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Su PL, Chakravarthy K, Furuya N, Brownstein J, Yu J, Long M, Carbone D, Li Z, He K. DLL3-guided therapies in small-cell lung cancer: from antibody-drug conjugate to precision immunotherapy and radioimmunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:97. [PMID: 38730427 PMCID: PMC11084107 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02012-z] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
DLL3 acts as an inhibitory ligand that downregulates Notch signaling and is upregulated by ASCL1, a transcription factor prevalent in the small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) subtype SCLC-A. Currently, the therapeutic strategies targeting DLL3 are varied, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies. Although rovalpituzumab tesirine (Rova-T) showed promise in a phase II study, it failed to produce favorable results in subsequent phase III trials, leading to the cessation of its development. Conversely, DLL3-targeted BiTEs have garnered significant clinical interest. Tarlatamab, for instance, demonstrated enhanced response rates and progression-free survival compared to the standard of care in a phase II trial; its biologics license application (BLA) is currently under US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review. Numerous ongoing phase III studies aim to further evaluate tarlatamab's clinical efficacy, alongside the development of novel DLL3-targeted T-cell engagers, both bispecific and trispecific. CAR-T cell therapies targeting DLL3 have recently emerged and are undergoing various preclinical and early-phase clinical studies. Additionally, preclinical studies have shown promising efficacy for DLL3-targeted radiotherapy, which employs β-particle-emitting therapeutic radioisotopes conjugated to DLL3-targeting antibodies. DLL3-targeted therapies hold substantial potential for SCLC management. Future clinical trials will be crucial for comparing treatment outcomes among various approaches and exploring combination therapies to improve patient survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Lan Su
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 494 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Rd., North District, Tainan, 704, Taiwan
| | - Karthik Chakravarthy
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 494 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 460 W 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Naoki Furuya
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 494 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Jeremy Brownstein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 460 W 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Meixiao Long
- The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 460 W 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 460 W 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - David Carbone
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 494 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 460 W 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 494 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 460 W 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Kai He
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 494 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 460 W 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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2
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Tapia-Galisteo A, Sánchez-Rodríguez I, Narbona J, Iglesias-Hernández P, Aragón-García S, Jiménez-Reinoso A, Compte M, Khan S, Tsuda T, Chames P, Lacadena J, Álvarez-Vallina L, Sanz L. Combination of T cell-redirecting strategies with a bispecific antibody blocking TGF-β and PD-L1 enhances antitumor responses. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2338558. [PMID: 38623463 PMCID: PMC11018002 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2338558] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell-based immunotherapies for solid tumors have not achieved the clinical success observed in hematological malignancies, partially due to the immunosuppressive effect promoted by the tumor microenvironment, where PD-L1 and TGF-β play a pivotal role. However, durable responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors remain limited to a minority of patients, while TGF-β inhibitors have not reached the market yet. Here, we describe a bispecific antibody for dual blockade of PD-L1 and TFG-β, termed AxF (scFv)2, under the premise that combination with T cell redirecting strategies would improve clinical benefit. The AxF (scFv)2 antibody was well expressed in mammalian and yeast cells, bound both targets and inhibited dose-dependently the corresponding signaling pathways in luminescence-based cellular reporter systems. Moreover, combined treatment with trispecific T-cell engagers (TriTE) or CAR-T cells significantly boosted T cell activation status and cytotoxic response in breast, lung and colorectal (CRC) cancer models. Importantly, the combination of an EpCAMxCD3×EGFR TriTE with the AxF (scFv)2 delayed CRC tumor growth in vivo and significantly enhanced survival compared to monotherapy with the trispecific antibody. In summary, we demonstrated the feasibility of concomitant blockade of PD-L1 and TGF-β by a single molecule, as well as its therapeutic potential in combination with different T cell redirecting agents to overcome tumor microenvironment-mediated immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Tapia-Galisteo
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Immuno-oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñigo Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Narbona
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Iglesias-Hernández
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Saray Aragón-García
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anaïs Jiménez-Reinoso
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Immuno-oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Compte
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Madrid, Spain
| | - Shaukat Khan
- Nemours Children’s Health Delaware, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Takeshi Tsuda
- Nemours Children’s Health Delaware, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Patrick Chames
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institute Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Javier Lacadena
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Álvarez-Vallina
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Immuno-oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Rees MJ, Kumar S. BCMA-directed therapy, new treatments in the myeloma toolbox, and how to use them. Leuk Lymphoma 2024; 65:287-300. [PMID: 38354090 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2023.2284088] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
To address the dearth of therapeutic options available for relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), attention has shifted to immunotherapeutic strategies, with most products in development targeting the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). BCMA is a transmembrane receptor of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, essential for plasma cell survival and minimally expressed on non-hematopoietic tissues; it represents an ideal therapeutic target. Three categories of BCMA-directed therapies exist, with distinct strengths and weaknesses. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are immediately available with modest single-agent efficacy in RRMM, but deliverability is hampered by corneal toxicity. CAR T-cells are the most effective class but face significant logistical and financial barriers. Bispecific antibodies offer superior efficacy and tolerability compared to ADCs, but prolonged exposure causes significant cumulative infectious risk. In this review, we will examine the role of BCMA in MM biology, the approved and emerging therapies targeting this antigen, and how these agents can be optimally sequenced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shaji Kumar
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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4
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Xiao X, Cheng Y, Zheng X, Fang Y, Zhang Y, Sun R, Tian Z, Sun H. Corrigendum: Bispecific NK-cell engager targeting BCMA elicits stronger antitumor effects and produces less proinflammatory cytokines than T-cell engager. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1365027. [PMID: 38292867 PMCID: PMC10825587 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1365027] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1113303.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghui Xiao
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuhang Fang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Hefei TG ImmunoPharma Corporation Limited, Hefei, China
| | - Haoyu Sun
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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5
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Polgarova K, Trneny M. An evaluation of glofitamab, the first fixed-duration bispecific antibody for relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphomas. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024; 24:7-13. [PMID: 38305755 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2312243] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Significant proportion of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is refractory or relapse (R/R) after the treatment. The prognosis of this patient cohort remains poor. Novel strategies mainly based on immunotherapy and targeted agents are currently being studied. Glofitamab is novel T-cell-engaging bispecific antibody possessing a 2:1 structure with bivalent CD20 binding. Its safety and efficacy in R/R B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma including DLBCL were evaluated in phase I-II NP30179 trial. AREAS COVERED The article summarizes the milestones and latest reports on glofitamab development in the field of B-cell lymphoma treatment. EXPERT OPINION Recently, phase II part of the NP30179 study and several other reports were published proving glofitamab potential in R/R DLBCL patients. Based on the published data, glofitamab was approved by regulatory authorities worldwide for the monotherapy of R/R DLBCL in conventional time-limited manner. It is readily accessible in case of rapidly progressing disease, and it compares well with other novel treatment options. Its side effects are similar to those of other T-cell-engaging agents and can be mitigated by pretreatment with obinutuzumab or step-up dosing. Its safety profile with manageable toxicities heads the clinical development toward combination strategies and its use in earlier therapeutic phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Polgarova
