Expedient access to N-alkylphthalimides via redox-neutral photocatalysed Giese-type reactions

The photoredox-catalysed Giese-type reaction has emerged as a useful and powerful platform for radical-based transformations. Herein, a novel protocol for the preparation of N-alkylphthalimides has been successfully developed via the reactions of N-vinylphthalimides with radicals using alkyl silicates or Hantzsch esters as the radical precursors. According to the result of deuteration experiments, a mechanism involving a radical addition/SET reduction/protonation process has been proposed. The synthetic application of N-alkylphthalimide has also been demonstrated by deprotecting the phthalimido group using the Ing-Manske procedure.

Toxic Effects of Thioacetamide-Induced Femoral Damage in New Zealand White Rabbits by Activating the p38/ERK Signaling Pathway

Thioacetamide (TAA) is widely used in the production of drugs, pesticides and dyeing auxiliaries. Moreover, it is a chemical that can cause liver damage and cancer. TAA has recently been identified to cause bone damage in animal models. However, the type of bone damage that TAA causes and its potential pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. The toxic effects of TAA on the femurs of New Zealand white rabbits and the underlying toxicity mechanism were investigated in this study. Serum samples, the heart, liver, kidney and femurs were collected from rabbits after intraperitoneal injection of TAA for 5 months (100 and 200 mg/kg). The New Zealand white rabbits treated with TAA showed significant weight loss and femoral shortening. The activities of total bilirubin, total bile acid and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in the serum were increased following treatment with TAA. In addition, the cortical bone became thinner, and the trabecular thickness decreased significantly in TAA-treated rabbits, which was accompanied by significantly decreased mineral density of the cortical and trabecular bone. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in modulus of elasticity and maximum load on bone stress in TAA-treated rabbits. The western blotting results showed that the expression of phosphorylated (p)-p38 and p-ERK in femur tissues of rabbits were increased after TAA administration. Collectively, these results suggested that TAA may lead to femoral damage in rabbits by activating the p38/ERK signaling pathway.

MiR-125b enhances doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing the nucleus-cytoplasmic translocation of YAP via targeting STARD13

The clinical application of doxorubicin (Dox) is limited due to its cardiotoxicity, while the pathogenesis remains to be fully understood. Recent studies have suggested that microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. This work aims to investigate the effects of miR-125b in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Here, mice model combined with cell line analysis were used, and cell viability assay, detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and histopathological changes were performed to characterize miR-125b effects; real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and western blot analysis were subjected to reveal the underlying mechanisms. It was found that miR-125b level was upregulated in myocardial cell line H9C2 treated with Dox and miR-125b overexpression enhanced Dox-induced cytotoxicology of H9C2 cells, while miR-125b inhibition exhibited a protective effect by measuring ROS level and cell viability. In consistent, in vivo experiments with miR-125b agomir or antagomir obtained a consistent result through examining the activity of MDA, LDH, GSH, GSH-Px, SOD, and histopathological changes. Furthermore, we found that miR-125b could target STARD13 and thus suppressed the nucleus-cytoplasmic translocation of yes-associated protein (YAP). Additionally, this STARD13/YAP axis is necessary for miR-125b-mediated regulation on Dox-induced cytotoxicology of H9C2 cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that miR-125b could enhance Dox-induced cardiotoxicity through targeting the STARD13/YAP axis.

Computational diffraction reveals long-range strains, distortions and disorder in molecular dynamics simulations of irradiated single crystals

Atomic-scale simulations, and in particular molecular dynamics (MD), are key assets to model the behavior of the structure of materials under the action of external stimuli, say temperature, strain or stress, irradiation, etc. Despite the widespread use of MD in condensed matter science, some basic material characteristics remain difficult to determine. This is, for instance, the case for the long-range strain tensor, and its root-mean-squared fluctuations, in disordered materials. In this work, computational diffraction is introduced as a fast and reliable structural characterization tool of atomic-scale simulation cells in the case of irradiated single crystals. In contrast to direct-space methods, computational diffraction operates in the reciprocal space and is therefore highly sensitive to long-range spatial correlations. With the example of irradiated UO2 single crystals, it is demonstrated that the normal strains, shear strains and rotations, as well as their root-mean-squared fluctuations (microstrain) and the atomic disorder, are straightforwardly and unambiguously determined. The methodology presented here has been developed with efficiency in mind, in order to be able to provide simple and reliable characterizations either operating in real time, in parallel with other analysis tools, or operating on very large data sets.

