the EpCAM-mediated cellular internalization and tumor accumulation of a peptide-fused antibody. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 573:35-41. [PMID: 34388452 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Fusion of a target-specific peptide to a full-length antibody (Ab) can result in a peptide-Ab fusion protein with additional specificity and enhanced activity. We recently developed an intracellular pan-RAS-targeting cytosol-penetrating antibody, RT22-ep59, in which a tumor-specific targeting ability was achieved via the fusion of an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) targeting cyclic peptide (ep133). Here, the aim was to enhance EpCAM-mediated endocytosis and tumor accumulation of the peptide-fused RAS-targeting Ab. Accordingly, we engineered a cyclic peptide (from ep133) that has stronger affinity for EpCAM by using yeast surface display technology and then rationally designed cyclic peptides in the Ab-fused form to enhance colloidal stability. The finally engineered EpCAM-targeting cyclic peptide (ep6)-fused Ab, ep6Ras37, has ∼10-fold stronger affinity (KD ≈ 1.9 nM) for EpCAM than that of RT22-ep59, without deterioration of biophysical properties. Compared with the parental antibody (RT22-ep59), ep6Ras37 more efficiently reached the cytosol of EpCAM-expressing cells and showed greater preferential tumor homing and accumulation in mice bearing EpCAM-expressing LoVo xenograft tumors. Thus, the high-affinity EpCAM-targeting peptide ensures efficient cellular internalization and better tumor accumulation of the peptide-fused Ab.
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2
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Li X, Bai L, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Shi Y, Liu H. Novel GLP-1/anti-apolipoprotein B bifunctional fusion protein alleviates diabetes and diabetic complications in combination with low-intensity ultrasound. Life Sci 2021; 278:119549. [PMID: 33933459 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To engineer and screen a novel GLP-1/anti-apolipoprotein B (apoB) bifunctional fusion protein with therapeutic potential on alleviating diabetes and diabetic complication in combination with low-intensity ultrasound. MAIN METHODS Anti-apoB antibodies were screened by phage display technology and further fused to mutated GLP-1 (7-37) via light or heavy fusion to generate bifunctional fusion protein (termed aBG). The optimal design of aBG fusion protein was further confirmed by in vitro epitope competition assay and cAMP accumulation assay. Subsequently, chronic study in DIO mice were subjected to assess the long-term efficacy of screened fusion protein. KEY FINDINGS The selected GLP-1/anti-apoB fusion protein, aBG-8, exerted either the highest binding affinities for GLP-1R and apoB, or the greatest LDL-C uptake capacity and GLP-1R activation activity. After 60-day treatment in DIO mice, aBG-8 was proved to exert the promising improvement on hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and obesity in DIO mice. Furthermore, combined therapy of aBG-8 and low-intensity ultrasound could accelerate skin wound closure in diabetic mice. SIGNIFICANCE A novel long-lasting bifunctional fusion molecule, aBG-8, was designed with the enormous potential on alleviating diabetes and diabetic complications in combination with low-intensity ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Li
- Ultrasound Department of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Lianjie Bai
- Ultrasound Department of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yinghui Zhang
- Ultrasound Department of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Ultrasound Department of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yang Shi
- Ultrasound Department of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Huilin Liu
- Ultrasound Department of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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3
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Bispecific Antibody Molecule Inhibits Tumor Cell Proliferation More Efficiently Than the Two-Molecule Combination. Drugs R D 2021; 21:157-168. [PMID: 33721246 PMCID: PMC8206453 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-021-00339-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have proved to be a valuable tool for the treatment of different cancer types. However, clinical use of an increasing number of mAbs, have also highlighted limitations with monotherapy for cancers, in particular for such with more complex mechanisms, requiring action on additional molecules or pathways, or for cancers quickly acquiring resistance following monotherapy. An example for the latter is the mAb trastuzumab, FDA approved for treatment of metastatic gastric carcinoma. To circumvent this, researchers have reported synergistic, anti-proliferative effects by combination targeting of HER2 and EGFR by trastuzumab and the EGFR-targeting mAb Cetuximab overcoming trastuzumab resistance. Methods Maintaining the proven functionality of trastuzumab, we have designed bi-specific antibody molecules, called AffiMabs, by fusing an EGFR-targeting Affibody molecule to trastuzumab’s heavy or light chains. Having confirmed binding to EGFR and Her2 and cytotoxicity of our AffiMabs, we analyzed apoptosis rate, receptor surface levels, phosphorylation levels of receptors and associated signaling pathways as well as differentially expressed genes on transcriptome level with the aim to elucidate the mode of action of our AffiMabs. Results The AffiMabs are able to simultaneously bind HER2 and EGFR and show increased cytotoxic effect compared to the original trastuzumab therapeutic molecule and, more importantly, even to the combination of trastuzumab and EGFR-targeting Affibody molecule. Analyzing the mode of action, we could show that bi-specific AffiMabs lead to reduced surface receptor levels and a downregulation of cell cycle associated genes on transcriptome level. Conclusion Our study shows that transcriptome analysis can be used to validate the choice of receptor targets and guide the design of novel multi-specific molecules. The inherent modularity of the AffiMab format renders it readily applicable to other receptor targets. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40268-021-00339-2.
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Bispecific Antibodies and Antibody-Drug Conjugates for Cancer Therapy: Technological Considerations. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10030360. [PMID: 32111076 PMCID: PMC7175114 DOI: 10.3390/biom10030360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of monoclonal antibodies to specifically bind a target antigen and neutralize or stimulate its activity is the basis for the rapid growth and development of the therapeutic antibody field. In recent years, traditional immunoglobulin antibodies have been further engineered for better efficacy and safety, and technological developments in the field enabled the design and production of engineered antibodies capable of mediating therapeutic functions hitherto unattainable by conventional antibody formats. Representative of this newer generation of therapeutic antibody formats are bispecific antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates, each with several approved drugs and dozens more in the clinical development phase. In this review, the technological principles and challenges of bispecific antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates are discussed, with emphasis on clinically validated formats but also including recent developments in the fields, many of which are expected to significantly augment the current therapeutic arsenal against cancer and other diseases with unmet medical needs.
