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Hanna GJ, Stathis A, Lopez-Miranda E, Racca F, Quon D, Leyvraz S, Hess D, Keam B, Rodon J, Ahn MJ, Kim HR, Schneeweiss A, Ribera JM, DeAngelo D, Perez Garcia JM, Cortes J, Schönborn-Kellenberger O, Weber D, Pisa P, Bauer M, Beni L, Bobadilla M, Lehal R, Vigolo M, Vogl FD, Garralda E. A Phase I Study of the Pan-Notch Inhibitor CB-103 for Patients with Advanced Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and Other Tumors. Cancer Res Commun 2023; 3:1853-1861. [PMID: 37712875 PMCID: PMC10501326 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE CB-103 selectively inhibits the CSL-NICD (Notch intracellular domain) interaction leading to transcriptional downregulation of oncogenic Notch pathway activation. This dose-escalation/expansion study aimed to determine safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor activity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Patients ≥18 years of age with selected advanced solid tumors [namely, adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC)] and hematologic malignancies were eligible. CB-103 was dosed orally in cycles of 28 days at escalating doses until disease progression. Notch-activating mutations were required in a dose confirmatory cohort. Endpoints included dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), safety, tumor response, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Exploratory analyses focused on correlates of Notch and target gene expression. RESULTS Seventy-nine patients (64, 12 dose-escalation cohorts; 15, confirmatory cohort) enrolled with 54% receiving two or more lines of prior therapy. ACC was the dominant tumor type (40, 51%). Two DLTs were observed [elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), visual change]; recommended phase II dose was declared as 500 mg twice daily (5 days on, 2 days off weekly). Grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 15 patients (19%), including elevated liver function tests (LFTs), anemia, and visual changes. Five (6%) discontinued drug for toxicity; with no drug-related deaths. There were no objective responses, but 37 (49%) had stable disease; including 23 of 40 (58%) patients with ACC. In the ACC cohort, median progression-free survival was 2.5 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.5-3.7] and median overall survival was 18.4 months (95% CI, 6.3-not reached). CONCLUSIONS CB-103 had a manageable safety profile and biological activity but limited clinical antitumor activity as monotherapy in this first-in-human study. SIGNIFICANCE CB-103 is a novel oral pan-Notch inhibitor that selectively blocks the CSL-NICD interaction leading to transcriptional downregulation of oncogenic Notch pathway activation. This first-in-human dose-escalation and -confirmation study aimed to determine the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor efficacy of CB-103. We observed a favorable safety profile with good tolerability and biological activity but limited clinical single-agent antitumor activity. Some disease stabilization was observed among an aggressive NOTCH-mutant ACC type-I subgroup where prognosis is poor and therapies are critically needed. Peripheral downregulation of select Notch target gene levels was observed with escalating doses. Future studies exploring CB-103 should enrich for patients with NOTCH-mutant ACC and investigate rational combinatorial approaches in tumors where there is limited success with investigational or approved drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn J. Hanna
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center for Head and Neck Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anastasios Stathis
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Fabricio Racca
- IOB – Institute of Oncology Barcelona and Madrid, Hospital Quironsalud-Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Doris Quon
- Sarcoma Oncology Research Center, Santa Monica, California
| | - Serge Leyvraz
- Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dagmar Hess
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Bhumsuk Keam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of South Korea
| | - Jordi Rodon
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Myung-Ju Ahn
- Samsung Medical Center Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of South Korea
| | - Hye Ryun Kim
- Severance Hospital – Yonsei Cancer Center, Seoul, Republic of South Korea
| | - Andreas Schneeweiss
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Josep-Maria Ribera
- Institut Català d'Oncologia (Catalan Institute of Oncology [ICO]), Josep Carreras Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel DeAngelo
- Division of Leukemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jose Manuel Perez Garcia
- International Breast Cancer Center (IBCC), Pangaea Oncology, Quiron Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Medica Scientia Innovation Research, Barcelona, Spain
- Medica Scientia Innovation Research, Ridgewood, New Jersey
| | - Javier Cortes
- International Breast Cancer Center (IBCC), Pangaea Oncology, Quiron Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Medica Scientia Innovation Research, Barcelona, Spain
- Medica Scientia Innovation Research, Ridgewood, New Jersey
| | | | - Dirk Weber
- Cellestia Biotech AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pavel Pisa
- piMedConsulting Ltd, Gersau, Switzerland
| | | | - Laura Beni
- Cellestia Biotech AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Raj Lehal
- Cellestia Biotech AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Elena Garralda
- Early Drug Development Unit, Clinical Research Program, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Oncology (VHIO) and Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (HUVH), Barcelona, Spain