[The citation analysis of the articles published in Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery from 2009 to 2019]

Objective: To analyze the citation of articles in Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, and to explore the strategy for running scientific journals. Methods: Using the Citation Database of Chinese Biomedical Journals, the citations of articles in this journal from 2009 to 2019 were statistically analyzed, and the characteristics of highly cited articles were analyzed. Results: From 2009 to 2019, Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery published 2 814 papers. Cited papers accounted for 75.69% of all papers, and each paper was cited 7.24 times. The citation rate of published papers was consistent with the variation trend of citation frequency. Non treatises such as guide consensus and original articles for special issues were cited better. There was no obvious correlation between paper funding and citation. Conclusion: Improving the content quality and optimizing the column setting are important measures to enhance the influence of scientific journals.

The relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level and sweat function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D(25-(OH)₂D₃) level and sweat function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 1021 patients with T2DM who underwent 25-(OH)₂D₃ level detections and sweat function tests was carried out. These individuals were divided into deficient groups (n = 154 cases), insufficient groups (n = 593 cases) and sufficient groups (n = 274 cases). Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis were implemented to determine the association of 25-(OH)2D3 level and sweat function.

RESULTS

The total presence of sweating dysfunction was 38.59%. Patients with a lower level of serum 25-(OH)₂D₃ had more severe sweat secretion impairment (P < 0.05). As the decrease of serum 25-(OH)₂D₃ level, the presence of sweating dysfunction increased (P < 0.05). 25-(OH)₂D₃ level was positively correlated with sweat function parameters, age and duration of T2DM were negatively correlated with sweat function parameter (P < 0.05). Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis explored a significant association between serum 25-(OH)₂D₃ level with sweat function (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum 25-(OH)₂D₃ level was positively correlated with sweat function in patients with T2DM.

Manipulation of electronic and structural effects on the solid-state emission of multiple linked anthracenyl-o-carborane dyads

A direct boost of emission efficiency is presented based on the strategy of linking multiple weak AIE-active anthracenyl-o-carborane dyads together for improving solid-state luminescence.

441 Population pharmacokinetics of an anti-PD-1 antibody, Penpulimab in patients with advanced malignancies

Background

Penpulimab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting PD-1 and is being evaluated in a variety of malignancies. The objective of the present study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model of penpulimab in patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, and to characterize the impact of demographic and disease factors on the pharmacokinetics.

Methods

Pharmacokinetic data in patients with advanced malignancies were analyzed from six clinical studies with doses of 1, 3, 10 mg/kg, 200 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W), or 200 mg every 3 weeks (Q3W) of penpulimab (N=332). Noncompartmental analyses were performed on PK data from a subset of participants and the pharmacokinetic characteristics of penpulimab were summarized.

Results

The PopPK of penpulimab was adequately described with a two-compartment model with first-order elimination using a non-linear mixed effects model (NONMEM). Typical values for these PK parameters were estimated at 0.232 L/day for Clearance (CL), 3.42 L for the volume of distribution of central compartment (V1). There was no clinical correlation between penpulimab pharmacokinetics and baseline covariates, such as age, race, immunogenicity, hepatic function, creatinine clearance, tumor type, and ECOG score. Several indicators, including the impact of albumin, lactic dehydrogenase, and gender on CL, and the impact of weight and gender on V1, were found to be statistically significant, but the geometric mean ratios for the PK parameters ranged between 0.7 and 1.3, with a difference of less than 30% and no clinically significant relevance. Drug exposure increased proportionally with dose from 1.0 mg/kg to 10.0 mg/kg, and at 1mg/kg or more, the PD-1 receptor occupancy reached 80% to 100% two days after penpulimab infusion. PopPK simulation showed that concentration ranges of penpulimab following administration at a fixed dose (200 mg Q2W) or by body weight (3.0 mg/kg Q2W) were basically consistent. More than 97.5% of the patients, at either dosing regimen (200 mg Q2W or Q3W), had steady-state trough concentrations >10 µg/mL, which is much higher than the concentration (0.5 µg/mL) needed for reaching 90% to 100% PD-1 receptor occupancy.