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5
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Nie S, Wang Z, Moscoso-Castro M, D'Souza P, Lei C, Xu J, Gu J. Biology drives the discovery of bispecific antibodies as innovative therapeutics. Antib Ther 2020; 3:18-62. [PMID: 33928225 PMCID: PMC7990219 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A bispecific antibody (bsAb) is able to bind two different targets or two distinct epitopes on the same target. Broadly speaking, bsAbs can include any single molecule entity containing dual specificities with at least one being antigen-binding antibody domain. Besides additive effect or synergistic effect, the most fascinating applications of bsAbs are to enable novel and often therapeutically important concepts otherwise impossible by using monoclonal antibodies alone or their combination. This so-called obligate bsAbs could open up completely new avenue for developing novel therapeutics. With evolving understanding of structural architecture of various natural or engineered antigen-binding immunoglobulin domains and the connection of different domains of an immunoglobulin molecule, and with greatly improved understanding of molecular mechanisms of many biological processes, the landscape of therapeutic bsAbs has significantly changed in recent years. As of September 2019, over 110 bsAbs are under active clinical development, and near 180 in preclinical development. In this review article, we introduce a system that classifies bsAb formats into 30 categories based on their antigen-binding domains and the presence or absence of Fc domain. We further review the biology applications of approximately 290 bsAbs currently in preclinical and clinical development, with the attempt to illustrate the principle of selecting a bispecific format to meet biology needs and selecting a bispecific molecule as a clinical development candidate by 6 critical criteria. Given the novel mechanisms of many bsAbs, the potential unknown safety risk and risk/benefit should be evaluated carefully during preclinical and clinical development stages. Nevertheless we are optimistic that next decade will witness clinical success of bsAbs or multispecific antibodies employing some novel mechanisms of action and deliver the promise as next wave of antibody-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Nie
- WuXi Biologics, 299 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China and ,To whom correspondence should addressed. Jijie Guor Siwei Nie. or
| | - Zhuozhi Wang
- WuXi Biologics, 299 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China and
| | | | - Paul D'Souza
- Clarivate Analytics, Friars House, 160 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8EZ, UK
| | - Can Lei
- Clarivate Analytics, Friars House, 160 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8EZ, UK
| | - Jianqing Xu
- WuXi Biologics, 299 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China and
| | - Jijie Gu
- WuXi Biologics, 299 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China and ,To whom correspondence should addressed. Jijie Guor Siwei Nie. or
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6
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Hober S, Lindbo S, Nilvebrant J. Bispecific applications of non-immunoglobulin scaffold binders. Methods 2019; 154:143-152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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7
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Engineering of a GLP-1 analogue peptide/anti-PCSK9 antibody fusion for type 2 diabetes treatment. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17545. [PMID: 30510163 PMCID: PMC6277417 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35869-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex and progressive disease requiring polypharmacy to manage hyperglycaemia and cardiovascular risk factors. However, most patients do not achieve combined treatment goals. To address this therapeutic gap, we have developed MEDI4166, a novel glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist peptide fused to a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) neutralising antibody that allows for glycaemic control and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering in a single molecule. The fusion has been engineered to deliver sustained peptide activity in vivo in combination with reduced potency, to manage GLP-1 driven adverse effects at high dose, and a favourable manufacturability profile. MEDI4166 showed robust and sustained LDL-C lowering in cynomolgus monkeys and exhibited the anticipated GLP-1 effects in T2D mouse models. We believe MEDI4166 is a novel molecule combining long acting agonist peptide and neutralising antibody activities to deliver a unique pharmacology profile for the management of T2D.
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8
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Orlova A, Bass TZ, Rinne SS, Leitao CD, Rosestedt M, Atterby C, Gudmundsdotter L, Frejd FY, Löfblom J, Tolmachev V, Ståhl S. Evaluation of the Therapeutic Potential of a HER3-Binding Affibody Construct TAM-HER3 in Comparison with a Monoclonal Antibody, Seribantumab. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:3394-3403. [PMID: 29995421 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor type 3 (HER3) is recognized to be involved in resistance to HER-targeting therapies. A number of HER3-targeting monoclonal antibodies are under clinical investigation as potential cancer therapeutics. Smaller high-affinity scaffold proteins are attractive non-Fc containing alternatives to antibodies. A previous study indicated that anti-HER3 affibody molecules could delay the growth of xenografted HER3-positive tumors. Here, we designed a second-generation HER3-targeting construct (TAM-HER3), containing two HER3-specific affibody molecules bridged by an albumin-binding domain (ABD) for extension of blood circulation. Receptor blocking activity was demonstrated in vitro. In mice bearing BxPC-3 xenografts, the therapeutic efficacy of TAM-HER3 was compared to the HER3-specific monoclonal antibody seribantumab (MM-121). TAM-HER3 inhibited heregulin-induced phosphorylation in a panel of HER3-expressing cancer cells and was found to be equally as potent as seribantumab in terms of therapeutic efficacy in vivo and with a similar safety profile. Median survival times were 60 days for TAM-HER3, 54 days for seribantumab, and 41 days for the control group. No pathological changes were observed in cytopathological examination. The multimeric HER3-binding affibody molecule in fusion to ABD seems promising for further evaluation as candidate therapeutics for treatment of HER3-overexpressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Orlova
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden.,Science for Life Laboratory , Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Tarek Z Bass
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health , KTH Royal Institute of Technology , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Sara S Rinne
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Charles Dahlsson Leitao
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health , KTH Royal Institute of Technology , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Maria Rosestedt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Christina Atterby
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology , Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
| | | | - Fredrik Y Frejd
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology , Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden.,Affibody AB , Solna , Sweden
| | - John Löfblom
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health , KTH Royal Institute of Technology , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology , Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Stefan Ståhl
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health , KTH Royal Institute of Technology , Stockholm , Sweden
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9
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Verdino P, Atwell S, Demarest SJ. Emerging trends in bispecific antibody and scaffold protein therapeutics. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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10