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Vigolo M, Urech C, Lamy S, Monticone G, Zabaleta J, Hossain F, Wyczechowska D, Del Valle L, O’Regan RM, Miele L, Lehal R, Majumder S. The Efficacy of CB-103, a First-in-Class Transcriptional Notch Inhibitor, in Preclinical Models of Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3957. [PMID: 37568775 PMCID: PMC10416998 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of CB-103 was evaluated in preclinical models of both ER+ and TNBC. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of combining CB-103 with fulvestrant in ER+ BC and paclitaxel in TNBC was determined. METHODS CB-103 was screened in combination with a panel of anti-neoplastic drugs. We evaluated the anti-tumor activity of CB-103 with fulvestrant in ESR1-mutant (Y537S), endocrine-resistant BC xenografts. In the same model, we examined anti-CSC activity in mammosphere formation assays for CB-103 alone or in combination with fulvestrant or palbociclib. We also evaluated the effect of CB-103 plus paclitaxel on primary tumors and CSC in a GSI-resistant TNBC model HCC1187. Comparisons between groups were performed with a two-sided unpaired Students' t-test. A one-way or two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-analysis was performed to analyze the in vivo efficacy study results. THE RESULTS CB-103 showed synergism with fulvestrant in ER+ cells and paclitaxel in TNBC cells. CB-103 combined with fulvestrant or paclitaxel potently inhibited mammosphere formation in both models. Combination of CB-103 and fulvestrant significantly reduced tumor volume in an ESR1-mutant, the endocrine-resistant BC model. In a GSI-resistant TNBC model, CB-103 plus paclitaxel significantly delayed tumor growth compared to paclitaxel alone. CONCLUSION our data indicate that CB-103 is an attractive candidate for clinical investigation in endocrine-resistant, recurrent breast cancers with biomarker-confirmed Notch activity in combination with SERDs and/or CDKis and in TNBCs with biomarker-confirmed Notch activity in combination with taxane-containing chemotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Vigolo
- Cellestia Biotech AG, 4057 Basel, Switzerland; (M.V.); (C.U.); (S.L.)
| | - Charlotte Urech
- Cellestia Biotech AG, 4057 Basel, Switzerland; (M.V.); (C.U.); (S.L.)
| | - Sebastien Lamy
- Cellestia Biotech AG, 4057 Basel, Switzerland; (M.V.); (C.U.); (S.L.)
| | - Giulia Monticone
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (G.M.); (F.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Jovanny Zabaleta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Fokhrul Hossain
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (G.M.); (F.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Dorota Wyczechowska
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Luis Del Valle
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Ruth M. O’Regan
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (G.M.); (F.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Rajwinder Lehal
- Cellestia Biotech AG, 4057 Basel, Switzerland; (M.V.); (C.U.); (S.L.)
| | - Samarpan Majumder
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (G.M.); (F.H.); (L.M.)
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Medinger M, Junker T, Heim D, Tzankov A, Jermann PM, Bobadilla M, Vigolo M, Lehal R, Vogl FD, Bauer M, Passweg J. CB‐103: A novel CSL‐NICD inhibitor for the treatment of NOTCH‐driven T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A case report of complete clinical response in a patient with relapsed and refractory T‐ALL. eJHaem 2022; 3:1009-1012. [PMID: 36051082 PMCID: PMC9421963 DOI: 10.1002/jha2.510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Relapsed T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL) has a very poor prognosis. A 24‐year‐old patient with relapsed high‐risk T‐ALL (PTEN gene deletion; NOTCH1 mutation), was treated with the NOTCH inhibitor CB‐103. Within 1 week of starting CB‐103, the bone marrow was free of T‐ALL blast infiltration (MRD+) and successfully underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Sequential samples of ctDNA to monitor the disease after allo‐HSCT showed a decrease of circulating Notch1 and PTEN alterations. This is the first T‐ALL patient treated with CB‐103. The observed clinical response encourages further exploration of CB‐103 in ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Medinger
- Department of Hematology University Hospital Basel Basel Switzerland
- University Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Till Junker
- Department of Hematology University Hospital Basel Basel Switzerland
- University Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Dominik Heim
- Department of Hematology University Hospital Basel Basel Switzerland
- University Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Alexandar Tzankov
- University Basel Basel Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology University Hospital Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Philip M. Jermann
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology University Hospital Basel Basel Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jakob Passweg
- Department of Hematology University Hospital Basel Basel Switzerland
- University Basel Basel Switzerland
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Vigolo M, Urech C, Lamy S, Majumder S, Miele L, Lehal R. Abstract 408: Development of a first-in-class notch transcription factor inhibitor CB-103 to overcome resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Cancer Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2022-408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Human cancers possess striking ability to develop resistance to Standard of Care (SoC) designed to target specific hallmarks of cancer. This capability to develop resistance is in part due to cancer cell’s ability to activate alternative pathways and modulate tumor microenvironment to enhance cell survival, evade cell death and immunosurveillance. One such mechanism of developing resistance to SoC is the activation of the NOTCH pathway. NOTCH signaling is a developmental pathway which is known to be activated in several human cancers as a key oncogenic hit. In addition to its role as an oncogenic driver, activation of NOTCH is also known to induce resistance to several anti-cancer therapeutics in breast cancer and colorectal cancer. NOTCH signaling is known to cooperate with parallel oncogenic signals to impede activity of several drugs as a single agent. Previous agents targeting the NOTCH pathway upstream of the transcription complex were halted early in clinical development due to dose-limiting toxicities.Here we report activity of a novel first-in-class clinical stage CSL-NICD inhibitor in a panel of cell lines, xenograft and PDX models of human cancers in combination with several chemo and targeted therapies. Guided by in vitro and in vivo studies pre-clinical studies, CB-103 is currently being investigated in clinical trials as a single agent and in combination with SoC. Preliminary pre-clinical and clinical data shows desirable safety and efficacy profile of CB-103 enabling clinical development in combination with several therapeutic agents.