- First Department of Internal Medicine-Hematology, General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
- First Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Trneny
- First Department of Internal Medicine-Hematology, General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
- First Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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6
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Frey G, Cugnetti APG, Liu H, Xing C, Wheeler C, Chang HW, Boyle WJ, Short JM. A novel conditional active biologic anti-EpCAM x anti-CD3 bispecific antibody with synergistic tumor selectivity for cancer immunotherapy. MAbs 2024; 16:2322562. [PMID: 38445633 PMCID: PMC10936661 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2322562] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays several roles in cancer biology. EpCAM is an attractive therapeutic target because of its expression in most solid tumors. However, targeting EpCAM has been challenging because it is also highly expressed in normal epithelial tissues. Initial attempts to develop EpCAM-specific T-cell engagers were unsuccessful due to severe cytokine release effects, as well as serious on-target, off-tumor drug-related toxicities. We developed novel, conditionally active biological (CAB) bispecific antibodies that bind to both EpCAM and CD3 in an acidic tumor microenvironment. In healthy tissues, binding to EpCAM and CD3 is greatly reduced by a novel, dual CAB selection, where each binding domain is independently blocked by the presence of physiological chemicals known as Protein-associated Chemical Switches (PaCS). The CAB anti-EpCAM T-cell engagers displayed the anticipated bispecific binding properties and mediated the potent lysis of EpCAM-positive cancer cell lines through the recruitment of T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Xenograft studies showed that the efficacy of CAB bispecific antibodies is similar to that of a non-CAB anti-EpCAM bispecific antibody, but they have markedly reduced toxicity in non-human primates, indicating an unprecedentedly widened therapeutic index of over 100-fold. These preclinical results indicate that the dual CAB bispecific antibody is potentially both a powerful and safe therapeutic platform and a promising T cell-engaging treatment for patients with EpCAM-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Frey
- Research & Development, BioAtla Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Haizhen Liu
- Research & Development, BioAtla Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Charles Xing
- Research & Development, BioAtla Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jay M. Short
- Research & Development, BioAtla Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
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Lee CM, Choe PG, Kang CK, Jo HJ, Kim NJ, Yoon SS, Kim TM, Park WB, Oh MD. Impact of T-Cell Engagers on COVID-19-Related Mortality in B-Cell Lymphoma Patients Receiving B-Cell Depleting Therapy. Cancer Res Treat 2024; 56:324-333. [PMID: 37448122 PMCID: PMC10789957 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2023.738] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE B-cell depleting therapies, including T-cell engager (TCE), are increasingly used for patients with hematologic malignancies, including during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between TCE therapy and COVID-19-related outcomes among patients with COVID-19 and B-cell lymphomas receiving B-cell depleting therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients with B-cell lymphoma, who were admitted to Seoul Natio-nal University Hospital with COVID-19 between September 2021 and February 2023, and received B-cell depleting therapy before COVID-19 diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with severe to critical COVID-19 and COVID-19-related mortality. RESULTS Of 54 patients with B-cell lymphomas and COVID-19 who received B-cell depleting therapy, 14 were treated with TCE (TCE group) and 40 with rituximab (RTX group). COVID-19-related mortality was higher in the TCE group than in the RTX group (57.1% vs. 12.5%, p=0.002). In multivariable analyses, TCE therapy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 38.76; p=0.024) and older age (aOR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.13; p=0.035) were associated with severe to critical COVID-19. TCE therapy (aOR, 8.98; 95% CI, 1.48 to 54.40; p=0.017), older age (aOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.26; p=0.022), and prior bendamustine therapy (aOR, 7.78; 95% CI, 1.17 to 51.65; p=0.034) were independent risk factors for COVID-19-related mortality. CONCLUSION B-cell lymphoma patients treated with TCE had significantly worse outcomes from COVID-19 than those treated with RTX. TCE therapy should be used with caution in B-cell lymphoma patients during the COVID-19 epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Mi Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Pyoeng Gyun Choe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Chang Kyung Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyeon Jae Jo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Nam Joong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Sung-Soo Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Tae Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
- Seoul National University Cancer Research Institute, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Wan Beom Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Myoung-don Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
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8
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Seckinger A, Majocchi S, Moine V, Nouveau L, Ngoc H, Daubeuf B, Ravn U, Pleche N, Calloud S, Broyer L, Cons L, Lesnier A, Chatel L, Papaioannou A, Salgado-Pires S, Krämer S, Gockel I, Lordick F, Masternak K, Poitevin Y, Magistrelli G, Malinge P, Shang L, Kallendrusch S, Strein K, Hose D. Development and characterization of NILK-2301, a novel CEACAM5xCD3 κλ bispecific antibody for immunotherapy of CEACAM5-expressing cancers. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:117. [PMID: 38087365 PMCID: PMC10717981 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01516-3] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-cell retargeting to eliminate CEACAM5-expressing cancer cells via CEACAM5xCD3 bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) showed limited clinical activity so far, mostly due to insufficient T-cell activation, dose-limiting toxicities, and formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADA). METHODS We present here the generation and preclinical development of NILK-2301, a BsAb composed of a common heavy chain and two different light chains, one kappa and one lambda, determining specificity (so-called κλ body format). RESULTS NILK-2301 binds CD3ɛ on T-cells with its lambda light chain arm with an affinity of ≈100 nM, and the CEACAM5 A2 domain on tumor cells by its kappa light chain arm with an affinity of ≈5 nM. FcγR-binding is abrogated by the "LALAPA" mutation (Leu234Ala, Leu235Ala, Pro329Ala). NILK-2301 induced T-cell activation, proliferation, cytokine release, and T-cell dependent cellular cytotoxicity of CEACAM5-positive tumor cell lines (5/5 colorectal, 2/2 gastric, 2/2 lung), e.g., SK-CO-1 (Emax = 89%), MKN-45 (Emax = 84%), and H2122 (Emax = 97%), with EC50 ranging from 0.02 to 0.14 nM. NILK-2301 binds neither to CEACAM5-negative or primary colon epithelial cells nor to other CEACAM family members. NILK-2301 alone or in combination with checkpoint inhibition showed activity in organotypic tumor tissue slices and colorectal cancer organoid models. In vivo, NILK-2301 at 10 mg/kg significantly delayed tumor progression in colon- and a pancreatic adenocarcinoma model. Single-dose pharmacokinetics (PK) and tolerability in cynomolgus monkeys at 0.5 or 10 mg/kg intravenously or 20 mg subcutaneously showed dose-proportional PK, bioavailability ≈100%, and a projected half-life in humans of 13.1 days. NILK-2301 was well-tolerated. Data were confirmed in human FcRn TG32 mice. CONCLUSIONS In summary, NILK-2301 combines promising preclinical activity and safety with lower probability of ADA-generation due to its format compared to other molecules and is scheduled to enter clinical testing at the end of 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Seckinger
- LamKap Bio Alpha AG, Bahnhofstrasse 1, 8808, Pfäffikon, SZ, Switzerland
| | - Sara Majocchi
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Valéry Moine
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Lise Nouveau
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Hoang Ngoc
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Liebigstrasse 13, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bruno Daubeuf
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Ulla Ravn
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Pleche
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Sebastien Calloud
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Lucile Broyer
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Laura Cons
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Adeline Lesnier
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Laurence Chatel
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Anne Papaioannou
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Susana Salgado-Pires
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Krämer
- Department of Visceral, Transplantation, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ines Gockel
- Department of Visceral, Transplantation, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Florian Lordick
- Department of Medicine II, University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), Leipzig University Medical Center, Liebigstrasse 22, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Krzysztof Masternak
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Yves Poitevin
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Magistrelli
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Malinge
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Limin Shang
- Light Chain Bioscience - Novimmune SA, Chemin du Pré-Fleuri 15, 1228, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Kallendrusch
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Liebigstrasse 13, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Research and System Medicine, Health and Medical University Potsdam, Schiffbauergasse 14, 14467, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Klaus Strein
- LamKap Bio Alpha AG, Bahnhofstrasse 1, 8808, Pfäffikon, SZ, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Hose
- LamKap Bio Alpha AG, Bahnhofstrasse 1, 8808, Pfäffikon, SZ, Switzerland.