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Cavaco M, Castanho MARB, Neves V. Peptibodies: An elegant solution for a long-standing problem. Biopolymers 2017; 110. [PMID: 29266205 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric proteins composed of a biologically active peptide and a fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain of immunoglobulin G (IgG) are known as peptibodies. They present an extended half-life due to neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) salvage pathway, a decreased renal clearance rate owing to its increased size (≈70 kDa) and, depending on the peptide used in the design of the peptibody, an active-targeting moiety. Also, the peptides therapeutic activity is boosted by the number of peptides in the fusion protein (at least two peptides) and to some peptides' alterations. Peptibodies are mainly obtained through recombinant DNA technology. However, to improve peptide properties, "unnatural" changes have been introduced to the original peptides' sequence, for instance, the incorporation of D- or non-natural amino acid residues or even cyclization thus, limiting the application of genetic engineering in the production of peptibodies, since these peptides must be obtained via chemical synthesis. This constrains prompted the development of new methods for conjugation of peptides to Fc domains. Another challenge, subject of intense research, relates to the large-scale production of such peptibodies using these new techniques, which can be minimized by their proved value. To date, two peptibodies, romiplostim and dulaglutide, have been approved and stay as the standard of care in their areas of action. Furthermore, a considerable number of peptibodies are currently in preclinical and clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cavaco
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Vera Neves
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal
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11
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Brinkmann U, Kontermann RE. The making of bispecific antibodies. MAbs 2017; 9:182-212. [PMID: 28071970 PMCID: PMC5297537 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2016.1268307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 584] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past two decades we have seen a phenomenal evolution of bispecific antibodies for therapeutic applications. The 'zoo' of bispecific antibodies is populated by many different species, comprising around 100 different formats, including small molecules composed solely of the antigen-binding sites of two antibodies, molecules with an IgG structure, and large complex molecules composed of different antigen-binding moieties often combined with dimerization modules. The application of sophisticated molecular design and genetic engineering has solved many of the technical problems associated with the formation of bispecific antibodies such as stability, solubility and other parameters that confer drug properties. These parameters may be summarized under the term 'developability'. In addition, different 'target product profiles', i.e., desired features of the bispecific antibody to be generated, mandates the need for access to a diverse panel of formats. These may vary in size, arrangement, valencies, flexibility and geometry of their binding modules, as well as in their distribution and pharmacokinetic properties. There is not 'one best format' for generating bispecific antibodies, and no single format is suitable for all, or even most of, the desired applications. Instead, the bispecific formats collectively serve as a valuable source of diversity that can be applied to the development of therapeutics for various indications. Here, a comprehensive overview of the different bispecific antibody formats is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Brinkmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Munich, Im Nonnenwald, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Roland E. Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Nobelstraße, Stuttgart, Germany
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12
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Zer C, Avery KN, Meyer K, Goodstein L, Bzymek KP, Singh G, Williams JC. Engineering a high-affinity peptide binding site into the anti-CEA mAb M5A. Protein Eng Des Sel 2017; 30:409-417. [PMID: 28431161 PMCID: PMC5914451 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzx016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously identified a cyclic peptide called meditope which binds to the central cavity of the Fab portion of cetuximab and shown that this peptide binding site can be grafted, or 'meditope-enabled', onto trastuzumab. This peptide has been shown to act as a hitch for the non-covalent attachment of imaging agents to meditope-enabled antibodies. Herein, we explore the process of grafting this peptide binding site onto M5A, an anti-CEA antibody in clinical trials for cancer diagnostics. In order to explore the contributions of the amino acids, we sequentially introduced pairs of amino acid substitutions into the Fab and then we reverse-substituted key residues in the presence of the other substitutions. We demonstrate that Pro40Thr, Gly41Asn, Phe83Ile and Thr85Asp in the light chain are sufficient to recreate the meditope binding site in M5A with single-digit micromolar affinity. We show that Pro40 abrogates peptide binding in the presence of the other 12 residue substitutions, and that the presence of all 13 substitutions does not interfere with antibody:antigen recognition. Collectively, these studies provide detailed insight for defining and fine-tuning the binding affinity of the meditope binding site within an antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Zer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope
| | - Kendra N. Avery
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope
| | - Kassondra Meyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope
| | - Leah Goodstein
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope
| | - Krzysztof P. Bzymek
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope
| | - Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center 1500 Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - John C. Williams
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope
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13
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Ståhl S, Gräslund T, Eriksson Karlström A, Frejd FY, Nygren PÅ, Löfblom J. Affibody Molecules in Biotechnological and Medical Applications. Trends Biotechnol 2017; 35:691-712. [PMID: 28514998 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Affibody molecules are small (6.5-kDa) affinity proteins based on a three-helix bundle domain framework. Since their introduction 20 years ago as an alternative to antibodies for biotechnological applications, the first therapeutic affibody molecules have now entered clinical development and more than 400 studies have been published in which affibody molecules have been developed and used in a variety of contexts. In this review, we focus primarily on efforts over the past 5 years to explore the potential of affibody molecules for medical applications in oncology, neurodegenerative, and inflammation disorders, including molecular imaging, receptor signal blocking, and delivery of toxic payloads. In addition, we describe recent examples of biotechnological applications, in which affibody molecules have been exploited as modular affinity fusion partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Ståhl
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Torbjörn Gräslund
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Fredrik Y Frejd
- Unit of Biomedical Radiation Sciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; Affibody AB, Gunnar Asplunds Allé 24, SE-171 69 Solna, Sweden
| | - Per-Åke Nygren
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Löfblom
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Abstract
Affibody molecules can be used as tools for molecular recognition in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. There are several preclinical studies reported on diagnostic and therapeutic use of this molecular class of alternative scaffolds, and early clinical evidence is now beginning to accumulate that suggests the Affibody molecules to be efficacious and safe in man. The small size and ease of engineering make Affibody molecules suitable for use in multispecific constructs where AffiMabs is one such that offers the option to potentiate antibodies for use in complex disease.
