1
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Xu F, Xia Q, Ye J, Dong L, Yang D, Xue W, Wang P. Programming DNA Aptamer Arrays of Prescribed Spatial Features with Enhanced Bioavailability and Cell Growth Modulation. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:9935-9942. [PMID: 36480429 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecules (EpCAMs) play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis in many cancer types, which is reported to reside within nano- to microscale membrane domains, forming small clusters. We propose that building multivalent ligands that spatially patch to EpCAM clusters may largely enhance their targeting capability. Herein, we assembled EpCAM aptamers into nanoscale arrays of prescribed valency and spatial arrangements by using a rectangular DNA pegboard. Our results revealed that EpCAM aptamer arrays exhibited significantly higher binding avidity to MCF-7 cells than free monovalent aptamers, which was affected by both valency and spatial arrangement of aptamers. Furthermore, EpCAM aptamer arrays showed improved tolerance against competing targets in an extracellular environment and potent bioavailability and targeting specificity in a xenograft tumor model in mice. This work may shed light on rationally designing multivalent ligand complexes of defined parameters with optimized binding avidity and targeting capability toward various applications in the biomedical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Xu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogene and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogene and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Liang Dong
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Donglei Yang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogene and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogene and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
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2
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Development and characterization of DNA aptamer against Retinoblastoma by Cell-SELEX. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16178. [PMID: 36171412 PMCID: PMC9519959 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20660-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common paediatric intraocular tumour. The management of RB has improved the survival and vision with recent advances in the treatment. Improved therapeutic approaches focussing on targeting tumours and minimizing the treatment-associated side effects are being developed. In this study, we generated a ssDNA aptamer against RB by cell-SELEX and high-throughput sequencing using Weri-RB1 cell line as the target, and Muller glial cell line Mio-M1 as the control. Three aptamers were selected based on the number of repetitions in NGS and phylogenetic relationship and evaluated by flow cytometry to assess their binding affinity and selectivity. The dissociation constant, Kd values of three selected aptamers were found to be in the nanomolar range. Aptamer VRF-CSRB-01 with the best binding affinity and a Kd value of 49.41 ± 7.87 nM was further characterized. The proteinase and temperature treatment indicated that VRF-CSRB-01 targets surface proteins, and has a good binding affinity and excellent selectivity under physiological conditions. The aptamer VRF-CSRB-01 was stable over 72 h in serum and 96 h in cerebral spinal fluid and vitreous. With the high affinity, specificity, stability and specific recognition of clinical RB tumours, VRF-CSRB-01 aptamer holds potential for application in diagnosis and targeting RB.
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3
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In silico design and validation of high-affinity RNA aptamers targeting epithelial cellular adhesion molecule dimers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:8486-8493. [PMID: 32234785 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1913242117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers hold great promise for therapeutic applications due to their favorable intrinsic properties, as well as high-throughput experimental selection techniques. Despite the utility of the systematic evolution of ligands by the exponential enrichment (SELEX) method for aptamer determination, complementary in silico aptamer design is highly sought after to facilitate virtual screening and increased understanding of important nucleic acid-protein interactions. Here, with a combined experimental and theoretical approach, we have developed two optimal epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (EpCAM) aptamers. Our structure-based in silico method first predicts their binding modes and then optimizes them for EpCAM with molecular dynamics simulations, docking, and free energy calculations. Our isothermal titration calorimetry experiments further confirm that the EpCAM aptamers indeed exhibit enhanced affinity over a previously patented nanomolar aptamer, EP23. Moreover, our study suggests that EP23 and the de novo designed aptamers primarily bind to EpCAM dimers (and not monomers, as hypothesized in previous published works), suggesting a paradigm for developing EpCAM-targeted therapies.