Conclusions

The PopPK model adequately assessed the pharmacokinetic characteristics and impact factors of penpulimab in the hematologic malignancies as well as solid tumors. This simulation indicates that both weight-based dose and fixed dose (200mg Q2W or Q3W) are appropriate for penpulimab.

Ethics Approval

These studies were conducted in accordance with the protocol, good clinical practice standards and the Declaration of Helsinki. The protocols and subsequent amendments were approved by the appropriate institutional review board (IRB) or ethics committee at each participating institution. All patients provided voluntary written informed consent.

Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this abstract and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor of this journal.

Silencing IKBKE inhibits the migration and invasion of glioblastoma by promoting Snail1 degradation

PURPOSE

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common malignant brain tumors in adults and has high mortality and relapse rates. Over the past few years, great advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of GBM, but unfortunately, the five-year overall survival rate of GBM patients is approximately 5.1%. Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit epsilon (IKBKE) is a major oncogenic protein in tumors and can promote evil development of GBM. Snail1, a key inducer of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factor, is subjected to ubiquitination and degradation, but the mechanism by which Snail1 is stabilized in tumors remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the mechanism of IKBKE regulating Snail1 in GBM.

METHODS

First, we analyzed the correlation between the expression of IKBKE and the tumor grade and prognosis through public databases and laboratory specimen libraries. Second, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot were used to detect the correlation between IKBKE and Snail expression in glioma samples and cell lines. Western blot and immunofluorescence (IF) experiments were used to detect the quality and distribution of IKBKE and Snail1 proteins. Third, In situ animal model of intracranial glioma to detect the regulatory effect of IKBKE on intracranial tumors.

RESULTS

In this study, Our study reveals a new connection between IKBKE and Snail1, where IKBKE can directly bind to Snail1, translocate Snail1 into the nucleus from the cytoplasm. Downregulation of IKBKE results in Snail1 destabilization and impairs the tumor cell migration and invasion capabilities.

CONCLUSION

Our studies suggest that the IKBKE-Snail1 axis may serve as a potential therapeutic target for GBM treatment.

266 AK117, a CD47 blocking antibody with robust macrophage activation without red blood cell hemagglutination

Background

AK117 is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD47 which widely expresses on innate immune cells, such as macrophages, and functions as a regulator of phagocytosis. CD47 serves as the ligand for a receptor on these innate immune cells, SIRPα, which in turn delivers an inhibitory signal for phagocytosis. Hematology toxicity is the major concern of an anti-CD47 antibody. As an agent targeting CD47 being investigated as an anti-tumor therapeutic, AK117 is engineered on a human IgG4 scaffold to minimize recruitment of Fc-dependent effector functions, as well as identified with favorable hematology safety profile and robust pro-phagocytosis activity.

Methods

Activity of AK117 binding to CD47 to block the interaction between CD47 and SIRPα were determined by FACS, and binding of AK117 to human RBC was also evaluated. Raji cells, HT-29 cells, and HL-60 cells which highly express CD47 were used as target cells to evaluate a pro-phagocytic activity of AK117 as a monotherapy or in combination with anti-EGFR antibody, anti-CD20 antibody or azacitidine. In in-vivo pharmacology studies, anti-tumor activity of AK117 was investigated in SCID/beige mouse Raji tumor model. Effects of AK117 on hemagglutination of human RBC at was tested. Hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) was evaluated after single dose of 10 mg/kg AK117 or Hu-5F9 in male and female cynomolgus monkeys (n=1/gender).