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15
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Egan TJ, Diem D, Weldon R, Neumann T, Meyer S, Urech DM. Novel multispecific heterodimeric antibody format allowing modular assembly of variable domain fragments. MAbs 2016; 9:68-84. [PMID: 27786600 PMCID: PMC5240654 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2016.1248012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Multispecific antibody formats provide a promising platform for the development of novel therapeutic concepts that could facilitate the generation of safer, more effective pharmaceuticals. However, the production and use of such antibody-based multispecifics is often made complicated by: 1) the instability of the antibody fragments of which they consist, 2) undesired inter-subunit associations, and 3) the need to include recombinant heterodimerization domains that confer distribution-impairing bulk or enhance immunogenicity. In this paper, we describe a broadly-applicable method for the stabilization of human or humanized antibody Fv fragments that entails replacing framework region IV of a Vκ1/VH3-consensus Fv framework with the corresponding germ-line sequence of a λ-type VL chain. We then used this stable Fv framework to generate a novel heterodimeric multispecific antibody format that assembles by cognate VL/VH associations between 2 split variable domains in the core of the complex. This format, termed multispecific antibody-based therapeutics by cognate heterodimerization (MATCH), can be applied to produce homogeneous and highly stable antibody-derived molecules that simultaneously bind 4 distinct antigens. The heterodimeric design of the MATCH format allows efficient in-format screening of binding domain combinations that result in maximal cooperative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Egan
- a Numab AG, Wadenswil , Switzerland.,b Cartilage Engineering & Regeneration Lab, Department of Health , Science & Technology, The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) , Zurich , Switzerland
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16
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Patterson JT, Wilson HD, Asano S, Nilchan N, Fuller RP, Roush WR, Rader C, Barbas CF. Human Serum Albumin Domain I Fusion Protein for Antibody Conjugation. Bioconjug Chem 2016; 27:2271-2275. [PMID: 27666414 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.6b00432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal labeling of antibodies enables the conjugation of compounds, such as small molecules or peptides, which expand targeting capacity or enhance cytotoxicity. Taking advantage of a cyclohexene sulfonamide compound that site-selectively labels Lys64 in human serum albumin (HSA), we demonstrate that domain I of HSA can be used as a fusion protein for the preparation of antibody conjugates. Trastuzumab fusions were expressed at the N-terminus of the light chain or the C-terminus of the heavy chain enabling conjugation to small molecules. Moreover, these conjugates retained HER2 binding and proved to be highly stable in human plasma. Antibody conjugation via HSA domain I fusion should therefore have broad utility for making serum-stable antibody conjugates, particularly for antibody-drug conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T Patterson
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute , La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Henry D Wilson
- Department of Cancer Biology, Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida , Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Shigehiro Asano
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute , La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Napon Nilchan
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida , Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Roberta P Fuller
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute , La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - William R Roush
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida , Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Christoph Rader
- Department of Cancer Biology, Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida , Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Carlos F Barbas
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute , La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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17
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Castoldi R, Schanzer J, Panke C, Jucknischke U, Neubert NJ, Croasdale R, Scheuer W, Auer J, Klein C, Niederfellner G, Kobold S, Sustmann C. TetraMabs: simultaneous targeting of four oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases for tumor growth inhibition in heterogeneous tumor cell populations. Protein Eng Des Sel 2016; 29:467-475. [PMID: 27578890 PMCID: PMC5036864 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzw037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody-based targeted tumor therapy has greatly improved treatment options for patients. Antibodies against oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), especially the ErbB receptor family, are prominent examples. However, long-term efficacy of such antibodies is limited by resistance mechanisms. Tumor evasion by a priori or acquired activation of other kinases is often causative for this phenomenon. These findings led to an increasing number of combination approaches either within a protein family, e.g. the ErbB family or by targeting RTKs of different phylogenetic origin like HER1 and cMet or HER1 and IGF1R. Progress in antibody engineering technology enabled generation of clinical grade bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) to design drugs inherently addressing such resistance mechanisms. Limited data are available on multi-specific antibodies targeting three or more RTKs. In the present study, we have evaluated the cloning, eukaryotic expression and purification of tetraspecific, tetravalent Fc-containing antibodies targeting HER3, cMet, HER1 and IGF1R. The antibodies are based on the combination of single-chain Fab and Fv fragments in an IgG1 antibody format enhanced by the knob-into-hole technology. They are non-agonistic and inhibit tumor cell growth comparable to the combination of four parental antibodies. Importantly, TetraMabs show improved apoptosis induction and tumor growth inhibition over individual monospecific or BsAbs in cellular assays. In addition, a mimicry assay to reflect heterogeneous expression of antigens in a tumor mass was established. With this novel in vitro assay, we can demonstrate the superiority of a tetraspecific antibody to bispecific tumor antigen-binding antibodies in early pre-clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Castoldi
- pRED, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Schanzer
- pRED, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Panke
- pRED, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Ute Jucknischke
- pRED, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Natalie J Neubert
- pRED, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Rebecca Croasdale
- pRED, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Werner Scheuer
- pRED, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Auer
- pRED, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center, Munich, Nonnenwald 2, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Christian Klein
- pRED, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Zuerich, Switzerland, Wagistrasse 18, 8952 Schlieren
| | - Gerhard Niederfellner
- pRED, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS-M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Lindwurmstraße 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)
| | - Claudio Sustmann
- pRED, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center, Munich, Nonnenwald 2, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
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18