Citation Format: Michele Vigolo, Charlotte Urech, Sebastien Lamy, Samarpan Majumder, Lucio Miele, Rajwinder Lehal. Development of a first-in-class notch transcription factor inhibitor CB-103 to overcome resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 408.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lucio Miele
- 2Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA
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5
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Smulski CR, Zhang L, Burek M, Teixidó Rubio A, Briem JS, Sica MP, Sevdali E, Vigolo M, Willen L, Odermatt P, Istanbullu D, Herr S, Cavallari M, Hess H, Rizzi M, Eibel H, Schneider P. Ligand-independent oligomerization of TACI is controlled by the transmembrane domain and regulates proliferation of activated B cells. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110583. [PMID: 35354034 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In mature B cells, TACI controls class-switch recombination and differentiation into plasma cells during T cell-independent antibody responses. TACI binds the ligands BAFF and APRIL. Approximately 10% of patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) carry TACI mutations, of which A181E and C172Y are in the transmembrane domain. Residues A181 and C172 are located on distinct sides of the transmembrane helix, which is predicted by molecular modeling to spontaneously assemble into trimers and dimers. In human B cells, these mutations impair ligand-dependent (C172Y) and -independent (A181E) TACI multimerization and signaling, as well as TACI-enhanced proliferation and/or IgA production. Genetic inactivation of TACI in primary human B cells impaired survival of CpG-activated cells in the absence of ligand. These results identify the transmembrane region of TACI as an active interface for TACI multimerization in signal transduction, in particular for ligand-independent signals. These functions are perturbed by CVID-associated mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian R Smulski
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland; Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Department of Rheumatology and Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Medical Physics Department, Centro Atómico Bariloche, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida E- Bustillo 9500, R8402AGP Río Negro, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
| | - Luyao Zhang
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Department of Rheumatology and Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Malte Burek
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Department of Rheumatology and Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ariadna Teixidó Rubio
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Department of Rheumatology and Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jana-Susann Briem
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Department of Rheumatology and Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mauricio P Sica
- Medical Physics Department, Centro Atómico Bariloche, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida E- Bustillo 9500, R8402AGP Río Negro, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina; Instituto de Energía y Desarrollo Sustentable, Centro Atómico Bariloche, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida E- Bustillo 9500, R8402AGP Río Negro, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Eirini Sevdali
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Department of Rheumatology and Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michele Vigolo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Laure Willen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Odermatt
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Department of Rheumatology and Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Duygu Istanbullu
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Department of Rheumatology and Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Herr
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Department of Rheumatology and Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marco Cavallari
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Marta Rizzi
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Department of Rheumatology and Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Eibel
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Department of Rheumatology and Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland.