Results

AK117 could effectively binds to CD47, and competes with SIRPα for binding to the antigen on Raji cells (figure 1). AK117 alone or combines with anti-EGFR antibody, anti-CD20 antibody and azacitidine shows potent phagocytosis of tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner (figure 2). AK117 significantly inhibited tumor growth in these tumor models (figure 3). Favorable hematology safety profile of AK117 was observed. A significant weaker binding to human RBC of AK117 was identified (figure 4), and AK117 does not induce hemagglutination of human RBC up to a concentration of 1050 μg/mL, while Hu-5F9 triggers hemagglutination even at a low concentration of 1.44 μg/mL (figure 5). AK117 has minimal anemia effect in monkey studies compared to hu5F9-G4 after single dose in cynomolgus monkeys (figure 6). AK117 showed a rather superior safety profile to Hu5F9-G4 as a shorter duration of anemia.

Abstract 266 Figure 1

Binding and Competition activity of AK117 to CD47. (A) FACS binding curves of AK117 and Hu5F9-G4 to CD47 on raji cells. (B) FACS competitive binding curve of AK117 and Hu5F9-G4 with SIRPαECD-mFc to CD47 on raji cells.

Abstract 266 Figure 2

The pro-phagocytic activity against tumor cells. (A) The phagocytic index of raji cells by macrophages with AK117. (B) The phagocytic index of HL-60 cells by macrophages with AK117 and azacitidine. (C) The phagocytic index of HT-29 cells by macrophages with AK117 and cetuximab. (D) The phagocytic index of raji cells by macrophages with AK117 and rituximab.

Abstract 266 Figure 3

Anti-tumor activity in raji tumor mouse model. The (A) Tumor growth curves and (B) Body weight curves of different groups in SCID/Beige mice with subcutaneous raji tumor.

Abstract 266 Figure 4

Binding activity of AK117 to human RBCs. Binding Curves of Hu5F9-G4 and AK117 to CD47 on human RBCs

Abstract 266 Figure 5

Hemagglutination effect on human erythrocytes. Hemagglutination effect of AK117 on human erythrocytes

Abstract 266 Figure 6

HGB and HCT in cynomolgus monkeys. The curves of (A) hemoglobin and (B) Hematocrit at different times in cynomolgus monkeys.

Conclusions

With pre-clinical pharmacology activities comparable to Hu5F9-G4 as well as superior safety properties demonstrated in non-clinical pharmacodynamics studies, AK117 has emerged as a promising new treatment for solid tumor.

436 A phase II study of AK104, a bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4, in patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) who had progressed after two or more lines of chemotherapy

Background

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is common in Southeast Asia, especially in Southern China. Combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade has consistently demonstrated the increase of the response rates and survival rates of the patients (pts) compared to monotherapy in various tumors.1 Dual CTLA-4/PD-1 blockade with ipilimumab plus nivolumab provided durable responses in patients with recurrent or metastatic NPC,2 suggesting the combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockers have synergistic effect in NPC. Here, this Phase II study present initial safety and efficacy data for AK104, a PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody, in metastatic NPC pts.

Methods

AK104-204 (NCT04220307) is a multicenter, single-arm, open-label study of AK104 in patients (pts) with metastatic NPC who have failed at least two lines of chemotherapy and didn’t receive any anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies previously. All patients received AK104 6 mg/kg every 2 weeks until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1). Tumor proportion score (TPS)=50% was regarded as PD-L1 positive.

Results

As of 6 June 2021, 23 pts were enrolled. Median age was 43[range:19–64] years old, 87.0% was male, 73.9% ECOG performance status was 1. Of 20 efficacy-evaluable pts, the confirmed ORR was 30% (6/20); the disease control rate (DCR) was 70% (14/20). Among them, the ORR was 57.1% (4/7) in pts with PD-L1 positive and the 18.2% (2/11) in pts with PD-L1 negative. Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 21.7% (5/23) of pts. No Grade 4 or 5 TRAEs occurred. Most frequent TRAEs (incidence = 20%) were anaemia (30.4%), white blood cell count decreased (26.1%), hypothyroidism (26.1%), neutrophil count decreased (21.7%), and rash (21.7%).