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9
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Li B, Wang S, Shan B, Li B, Li F. A PD-L1xCD3 bispecific nanobody as a novel T-cell engager in treating PD-L1 overexpression melanoma. Mol Immunol 2023; 163:20-27. [PMID: 37722180 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.09.005] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
The development of Immune checkpoint blockade(ICB) therapy and BRAF- and MEK-targeted therapies has reshaped the survival outcomes of the patients with advanced melanoma. PD-1/PD-L1 blockade was an approved strategy in melanoma treatment. Here we design a PD-L1 xCD3 nanobody as a novel bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) in treating PD-L1 overexpression melanoma. BiTE PD-L1×CD3 Nb was predicted to bind near a large acidic surface on CD3-ε similar to UCHT1-scFv antibody based on alpha-fold and molecular docking. BiTE PD-L1×CD3 Nb and anti-CD3 Nb retained the ability to activate T cells to produce TNF-α and IFN-γ in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 value of BiTE PD-L1×CD3 Nb was 4.208μg/mL. BiTE PD-L1×CD3 Nb showed obvious cytotoxic activity on both A375WT and A375PD-L1 related to PD-L1 expression level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boping Li
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Baihui Shan
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Baizhi Li
- Institute of Frontier Medical Science, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Fuqiu Li
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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10
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Pejchal R, Cooper AB, Brown ME, Vásquez M, Krauland EM. Profiling the Biophysical Developability Properties of Common IgG1 Fc Effector Silencing Variants. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:54. [PMID: 37753968 PMCID: PMC10526015 DOI: 10.3390/antib12030054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic antibodies represent the most significant modality in biologics, with around 150 approved drugs on the market. In addition to specific target binding mediated by the variable fragments (Fvs) of the heavy and light chains, antibodies possess effector functions through binding of the constant region (Fc) to Fcγ receptors (FcγR), which allow immune cells to attack and kill target cells using a variety of mechanisms. However, for some applications, including T-cell-engaging bispecifics, this effector function is typically undesired. Mutations within the lower hinge and the second constant domain (CH2) of IgG1 that comprise the FcγR binding interface reduce or eliminate effector function ("Fc silencing") while retaining binding to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), important for normal antibody pharmacokinetics (PKs). Comprehensive profiling of biophysical developability properties would benefit the choice of constant region variants for development. Here, we produce a large panel of representative mutations previously described in the literature and in many cases in clinical or approved molecules, generate select combinations thereof, and characterize their binding and biophysical properties. We find that some commonly used CH2 mutations, including D265A and P331S, are effective in reducing binding to FcγR but significantly reduce stability, promoting aggregation, particularly under acidic conditions commonly employed in manufacturing. We highlight mutation sets that are particularly effective for eliminating Fc effector function with the retention of WT-like stability, including L234A, L235A, and S267K (LALA-S267K), L234A, L235E, and S267K (LALE-S267K), L234A, L235A, and P329A (LALA-P329A), and L234A, L235E, and P329G (LALE-P329G).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Pejchal
- Adimab LLC, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA; (M.E.B.); (M.V.); (E.M.K.)
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11
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Snell D, Gunde T, Warmuth S, Chatterjee B, Brock M, Hess C, Johansson M, Simonin A, Spiga FM, Weinert C, Kirk N, Bassler N, Campos Carrascosa L, Flückiger N, Heiz R, Wagen S, Giezendanner N, Alberti A, Yaman Y, Mahler D, Diem D, Lichtlen P, Urech D. An engineered T-cell engager with selectivity for high mesothelin-expressing cells and activity in the presence of soluble mesothelin. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2233401. [PMID: 37456982 PMCID: PMC10339761 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2233401] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesothelin (MSLN) is an attractive immuno-oncology target, but the development of MSLN-targeting therapies has been impeded by tumor shedding of soluble MSLN (sMSLN), on-target off-tumor activity, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We sought to engineer an antibody-based, MSLN-targeted T-cell engager (αMSLN/αCD3) with enhanced ability to discriminate high MSLN-expressing tumors from normal tissue, and activity in the presence of sMSLN. We also studied the in vivo antitumor efficacy of this molecule (NM28-2746) alone and in combination with the multifunctional checkpoint inhibitor/T-cell co-activator NM21-1480 (αPD-L1/α4-1BB). Cytotoxicity and T-cell activation induced by NM28-2746 were studied in co-cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and cell lines exhibiting different levels of MSLN expression, including in the presence of soluble MSLN. Xenotransplant models of human pancreatic cancer were used to study the inhibition of tumor growth and stimulation of T-cell infiltration into tumors induced by NM28-2746 alone and in combination with NM21-1480. The bivalent αMSLN T-cell engager NM28-2746 potently induced T-cell activation and T-cell mediated cytotoxicity of high MSLN-expressing cells but had much lower potency against low MSLN-expressing cells. A monovalent counterpart of NM28-2746 had much lower ability to discriminate high MSLN-expressing from low MSLN-expressing cells. The bivalent molecule retained this discriminant ability in the presence of high concentrations of sMSLN. In xenograft models, NM28-2746 exhibited significant tumor suppressing activity, which was significantly enhanced by combination therapy with NM21-1480. NM28-2746, alone or in combination with NM21-1480, may overcome shortcomings of previous MSLN-targeted immuno-oncology drugs, exhibiting enhanced discrimination of high MSLN-expressing cell activity in the presence of sMSLN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tea Gunde
- Numab Therapeutics AG, Horgen, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Niels Kirk
- Numab Therapeutics AG, Horgen, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Robin Heiz
- Numab Therapeutics AG, Horgen, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Dania Diem
- Numab Therapeutics AG, Horgen, Switzerland
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12
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Niu J, Wang W, Ouellet D. Mechanism-based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling for bispecific antibodies: challenges and opportunities. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2023; 16:977-990. [PMID: 37743720 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2257136] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unlike conventional antibodies, bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) are engineered antibody- or antibody fragment-based molecules that can simultaneously recognize two different epitopes or antigens. Over the past decade, there has been an explosion of bsAbs being developed across therapeutic areas. Development of bsAbs presents unique challenges and mechanism-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling has served as a powerful tool to optimize their development and realize their clinical utility. AREAS COVERED In this review, the guiding principles and case examples of how fit-for-purpose, mechanism-based PK/PD models have been applied to answer questions commonly encountered in bsAb development are presented. Such models characterize the key pharmacological elements of bsAbs, and they can be utilized for model-informed drug development. We also include the discussion of challenges, knowledge gaps and future direction for such models. EXPERT OPINION Mechanistic PK/PD modeling is a powerful tool to support the development of bsAbs. These models can be extrapolated to predict treatment outcomes based on mechanisms of action (MoA) and clinical observations to form positive learn-and-confirm cycles during drug development, due to their abilities to differentiate system- and drug-specific parameters. Meanwhile, the models should keep being adapted according to novel drug design and MoA, providing continuous opportunities for model-informed drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Niu
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Janssen Research & Development, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Weirong Wang
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Janssen Research & Development, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Daniele Ouellet
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Janssen Research & Development, Spring House, PA, USA
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13