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Sabol HM, Ferrari AJ, Adhikari M, Amorim T, McAndrews K, Anderson J, Vigolo M, Lehal R, Cregor M, Khan S, Cuevas PL, Helms JA, Kurihara N, Srinivasan V, Ebetino FH, Boeckman RK, Roodman GD, Bellido T, Delgado-Calle J. Targeting Notch inhibitors to the myeloma bone marrow niche decreases tumor growth and bone destruction without gut toxicity. Cancer Res 2021; 81:5102-5114. [PMID: 34348968 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Systemic inhibition of Notch with γ-secretase inhibitors (GSI) decreases multiple myeloma (MM) tumor growth, but the clinical use of GSI is limited due to its severe gastrointestinal toxicity. In this study, we generated a GSI Notch inhibitor specifically directed to the bone (BT-GSI). BT-GSI administration decreased Notch target gene expression in the bone marrow, but it did not alter Notch signaling in intestinal tissue or induce gut toxicity. In mice with established human or murine MM, treatment with BT-GSI decreased tumor burden and prevented the progression of MM-induced osteolytic disease by inhibiting bone resorption more effectively than unconjugated GSI at equimolar doses. These findings show that BT-GSI has dual anti-myeloma and anti-restorative properties, supporting the therapeutic approach of bone-targeted Notch inhibition for the treatment of MM and associated bone disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley M Sabol
- Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
| | - Adam J Ferrari
- Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Manish Adhikari
- Phyiology and Cell Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
| | - Tânia Amorim
- Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | | | - Judith Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Indiana University Bloomington
| | | | | | - Meloney Cregor
- Phyiology and Biophysics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
| | - Sharmin Khan
- Phyiology and Cell Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
| | - Pedro L Cuevas
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Jill A Helms
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Teresita Bellido
- Phyiology and Cell Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
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Lopez Miranda E, Stathis A, Hess D, Racca F, Quon D, Rodon J, Saavedra Santa Gadea O, Perez Garcia JM, Nuciforo P, Vivancos A, Cortes J, Ferrarotto R, Schönborn-Kellenberger O, Vigolo M, Bobadilla M, Beni L, Lehal R, Bauer MP, Vogl FD, Garralda E. Phase 1 study of CB-103, a novel first-in-class inhibitor of the CSL-NICD gene transcription factor complex in human cancers. J Clin Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.3020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
3020 Background: CB-103 selectively inhibits the CSL-NICD interaction leading to down-regulation of CSL-NICD mediated oncogenic pathway activation downstream of NOTCH receptor/ligand signaling, and has shown potent anti-cancer activity as single agent and in combination with targeted/chemotherapies in preclinical models. The aim of this dose escalation/expansion phase 1/2a study is to assess safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), preliminary activity, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of CB-103. Methods: Eligible were adult patients (pts) with advanced or recurrent selected solid tumors. Tumor tissue, where available, was retrospectively tested for NOTCH pathway activating mutations and surrogate tissues were evaluated for gene expression of related target genes. CB-103 was given orally in 28 days cycles at escalating doses until disease progression or toxicity. In a dose confirmatory cohort, NOTCH activation will be prospectively assessed to determine eligibility. Results: Forty-one pts (19 adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), 16 colorectal and 4 breast cancer, 2 prostate cancer) were assigned to increasing dose levels starting from 15mg once daily (OD). Median age was 55 years (range 25-76). Median number of prior lines of therapy was 2 (range 0-7). Thirty-two pts in 8 escalation groups completed the 28-day DLT window. One DLT (asymptomatic grade (G) 3 GGT increase) was observed at the highest dose (600mg). Related treatment emergent adverse events (AE) occurring in >10% of pts were nausea (24%), diarrhea (20%), dyspepsia (15%), fatigue (12%) and vision blurred (12%), all G 1/2. No discontinuations occurred due to treatment-related AEs. The MTD has not been reached. Several pts reported vision changes that improved over time and were fully reversible after stopping the drug. Median time on treatment for all pts was 52 days (range 5-249). Best response was stable disease (SD). For ACC pts, preliminary median PFS was 21.7 weeks (95% confidence interval (CI) 13.7-22.4 weeks) and disease control rate (DCR) was 79% at week 8 and 58 % at week 20. Three pts with ACC harboring activating NOTCH alterations had radiologically confirmed stable disease (SD) > 6 months. Importantly, in 3 pts with NOTCH positive disease a temporary stop of tumor growth was observed. One pt showed a reduction in size of a liver lesion up to 25% before progression due to new lesions. Mechanistically, strong on-treatment downregulation of NOTCH target genes was observed. The dose of 600mg CB-103 OD was declared the RP2D. Conclusions: CB-103 is the first drug to effectively control the CSL-NICD transcription complex. CB-103 is well tolerated in pts with advanced tumors and, as expected on the basis of mechanistic studies, in the absence of the typical toxicities associated with Notch targeting GSIs or mABs. The RP2D has been established for advancing clinical development into phase 2. Clinical trial information: NCT03422679.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dagmar Hess
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Fabricio Racca
- IOB–Institute of Oncology Barcelona and Madrid, Hospital Quironsalud Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Doris Quon
- Sarcoma Oncology Research Center, Santa Monica, CA
| | - Jordi Rodon
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | | | - Paolo Nuciforo
- Molecular Oncology Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Vivancos
- Cancer Genomics, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Cortes
- IOB Institute of Oncology, Quironsalud Group and Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Renata Ferrarotto
- Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | | | | | - Laura Beni
- Cellestia Biotech AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Elena Garralda
- Early Drug Development Unit (UITM), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Oncology (VHIO) and Medical Oncology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital (HUVH), Barcelona, Spain