Conclusions

AK104 demonstrated encouraging anti-tumor activity and favorable safety profile in pts with NPC who had disease progression after =2 prior lines of therapy. NPC pts with PD-L1–positive tumors receiving AK104 showed more benefits than those with PD-L1-negative tumors. AK104 for the treatment of NPC should be further evaluated.

Acknowledgements

Akeso Biopharma, Inc would like to thank the patients, investigators and site staff for their participation in this study.

Trial Registration

Clinical registration number:

NCT04220307

References

Rotte A. Combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockers for treatment of cancer. Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research 2019, 38(1): 1–12.

Annals of Oncology 2020;3(suppl_6): S1347-S1354. 10.1016/annonc/annonc360.

Ethics Approval

This study received ethics approval from Ethics Committee of Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center on 04 Dec 2019 (Approval number: A2019-085-01). In accordance with ICH Good Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Declaration of Helsinki, study participants gave informed consent voluntarily before participating in this study.

Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this abstract and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor of this journal.

427 Efficacy and safety of AK112, an anti-PD-1/VEGF-A bispecific antibody, in patients with platinum-resistant/refractory epithelial ovarian cancer in a Phase 1 study

Background

Platinum-resistant/refractory epithelial ovarian cancer (PROC) is a high unmet medical need with limited treatment options and a median survival of 12–15 months.1 Single agent PD-(L)1 inhibitors have objective response rates (ORR) of less than 10%.2 3 However, combination of nivolumab plus bevacizumab yields a higher ORR of 16.7% in platinum-resistant patients (pts), indicating synergistic activity between PD-1 inhibition and anti-angiogenic therapy in this disease.4 Here, we present initial efficacy and safety data for AK112, a bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and VEGF-A, in pts with PROC.

Methods

Pts with PROC were enrolled in an ongoing Phase 1a/1b study of AK112 (NCT04047290). Tumor assessments based on RECIST v1.1 were performed once every 8 weeks/2 cycles for the first 12 months, and every 12 weeks thereafter.

Results

As of 16 July 2021, 19 PROC pts, of which 6 had platinum-refractory disease, have received AK112 at doses ranging from 3 mg/kg to 30 mg/kg Q2W. Seventeen pts (89.5%) had ≥2 lines of prior therapy in the recurrent/metastatic setting and 7 pts (36.8%) had prior bevacizumab. Seventeen pts had at least 1 post-baseline tumor assessment. Median duration of follow-up was 4.5 months. ORR was 29.4% (5/17; 2 clear cell, 3 high-grade serous]). Among the 5 responders, 3 pts received 20mg/kg Q2W AK112 and 1 pt each had 3mg/kg and 10mg/kg Q2W AK112. Median duration of response was not reached. One pt, who had clear cell PROC and received prior immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, had tumor shrinkage of 70% and continued treatment for more than 17 months. Another pt, who had high-grade serous ovarian cancer and prior treatment with bevacizumab, had tumour shrinkage of 65% and continued treatment for more than 4 months. Disease control rate (DCR) was 76.5% (13/17), with tumor shrinkage observed in 11 pts (64.7%). Twelve out of 19 (63.2%) pts experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). Three pts (15.8%) experienced Grade 3 TRAEs (hypertension and transaminitis in 1 pt; and hypertension and colitis). There were no Grade 4–5 TRAEs. Commonly reported TRAEs were hypertension (15.8%), arthralgia (15.8%), fatigue (15.8%), hypothyroidism (10.5%) and rash (10.5%).

Conclusions

The initial results from Study AK112-101 demonstrate that AK112 garners an encouraging anti-tumor activity and a favorable safety profile in patients with platinum-resistant/refractory epithelial ovarian cancer. AK112 will be further evaluated for the treatment of platinum-resistant/refractory epithelial ovarian cancer in a Phase 2 study.

Acknowledgements

Akeso Biopharma, Inc would like to thank the patients, investigators and site staff for their participation in this study.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.

gov Identifier: NCT04047290

References

Pujade-Lauraine E, Banerjee S, Pignata S. Management of platinum-resistant, relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer and new drug perspectives. J Clin Oncol 2019; 37:2437–2448.