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Rudin CM, Reck M, Johnson ML, Blackhall F, Hann CL, Yang JCH, Bailis JM, Bebb G, Goldrick A, Umejiego J, Paz-Ares L. Emerging therapies targeting the delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) in small cell lung cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:66. [PMID: 37355629 PMCID: PMC10290806 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01464-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma with a poor prognosis. Initial responses to standard-of-care chemo-immunotherapy are, unfortunately, followed by rapid disease recurrence in most patients. Current treatment options are limited, with no therapies specifically approved as third-line or beyond. Delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3), a Notch inhibitory ligand, is an attractive therapeutic target because it is overexpressed on the surface of SCLC cells with minimal to no expression on normal cells. Several DLL3-targeted therapies are being developed for the treatment of SCLC and other neuroendocrine carcinomas, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), T-cell engager (TCE) molecules, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapies. First, we discuss the clinical experience with rovalpituzumab tesirine (Rova-T), a DLL3-targeting ADC, the development of which was halted due to a lack of efficacy in phase 3 studies, with a view to understanding the lessons that can be garnered for the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape in SCLC. We then review preclinical and clinical data for several DLL3-targeting agents that are currently in development, including the TCE molecules-tarlatamab (formerly known as AMG 757), BI 764532, and HPN328-and the CAR T-cell therapy AMG 119. We conclude with a discussion of the future challenges and opportunities for DLL3-targeting therapies, including the utility of DLL3 as a biomarker for patient selection and disease progression, and the potential of rational combinatorial approaches that can enhance efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles M Rudin
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Martin Reck
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Airway Research Center North, German Center for Lung Research, LungenClinic Grosshansdorf, Grosshansdorf, Germany
| | - Melissa L Johnson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sarah Cannon Cancer Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Fiona Blackhall
- Department of Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Christine L Hann
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - James Chih-Hsin Yang
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Julie M Bailis
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gwyn Bebb
- Oncology TA-US, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Luis Paz-Ares
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, CNIO-H12o Lung Cancer Unit, Universidad Complutense and Ciberonc, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Xiao X, Cheng Y, Zheng X, Fang Y, Zhang Y, Sun R, Tian Z, Sun H. Bispecific NK-cell engager targeting BCMA elicits stronger antitumor effects and produces less proinflammatory cytokines than T-cell engager. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1113303. [PMID: 37114050 PMCID: PMC10126364 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1113303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies have attracted more attention in recent years for the treatment of tumors, in which most of them target CD3, which mediates the killing of tumor cells by T cells. However, T-cell engager may cause serious side effects, including neurotoxicity and cytokine release syndrome. More safe treatments are still needed to address unmet medical needs, and NK cell-based immunotherapy is a safer and more effective way to treat tumors. Our study developed two IgG-like bispecific antibodies with the same configuration: BT1 (BCMA×CD3) attracted T cells and tumor cells, while BK1 (BCMA×CD16) attracted NK cells and tumor cells. Our study showed that BK1 mediated NK cell activation and upregulated the expression of CD69, CD107a, IFN-γ and TNF. In addition, BK1 elicited a stronger antitumor effect than BT1 both in vitro and in vivo. Combinatorial treatment (BK1+BT1) showed a stronger antitumor effect than either treatment alone, as indicated by in vitro experiments and in vivo murine models. More importantly, BK1 induced fewer proinflammatory cytokines than BT1 both in vitro and in vivo. Surprisingly, BK1 reduced cytokine production in the combinatorial treatment, suggesting the indispensable role of NK cells in the control of cytokine secretion by T cells. In conclusion, our study compared NK-cell engagers and T-cell engagers targeting BCMA. The results indicated that NK-cell engagers were more effective with less proinflammatory cytokine production. Furthermore, the use of NK-cell engagers in combinatorial treatment helped to reduce cytokine secretion by T cells, suggesting a bright future for NK-cell engagers in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghui Xiao
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuhang Fang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Hefei TG ImmunoPharma Corporation Limited, Hefei, China
| | - Haoyu Sun
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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15
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Flowers D, Bassen D, Kapitanov GI, Marcantonio D, Burke JM, Apgar JF, Betts A, Hua F. A next generation mathematical model for the in vitro to clinical translation of T-cell engagers. J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn 2023; 50:215-227. [PMID: 36790614 DOI: 10.1007/s10928-023-09846-y] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
T-cell engager (TCE) molecules activate the immune system and direct it to kill tumor cells. The key mechanism of action of TCEs is to crosslink CD3 on T cells and tumor associated antigens (TAAs) on tumor cells. The formation of this trimolecular complex (i.e. trimer) mimics the immune synapse, leading to therapeutic-dependent T-cell activation and killing of tumor cells. Computational models supporting TCE development must predict trimer formation accurately. Here, we present a next-generation two-step binding mathematical model for TCEs to describe trimer formation. Specifically, we propose to model the second binding step with trans-avidity and as a two-dimensional (2D) process where the reactants are modeled as the cell-surface density. Compared to the 3D binding model where the reactants are described in terms of concentration, the 2D model predicts less sensitivity of trimer formation to varying cell densities, which better matches changes in EC50 from in vitro cytotoxicity assay data with varying E:T ratios. In addition, when translating in vitro cytotoxicity data to predict in vivo active clinical dose for blinatumomab, the choice of model leads to a notable difference in dose prediction. The dose predicted by the 2D model aligns better with the approved clinical dose and the prediction is robust under variations in the in vitro to in vivo translation assumptions. In conclusion, the 2D model with trans-avidity to describe trimer formation is an improved approach for TCEs and is likely to produce more accurate predictions to support TCE development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fei Hua
- Applied BioMath, Concord, MA, USA.
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16
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Topp M, Dlugosz-Danecka M, Skotnicki AB, Salogub G, Viardot A, Klein AK, Hess G, Michel CS, Grosicki S, Gural A, Schwarz SE, Pietzko K, Gärtner U, Strassz A, Alland L, Mayer J. Safety of AFM11 in the treatment of patients with B-cell malignancies: findings from two phase 1 studies. Trials 2023; 24:4. [PMID: 36597128 PMCID: PMC9808944 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06982-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis for patients with relapsed and/or refractory (R/R) non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) or acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) remains poor, with existing treatments having significant side effects. Developed for the treatment of these cancers, AFM11 is a tetravalent, bispecific humanised recombinant antibody construct (TandAb®) designed to bind to human CD19 and CD3 and lead to the activation of T cells inducing apoptosis and killing of malignant B cells. METHODS Two open-label, multicentre, dose-escalation phase 1 studies evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics and activity of AFM11 in patients with R/R CD19-positive B cell NHL (AFM11-101) and in patients with CD19 + B-precursor Philadelphia-chromosome negative ALL (AFM11-102). Adverse events (AEs) were assessed and recorded; imaging (NHL) or bone marrow assessment (ALL) were used to evaluate response. Additional pharmacodynamic assays undertaken included cytokine release analysis and B-cell and T-cell depletion. RESULTS In AFM11-101, 16 patients with R/R NHL received AFM11 in five different dose cohorts. Of which, 14 experienced drug-related treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) [including five serious AEs (SAEs)], five patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and ten patients discontinued the study. The high number of neurological events led to a decrease in infusion frequency during the study. No objective response to treatment was observed. In AFM11-102, 17 patients with R/R ALL received AFM11 in six different dose cohorts. Thirteen patients experienced drug-related TEAEs (including four SAEs), DLTs occurred in two patients and five patients discontinued the study. An objective response was recorded in three patients. The maximum tolerated dose could not be determined in either study due to early termination. CONCLUSIONS AFM11 treatment was associated with frequent neurological adverse reactions that were severe in some patients. In ALL, some signs of activity, albeit short-lived, were observed whereas no activity was observed in patients with NHL; therefore, further clinical development was terminated. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02106091 . Safety Study to Assess AFM11 in Patients With Relapsed and/or Refractory CD19 Positive B-cell NHL. Registered April 2014. NCT02848911 . Safety Study to Assess AFM11 in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Adult B-precursor ALL. Registered July 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Topp
- grid.411760.50000 0001 1378 7891Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Monika Dlugosz-Danecka
- grid.418165.f0000 0004 0540 2543Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków, Poland
| | - Aleksander B. Skotnicki
- grid.5522.00000 0001 2162 9631Department of Haematology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Galina Salogub
- Almazova National Medical Research Center, St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andreas Viardot