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4
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Pan M, Schinke H, Luxenburger E, Kranz G, Shakhtour J, Libl D, Huang Y, Gaber A, Pavšič M, Lenarčič B, Kitz J, Jakob M, Schwenk-Zieger S, Canis M, Hess J, Unger K, Baumeister P, Gires O. EpCAM ectodomain EpEX is a ligand of EGFR that counteracts EGF-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition through modulation of phospho-ERK1/2 in head and neck cancers. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2006624. [PMID: 30261040 PMCID: PMC6177200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are characterized by outstanding molecular heterogeneity that results in severe therapy resistance and poor clinical outcome. Inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was recently revealed as a major parameter of poor clinical outcome. Here, we addressed the expression and function of the therapeutic target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and of the major determinant of epithelial differentiation epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in clinical samples and in vitro models of HNSCCs. We describe improved survival of EGFRlow/EpCAMhigh HNSCC patients (n = 180) and provide a molecular basis for the observed disparities in clinical outcome. EGF/EGFR have concentration-dependent dual capacities as inducers of proliferation and EMT through differential activation of the central molecular switch phosphorylated extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) and EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs) Snail, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1), and Slug. Furthermore, soluble ectodomain of EpCAM (EpEX) was identified as a ligand of EGFR that activates pERK1/2 and phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) and induces EGFR-dependent proliferation but represses EGF-mediated EMT, Snail, Zeb1, and Slug activation and cell migration. EMT repression by EpEX is realized through competitive modulation of pERK1/2 activation strength and inhibition of EMT-TFs, which is reflected in levels of pERK1/2 and its target Slug in clinical samples. Accordingly, high expression of pERK1/2 and/or Slug predicted poor outcome of HNSCCs. Hence, EpEX is a ligand of EGFR that induces proliferation but counteracts EMT mediated by the EGF/EGFR/pERK1/2 axis. Therefore, the emerging EGFR/EpCAM molecular cross talk represents a promising target to improve patient-tailored adjuvant treatment of HNSCCs. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) display poor survival, with death rates above 55%. Major factors affecting survival are metastases’ formation and therapy resistance. Phenotypic changes during partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) provide tumor cells with increased migration, invasion, and therapy resistance. Understanding molecular mechanisms of EMT, as a central process of the metastatic cascade and the development of therapy resistance, is therefore important. In the present work, we identified molecular cross talk between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) as a novel determinant of clinical outcome in HNSCCs. Low levels of EGFR but high levels of EpCAM (EGFRlow/EpCAMhigh) were associated with favorable prognosis, with survival rates above 90%, whereas EGFRhigh/EpCAMlow correlated with poor survival, below 10%. EGFR was shown to have a concentration-dependent capacity to induce proliferation and EMT. Proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular domain of EpCAM (EpEX) produces a ligand of EGFR that induces EGFR-dependent proliferation but counteracts EGF-induced EMT. We delineate an EGFR/extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)/EpCAM signaling axis that may be a promising therapeutic target for HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Elke Luxenburger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Julius Shakhtour
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Darko Libl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuanchi Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Aljaž Gaber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Pavšič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Brigita Lenarčič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Institute Jožef Stefan, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Julia Kitz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mark Jakob
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabina Schwenk-Zieger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Hess
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kristian Unger
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Baumeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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5
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Gaber A, Kim SJ, Kaake RM, Benčina M, Krogan N, Šali A, Pavšič M, Lenarčič B. EpCAM homo-oligomerization is not the basis for its role in cell-cell adhesion. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13269. [PMID: 30185875 PMCID: PMC6125409 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31482-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-surface tumor marker EpCAM plays a key role in proliferation, differentiation and adhesion processes in stem and epithelial cells. It is established as a cell-cell adhesion molecule, forming intercellular interactions through homophilic association. However, the mechanism by which such interactions arise has not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we first show that EpCAM monomers do not associate into oligomers that would resemble an inter-cellular homo-oligomer, capable of mediating cell-cell adhesion, by using SAXS, XL-MS and bead aggregation assays. Second, we also show that EpCAM forms stable dimers on the surface of a cell with pre-formed cell-cell contacts using FLIM-FRET; however, no inter-cellular homo-oligomers were detectable. Thus, our study provides clear evidence that EpCAM indeed does not function as a homophilic cell adhesion molecule and therefore calls for a significant revision of its role in both normal and cancerous tissues. In the light of this, we strongly support the previously suggested name Epithelial Cell Activating Molecule instead of the Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aljaž Gaber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana, SI 1000, Slovenia
| | - Seung Joong Kim
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, San Francisco, 1700 4th Street, Suite 503B, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Robyn M Kaake
- J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Mojca Benčina
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana, SI 1000, Slovenia
| | - Nevan Krogan
- J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute, QBI, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Andrej Šali
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, San Francisco, 1700 4th Street, Suite 503B, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Miha Pavšič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana, SI 1000, Slovenia.
| | - Brigita Lenarčič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana, SI 1000, Slovenia.
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Institute Jožef Stefan, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, SI 1000, Slovenia.
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6
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A photoelectrochemical platform for the capture and release of rare single cells. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2288. [PMID: 29895867 PMCID: PMC5997639 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04701-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
For many normal and aberrant cell behaviours, it is important to understand the origin of cellular heterogeneity. Although powerful methods for studying cell heterogeneity have emerged, they are more suitable for common rather than rare cells. Exploring the heterogeneity of rare single cells is challenging because these rare cells must be first pre-concentrated and undergo analysis prior to classification and expansion. Here, a versatile capture & release platform consisting of an antibody-modified and electrochemically cleavable semiconducting silicon surface for release of individual cells of interest is presented. The captured cells can be interrogated microscopically and tested for drug responsiveness prior to release and recovery. The capture & release strategy was applied to identify rare tumour cells from whole blood, monitor the uptake of, and response to, doxorubicin and subsequently select cells for single-cell gene expression based on their response to the doxorubicin. Many cell capture systems exist but the characterisation and controlled release of single cells is a challenge. Here, the authors report on the development of a duel trigger release system using a combination of photo and electro triggers to allow for light based analysis without unwanted release.