Disis ML, Taylor MH, Kelly K, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Avelumab for Patients With Recurrent or Refractory Ovarian Cancer: Phase 1b Results From the JAVELIN Solid Tumor Trial. JAMA Oncol 2019; 5:393–401.

Matulonis UA, Shapira-Frommer RS, Santin A, et al. Antitumor activity and safety of pembrolizumab in patients with advanced recurrent ovarian cancer: Interim results from the phase 2 KEYNOTE-100 study. J Clin Oncol 2018; 36: suppl abstr 5511.

Liu JF, Herold C, Gray KP, et al. Assessment of Combined Nivolumab and Bevacizumab in Relapsed Ovarian Cancer: A Phase 2 Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol 2019;5:1731–1738.

Ethics Approval

This study received ethics approval from Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) on 05 Nov 2019 (Application number 2019-05-459-AB). In accordance with ICH Good Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Declaration of Helsinki, study participants gave informed consent voluntarily before participating in this study.

750 AK119, a CD73 targeting antibody with dual mechanism of action

Background

AK119 is an Fc-engineered humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting human CD73. CD73-extracellular adenosine pathway regulates conversion of pro-inflammatory and immuno-stimulatory extracellular adenosine ATP into immunosuppressive adenosine. CD73 expresses on cancer cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, lymphocytes and myeloid cells. CD73 upregulated can be a result of tissue hypoxia,1 epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition,2 inflammation3 and/or cytotoxic stress.4 Also, increasing immune response may lead to faster viral clearance, shorter recovery time, less complications, longer immunity and protection from re-infection. Inhibiting CD73 was reported to evoke B cells activation and shows anti-fibrotic effects. The ability of enhancing immune response provides a potential opportunity to treat COVID-19. Thus, we investigated pharmacological activity of AK119 as an agent treating cancers, COVID-19 and fibrosis.

Methods

AK119 inhibition of CD73 enzymatic activity was tested in human PBMCs based assay. The ability of AK119 to enhance B cells immune response was detected by cell-based assay. PBMCs were incubated overnight with APCP (inhibitor of CD73 enzyme acitvity) or AK119, CPI006 or MEDI9447. Flow cytometry analysis was performed with gating on B cells (CD19+CD3-) and MFI and positive percent were reported for antibody staining of CD69 or CD83, as well as HLA-DR and IgM. Enhancement of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody production was studied using human CD73 transgenic mouse immunized with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The in-vivo activity of AK119 was further studied in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model in human CD73 transgenic mouse.

Results

AK119 shows a more potent antigen binding (figure 1) and completely CD73 enzyme inhibition activity (figure 2). AK119 promotes B cell proliferation, and upregulating CD69, CD83, HLA-DR and IgM that are markers of B cell activation (figure 3). B cell activation induced by AK119 is independent of adenosine. AK119 show significantly higher bioactivity to induce B cells activation in comparison with MEDI9447 or CPI006 (figure 4). In human CD73 transgenic mice, AK119 increased secretion of anti-S protein IgG (figure 5). In pulmonary fibrosis mouse model, number of inflammatory cell in broncholveolr lavage fluid of AK119 was significantly decreased, and decreased HYP representing collagen content in lung tissue homogenate of mice was found in both AK119 50 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg group (figure 6).

Conclusions

AK119 selectively binds to and inhibits the ectonucleotidase activity of CD73 thus reducing adenosine accumulation. Results from non-clinical pharmacology studies reveal potent bioactivities as well as favorable safety properties of AK119. AK119 is intended for advanced solid tumors, pulmonary fibrosis and therapy of COVID-19.

References

Bullen JW, Tchernyshyov I, Holewinski RJ, DeVine L, Wu F, Venkatraman V, Kass DL, Cole RN, Van Eyk J, Semenza GL, Protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation stimulates the transcriptional activity of hypoxia-inducible factor 1. Sci Signal 2016;9(430):ra56.

Lupia M, Angiolini F, Bertalot G, Freddi S, Sachsenmeier KF, Chisci E, Kutryb-Zajac B, Confalonieri S, Smolenski RT, Giovannoni R, Colombo N, Bianchi F, Cavallaro U. CD73 regulates stemness and epithelial-Mesenchymal transition in ovarian cancer-initiating cells, Stem Cell Rep 2018;10(4):1412–1425.