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Malm M, Frejd FY, Ståhl S, Löfblom J. Targeting HER3 using mono- and bispecific antibodies or alternative scaffolds. MAbs 2016; 8:1195-1209. [PMID: 27532938 PMCID: PMC5058629 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2016.1212147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) has in recent years been recognized as a key node in the complex signaling network of many different cancers. It is implicated in de novo and acquired resistance against therapies targeting other growth factor receptors, e.g., EGFR, HER2, and it is a major activator of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Consequently, HER3 has attracted substantial attention, and is today a key target for drugs in clinical development. Sophisticated protein engineering approaches have enabled the generation of a range of different affinity proteins targeting this receptor, including antibodies and alternative scaffolds that are either mono- or bispecific. Here, we describe HER3 and its role as a key tumor target, and give a comprehensive review of HER3-targeted proteins currently in development, including discussions on the opportunities and challenges of targeting this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Malm
- a Division of Protein Technology, School of Biotechnology, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, SE , Stockholm
| | - Fredrik Y Frejd
- b Affibody AB, SE, Stockholm , Sweden.,c Department of Immunology , Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Stefan Ståhl
- a Division of Protein Technology, School of Biotechnology, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, SE , Stockholm
| | - John Löfblom
- a Division of Protein Technology, School of Biotechnology, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, SE , Stockholm
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19
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Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has recently generated much excitement after the continuing success of the immunomodulating anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies against various types of cancers. Aside from these immunomodulating antibodies, bispecific antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, and other technologies are being actively studied. Among the various approaches to cancer immunotherapy, 2 bispecific antibodies are currently approved for patient care. Many more bispecific antibodies are now in various phases of clinical development and will become the next generation of antibody-based therapies. Further understanding of immunology and advances in protein engineering will help to generate a greater variety of bispecific antibodies to fight cancer. Here, we focus on bispecific antibodies that recruit immune cells to engage and kill tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Chen
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China.,b Center for Cellular & Structural Biology, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Jing Li
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China.,b Center for Cellular & Structural Biology, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Qing Li
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China.,b Center for Cellular & Structural Biology, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Zhong Wang
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China.,b Center for Cellular & Structural Biology, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China
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20
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Khan KA, Bicknell R. Anti-angiogenic alternatives to VEGF blockade. Clin Exp Metastasis 2015; 33:197-210. [PMID: 26620208 PMCID: PMC4761368 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-015-9769-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a major requirement for tumour formation and development. Anti-angiogenic treatments aim to starve the tumour of nutrients and oxygen and also guard against metastasis. The main anti-angiogenic agents to date have focused on blocking the pro-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). While this approach has seen some success and has provided a proof of principle that such anti-angiogenic agents can be used as treatment, the overall outcome of VEGF blockade has been somewhat disappointing. There is a current need for new strategies in inhibiting tumour angiogenesis; this article will review current and historical examples in blocking various membrane receptors and components of the extracellular matrix important in angiogenesis. Targeting these newly discovered pro-angiogenic proteins could provide novel strategies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir A Khan
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Institute for Biomedical Research, School of Cardiovascular Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Roy Bicknell
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Institute for Biomedical Research, School of Cardiovascular Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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21
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Spiess C, Zhai Q, Carter PJ. Alternative molecular formats and therapeutic applications for bispecific antibodies. Mol Immunol 2015; 67:95-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 417] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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22
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Yu F, Gudmundsdotter L, Akal A, Gunneriusson E, Frejd F, Nygren PÅ. An affibody-adalimumab hybrid blocks combined IL-6 and TNF-triggered serum amyloid A secretion in vivo. MAbs 2015; 6:1598-607. [PMID: 25484067 PMCID: PMC4622551 DOI: 10.4161/mabs.36089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In inflammatory disease conditions, the regulation of the cytokine system is impaired, leading to tissue damages. Here, we used protein engineering to develop biologicals suitable for blocking a combination of inflammation driving cytokines by a single construct. From a set of interleukin (IL)-6-binding affibody molecules selected by phage display, five variants with a capability of blocking the interaction between complexes of soluble IL-6 receptor α (sIL-6Rα) and IL-6 and the co-receptor gp130 were identified. In cell assays designed to analyze any blocking capacity of the classical or the alternative (trans) signaling IL-6 pathways, one variant, ZIL-6_13 with an affinity (KD) for IL-6 of ∼500 pM, showed the best performance. To construct fusion proteins (“AffiMabs”) with dual cytokine specificities, ZIL-6_13 was fused to either the N- or C-terminus of both the heavy and light chains of the anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) monoclonal antibody adalimumab (Humira®). One AffiMab construct with ZIL-6_13 positioned at the N-terminus of the heavy chain, denoted ZIL-6_13-HCAda, was determined to be the most optimal, and it was subsequently evaluated in an acute Serum Amyloid A (SAA) model in mice. Administration of the AffiMab or adalimumab prior to challenge with a mix of IL-6 and TNF reduced the levels of serum SAA in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the highest dose (70 mg/kg body weight) of adalimumab only resulted in a 50% reduction of SAA-levels, whereas the corresponding dose of the ZIL-6_13-HCAda AffiMab with combined IL-6/TNF specificity, resulted in SAA levels below the detection limit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifan Yu
- a Division of Protein Technology; KTH Royal Institute of Technology ; AlbaNova University Center ; Stockholm , Sweden
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23
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Deyev SM, Lebedenko EN, Petrovskaya LE, Dolgikh DA, Gabibov AG, Kirpichnikov MP. Man-made antibodies and immunoconjugates with desired properties: function optimization using structural engineering. RUSSIAN CHEMICAL REVIEWS 2015. [DOI: 10.1070/rcr4459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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24