- grid.410712.10000 0004 0473 882XKlinik Für Innere Medizin III, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andreas K. Klein
- grid.67033.310000 0000 8934 4045Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Georg Hess
- grid.410607.4Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Grosicki
- grid.411728.90000 0001 2198 0923Department of Hematology and Cancer Prevention, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Alex Gural
- grid.17788.310000 0001 2221 2926Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Kerstin Pietzko
- grid.432627.60000 0004 0631 9610Affimed GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Gärtner
- grid.432627.60000 0004 0631 9610Affimed GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - András Strassz
- grid.432627.60000 0004 0631 9610Affimed GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leila Alland
- grid.432627.60000 0004 0631 9610Affimed GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jiri Mayer
- University Hospital Brno, and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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17
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Ball K, Dovedi SJ, Vajjah P, Phipps A. Strategies for clinical dose optimization of T cell-engaging therapies in oncology. MAbs 2023; 15:2181016. [PMID: 36823042 PMCID: PMC9980545 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2181016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Innovative approaches in the design of T cell-engaging (TCE) molecules are ushering in a new wave of promising immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. Their mechanism of action, which generates an in trans interaction to create a synthetic immune synapse, leads to complex and interconnected relationships between the exposure, efficacy, and toxicity of these drugs. Challenges thus arise when designing optimal clinical dose regimens for TCEs with narrow therapeutic windows, with a variety of dosing strategies being evaluated to mitigate key side effects such as cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity, and on-target off-tumor toxicities. This review evaluates the current approaches to dose optimization throughout the preclinical and clinical development of TCEs, along with perspectives for improvement of these strategies. Quantitative approaches used to aid the understanding of dose-exposure-response relationships are highlighted, along with opportunities to guide the rational design of next-generation TCE molecules, and optimize their dose regimens in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Ball
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Pavan Vajjah
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alex Phipps
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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18
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Shen M, Chen C, Guo Q, Wang Q, Liao J, Wang L, Yu J, Xue M, Duan Y, Zhang J. Systemic Delivery of mPEG-Masked Trispecific T-Cell Nanoengagers in Synergy with STING Agonists Overcomes Immunotherapy Resistance in TNBC and Generates a Vaccination Effect. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2022; 9:e2203523. [PMID: 36089659 PMCID: PMC9661824 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
T-cell engagers (TCEs) represent a breakthrough in hematological malignancy treatment but are vulnerable to antigen escape and lack a vaccination effect. The "immunologically cold" solid tumor presents substantial challenges due to intratumor heterogeneity and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, a methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG)-masked CD44×PD-L1/CD3 trispecific T-cell nanoengager loaded with the STING agonist c-di-AMP (CDA) (PmTriTNE@CDA) for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is rationally designed. PmTriTNE@CDA shows tumor-specific accumulation and is preferentially unmasked in response to a weakly acidic TME to prevent on-target off-tumor toxicity. The unmasked CD44×PD-L1/CD3 trispecific T-cell nanoengager (TriTNE) targets dual tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) to redirect CD8+ T cells for heterogeneous TNBC lysis while achieving PD-L1 blockade. PmTriTNE synergized with CDA to transform the cold tumor into a hot tumor, eradicate the large established TNBC tumor, and induce protective immune memory in a 4T1 orthotopic tumor model without causing obvious toxicity. PmTriTNE@CDA shows potent efficacy in cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models. This study serves as a proof-of-concept demonstration of a nanobased TCEs strategy to expand therapeutic combinations that previously could not be achieved due to systemic toxicity with the aim of overcoming TNBC heterogeneity and immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesShanghai Cancer InstituteRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200032China
- Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical TechnologiesShanghai200032China
| | - Chuanrong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesShanghai Cancer InstituteRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of OncologyYijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical CollegeWuhu240001China
| | - Qianqian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji HospitalSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Quan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji HospitalSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Jinghan Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesShanghai Cancer InstituteRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Liting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji HospitalSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Jian Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesShanghai Cancer InstituteRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Man Xue
- Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical TechnologiesShanghai200032China
| | - Yourong Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesShanghai Cancer InstituteRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Jiali Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesShanghai Cancer InstituteRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200032China
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19
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Avanzino BC, Prabhakar K, Dalvi P, Hartstein S, Kehm H, Balasubramani A, Boudreau AA, Buelow B, Chang K, Davison LM, Iyer S, Kalwit V, Lewis Wilson K, Malik-Chaudhry HK, Pierson W, Pineda G, Rangaswamy US, Saiganesh S, Schellenberger U, Ugamraj HS, Yabut RD, Buelow R, Chapman J, Trinklein ND, Harris KE. A T-cell engaging bispecific antibody with a tumor-selective bivalent folate receptor alpha binding arm for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2113697. [PMID: 36016696 PMCID: PMC9397469 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2113697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of T-cell engagers (TCEs) to treat solid tumors is challenging, and several have been limited by narrow therapeutic windows due to substantial on-target, off-tumor toxicities due to the expression of low levels of target antigens on healthy tissues. Here, we describe TNB-928B, a fully human TCE that has a bivalent binding arm for folate receptor alpha (FRα) to selectively target FRα overexpressing tumor cells while avoiding the lysis of cells with low levels of FRα expression. The bivalent design of the FRα binding arm confers tumor selectivity due to low-affinity but high-avidity binding to high FRα antigen density cells. TNB-928B induces preferential effector T-cell activation, proliferation, and selective cytotoxic activity on high FRα expressing cells while sparing low FRα expressing cells. In addition, TNB-928B induces minimal cytokine release compared to a positive control TCE containing OKT3. Moreover, TNB-928B exhibits substantial ex vivo tumor cell lysis using endogenous T-cells and robust tumor clearance in vivo, promoting T-cell infiltration and antitumor activity in mouse models of ovarian cancer. TNB-928B exhibits pharmacokinetics similar to conventional antibodies, which are projected to enable favorable administration in humans. TNB-928B is a novel TCE with enhanced safety and specificity for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C. Avanzino
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | - Kirthana Prabhakar
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | - Pranjali Dalvi
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | - Sharon Hartstein
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | | | - Aarti Balasubramani
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | | | - Ben Buelow
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Vidyut Kalwit
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | - Kristin Lewis Wilson
- Translational Safety & Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Will Pierson
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Geovanni Pineda
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Udaya S. Rangaswamy
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | - Sowmya Saiganesh
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | | | - Harshad S. Ugamraj
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Process Development, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | - Rodolfovan D. Yabut
- Translational Safety & Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Jocelyn Chapman
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Katherine E. Harris
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
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20
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Wermke M, Felip E, Gambardella V, Kuboki Y, Morgensztern D, Hamed ZO, Liu M, Studeny M, Owonikoko TK. Phase I trial of the DLL3/CD3 bispecific T-cell engager BI 764532 in DLL3-positive small-cell lung cancer and neuroendocrine carcinomas. Future Oncol 2022; 18:2639-2649. [PMID: 35815644 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas such as small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) have poor survival and high relapse rates. DLL3 is found on these carcinomas and has become a target of increasing interest in recent years. The bispecific DLL3/CD3 T-cell engager BI 764532 has been shown to induce complete tumor regression in a human T cell-engrafted mouse model. Here, we describe the study design of a first-in-human, phase I, multicenter, open-label, non-randomized, dose-escalation study in patients with SCLC or other DLL3-positive neuroendocrine carcinomas. The study will determine the maximum tolerated dose and evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of BI 764532 monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Wermke