Reinhardt J, Landsberg J, Schmid-Burgk JL, Ramis BB, Bald T, Glodde N, Lopez-Ramos D, Young A, Ngiow SF, Nettersheim D, Schorle H, Quast T, Kolanus W, Schadendorf D, Long GV, Madore J, Scolyer RA, Ribas A, Smyth MJ, Tumeh PC, Tuting T, Holzel M. MAPK signaling and inflammation link melanoma phenotype switching to induction of CD73 during immunotherapy. Cancer Res 2017;77(17):4697–4709.

Samanta D, Park Y, Ni X, Li H, Zahnow CA, Gabrielson E, Pan F, Semenza GL. Chemotherapy induces enrichment of CD47(+)/CD73(+)/ PDL1(+) immune evasive triple-negative breast cancer cells, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2018;115(6):E1239–E1248.

Abstract 750 Figure 1

Binding activity of AK119 to human PBMCs. Binding Curve of AK119 to CD73 expressed on (A) CD8+ T cells and (B) CD19+ B cells in human PBMCs

Abstract 750 Figure 2

Inhibition activity of CD73 on human PBMCs. AK119 Inhibits Enzymatic Activity of CD73 Expressed on human PBMCs

Abstract 750 Figure 3

Effect of upregulating B cell markers by AK119. AK119 Upregulates (A) CD69, (B) CD83, (C) HLA-DR and (D) IgM Expression on B cells

Abstract 750 Figure 4

Stimulation of B cell Proliferation by AK119

Abstract 750 Figure 5

Therapeutic activity in the COVID-19 mouse model. Serum Concentration of S protein-specific IgG in Mouse Model of COVID-19

Abstract 750 Figure 6

Therapeutic activity in the asthma mouse model. (A) AK119 relieves the increased airway resistance and restore the lung function. (B) Reduction of the inflammatory cells in BALF by AK119

289 Cadonilimab, an anti-PD1/CTLA4 bi-specific antibody with Fc effector null backbone

Background

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes co-express PD-1 and CTLA-4 at much higher levels compared to normal tissues and peripheral blood cells, thus anti-PD1/CTLA4 bi-specific antibody with a preferential tumor tissue enrichment over normal tissue would contribute to enhanced efficacy and safety. Currently available anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies used in combination therapy are of residual bindings to FcγRs, which mediate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), leading to compromise on efficacy and safety. Moreover, activated macrophage in tumor microenvironment plays key role in mediating immune suppression by secreting proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6. Cadonilimab, also known as AK104, is an IgG1 scaffold Fc-engineered antibody, which is designed to eliminate binding to FcγRs and C1q, and subsequently minimize lymphocyte loss, and antibody dependent cytokine release from macrophage, which associate with irAEs and poor prognosis in immunotherapy.1

Methods

PD-1 and CTLA4 antigen co-binding activity of Cadonilimab was determined by Fortebio and assay of co-culture Cadonilimab with Hoechst33342-labelled Jurkat cells expressing PD-1 and CHO-K1-CTLA4 cells. Binding kinetics of Cadonilimab to C1q, FcγRIa, FcγRIIa_H131, FcγRIIa_R131, FcγRIIIa_V158 and FcγRIIIa_F158 were measured by Fortebio. ADCC, ADCP and CDC activities were determined in cellular assays. IL-6 and IL-8 from macrophage were detected in a assay of human macrophage and CHO-K1-PD1-CTLA4 cells co-culture.