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Kowalczyk-Quintas C, Willen D, Willen L, Golob M, Schuepbach-Mallepell S, Peter B, Eslami M, Vigolo M, Broly H, Samy E, Yalkinoglu Ö, Schneider P. No interactions between heparin and atacicept, an antagonist of B cell survival cytokines. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:4019-4033. [PMID: 31355456 PMCID: PMC6811742 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose The TNF family ligands, B cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF, also known as B lymphocyte stimulator, BLyS) and a proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL), share the transmembrane activator and calcium‐modulator and cyclophilin ligand (CAML)‐interactor (TACI) as one of their common receptors. Atacicept, a chimeric recombinant TACI/IgG1‐Fc fusion protein, inhibits both ligands. TACI and APRIL also bind to proteoglycans and to heparin that is structurally related to proteoglycans. It is unknown whether the portion of TACI contained in atacicept can bind directly to proteoglycans, or indirectly via APRIL, and whether this could interfere with the anti‐coagulant properties of heparin. Experimental Approach Binding of atacicept and APRIL to proteoglycan‐positive cells was measured by FACS. Activities of heparin and atacicept were measured with activated factor Xa inhibition and cell‐based assays. Effects of heparin on circulating atacicept was monitored in mice. Key Results Atacicept did not bind to proteoglycan‐positive cells, but when complexed to APRIL could do so indirectly via APRIL. Multimers of atacicept obtained after exposure to cysteine or BAFF 60‐mer bound directly to proteoglycans. Atacicept alone, or in complex with APRIL, or in a multimeric form did not interfere with heparin activity in vitro. Conversely, heparin did not influence inhibition of BAFF and APRIL by atacicept and did not change circulating levels of atacicept. Conclusions and Implications Lack of detectable interference of APRIL‐bound or free atacicept on heparin activity makes it unlikely that atacicept at therapeutic doses will interfere with the function of heparin in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela Willen
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, Global Early Development, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Laure Willen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Golob
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, Global Early Development, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Benjamin Peter
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Mahya Eslami
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Michele Vigolo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Hervé Broly
- Biotech Process Sciences, Merck KGaA, Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland
| | - Eileen Samy
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Özkan Yalkinoglu
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, Global Early Development, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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9
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Kowalczyk-Quintas C, Chevalley D, Willen L, Jandus C, Vigolo M, Schneider P. Inhibition of Membrane-Bound BAFF by the Anti-BAFF Antibody Belimumab. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2698. [PMID: 30524439 PMCID: PMC6256835 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
B cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF, also known as BLyS), a cytokine that regulates homeostasis of peripheral B cells, is elevated in the circulation of patients with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). BAFF is synthetized as a membrane-bound protein that can be processed to a soluble form after cleavage at a furin consensus sequence, a site that in principle can be recognized by any of the several proteases of the pro-protein convertase family. Belimumab is a human antibody approved for the treatment of SLE, often cited as specific for the soluble form of BAFF. Here we show in different experimental systems, including in a monocytic cell line (U937) that naturally expresses BAFF, that belimumab binds to membrane-bound BAFF with similar EC50 as the positive control atacicept, which is a decoy receptor for both BAFF and the related cytokine APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand). In U937 cells, binding of both reagents was only detectable in furin-deficient U937 cells, showing that furin is the main BAFF processing protease in these cells. In CHO cells expressing membrane-bound BAFF lacking the stalk region, belimumab inhibited the activity of membrane-bound BAFF less efficiently than atacicept, while in furin-deficient U937 cells, belimumab inhibited membrane-bound BAFF and residual soluble BAFF as efficiently as atacicept. These reagents did not activate complement or antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity upon binding to membrane-bound BAFF in vitro. In conclusion, our data show that belimumab can inhibit membrane-bound BAFF, and that BAFF in U937 cells is processed by furin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dehlia Chevalley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laure Willen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Camilla Jandus
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michele Vigolo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Lehal R, Urech C, Vigolo M, Murone M, Radtke F. Abstract 5799: Characterization and profiling of CB-103, a novel small-molecule protein-protein interaction inhibitor targeting the NOTCH transcription complex. Cancer Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2018-5799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
NOTCH signalling is a key development pathway whose aberrant activation is known to play a role in multiple human cancers. In human tumors the NOTCH pathway can be activated by various genetic lesions such over expression of ligands/receptors, GOF mutations in NOTCH receptors, including protein stabilizing mutations in the PEST domain of NOTCH, chromosomal translocations, or loss-of-function mutations in the E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXW7 and other negative regulators of the pathway (SPEN, NUMB). Activation of signalling due to above mentioned mechanisms can be addressed in part using blocking antibodies against NOTCH ligands/receptors or small molecule inhibitors of the gamma secretase enzyme (GSIs). However, in human tumors where NOTCH signalling is constitutively activated due to chromosomal translocations in the NOTCH receptors (NOTCH1 and 2), none of the above-mentioned strategies will be effective. Moreover, due to on-target and off-target toxicities associated with blocking antibodies and GSIs, these anti-NOTCH agents failed to advance in clinical trials, although some of them showed signs of clinical efficacy. Given the role of NOTCH signalling in human tumors, there is a need to identify novel targets in the NOTCH pathway and develop new and more selective anti-NOTCH agents. To inhibit pan-NOTCH signalling in human tumors independently of the mechanisms of NOTCH activation, and in the most downstream part of the pathway, we have previously reported the discovery of a new class of small molecules able to target the NOTCH transcription complex enabling the specific inhibition of NOTCH target gene expression (e.g. cMYC, HES1, DTX1, CCND1). These small molecules act as protein-protein interaction inhibitors, and thereby compromise the assembly of functional NOTCH transcription complex.