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7
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Hoseini SS, Cheung NKV. Immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma using chimeric antigen receptors and bispecific antibodies. Cancer Lett 2017; 399:44-52. [PMID: 28428075 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide with an overall survival rate of less than 15% in developed countries. Despite attempts at new therapeutic strategies, the majority of patients succumb to this cancer. Buttressed by the highly successful clinical impact in melanoma, immunotherapy is gaining momentum as the next treatment modality for many human cancers. Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) contain the antigen binding moieties of a monoclonal antibody and the co-stimulatory and signaling domains associated with effector receptor signaling. Bispecific antibodies (BsAb) combine the binding specificities of two different monoclonal antibodies, one activating a receptor on a killer effector cell, while the other engaging a tumor-associated antigen to initiate tumor cytotoxicity. In this review, we survey the HCC targets for which CARs and bispecific antibodies have been generated. The pros and cons of these targets for T-cell and Natural Killer cell based immunotherapy will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, United States.
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8
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Klinger M, Benjamin J, Kischel R, Stienen S, Zugmaier G. Harnessing T cells to fight cancer with BiTE® antibody constructs--past developments and future directions. Immunol Rev 2016; 270:193-208. [PMID: 26864113 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE(®)) antibody constructs represent a novel immunotherapy that bridges cytotoxic T cells to tumor cells, thereby inducing target cell-dependent polyclonal T-cell activation and proliferation, and leading to apoptosis of bound tumor cells. Anti-CD19 BiTE(®) blinatumomab has demonstrated clinical activity in Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-negative relapsed or refractory (r/r) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) eventually resulting in conditional approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2014. This drug is currently further developed in pediatric and Ph(+) r/r, as well as in minimal residual disease-positive ALL, and might also offer clinical benefit for patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, especially for those with aggressive forms like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Another BiTE(®) antibody construct in hemato-oncology designated AMG 330 targets CD33 on acute myeloid leukemia blast cells. After showing promising ex vivo activity, this drug candidate has recently entered phase 1 clinical development, and has further indicated potential for combination with checkpoint inhibitors. In solid tumor indications, three BiTE(®) antibody constructs have been tested in phase 1 studies so far: anti-EpCAM BiTE(®) AMG 110, anti-CEA BiTE(®) MEDI-565/AMG 211, and anti-PSMA BiTE(®) BAY2010112/AMG 212. Pertinent questions comprise how to maximize BiTE(®) penetration and T-cell infiltration of the tumor while simultaneously minimizing any adverse events, which is currently explored by a continuous intravenous infusion approach. Thus, BiTE(®) antibody constructs will hopefully provide new treatment options for patients in several indications with high unmet medical need.
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9
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Boonstra MC, de Geus SWL, Prevoo HAJM, Hawinkels LJAC, van de Velde CJH, Kuppen PJK, Vahrmeijer AL, Sier CFM. Selecting Targets for Tumor Imaging: An Overview of Cancer-Associated Membrane Proteins. BIOMARKERS IN CANCER 2016; 8:119-133. [PMID: 27721658 PMCID: PMC5040425 DOI: 10.4137/bic.s38542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tumor targeting is a booming business: The global therapeutic monoclonal antibody market accounted for more than $78 billion in 2012 and is expanding exponentially. Tumors can be targeted with an extensive arsenal of monoclonal antibodies, ligand proteins, peptides, RNAs, and small molecules. In addition to therapeutic targeting, some of these compounds can also be applied for tumor visualization before or during surgery, after conjugation with radionuclides and/or near-infrared fluorescent dyes. The majority of these tumor-targeting compounds are directed against cell membrane-bound proteins. Various categories of targetable membrane-bound proteins, such as anchoring proteins, receptors, enzymes, and transporter proteins, exist. The functions and biological characteristics of these proteins determine their location and distribution on the cell membrane, making them more, or less, accessible, and therefore, it is important to understand these features. In this review, we evaluate the characteristics of cancer-associated membrane proteins and discuss their overall usability for cancer targeting, especially focusing on imaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin C Boonstra
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Susanna W L de Geus
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Peter J K Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.; Antibodies for Research Applications BV, Gouda, the Netherlands
| | | | - Cornelis F M Sier
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.; Antibodies for Research Applications BV, Gouda, the Netherlands
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10