- Technical University Dresden, Medical Faculty, NCT/UCC Early Clinical Trial Unit, Dresden, Germany
| | - Enriqueta Felip
- Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital & Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valentina Gambardella
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yasutoshi Kuboki
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | | | | | - Meiruo Liu
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Ridgefield, CT 06877, USA
| | - Matus Studeny
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany
| | - Taofeek K Owonikoko
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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21
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Zhou Y, Penny HL, Kroenke MA, Bautista B, Hainline K, Chea LS, Parnes J, Mytych DT. Immunogenicity assessment of bispecific antibody-based immunotherapy in oncology. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004225. [PMID: 35444060 PMCID: PMC9024276 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [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] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
With increasing numbers of bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) and multispecific products entering the clinic, recent data highlight immunogenicity as an emerging challenge in the development of such novel biologics. This review focuses on the immunogenicity risk assessment (IgRA) of BsAb-based immunotherapies for cancer, highlighting several risk factors that need to be considered. These include the novel scaffolds consisting of bioengineered sequences, the potentially synergistic immunomodulating mechanisms of action (MOAs) from different domains of the BsAb, as well as several other product-related and patient-related factors. In addition, the clinical relevance of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) against selected BsAbs developed as anticancer agents is reviewed and the advances in our knowledge of tools and strategies for immunogenicity prediction, monitoring, and mitigation are discussed. It is critical to implement a drug-specific IgRA during the early development stage to guide ADA monitoring and risk management strategies. This IgRA may include a combination of several assessment tools to identify drug-specific risks as well as a proactive risk mitigation approach for candidate or format selection during the preclinical stage. The IgRA is an on-going process throughout clinical development. IgRA during the clinical stage may bridge the gap between preclinical immunogenicity prediction and clinical immunogenicity, and retrospectively guide optimization efforts for next-generation BsAbs. This iterative process throughout development may improve the reliability of the IgRA and enable the implementation of effective risk mitigation strategies, laying the foundation for improved clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchen Zhou
- Clinical Immunology, Amgen Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Mark A Kroenke
- Clinical Immunology, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Bianca Bautista
- Clinical Immunology, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Kelly Hainline
- Clinical Immunology, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Lynette S Chea
- Clinical Immunology, Amgen Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jane Parnes
- Early Development, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Daniel T Mytych
- Clinical Immunology, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
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22
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Krakow J, Hammel M, Zhu Y, Hillier BJ, Paolella B, Desmarais A, Wall R, Chen THT, Pei R, Karunatilake C, DuBridge R, Vinogradova M. Structural arrangement of the VH and VL domains in the COBRA™ T-cell engaging single-chain diabody. Antib Ther 2022; 5:1-10. [PMID: 35005430 PMCID: PMC8719580 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbab028] [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: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COBRA™ (COnditional Bispecific Redirected Activation) T-cell engagers are designed to target solid tumors as a single polypeptide chain prodrug that becomes activated by proteolysis in the tumor microenvironment. One COBRA molecule comprises seven Ig domains: three single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) recognizing a tumor target or human serum albumin (HSA), and CD3ε-binding variable fragment heavy chain (VH) and variable fragment light chain (VL) and their inactivated counterparts, VHi and VLi. Pairing of VH and VL, and VLi and VHi into single-chain variable fragments (Fv) is prevented by shortened inter-domain linkers. Instead, VH and VL are expected to interact with VLi and VHi, respectively, thus making a diabody whose binding to CD3ε on the T-cells is impaired. METHODS We analyzed the structure of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) COBRA in solution using negative stain electron microscopy (EM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). RESULTS We found that this EGFR COBRA forms stable monomers with a very dynamic interdomain arrangement. At most, only five domains at a time appeared ordered, and only one VH-VL pair was found in the Fv orientation. Nonenzymatic posttranslational modifications suggest that the CDR3 loops in the VL-VHi pair are exposed but are buried in the VH-VLi pair. The MMP9 cleavage rate of the prodrug when bound to recombinant EGFR or HSA is not affected, indicating positioning of the MMP9-cleavable linker away from the EGFR and HSA binding sites. CONCLUSION Here, we propose a model for EGFR COBRA where VH and VLi form an Fv, and VL and VHi do not, possibly interacting with other Ig domains. SAXS and MMP9 cleavage analyses suggest that all COBRA molecules tested have a similar structural architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Krakow
- Maverick Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Brisbane, CA, USA
| | - Michal Hammel
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ying Zhu
- Maverick Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Brisbane, CA, USA
| | - Brian J Hillier
- Maverick Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Brisbane, CA, USA
| | - Bryce Paolella
- Maverick Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Brisbane, CA, USA
| | - Austin Desmarais
- Maverick Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Brisbane, CA, USA
| | - Rusty Wall
- Maverick Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Brisbane, CA, USA
| | - Tseng-Hui T Chen
- Maverick Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Brisbane, CA, USA
| | - Rex Pei
- Maverick Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Brisbane, CA, USA
| | - Chulani Karunatilake
- Maverick Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Brisbane, CA, USA
| | - Robert DuBridge
- Maverick Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Brisbane, CA, USA
| | - Maia Vinogradova
- Maverick Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Brisbane, CA, USA
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23
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Teijeira A, Migueliz I, Garasa S, Karanikas V, Luri C, Cirella A, Olivera I, Cañamero M, Alvarez M, Ochoa MC, Rouzaut A, Rodriguez-Ruiz ME, Sanmamed MF, Klein C, Umaña P, Ponz M, Bacac M, Melero I. Three-dimensional colon cancer organoids model the response to CEA-CD3 T-cell engagers. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:1373-1387. [PMID: 35154495 PMCID: PMC8771540 DOI: 10.7150/thno.63359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The CEA-CD3 T cell bispecific antibody cibisatamab (CEA-TCB) is currently undergoing clinical trials. Here we study its performance against three-dimensional tumor organoids in cocultures with T cells as compared to a higher affinity CEACAM5-CD3 (CEACAM5-TCB) bispecific antibody using time-lapse confocal microscopy. Methods: Pre-labelled spheroids derived from colon cancer cell lines and primary organoids derived from four colorectal cancer surgical specimens, which expressed different graded levels of CEA, were exposed in cocultures to T lymphocytes. Cocultures were treated with CEA-CD3 T-cell engagers and were followed by live confocal microscopy. Caspase 3 activation detected in real-time was used as an indicator of tumor cell death. Co-cultures were also set up with autologous tumor-associated fibroblasts to test the co-stimulatory effect of a fibroblast activated protein (FAP)- targeted 4-1BBL bispecific antibody fusion protein currently undergoing clinical trials. Results: Tumor-cell killing of 3D colon carcinoma cultures was dependent on the levels of surface CEA expression, in such a way that the lower affinity agent (CEA-TCB) did not mediate killing by human preactivated T cells below a certain CEA expression threshold, while the high affinity construct (CEACAM5-TCB) remained active on the low CEA expressing organoids. Modelling heterogeneity in the levels of CEA expression by coculturing CEA high and low organoids showed measurable but weak bystander killing. Cocultures of tumor organoids, autologous fibroblasts and T cells allowed to observe a costimulatory effect of anti-FAP-4-1BBL both to release IFNγ and to attain more efficacious tumor cell killing. Conclusion: Three-dimensional tumor cocultures with T cells using live confocal microscopy provide suitable models to test the requirements for colon-cancer redirected killing as elicited by CEA-targeted T-cell engagers undergoing clinical trials and treatment allow combinations to be tested in a relevant preclinical system.