Here we present further in vitro and in vivo characterization of the lead molecule CB-103. The anti-cancer activity of CB-103 was extensively profiled in several human cancer cell lines representing NOTCH positive solid tumors, leukemias and lymphomas. Moreover, CB-103 responsiveness of these cell lines correlates with a downregulation of the NOTCH signature following treatment with CB-103. Specifically, we will present data outlining the in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of CB-103.
Citation Format: Rajwinder Lehal, Charlotte Urech, Michele Vigolo, Maximilien Murone, Freddy Radtke. Characterization and profiling of CB-103, a novel small-molecule protein-protein interaction inhibitor targeting the NOTCH transcription complex [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5799.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michele Vigolo
- 2Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Freddy Radtke
- 2Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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11
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Schneider H, Faschingbauer F, Schuepbach-Mallepell S, Körber I, Wohlfart S, Dick A, Wahlbuhl M, Kowalczyk-Quintas C, Vigolo M, Kirby N, Tannert C, Rompel O, Rascher W, Beckmann MW, Schneider P. Prenatal Correction of X-Linked Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia. N Engl J Med 2018; 378:1604-1610. [PMID: 29694819 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1714322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Genetic deficiency of ectodysplasin A (EDA) causes X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED), in which the development of sweat glands is irreversibly impaired, an condition that can lead to life-threatening hyperthermia. We observed normal development of mouse fetuses with Eda mutations after they had been exposed in utero to a recombinant protein that includes the receptor-binding domain of EDA. We administered this protein intraamniotically to two affected human twins at gestational weeks 26 and 31 and to a single affected human fetus at gestational week 26; the infants, born in week 33 (twins) and week 39 (singleton), were able to sweat normally, and XLHED-related illness had not developed by 14 to 22 months of age. (Funded by Edimer Pharmaceuticals and others.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Holm Schneider
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
| | - Florian Faschingbauer
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
| | - Sonia Schuepbach-Mallepell
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
| | - Iris Körber
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
| | - Sigrun Wohlfart
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
| | - Angela Dick
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
| | - Mandy Wahlbuhl
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
| | - Christine Kowalczyk-Quintas
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
| | - Michele Vigolo
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
| | - Neil Kirby
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
| | - Corinna Tannert
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
| | - Oliver Rompel
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
| | - Wolfgang Rascher
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
| | - Pascal Schneider
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (H.S., I.K., S.W., A.D., M.W., W.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.F., M.W.B.), and Radiology (O.R.), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Radiology Nienburg, Nienburg/Weser (C.T.) - both in Germany; the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (S.S.-M., C.K.-Q., M.V., P.S.); and Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Andover, MA (N.K.)
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12
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Vigolo M, Chambers MG, Willen L, Chevalley D, Maskos K, Lammens A, Tardivel A, Das D, Kowalczyk-Quintas C, Schuepbach-Mallepell S, Smulski CR, Eslami M, Rolink A, Hummler E, Samy E, Fomekong Nanfack Y, Mackay F, Liao M, Hess H, Jiang X, Schneider P. A loop region of BAFF controls B cell survival and regulates recognition by different inhibitors. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1199. [PMID: 29572442 PMCID: PMC5865128 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03323-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The B cell survival factor (TNFSF13B/BAFF) is often elevated in autoimmune diseases and is targeted in the clinic for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. BAFF contains a loop region designated the flap, which is dispensable for receptor binding. Here we show that the flap of BAFF has two functions. In addition to facilitating the formation of a highly active BAFF 60-mer as shown previously, it also converts binding of BAFF to TNFRSF13C (BAFFR) into a signaling event via oligomerization of individual BAFF-BAFFR complexes. Binding and activation of BAFFR can therefore be targeted independently to inhibit or activate the function of BAFF. Moreover, structural analyses suggest that the flap of BAFF 60-mer temporarily prevents binding of an anti-BAFF antibody (belimumab) but not of a decoy receptor (atacicept). The observed differences in profiles of BAFF inhibition may confer distinct biological and clinical efficacies to these therapeutically relevant inhibitors. BAFF is an important cytokine for B cell survival, and is a therapeutic target for autoimmune disorders. Here the authors show that a 'flap' region of BAFF converts BAFFR binding events into survival signals and, with structural data, that this ‘flap’ differentially modulates binding of drugs such as belimumab or atacicept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Vigolo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Melissa G Chambers
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Laure Willen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Dehlia Chevalley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Maskos
- Proteros Biostructures GmbH, 82152, Planegg, Germany
| | | | - Aubry Tardivel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Dolon Das
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Cristian R Smulski
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Mahya Eslami
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Antonius Rolink
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Edith Hummler
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eileen Samy
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA
| | | | - Fabienne Mackay
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Maofu Liao
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Xuliang Jiang
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland.