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Detection of soluble EpCAM (sEpCAM) in malignant ascites predicts poor overall survival in patients treated with catumaxomab. Oncotarget 2016; 6:25017-23. [PMID: 26296970 PMCID: PMC4694811 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
EpCAM is an attractive target for cancer therapy and the EpCAM-specific antibody catumaxomab has been used for intraperitoneal treatment of EpCAM-positive cancer patients with malignant ascites. New prognostic markers are necessary to select patients that mostly benefit from catumaxomab. Recent data showed that soluble EpCAM (sEpCAM) is capable to block the effect of catumaxomab in vitro. This exploratory retrospective analysis was performed on archived ascites samples to evaluate the predictive role of sEpCAM in catumaxomab-treated patients. Sixty-six catumaxomab-treated patients with an available archived ascites sample were included in this study and tested for sEpCAM by sandwich ELISA. All probes were sampled before treatment start and all patients received at least one catumaxomab infusion. Overall survival, puncture-free survival and time to next puncture were compared between sEpCAM-positive and -negative patients. We detected sEpCAM in ascites samples of 9 patients (13.6%). These patients showed a significantly shorter overall survival. The prognostic significance of sEpCAM in ascites was particularly strong in patients with ovarian cancer. Puncture-free survival and time to next puncture were not significantly different between sEpCAM-positive and -negative patients. We propose sEpCAM in malignant ascites as a potential predictive marker in cancer patients treated with catumaxomab. Prospective studies with larger patients samples are urgently needed to confirm these findings and studies testing dose-intensified catumaxomab in patients with sEpCAM-positive ascites should be envisaged.
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11
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Seeber A, Untergasser G, Spizzo G, Terracciano L, Lugli A, Kasal A, Kocher F, Steiner N, Mazzoleni G, Gastl G, Fong D. Predominant expression of truncated EpCAM is associated with a more aggressive phenotype and predicts poor overall survival in colorectal cancer. Int J Cancer 2016; 139:657-63. [PMID: 26996277 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) has been shown to be an important mechanism for oncogenic activation of EpCAM through nuclear translocation of the intracellular domain EpICD. Recently, we identified two different membranous EpCAM variants namely EpCAM(MF) (full-length) and EpCAM(MT) (truncated) to be expressed in the majority of human epithelial tumors. The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential role of these two protein variants as additional prognostic biomarkers in colorectal cancer. In most studies only one antibody targeting the extracellular domain of EpCAM (EpEX) has been used, whereas in the present study additionally an antibody which detects the intracellular domain (EpICD) was applied to discriminate between different EpCAM variants. Using immunohistochemistry, we analyzed the expression of EpCAM(MF) and EpCAM(MT) variants in 640 patients with colorectal cancer and determined their correlations with other prognostic factors and clinical outcome. A statistically significant association was observed for EpCAM(MT) with advanced tumor stage (p < 0.001), histological grade (p = 0.01), vascular (p < 0.001) and marginal (p = 0.002) invasion. Survival analysis demonstrated reduced overall survival (p < 0.004) in patients with tumors expressing the EpCAM(MT) phenotype when compared to patients with tumors expressing the EpCAM(MF) variant. In conclusion, this study for the first time indicates that expression of EpCAM(MT) is associated with a more aggressive phenotype and predicts poor survival in patients with colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Seeber
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria.,Oncotyrol-Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gerold Untergasser
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gilbert Spizzo
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria.,Oncotyrol-Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.,Haemato-Oncological Day Hospital, Hospital of Merano, Italy
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Molecular Pathology Division, Institute of Pathology, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Lugli
- Translational Research Unit (TRU), Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Armin Kasal
- Department of Pathology, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Italy
| | - Florian Kocher
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Normann Steiner
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Guenther Gastl
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominic Fong
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria.,Oncotyrol-Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.,Haemato-Oncological Day Hospital, Hospital of Merano, Italy
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12