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24
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Xu C, Zhuo B, Rasmussen HE. Dose intra-subject escalation to an event (DIETE): A new method for phase 1 dose-finding utilizing systematic intra-subject dose escalation with application to T-cell engagers. Pharm Stat 2021; 20:1200-1215. [PMID: 34029438 DOI: 10.1002/pst.2140] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
T-cell engagers are a class of oncology drugs which engage T-cells to initiate immune response against malignant cells. T-cell engagers have features that are unlike prior classes of oncology drugs (e.g., chemotherapies or targeted therapies), because (1) starting dose level often must be conservative due to immune-related side effects such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS); (2) dose level can usually be safely titrated higher as a result of subject's immune system adaptation after first exposure to lower dose; and (3) due to preventive management of CRS, these safety events rarely worsen to become dose limiting toxicities (DLTs). It is generally believed that for T-cell engagers the dose intensity of the starting dose and the peak dose intensity both correlate with improved efficacy. Existing dose finding methodologies are not designed to efficiently identify both the initial starting dose and peak dose intensity in a single trial. In this study, we propose a new trial design, dose intra-subject escalation to an event (DIETE) design, that can (1) estimate the maximum tolerated initial dose level (MTD1); and (2) incorporate systematic intra-subject dose-escalation to estimate the maximum tolerated dose level subsequent to adaptation induced by the initial dose level (MTD2) with a survival analysis approach. We compare our framework to similar methodologies and evaluate their key operating characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjia Xu
- Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Bin Zhuo
- Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, California, USA
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25
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Jang S, Song J, Kim N, Bak J, Jung K, Park YW, Park BC, Kim HM. Development of an antibody-like T-cell engager based on VH-VL heterodimer formation and its application in cancer therapy. Biomaterials 2021; 271:120760. [PMID: 33774526 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Following the clinical success of immunotherapeutic antibodies, bispecific antibodies for cytotoxic effector cell redirection, tumor-targeted immunomodulation and dual immunomodulation, have received particular attentions. Here, we developed a novel bispecific antibody platform, termed Antibody-Like Cell Engager (ALiCE), wherein the Fc domain of each heavy chain of immunoglobulin G (IgG) is replaced by the VH and VL domains of an IgG specific to a second antigen while retaining the N-terminal Fab of the parent antibody. Because of specific interactions between the substituted VH and VL domains, the C-terminal stem Fv enables ALiCE to assemble autonomously into hetero-tetramers, thus simultaneously binding to two distinct antigens but with different avidities. This design strategy was used to generate ACE-05 (two anti-PD-L1 Fab × anti-CD3 Fv) and ACE-31 (two anti-CD3 Fab × anti-PD-L1 Fv), both of which bound PD-L1 and CD3. However, ACE-05 was more effective than ACE-31 in reducing off-target toxicity caused by the indiscriminate activation of T cells. Moreover, in cell-based assays and PBMC-reconstituted humanized mice harboring human non-small-cell lung cancer tumors, ACE-05 showed marked antitumor efficacy, causing complete tumor regression at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg body weight. The dual roles of ACE-05 in immune checkpoint inhibition and T-cell redirection, coupled with reduced off-target toxicity, suggest that ACE-05 may be a promising anti-cancer therapeutic agent. Moreover, the bispecific ALiCE platform can be further used for tumor-targeted or multiple immunomodulation applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seil Jang
- Biomedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, South Korea; Y-BIOLOGICS, Inc., 17 Techno 4-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34013, South Korea; CTCELLS, Inc., R7, 333 Techno Jungang-daero, Hyeonpung-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu, 42988, South Korea
| | - Jaeho Song
- Y-BIOLOGICS, Inc., 17 Techno 4-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34013, South Korea
| | - NaYoung Kim
- Y-BIOLOGICS, Inc., 17 Techno 4-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34013, South Korea
| | - Jeonghyeon Bak
- Y-BIOLOGICS, Inc., 17 Techno 4-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34013, South Korea
| | - Keehoon Jung
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Young Woo Park
- Y-BIOLOGICS, Inc., 17 Techno 4-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34013, South Korea
| | - Bum-Chan Park
- Y-BIOLOGICS, Inc., 17 Techno 4-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34013, South Korea.
| | - Ho Min Kim
- Biomedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, South Korea; Graduate School of Medical Science & Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea; Center for Biomolecular & Cellular Structure, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34126, South Korea.
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26
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Middelburg J, Kemper K, Engelberts P, Labrijn AF, Schuurman J, van Hall T. Overcoming Challenges for CD3-Bispecific Antibody Therapy in Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:287. [PMID: 33466732 PMCID: PMC7829968 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [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: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of cancer with CD3-bispecific antibodies is an approved therapeutic option for some hematological malignancies and is under clinical investigation for solid cancers. However, the treatment of solid tumors faces more pronounced hurdles, such as increased on-target off-tumor toxicities, sparse T-cell infiltration and impaired T-cell quality due to the presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which affect the safety and limit efficacy of CD3-bispecific antibody therapy. In this review, we provide a brief status update of the CD3-bispecific antibody therapy field and identify intrinsic hurdles in solid cancers. Furthermore, we describe potential combinatorial approaches to overcome these challenges in order to generate selective and more effective responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Middelburg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Kristel Kemper
- Genmab, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.K.); (P.E.); (A.F.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Patrick Engelberts
- Genmab, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.K.); (P.E.); (A.F.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Aran F. Labrijn
- Genmab, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.K.); (P.E.); (A.F.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Janine Schuurman
- Genmab, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.K.); (P.E.); (A.F.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
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27
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Malik-Chaudhry HK, Prabhakar K, Ugamraj HS, Boudreau AA, Buelow B, Dang K, Davison LM, Harris KE, Jorgensen B, Ogana H, Pham D, Schellenberger U, Van Schooten W, Buelow R, Iyer S, Trinklein ND, Rangaswamy US. TNB-486 induces potent tumor cell cytotoxicity coupled with low cytokine release in preclinical models of B-NHL. MAbs 2021; 13:1890411. [PMID: 33818299 PMCID: PMC8023237 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2021.1890411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of targeting CD19 in B cell malignancies has garnered attention in the past decade, resulting in the introduction of novel immunotherapy agents. Encouraging clinical data have been reported for T cell-based targeting agents, such as anti-CD19/CD3 bispecific T-cell engager blinatumomab and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapies, for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). However, clinical use of both blinatumomab and CAR-T therapies has been limited due to unfavorable pharmacokinetics (PK), significant toxicity associated with cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, and manufacturing challenges. We present here a fully human CD19xCD3 bispecific antibody (TNB-486) for the treatment of B-NHL that could address the limitations of the current approved treatments. In the presence of CD19+ target cells and T cells, TNB-486 induces tumor cell lysis with minimal cytokine release, when compared to a positive control. In vivo, TNB-486 clears CD19+ tumor cells in immunocompromised mice in the presence of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in multiple models. Additionally, the PK of TNB-486 in mice or cynomolgus monkeys is similar to conventional antibodies. This new T cell engaging bispecific antibody targeting CD19 represents a novel therapeutic that induces potent T cell-mediated tumor-cell cytotoxicity uncoupled from high levels of cytokine release, making it an attractive candidate for B-NHL therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Bispecific/pharmacokinetics
- Antibodies, Bispecific/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacokinetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antigens, CD19/immunology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacokinetics
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacology
- CD3 Complex/antagonists & inhibitors
- CD3 Complex/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Coculture Techniques
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Humans
- K562 Cells
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/immunology
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/metabolism
- Macaca fascicularis
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Kevin Dang
- Teneobio, Inc., Newark, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Heather Ogana
- Graduate Program in Cancer Biology and Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Duy Pham
- Teneobio, Inc., Newark, CA, United States
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28
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Abstract
This perspective highlights the history and challenges of developing CD3-based bispecific T-cell engagers (TCEs) as cancer therapeutics as well as considerations and potential strategies for designing the next generation TCE molecules. The goal of this article is to raise awareness of natural T-cell biology and how to best harness the tumor cell killing capacity of cytotoxic T-cells with TCEs. In light of 30 years of concerted efforts to advance TCEs in early clinical development, many of the first-generation bispecific antibodies have exhibited lackluster safety, efficacy, and manufacturability profiles. As of January 2020, blinatumomab remains the only approved TCE. Many of the current set-backs in early clinical trials implicate the high-affinity CD3 binding domains employed and the respective bispecific platforms as potential culprits. The underlying conviction of the authors is that by taking corrective measures, TCEs can transform cancer therapy. Through openness, transparency, and much needed feedback from ongoing clinical studies, the field can continuously improve the design and effectiveness of next generation T-cell redirecting therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Vafa
- Teneobio, Inc., Newark, CA, United States
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29