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Avery KN, Zer C, Bzymek KP, Williams JC. Development of a high affinity, non-covalent biologic to add functionality to Fabs. Sci Rep 2015; 5:7817. [PMID: 25588710 PMCID: PMC4295097 DOI: 10.1038/srep07817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Functionalization of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) requires chemical derivatization and/or genetic manipulation. Inherent in these methods are challenges with protein heterogeneity, stability and solubility. Such perturbations could potentially be avoided by using a high affinity, non-covalent intermediate to bridge the desired functionality to a stable mAb. Recently, we engineered a binding site for a peptide named “meditope” within the Fab of trastuzumab. Proximity of the meditope site to that of protein L suggested an opportunity to enhance the meditope's moderate affinity. Joined by a peptide linker, the meditope-protein L construct has a KD ~ 180 pM - a 7000-fold increase in affinity. The construct is highly specific to the engineered trastuzumab, as demonstrated by flow cytometry. Moreover, the fusion of a bulky GFP to this construct did not affect the association with cell surface antigens. Collectively, these data indicate this specific, high affinity construct can be developed to rapidly add new functionality to mAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra N Avery
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope 1710 Flower St, Duarte CA 91010
| | - Cindy Zer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope 1710 Flower St, Duarte CA 91010
| | - Krzysztof P Bzymek
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope 1710 Flower St, Duarte CA 91010
| | - John C Williams
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope 1710 Flower St, Duarte CA 91010
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25
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Fleetwood F, Klint S, Hanze M, Gunneriusson E, Frejd FY, Ståhl S, Löfblom J. Simultaneous targeting of two ligand-binding sites on VEGFR2 using biparatopic Affibody molecules results in dramatically improved affinity. Sci Rep 2014; 4:7518. [PMID: 25515662 PMCID: PMC4268634 DOI: 10.1038/srep07518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays an important role in cancer and ophthalmic disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and corresponding receptors are regulators of angiogenesis and have been much investigated as therapeutic targets. The aim of this work was to generate antagonistic VEGFR2-specific affinity proteins having adjustable pharmacokinetic properties allowing for either therapy or molecular imaging. Two antagonistic Affibody molecules that were cross-reactive for human and murine VEGFR2 were selected by phage and bacterial display. Surprisingly, although both binders independently blocked VEGF-A binding, competition assays revealed interaction with non-overlapping epitopes on the receptor. Biparatopic molecules, comprising the two Affibody domains, were hence engineered to potentially increase affinity even further through avidity. Moreover, an albumin-binding domain was included for half-life extension in future in vivo experiments. The best-performing of the biparatopic constructs demonstrated up to 180-fold slower dissociation than the monomers. The new Affibody constructs were also able to specifically target VEGFR2 on human cells, while simultaneously binding to albumin, as well as inhibit VEGF-induced signaling. In summary, we have generated small antagonistic biparatopic Affibody molecules with high affinity for VEGFR2, which have potential for both future therapeutic and diagnostic purposes in angiogenesis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippa Fleetwood
- Division of Protein Technology, School of Biotechnology, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne Klint
- Affibody AB, Gunnar Asplunds Allé 24, 171 63 Solna, Sweden
| | - Martin Hanze
- Division of Protein Technology, School of Biotechnology, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Fredrik Y Frejd
- 1] Affibody AB, Gunnar Asplunds Allé 24, 171 63 Solna, Sweden [2] Unit of Biomedical Radiation Sciences, Uppsala University
| | - Stefan Ståhl
- Division of Protein Technology, School of Biotechnology, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Löfblom
- Division of Protein Technology, School of Biotechnology, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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26
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Bouvier ES, Koza SM. Advances in size-exclusion separations of proteins and polymers by UHPLC. Trends Analyt Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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27
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The maturation of antibody technology for the HIV epidemic. Immunol Cell Biol 2014; 92:570-7. [DOI: 10.1038/icb.2014.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 03/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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28
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Kim D, Friedman AD, Liu R. Tetraspecific ligand for tumor-targeted delivery of nanomaterials. Biomaterials 2014; 35:6026-36. [PMID: 24786763 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The polygenetic nature of most cancers emphasizes the necessity of cancer therapies that target multiple essential signaling pathways. However, there is a significant paucity of targeting ligands with multi-specificities for targeted delivery of biomaterials. To address this unmet need, we generated a tetraspecific targeting ligand that recognizes four different cancer biomarkers, including VEGFR2, αvβ3 integrin, EGFR, and HER2 receptors, which have been implicated in numerous malignant tumors. The tetraspecific targeting ligand was constructed by sequentially connecting four targeting ligand subunits via flexible linkers, yielding a fusion protein that can be highly expressed in Escherichia coli and readily purified to near homogeneity. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI) studies and extensive cellular binding analyses indicated that all the targeting ligand subunits in the tetraspecific fusion protein recognized their target receptors proximately to the corresponding monospecific ligands. The resulting tetraspecific targeting ligand was applied for the delivery of nanomaterials such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for targeted hyperthermic killing of various cancer cell lines with biomarkers of interest expressed. We demonstrate that the tetraspecific ligand can be facilely introduced on the surface of AuNPs and efficient target-dependent killing of cancer cells can be achieved only when the AuNPs are conjugated with the tetraspecific ligand. Significantly, the tetraspecific ligand simultaneously interacts with more than one receptors, such as EGFR and HER2 receptors, when they are expressed on the surface of the same cell, as demonstrated by in vitro binding assays and cell binding analyses. Our results demonstrate that the tetraspecific ligand, through multivalency and synergistic binding, can be readily used to generate various 'smart' biomaterials with greatly broadened tumor targeting range for simultaneous targeting of multiple signaling pathways on many different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwook Kim
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7568, USA; Carolina Center for Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7264, USA
| | - Adam D Friedman
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7568, USA; Carolina Center for Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7264, USA
| | - Rihe Liu
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7568, USA; Carolina Center for Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7264, USA.