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Warnders FJ, Waaijer SJH, Pool M, Lub-de Hooge MN, Friedrich M, Terwisscha van Scheltinga AGT, Deegen P, Stienen SK, Pieslor PC, Cheung HK, Kosterink JGW, de Vries EGE. Biodistribution and PET Imaging of Labeled Bispecific T Cell-Engaging Antibody Targeting EpCAM. J Nucl Med 2016; 57:812-7. [PMID: 26848172 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.115.168153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED AMG 110, a bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) antibody construct, induces T cell-mediated cancer cell death by cross-linking epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) on tumor cells with a cluster of differentiation 3 ε (CD3ε) on T cells. We labeled AMG 110 with (89)Zr or near-infrared fluorescent dye (IRDye) 800CW to study its tumor targeting and tissue distribution. METHODS Biodistribution and tumor uptake of (89)Zr-AMG 110 was studied up to 6 d after intravenous administration to nude BALB/c mice bearing high EpCAM-expressing HT-29 colorectal cancer xenografts. Tumor uptake of (89)Zr-AMG 110 was compared with uptake in head and neck squamous cell cancer FaDu (intermediate EpCAM) and promyelocytic leukemia HL60 (EpCAM-negative) xenografts. Intratumoral distribution in HT-29 tumors was studied using 800CW-AMG 110. RESULTS Tumor uptake of (89)Zr-AMG 110 can be clearly visualized using small-animal PET imaging up to 72 h after injection. The highest tumor uptake of (89)Zr-AMG 110 at the 40-μg dose level was observed at 6 and 24 h (respectively, 5.35 ± 0.22 and 5.30 ± 0.20 percentage injected dose per gram; n = 3 and 4). Tumor uptake of (89)Zr-AMG 110 was EpCAM-specific and correlated with EpCAM expression. 800CW-AMG 110 accumulated at the tumor cell surface in viable EpCAM-expressing tumor tissue. CONCLUSION PET and fluorescent imaging provided real-time information about AMG 110 distribution and tumor uptake in vivo. Our data support using (89)Zr and IRDye 800CW to evaluate tumor and tissue uptake kinetics of bispecific T cell engager antibody constructs in preclinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank J Warnders
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stijn J H Waaijer
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Pool
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolijn N Lub-de Hooge
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jos G W Kosterink
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutical Care, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth G E de Vries
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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13
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Seeber A, Martowicz A, Spizzo G, Buratti T, Obrist P, Fong D, Gastl G, Untergasser G. Soluble EpCAM levels in ascites correlate with positive cytology and neutralize catumaxomab activity in vitro. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:372. [PMID: 25947366 PMCID: PMC4427982 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND EpCAM is highly expressed on membrane of epithelial tumor cells and has been detected as soluble/secreted (sEpCAM) in serum of cancer patients. In this study we established an ELISA for in vitro diagnostics to measure sEpCAM concentrations in ascites. Moreover, we evaluated the influence of sEpCAM levels on catumaxomab (antibody)--dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). METHODS Ascites specimens from cancer patients with positive (C+, n = 49) and negative (C-, n = 22) cytology and ascites of patients with liver cirrhosis (LC, n = 31) were collected. All cell-free plasma samples were analyzed for sEpCAM levels with a sandwich ELISA system established and validated by a human recombinant EpCAM standard for measurements in ascites as biological matrix. In addition, we evaluated effects of different sEpCAM concentrations on catumaxomab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) and human tumor cells. RESULTS Our ELISA showed a high specificity for secreted EpCAM as determined by control HEK293FT cell lines stably expressing intracellular (EpICD), extracellular (EpEX) and the full-length protein (EpCAM) as fusion proteins. The lower limit of quantification was 200 pg/mL and the linear quantification range up to 5,000 pg/mL in ascites as biological matrix. Significant levels of sEpCAM were found in 39% of C+, 14% of C- and 13% of LC ascites samples. Higher concentrations of sEpCAM were detectable in C+ (mean: 1,015 pg/mL) than in C- (mean: 449 pg/mL; p = 0.04) or LC (mean: 326 pg/mL; p = 0.01). Soluble EpCAM concentration of 1 ng/mL significantly inhibited ADCC of PBMNCs on EpCAM overexpressing target cells. CONCLUSION Elevated concentrations of sEpCAM can be found in a subgroup of C+ and also in a small group of C- patients. We consider that sEpCAM levels in different tumor entities and individual patients should be evaluated prior to applying anti-EpCAM antibody-based cancer therapies, since sEpCAM neutralizes catumaxomab activity, making therapy less efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Seeber
- Experimental Oncogenomics, Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Oncotyrol - Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Agnieszka Martowicz
- Experimental Oncogenomics, Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Division of Vascular Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gilbert Spizzo
- Experimental Oncogenomics, Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Oncotyrol - Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Hemato-Oncological Day Hospital, Hospital of Merano, Merano, Italy.
| | - Thomas Buratti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Merano, Merano, Italy.
| | - Peter Obrist
- Pathology Laboratory, Hospital of Zams, Zams, Austria.
| | - Dominic Fong
- Experimental Oncogenomics, Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Hemato-Oncological Day Hospital, Hospital of Merano, Merano, Italy.