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Li H, Li Y, Wang C, Wang S, Ho M. Highlights of 2019 Protein Engineering Summit (PEGS) in Boston, USA: Advancing Antibody-Based Cancer Therapies to the Clinic. Antib Ther 2019; 2:79-87. [PMID: 31844838 PMCID: PMC6913531 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbz010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The 15th Annual Protein Engineering Summit (PEGS) organized by Cambridge Healthtech Institute was held in Boston, USA, from 8 to 12 April 2019. This report highlights the presentations in the Oncology Stream of this meeting with a focus on bispecific antibodies (BsAbs). A variety of BsAb formats with different target antigens (CD3, CTLA4, PD-1, PD-L1, EGFR, HER2, BCMA, CD19, CD20, CD38, CD123, TGFβ, PSMA, etc.) have been discussed, in which the T-cell engaging (anti-CD3) BsAb is the most studied construct to exhibit promising immunotherapeutic activities. The BsAb formats include IgG-like structures or antibody fragments composed of antigen-binding sites only. Preclinical and clinical data from different BsAbs demonstrated the potential therapeutic applications in various solid tumors and hematological malignancies. The ongoing development of BsAb formats will help overcome current clinical issues, such as tumor selectivity and antigen coverage. This report also covers several presentations about emerging targets (e.g. mesothelin, CD47) and new technologies in the field of antibody engineering and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- Klus Pharma, 8 Clarke Drive, Cranbury NJ 08512, USA
| | - You Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- CoWin Venture, Taikang Financial Tower 2917, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Shouye Wang
- Chinese Antibody Society, 955 Massachusetts Ave #276, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- NCI Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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30
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Fu M, He Q, Guo Z, Zhou X, Li H, Zhao L, Tang H, Zhou X, Zhu H, Shen G, He Y, Lei P. Therapeutic Bispecific T-Cell Engager Antibody Targeting the Transferrin Receptor. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1396. [PMID: 31293575 PMCID: PMC6598450 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bispecific T-cell engager antibodies (BiTE) have been explored as a means to recruit cytolytic T cells to kill tumor cells. The transferrin receptor (TfR) is highly expressed on the surface of rapidly proliferating tumor cells. Therefore, it holds great potential in T cell redirecting therapies. In this research, we developed a BiTE targeting TfR and CD3 (TfR-BiTE) and studied its therapeutic impact on TfR-positive cancer. TfR-BiTE had the ability to induce the selective lysis of various TfR-positive cancer cells through the activation of T cells, the release of cytokines, and then the coming proliferation of T cells, whereas TfR-negative cells were not affected. In a subcutaneous HepG2 xenograft model, low concentrations of TfR-BiTE inhibited tumor growth. Overall, these results reveal that TfR-BiTE can selectively deplete TfR-positive HepG2 cells; hence, it represents a novel immunotherapeutic approach for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingpeng Fu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi He
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zilong Guo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoran Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Heli Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongling Tang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoqi Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huifen Zhu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guanxin Shen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong He
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Lei
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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31
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Steinmetz A, Vallée F, Beil C, Lange C, Baurin N, Beninga J, Capdevila C, Corvey C, Dupuy A, Ferrari P, Rak A, Wonerow P, Kruip J, Mikol V, Rao E. CODV-Ig, a universal bispecific tetravalent and multifunctional immunoglobulin format for medical applications. MAbs 2016; 8:867-78. [PMID: 26984268 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2016.1162932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [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: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bispecific immunoglobulins (Igs) typically contain at least two distinct variable domains (Fv) that bind to two different target proteins. They are conceived to facilitate clinical development of biotherapeutic agents for diseases where improved clinical outcome is obtained or expected by combination therapy compared to treatment by single agents. Almost all existing formats are linear in their concept and differ widely in drug-like and manufacture-related properties. To overcome their major limitations, we designed cross-over dual variable Ig-like proteins (CODV-Ig). Their design is akin to the design of circularly closed repeat architectures. Indeed, initial results showed that the traditional approach of utilizing (G4S)x linkers for biotherapeutics design does not identify functional CODV-Igs. Therefore, we applied an unprecedented molecular modeling strategy for linker design that consistently results in CODV-Igs with excellent biochemical and biophysical properties. CODV architecture results in a circular self-contained structure functioning as a self-supporting truss that maintains the parental antibody affinities for both antigens without positional effects. The format is universally suitable for therapeutic applications targeting both circulating and membrane-localized proteins. Due to the full functionality of the Fc domains, serum half-life extension as well as antibody- or complement-dependent cytotoxicity may support biological efficiency of CODV-Igs. We show that judicious choice in combination of epitopes and paratope orientations of bispecific biotherapeutics is anticipated to be critical for clinical outcome. Uniting the major advantages of alternative bispecific biotherapeutics, CODV-Igs are applicable in a wide range of disease areas for fast-track multi-parametric drug optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Steinmetz
- c Sanofi R&D, LGCR, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - François Vallée
- c Sanofi R&D, LGCR, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - Christian Beil
- a Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Industriepark Hoechst , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Christian Lange
- a Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Industriepark Hoechst , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Nicolas Baurin
- c Sanofi R&D, LGCR, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - Jochen Beninga
- a Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Industriepark Hoechst , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Cécile Capdevila
- b Sanofi R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - Carsten Corvey
- a Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Industriepark Hoechst , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Alain Dupuy
- c Sanofi R&D, LGCR, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - Paul Ferrari
- b Sanofi R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - Alexey Rak
- c Sanofi R&D, LGCR, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - Peter Wonerow
- a Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Industriepark Hoechst , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Jochen Kruip
- a Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Industriepark Hoechst , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Vincent Mikol
- c Sanofi R&D, LGCR, Center de Recherche Vitry-sur-Seine , Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex , France
| | - Ercole Rao
- a Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Global Biotherapeutics, Industriepark Hoechst , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
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32
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Stadler CR, Bähr-Mahmud H, Plum LM, Schmoldt K, Kölsch AC, Türeci Ö, Sahin U. Characterization of the first-in-class T-cell-engaging bispecific single-chain antibody for targeted immunotherapy of solid tumors expressing the oncofetal protein claudin 6. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1091555. [PMID: 27141353 PMCID: PMC4839326 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1091555] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The fetal tight junction molecule claudin 6 (CLDN6) is virtually absent from any normal tissue, whereas it is aberrantly and frequently expressed in various cancers of high medical need. We engineered 6PHU3, a T-cell-engaging bispecific single chain molecule (bi-(scFv)2) with anti-CD3/anti-CLDN6 specificities, and characterized its pharmacodynamic properties. Our data show that upon engagement by 6PHU3, T cells strongly upregulate cytotoxicity and activation markers, proliferate and acquire an effector phenotype. 6PHU3 exerts potent killing of cancer cells in vitro with EC50 values in the pg/mL range. Subcutaneous xenograft tumors in NSG mice engrafted with human PBMCs are eradicated by 6PHU3 treatment and survival of mice is significantly prolonged. Tumors of 6PHU3-treated mice are strongly infiltrated with activated CD4+, CD8+ T cells and TEM type cells but not Tregs and display a general activation of a mostly inflammatory phenotype. These effects are only observed upon bispecific but not monospecific engagement of 6PHU3. Together with the exceptionally cancer cell selective expression of the oncofetal tumor marker CLDN6, this provides a safeguard with regard to toxicity. In summary, our data shows that the concept of T-cell redirection combined with that of highly selective targeting of CLDN6-positive solid tumors is effective. Thus, exploring 6PHU3 for clinical therapy is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane R Stadler
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) AG, Mainz, Germany; TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hayat Bähr-Mahmud
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) AG, Mainz, Germany; TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Laura M Plum
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) AG, Mainz, Germany; TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schmoldt
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) AG, Mainz, Germany; TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anne C Kölsch
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH , Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Ugur Sahin
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) AG, Mainz, Germany; TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany; Department for Internal Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University, III; Mainz, Germany
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33
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Hoffman LM, Gore L. Blinatumomab, a Bi-Specific Anti-CD19/CD3 BiTE(®) Antibody for the Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Perspectives and Current Pediatric Applications. Front Oncol 2014; 4:63. [PMID: 24744989 PMCID: PMC3978294 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) represents the largest sub-type. Despite remarkable improvements over the last 40 years, standard therapy fails in 10–20% of newly diagnosed patients. Survival for children with relapsed ALL is poor, and the development and implementation of novel therapeutic strategies in pediatric ALL are critical to further advancements. Immunotherapeutic approaches have been central to more novel ALL therapies. However, more recent innovation in antibody engineering has improved potency and efficacy, and antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are an especially attractive option in severely immunocompromised patients. An even more sophisticated antibody design is that of bi-specific T-cell engaging or BiTE® antibodies, which directly recruit effector T cells to augment the anti-neoplastic effect. This review focuses on blinatumomab, a bi-specific anti-CD19/CD3 antibody that has shown efficacy in adult patients with precursor B-ALL and is currently being evaluated in the pediatric setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Hoffman
- The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Cancer Center , Aurora, CO , USA
| | - Lia Gore
- The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Cancer Center , Aurora, CO , USA
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