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29
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van Dieck J, Schmid V, Heindl D, Dziadek S, Schraeml M, Gerg M, Massoner P, Engel AM, Tiefenthaler G, Vural S, Stritt S, Tetzlaff F, Soukupova M, Kopetzki E, Bossenmaier B, Thomas M, Klein C, Mertens A, Heller A, Tacke M. Development of bispecific molecules for the in situ detection of protein-protein interactions and protein phosphorylation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:357-68. [PMID: 24529991 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Investigation of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and protein phosphorylation in clinical tissue samples can offer valuable information about the activation status and function of proteins involved in disease progression. However, existing antibody-based methods for phosphorylation detection have been found to lack specificity, and methods developed for examining PPIs in vitro cannot be easily adapted for tissues samples. In this study, we eliminated some of these limitations by developing a specific immunohistochemical staining method that uses "dual binders" (DBs), which are bispecific detection agents consisting of two Fab fragment molecules joined by a flexible linker, to detect PPIs and protein phosphorylation. We engineered DBs by selecting Fab fragments with fast off-rate kinetics, which allowed us to demonstrate that stable target binding was achieved only upon simultaneous, cooperative binding to both epitopes. We show that DBs specifically detect the activated HER2/HER3 complex in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cancer cells and exhibit superior detection specificity for phospho-HER3 compared to the corresponding monoclonal antibody. Overall, the performance of DBs makes them attractive tools for future development for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan van Dieck
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Volker Schmid
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Dieter Heindl
- Roche Professional Diagnostics, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dziadek
- Roche Professional Diagnostics, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Michael Schraeml
- Roche Professional Diagnostics, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Michael Gerg
- Roche Professional Diagnostics, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Petra Massoner
- Roche Professional Diagnostics, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Alfred M Engel
- Roche Professional Diagnostics, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Georg Tiefenthaler
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Serhat Vural
- Roche Professional Diagnostics, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Simon Stritt
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Tetzlaff
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Monika Soukupova
- Roche Professional Diagnostics, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Erhard Kopetzki
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Bossenmaier
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Marlene Thomas
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Christian Klein
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Glycart AG, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Alfred Mertens
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Astrid Heller
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Michael Tacke
- Roche Professional Diagnostics, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 82377 Penzberg, Germany.
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30
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Vugmeyster Y, Zhang YE, Zhong X, Wright J, Leung SS. Pharmacokinetics of anti-IL17A and anti-IL22 peptide-antibody bispecific genetic fusions in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2014; 18:225-7. [PMID: 24295652 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The peptide-antibody (Ab) genetic fusion is a promising technology for targeting multiple antigens in a single Ab-like molecule. We have recently described generation and in vitro characterization of several such genetic fusions, using an interleukin (IL)-17A binding peptide and an anti-IL-22 Ab as a model system. In this study we assessed pharmacokinetic profiles of these model genetic fusions in mice. Specifically an IL-17A binding peptide was fused to either the heavy chain or both the heavy and the light chains of an anti-IL22 human IgG1 (referred to Compounds 1 or 2, respectively). Swiss Webster mice were given a single 10 mg/kg IV dose of Compound 1 or Compound 2 and serum concentrations were measured by a fused molecule immunoassay, in which IL-17A was used as a capture and anti-human IgG was used as a detector. In addition, serum samples were assayed using a total human IgG immunoassay. PK parameters were calculated by non-compartmental modeling. The two genetic fusions had similar PK profiles, with total body clearance of ~0.9-1.0 mL/h/kg, volume of distribution at steady-state of ~63-65 mL/kg, and elimination half-life of ~40 h. Our study provides the first characterization of the PK properties of peptide-Ab genetic fusions and suggests that although these genetic fusions appear to be eliminated faster than a typical Ab, the PK profile may be suitable for preclinical and clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Vugmeyster
- Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, United States; Clinical Pharmacology, Alexion Pharmaceutical, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States.