| | - Guenther Gastl
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Gerold Untergasser
- Experimental Oncogenomics, Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Oncotyrol - Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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14
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Zhou Y, Gou LT, Guo ZH, Liu HR, Wang JM, Zhou SX, Yang JL, Li XA. Fully human HER2/cluster of differentiation 3 bispecific antibody triggers potent and specific cytotoxicity of T lymphocytes against breast cancer. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:147-54. [PMID: 25760691 PMCID: PMC4438947 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of a bispecific antibody (BsAb) is a promising and highly specific approach to cancer therapy. In the present study, a fully human recombinant single chain variable fragment BsAb against human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2 and cluster of differentiation (CD)3 was constructed with the aim of developing an effective treatment for breast cancer. HER2/CD3 BsAb was expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells and purified via nickel column chromatography. Flow cytometry revealed that the HER2/CD3 BsAb was able to specifically bind to HER2 and CD3-positive cells. HER2/CD3 BsAb was able to stimulate T-cell activation and induce the lysis of cultured SKBR-3 and BT474 cells in the presence of unstimulated T lymphocytes. HER2/CD3 BsAb efficiently inhibited the growth of breast cancer tissue by activating and inducing the proliferation of tumor tissue infiltrating lymphocytes. Therefore, HER2/CD3 BsAb is a potent tool which may be a suitable candidate for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Gastroenterology Tumor and Microenvironment Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Lan-Tu Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Hui Guo
- Gastroenterology Tumor and Microenvironment Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Rong Liu
- Gastroenterology Tumor and Microenvironment Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jiang-Man Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Xian Zhou
- Gastroenterology Tumor and Microenvironment Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Liang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-An Li
- Gastroenterology Tumor and Microenvironment Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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15
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Armeanu-Ebinger S, Hoh A, Wenz J, Fuchs J. Targeting EpCAM (CD326) for immunotherapy in hepatoblastoma. Oncoimmunology 2014; 2:e22620. [PMID: 23482411 PMCID: PMC3583930 DOI: 10.4161/onci.22620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common liver cancer in children. Recurrence of HB after chemotherapy and surgery is frequent among high-risk patients and is associated with chemoresistance. Immunotherapy may improve poor treatment outcomes in HB patients. Cytotoxic leukocytes of the innate and adaptive immune system including different populations of cytotoxic T cells play a major role in fighting developing tumors. In this setting, monoclonal antibodies may be employed to specifically direct immune responses toward tumor cells. We addressed this issue by using humanized antibodies that recognize the cell surface molecule EpCAM (CD326, overexpressed in hepatic tumor cells) to enhance immune responses against HB. EpCAM was constantly expressed on HB cells and its expression was independent of previous therapy based on the DNA-damaging agent cisplatin. Co-culture assays performed with two well-described HB cell lines and tumor tissue cultures demonstrated that tumor cell lysis by γδ T cells can be dramatically augmented by applying EpCAM-specific monoclonal antibodies. These data emphasize the value of antitumor immune responses and encourage adapting immunotherapeutic regimens to improve the outcome of high risk HB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorin Armeanu-Ebinger
- Department of Paediatric Surgery and Urology; University Children's Hospital; Tuebingen, Germany
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16
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Friedrich M, Henn A, Raum T, Bajtus M, Matthes K, Hendrich L, Wahl J, Hoffmann P, Kischel R, Kvesic M, Slootstra JW, Baeuerle PA, Kufer P, Rattel B. Preclinical characterization of AMG 330, a CD3/CD33-bispecific T-cell-engaging antibody with potential for treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia. Mol Cancer Ther 2014; 13:1549-57. [PMID: 24674885 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is high demand for novel therapeutic options for patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). One possible approach is the bispecific T-cell-engaging (BiTE, a registered trademark of Amgen) antibody AMG 330 with dual specificity for CD3 and the sialic acid-binding lectin CD33 (SIGLEC-3), which is frequently expressed on the surface of AML blasts and leukemic stem cells. AMG 330 binds with low nanomolar affinity to CD33 and CD3ε of both human and cynomolgus monkey origin. Eleven human AML cell lines expressing between 14,400 and 56,700 CD33 molecules per cell were all potently lysed with EC(50) values ranging between 0.4 pmol/L and 3 pmol/L (18-149 pg/mL) by previously resting, AMG 330-redirected T cells. Complete lysis was achieved after 40 hours of incubation. In the presence of AML cells, AMG 330 specifically induced expression of CD69 and CD25 as well as release of IFN-γ, TNF, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, and IL-6. Ex vivo, AMG 330 mediated autologous depletion of CD33-positive cells from cynomolgous monkey bone marrow aspirates. Soluble CD33 at concentrations found in bone marrow of patients with AML did not significantly affect activities of AMG 330. Neoexpression of CD33 on newly activated T cells was negligible as it was limited to 6% of T cells in only three out of ten human donors tested. Daily intravenous administration with as low as 0.002 mg/kg AMG 330 significantly prolonged survival of immunodeficient mice adoptively transferred with human MOLM-13 AML cells and human T cells. AMG 330 warrants further development as a potential therapy for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Friedrich
- Authors' Affiliations: Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany; and Pepscan Presto, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Anja Henn
- Authors' Affiliations: Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany; and Pepscan Presto, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Tobias Raum