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13
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Haselmayer P, Vigolo M, Nys J, Schneider P, Hess H. A mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus responds better to soluble TACI than to soluble BAFFR, correlating with depletion of plasma cells. Eur J Immunol 2017; 47:1075-1085. [PMID: 28383107 PMCID: PMC5518279 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201746934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The TNF family cytokines B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) support plasma cell survival. It is known that inhibitors of BAFF only (BAFFR-Fc) or BAFF and APRIL (TACI-Fc) administered early enough in an NZB/NZW F1 mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) ameliorate clinical outcomes, pointing to a pathogenic role of BAFF. In the present study, TACI-Fc administrated at a later stage of disease, after onset of autoimmunity, decreased the number of bone marrow plasma cells and slowed down further formation of autoantibodies. TACI-Fc prevented renal damage during a 12-week treatment period regardless of autoantibody levels, while BAFFR-Fc did not despite a similar BAFF-blocking activity in vivo. TACI-Fc also decreased established plasma cells in a T-dependent hapten/carrier immunization system better than single inhibitors of BAFF or APRIL, and sometimes better than combined single inhibitors with at least equivalent BAFF and APRIL inhibitory activities. These results indicate that TACI-Fc can prevent symptoms of renal damage in a mouse model of SLE when BAFFR-Fc cannot, and point to a plasticity of plasma cells for survival factors. Targeting plasma cells with TACI-Fc might be beneficial to prevent autoantibody-mediated damages in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Haselmayer
- Department of Immunopharmacology, Immunology Translational Innovation Platform, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Michele Vigolo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Josquin Nys
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Henry Hess
- Department of Immunopharmacology, Immunology Translational Innovation Platform, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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14
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Podzus J, Kowalczyk-Quintas C, Schuepbach-Mallepell S, Willen L, Staehlin G, Vigolo M, Tardivel A, Headon D, Kirby N, Mikkola ML, Schneider H, Schneider P. Ectodysplasin A in Biological Fluids and Diagnosis of Ectodermal Dysplasia. J Dent Res 2016; 96:217-224. [PMID: 28106506 DOI: 10.1177/0022034516673562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family ligand ectodysplasin A (EDA) is produced as 2 full-length splice variants, EDA1 and EDA2, that bind to EDA receptor (EDAR) and X-linked EDA receptor (XEDAR/EDA2R), respectively. Inactivating mutations in Eda or Edar cause hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), a condition characterized by malformations of the teeth, hair and glands, with milder deficiencies affecting only the teeth. EDA acts early during the development of ectodermal appendages-as early as the embryonic placode stage-and plays a role in adult appendage function. In this study, the authors measured EDA in serum, saliva and dried blood spots. The authors detected 3- to 4-fold higher levels of circulating EDA in cord blood than in adult sera. A receptor binding-competent form of EDA1 was the main form of EDA but a minor fraction of EDA2 was also found in fetal bovine serum. Sera of EDA-deficient patients contained either background EDA levels or low levels of EDA that could not bind to recombinant EDAR. The serum of a patient with a V262F missense mutation in Eda, which caused a milder form of X-linked HED (XLHED), contained low levels of EDA capable of binding to EDAR. In 2 mildly affected carriers, intermediate levels of EDA were detected, whereas a severely affected carrier had no active EDA in the serum. Small amounts of EDA were also detectable in normal adult saliva. Finally, EDA could be measured in spots of wild-type adult or cord blood dried onto filter paper at levels significantly higher than that measured in EDA-deficient blood. Measurement of EDA levels combined with receptor-binding assays might be of relevance to aid in the diagnosis of total or partial EDA deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Podzus
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
| | - C Kowalczyk-Quintas
- 2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - L Willen
- 2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - G Staehlin
- 2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - M Vigolo
- 2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - A Tardivel
- 2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - D Headon
- 3 Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - N Kirby
- 4 Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA
| | - M L Mikkola
- 5 Developmental Biology Program, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Schneider
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
| | - P Schneider
- 2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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Kowalczyk-Quintas C, Schuepbach-Mallepell S, Vigolo M, Willen L, Tardivel A, Smulski CR, Zheng TS, Gommerman J, Hess H, Gottenberg JE, Mackay F, Donzé O, Schneider P. Antibodies That Block or Activate Mouse B Cell Activating Factor of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Family (BAFF), Respectively, Induce B Cell Depletion or B Cell Hyperplasia. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:19826-34. [PMID: 27451394 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.725929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
B cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF), also known as B lymphocyte stimulator, is a ligand required for the generation and maintenance of B lymphocytes. In this study, the ability of different monoclonal antibodies to recognize, inhibit, or activate mouse BAFF was investigated. One of them, a mouse IgG1 named Sandy-2, prevented the binding of BAFF to all of its receptors, BAFF receptor, transmembrane activator and calcium modulating ligand interactor, and B cell maturation antigen, at a stoichiometric ratio; blocked the activity of mouse BAFF on a variety of cell-based reporter assays; and antagonized the prosurvival action of BAFF on primary mouse B cells in vitro A single administration of Sandy-2 in mice induced B cell depletion within 2 weeks, down to levels close to those observed in BAFF-deficient mice. This depletion could then be maintained with a chronic treatment. Sandy-2 and a previously described rat IgG1 antibody, 5A8, also formed a pair suitable for the sensitive detection of endogenous circulating BAFF by ELISA or using a homogenous assay. Interestingly, 5A8 and Sandy-5 displayed activities opposite to that of Sandy-2 by stimulating recombinant BAFF in vitro and endogenous BAFF in vivo These tools will prove useful for the detection and functional manipulation of endogenous mouse BAFF and provide an alternative to the widely used BAFF receptor-Fc decoy receptor for the specific depletion of BAFF in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michele Vigolo
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Laure Willen
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Aubry Tardivel
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Cristian R Smulski
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Jennifer Gommerman
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | | | | | - Fabienne Mackay
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia, and
| | - Olivier Donzé
- Adipogen Life Sciences, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Schneider
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland,
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Haselmayer P, Vigolo M, Nys J, Schneider P, Hess H. THU0245 Individual versus Combined BLYs Or/and april Neutralization Reveals Developmental Plasticity for Plasma Cell Survival Factor Requirements. Ann Rheum Dis 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-eular.3215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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17
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Schuepbach-Mallepell S, Das D, Willen L, Vigolo M, Tardivel A, Lebon L, Kowalczyk-Quintas C, Nys J, Smulski C, Zheng TS, Maskos K, Lammens A, Jiang X, Hess H, Tan SL, Schneider P. Stoichiometry of Heteromeric BAFF and APRIL Cytokines Dictates Their Receptor Binding and Signaling Properties. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:16330-42. [PMID: 25953898 PMCID: PMC4481231 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.661405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The closely related TNF family ligands B cell activation factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) serve in the generation and maintenance of mature B-lymphocytes. Both BAFF and APRIL assemble as homotrimers that bind and activate several receptors that they partially share. However, heteromers of BAFF and APRIL that occur in patients with autoimmune diseases are incompletely characterized. The N and C termini of adjacent BAFF or APRIL monomers are spatially close and can be linked to create single-chain homo- or hetero-ligands of defined stoichiometry. Similar to APRIL, heteromers consisting of one BAFF and two APRILs (BAA) bind to the receptors B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI) but not to the BAFF receptor (BAFFR). Heteromers consisting of one APRIL and two BAFF (ABB) bind to TACI and BCMA and weakly to BAFFR in accordance with the analysis of the receptor interaction sites in the crystallographic structure of ABB. Receptor binding correlated with activity in reporter cell line assays specific for BAFFR, TACI, or BCMA. Single-chain BAFF (BBB) and to a lesser extent single-chain ABB, but not APRIL or single-chain BAA, rescued BAFFR-dependent B cell maturation in BAFF-deficient mice. In conclusion, BAFF-APRIL heteromers of different stoichiometries have distinct receptor-binding properties and activities. Based on the observation that heteromers are less active than BAFF, we speculate that their physiological role might be to down-regulate BAFF activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dolon Das
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Laure Willen
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Michele Vigolo
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Aubry Tardivel
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Luc Lebon
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Josquin Nys
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Cristian Smulski
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Klaus Maskos
- Proteros Biostructures GmbH, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | | | - Xuliang Jiang
- the EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, Massachusetts 01821
| | - Henry Hess
- a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, D-64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Seng-Lai Tan
- the EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, Massachusetts 01821
| | - Pascal Schneider
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland,
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