| | - Yiqun Etran Zhang
- Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, United States
| | - Xiaotian Zhong
- Global Biotherapeutic Technologies, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jill Wright
- Development Management, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Sheldon S Leung
- Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, United States
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31
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Reichert JM, Beck A, Lugovskoy AA, Wurch T, Coats S, Brezski RJ. 9th annual European Antibody Congress, November 11-13, 2013, Geneva, Switzerland. MAbs 2014; 6:309-26. [PMID: 24492298 PMCID: PMC7098616 DOI: 10.4161/mabs.27903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The annual European Antibody Congress (EAC) has traditionally been the key event for updates on critical scientific advances in the antibody field, and 2013 was no exception. Organized by Terrapinn, the well-attended meeting featured presentations on considerations for developing antibodies and antibody-like therapeutics, with separate tracks for antibody-drug conjugates, naked antibodies, and multispecific antibodies or protein scaffolds. The overall focus of the EAC was current approaches to enhance the functionality of therapeutic antibodies or other targeted proteins, with the ultimate goal being improvement of the safety and efficacy of the molecules as treatments for cancer, immune-mediated disorders and other diseases. Roundtable discussion sessions gave participants opportunities to engage in group discussions with industry leaders from companies such as Genmab, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, MedImmune, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, and Pierre Fabre. As the 2013 EAC was co-located with the World Biosimilar Congress, participants also received an update on European Medicines Agency guidelines and thoughts on the future direction and development of biosimilar antibodies in the European Union.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alain Beck
- Centre d'Immunologie Pierre Fabre; Saint Julien en Genevois, France
| | | | - Thierry Wurch
- Institut de Recherches SERVIER; Oncology R&D Unit, F-78290; Croissy-sur-Seine, France
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Sun C, Trevaskis JL, Jodka CM, Neravetla S, Griffin P, Xu K, Wang Y, Parkes DG, Forood B, Ghosh SS. Bifunctional PEGylated Exenatide-Amylinomimetic Hybrids to Treat Metabolic Disorders: An Example of Long-Acting Dual Hormonal Therapeutics. J Med Chem 2013; 56:9328-41. [DOI: 10.1021/jm401418s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chengzao Sun
- Amylin Pharmaceuticals, LLC, 9625 Towne Centre
Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - James L. Trevaskis
- Amylin Pharmaceuticals, LLC, 9625 Towne Centre
Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Carolyn M. Jodka
- Amylin Pharmaceuticals, LLC, 9625 Towne Centre
Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Swetha Neravetla
- Amylin Pharmaceuticals, LLC, 9625 Towne Centre
Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Pete Griffin
- Amylin Pharmaceuticals, LLC, 9625 Towne Centre
Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Kui Xu
- Amylin Pharmaceuticals, LLC, 9625 Towne Centre
Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Yan Wang
- Amylin Pharmaceuticals, LLC, 9625 Towne Centre
Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - David G. Parkes
- Amylin Pharmaceuticals, LLC, 9625 Towne Centre
Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Bruce Forood
- Amylin Pharmaceuticals, LLC, 9625 Towne Centre
Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Soumitra S. Ghosh
- Amylin Pharmaceuticals, LLC, 9625 Towne Centre
Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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Malm M, Kronqvist N, Lindberg H, Gudmundsdotter L, Bass T, Frejd FY, Höidén-Guthenberg I, Varasteh Z, Orlova A, Tolmachev V, Ståhl S, Löfblom J. Inhibiting HER3-mediated tumor cell growth with affibody molecules engineered to low picomolar affinity by position-directed error-prone PCR-like diversification. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62791. [PMID: 23675426 PMCID: PMC3651084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The HER3 receptor is implicated in the progression of various cancers as well as in resistance to several currently used drugs, and is hence a potential target for development of new therapies. We have previously generated Affibody molecules that inhibit heregulin-induced signaling of the HER3 pathways. The aim of this study was to improve the affinity of the binders to hopefully increase receptor inhibition efficacy and enable a high receptor-mediated uptake in tumors. We explored a novel strategy for affinity maturation of Affibody molecules that is based on alanine scanning followed by design of library diversification to mimic the result from an error-prone PCR reaction, but with full control over mutated positions and thus less biases. Using bacterial surface display and flow-cytometric sorting of the maturation library, the affinity for HER3 was improved more than 30-fold down to 21 pM. The affinity is among the higher that has been reported for Affibody molecules and we believe that the maturation strategy should be generally applicable for improvement of affinity proteins. The new binders also demonstrated an improved thermal stability as well as complete refolding after denaturation. Moreover, inhibition of ligand-induced proliferation of HER3-positive breast cancer cells was improved more than two orders of magnitude compared to the previously best-performing clone. Radiolabeled Affibody molecules showed specific targeting of a number of HER3-positive cell lines in vitro as well as targeting of HER3 in in vivo mouse models and represent promising candidates for future development of targeted therapies and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Malm
- Division of Protein Technology, School of Biotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nina Kronqvist
- Division of Protein Technology, School of Biotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanna Lindberg
- Division of Protein Technology, School of Biotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Tarek Bass
- Division of Protein Technology, School of Biotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Y. Frejd
- Affibody AB, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit of Biomedical Radiations Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Zohreh Varasteh
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Preclinical PET Platform, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Orlova
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Preclinical PET Platform, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Unit of Biomedical Radiations Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stefan Ståhl
- Division of Protein Technology, School of Biotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - John Löfblom
- Division of Protein Technology, School of Biotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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Antibody conjugation approach enhances breadth and potency of neutralization of anti-HIV-1 antibodies and CD4-IgG. J Virol 2013; 87:4985-93. [PMID: 23427154 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03146-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Broadly neutralizing antibodies PG9 and PG16 effectively neutralize 70 to 80% of circulating HIV-1 isolates. In this study, the neutralization abilities of PG9 and PG16 were further enhanced by bioconjugation with aplaviroc, a small-molecule inhibitor of virus entry into host cells. A novel air-stable diazonium hexafluorophosphate reagent that allows for rapid, tyrosine-selective functionalization of proteins and antibodies under mild conditions was used to prepare a series of aplaviroc-conjugated antibodies, including b12, 2G12, PG9, PG16, and CD4-IgG. The conjugated antibodies blocked HIV-1 entry through two mechanisms: by binding to the virus itself and by blocking the CCR5 receptor on host cells. Chemical modification did not significantly alter the potency of the parent antibodies against nonresistant HIV-1 strains. Conjugation did not alter the pharmacokinetics of a model IgG in blood. The PG9-aplaviroc conjugate was tested against a panel of 117 HIV-1 strains and was found to neutralize 100% of the viruses. PG9-aplaviroc conjugate IC50s were lower than those of PG9 in neutralization studies of 36 of the 117 HIV-1 strains. These results support this new approach to bispecific antibodies and offer a potential new strategy for combining HIV-1 therapies.
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