- Authors' Affiliations: Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany; and Pepscan Presto, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Monika Bajtus
- Authors' Affiliations: Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany; and Pepscan Presto, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Katja Matthes
- Authors' Affiliations: Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany; and Pepscan Presto, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Larissa Hendrich
- Authors' Affiliations: Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany; and Pepscan Presto, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Joachim Wahl
- Authors' Affiliations: Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany; and Pepscan Presto, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick Hoffmann
- Authors' Affiliations: Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany; and Pepscan Presto, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Roman Kischel
- Authors' Affiliations: Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany; and Pepscan Presto, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Majk Kvesic
- Authors' Affiliations: Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany; and Pepscan Presto, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Jerry W Slootstra
- Authors' Affiliations: Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany; and Pepscan Presto, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick A Baeuerle
- Authors' Affiliations: Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany; and Pepscan Presto, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Kufer
- Authors' Affiliations: Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany; and Pepscan Presto, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Benno Rattel
- Authors' Affiliations: Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany; and Pepscan Presto, Lelystad, the Netherlands
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17
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Bryan RT, Shimwell NJ, Wei W, Devall AJ, Pirrie SJ, James ND, Zeegers MP, Cheng KK, Martin A, Ward DG. Urinary EpCAM in urothelial bladder cancer patients: characterisation and evaluation of biomarker potential. Br J Cancer 2013; 110:679-85. [PMID: 24292452 PMCID: PMC3915119 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial cell adhesion molecule is overexpressed in bladder tumours and released from bladder cancer cells in vitro. We test the hypotheses that urinary EpCAM could act as a biomarker for primary bladder cancer detection and risk stratification. METHODS Epithelial cell adhesion molecule was measured by ELISA in urine from 607 patients with primary bladder tumours and in urine from 53 non-cancer controls. Mann-Whitney tests and ROC analyses were used to determine statistical significance and discrimination between non-cancer controls and different stages and grades of disease. Multivariable modelling and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to determine prognostic significance. The structure of urinary EpCAM was investigated by western blotting and mass spectrometry. RESULTS Urinary EpCAM levels increase with stage and grade of bladder cancer. Alongside grade and stage, elevated urinary EpCAM is an independent indicator of poor prognosis with a hazard ratio of 1.76 for bladder cancer-specific mortality. The soluble form of EpCAM in urine is the extracellular domain generated by cleavage between ala243 and gly244. Further studies are required to define the influence of other urinary tract malignancies and benign urological conditions on urinary EpCAM. CONCLUSION The extracellular domain of EpCAM is shed into urine by bladder tumours. Urinary EpCAM is a strong indicator of bladder cancer-specific survival, and may be useful within a multi-marker panel for disease detection or as a stand-alone marker to prioritise the investigation and treatment of patients. The mechanisms and effects of EpCAM cleavage in bladder cancer are worthy of further investigation, and may identify novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- R T Bryan
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - N J Shimwell
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - W Wei
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - A J Devall
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - S J Pirrie
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - N D James
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - M P Zeegers
- 1] School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK [2] Department of Complex Genetics, Cluster of Genetics and Cell Biology, NUTRIM School for Nutrition, Toxicology and Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - K K Cheng
- School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - A Martin
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - D G Ward
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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18
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Biochemical and preliminary X-ray characterization of the tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 (Trop2) ectodomain. Protein Expr Purif 2013; 91:69-76. [PMID: 23872121 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Trop2 is a stem/progenitor cell marker, which is also upregulated in several human carcinomas. The largest part of the molecule, recognized by several monoclonal antibodies, is represented by the extracellular part (ectodomain) and is composed of three modules. The aim of our work was to prepare the ectodomain of Trop2 in quantities sufficient for structural and functional studies. We used the Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cell expression system to prepare the Trop2 ectodomain (Trop2EC) in two forms - wt glycosylated (gTrop2EC) and mutant non-glycosylated form (Trop2EC(Δ/N)). Recombinant protein was purified from cell culture supernatants using two subsequent nickel ion-affinity chromatographies with a final yield of 15-17mg of purified recombinant protein per liter of culture. Size-exclusion chromatography together with MALS and chemical crosslinking were used to demonstrate for the first time that the Trop2 ectodomain forms a dimer. Both gTrop2EC and Trop2EC(Δ/N) exhibit similar biochemical properties, however the solubility of Trop2EC(Δ/N) is much lower (less than 1mg/ml). For the purpose of structural studies, we crystallized the glycosylated form gTrop2EC. The native dataset was collected with a resolution of 2.94Å and will be used in ongoing work for phasing and structure solution to further understand the role of Trop2 and the structure-function relation between Trop2 and the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM).
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19
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Schnell U, Cirulli V, Giepmans BNG. EpCAM: structure and function in health and disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2013; 1828:1989-2001. [PMID: 23618806 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Injection of tumor cells in mice more than 30 years ago resulted in the discovery of an epithelial antigen, later defined as a cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Although EpCAM has since evoked significant interest as a target in cancer therapy, mechanistic insights on the functions of this glycoprotein have been emerging only very recently. This may have been caused by the multitude of functions attributed to the glycoprotein, its localization at different subcellular sites and complex posttranslational modifications. Here, we review how EpCAM modifies cell-cell contact adhesion strength and tissue plasticity, and how it regulates cell proliferation and differentiation. Major knowledge derived from human diseases will be highlighted: Mutant EpCAM that is absent from the cell surface leads to fatal intestinal abnormalities (congenital tufting enteropathy). EpCAM-mediated cell proliferation in cancer may result from signaling (i) via regulated intramembrane proteolysis and/or (ii) the localization and association with binding partners in specialized membrane microdomains. New insight in EpCAM signaling will help to develop optimized cancer therapies and open new avenues in the field of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Schnell
- Dept. of Cell Biology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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20
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Abstract
EpCAM [epithelial cell adhesion molecule; CD326 (cluster of differentiation 326)] is highly expressed on epithelium-derived tumours and can play a role in cell proliferation. Recently, RIP (regulated intramembrane proteolysis) has been implicated as the trigger for EpCAM-mediated proliferative signalling. However, RIP does not explain all EpCAM-derived protein fragments. To shed light on how proteolytic cleavage is involved in EpCAM signalling, we characterized the protein biochemically using antibodies binding to three different EpCAM domains. Using a newly generated anti-EpCAM antibody, we find that EpCAM can be cleaved at multiple positions within its ectodomain in addition to described peptides, revealing that EpCAM is processed via distinct proteolytic pathways. Here, we report on four new peptides, but also discuss the previously described cleavage products to provide a comprehensive picture of EpCAM cleavage at multiple positions. The complex regulation of EpCAM might not only result in the absence of full-length EpCAM, but the newly formed EpCAM-derived proteins may have their own signalling properties.
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21
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Hoh A, Dewerth A, Vogt F, Wenz J, Baeuerle PA, Warmann SW, Fuchs J, Armeanu-Ebinger S. The activity of γδ T cells against paediatric liver tumour cells and spheroids in cell culture. Liver Int 2013; 33:127-36. [PMID: 23088518 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemoresistance and advanced tumour stage at time of diagnosis are the major reasons for poor treatment results in hepatoblastoma (HB) and paediatric hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Positive results with transplantation of liver and bone marrow revealed the impact of the immune system on the treatment of liver malignancies. AIM Cytotoxic-immune-cells-like natural killer (NK) and T cells are major player in the defence against developing tumours. This study aimed to specifically analyse the ability of ex-vivo expanded γδ T cells to recognise and lyse HB and HCC cell lines in coculture assays. METHODS Cell viability after treatment with γδ T cells was evaluated with two HB (HUH6 and HepT1) and one HCC cell line (HC-AFW1) using a MTT-based cytotoxicity assay. The binding of T cells to target cells was monitored using immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS Incubation of hepatic tumour cell lines with γδ T cells led to a significant decrease in tumour cell viability. This was enhanced by zoledronic acid and histone deacetylase inhibitors. MT110, an EpCAM/CD3-bispecific BiTE antibody could bluntly enhance tumour cell lysis close to completion. γδ T cells efficiently interacted with HB and HCC cells in a spheroid culture model. CONCLUSION Bispecific antibodies such as MT110 might be used to intensify the antitumoural effect of γδ T cells in context of adoptive immune cell transfer. Optimised immunotherapeutic strategies might therefore improve the outcome of high risk hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Bispecific/pharmacology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- CD3 Complex/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Survival
- Coculture Techniques
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Diphosphonates/pharmacology
- Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule
- Hepatoblastoma/immunology
- Hepatoblastoma/pathology
- Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Humans
- Imidazoles/pharmacology
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/immunology
- Single-Chain Antibodies/pharmacology
- Spheroids, Cellular
- T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Zoledronic Acid
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hoh
- Department of Paediatric Surgery and Urology, University Childreǹs Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
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22
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Schmetzer O, Moldenhauer G, Nicolaou A, Schlag P, Riesenberg R, Pezzutto A. Detection of circulating tumor-associated antigen depends on the domains recognized by the monoclonal antibodies used: N-terminal trimmed EpCAM-levels are much higher than untrimmed forms. Immunol Lett 2012; 143:184-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Revised: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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