Results

Cadonilimab binds to the antigens PD-1 and CTLA-4 simultaneously, and as shown in figure.1, Cadonilimab cross-links cells expressing CTLA-4 with those expressing PD-1 (figure 1). Cadonilimab exhibited no binding to FcγRIa, FcγRIIa_H131, FcγRIIIa_V158, FcγRIIIa_F158 or C1q (table 1), eliciting no apparent ADCC, ADCP or CDC (figure 2). Cadonilimab induced no remarkable IL-6 or IL-8 release by human macrophage compared with combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab (figure 3). Clinical trials of Cadonilimab as monotherapy, in combination with chemotherapy or tyrosine kinase inhibitor, such as Lenvatinib and Anlotinib, to treat metastatic cervical cancer (NCT04380805), gastric adenocarcinoma/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (NCT04728321), non-small cell lung cancer (NCT04647344) and hepatocellular carcinoma (NCT04444167) are ongoing, and a promising efficacy and acceptable safety profile were observed.

Abstract 289 Figure 1

AK104 crosslinks cells expressing CTLA-4 and PD-1. AK104 can crosslink cells expressing CTLA-4 with cells expressing PD-1. CTLA-4-expressing CHO-K1 cells were plated into the plates. Then the mixture of AK104 or control antibodies with Hoechst 33342 labelled PD-1-expressing Jurkat cells were added into the plates and incubated for 20min. After the incubation, suspended Jurkat cells were removed, and the crosslinking between PD-1 and CTLA-4 expressing cells was analyzed microscopically.

Abstract 289 Figure 2

ADCC, CDC and ADCP activities of AK104. (A) Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activities of AK104 (hG1), a version of Cadonilimab with wildtype IgG1 scaffold and Cadonilimab were determined by measuring lactase dehydrogenase (LDH) release from 293T-CTLA4-PD1 cells. (B) Complementary-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (CDC) activities of AK104 (hG1) and Cadonilimab were determined by measuring LDH release from 293T-CTLA4-PD1 cells. (C) Antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) activities of AK104 (hG1) and Cadonilimab were studied by examining phagocytosis of CHO-K1-PD1-CTLA4 cells by murine bone marrow derived macrophages. Data are expressed as mean±SEM of two independent experiments.

Abstract 289 Figure 3

IL-8 and IL-6 secretion induced by AK104. Effects of Fc engineering of cadonilimab on the release of inflammatory cytokines. (A) IL-8 and (B) IL-6 by HPMMs in the presence of IFN-γ. Data are expressed as mean ±SEM of two independent experiments.

Abstract 289 Table 1

Affinity of AK104 to FcγRs and C1q. Affinity of cadonilimab to FcγRIa, FcγRIIa_H131, FcγRIIa_R131, FcγRIIIa_V158, FcγRIIIa_F158 and C1q.

Conclusions

Cadonilimab, an IgG1 antibody with Fc-engineering, exhibits neither Fc effector functions including ADCC, ADCP, CDC, nor activating macrophage to secret IL-6 or IL-8. Possible tumor tissue preferential retention of Cadonilimab over conventional anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies noted above could potentially lead to better safety profile.

Reference

Yang F, He Z, Duan H, Zhang D, Li J, Yang H, Dorsey JF, Zou W, Ali Nabavizadeh S, Bagley SJ, Abdullah K, Brem S, Zhang L, Xu X, Byrne KT, Vonderheide RH, Gong Y, Fan Y. Synergistic immunotherapy of glioblastoma by dual targeting of IL-6 and CD40. Nat Commun 2021 June 8;12(1):3424.

430 A phase 1b/II clinical study of AK112, a PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, in combination with olaparib in BRCA germline wild-type platinum sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer

Background

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. Most patients will experience disease recurrence after initial platinum-based chemotherapy. Although PRAP inhibitors showed clinical benefit in terms of progression free survival (PFS) as recurrence therapy in platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer with BRCA mutation, there is limited treatment options for patients who are BRCA wild-type. MEDIOLA study showed that the combination of PD-L1 inhibitor (durvalumab) plus PARP inhibitor (olaparib) and bevacizumab demonstrated higher ORR and PFS than reported for PD-1 and PARP inhibitor doublet or single-agent PARP or VEGF inhibitors in non-gBRCAm platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer.1 Therefore, AK112, a bispecific antibody against PD-1 and VEGF, combined with PARP inhibitor may achieve a better anti-tumor effect in recurrent ovarian cancer.

Methods

This multicenter, open-label, phase Ib/II study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of AK112 in combination with PARP inhibitor in BRCA1/2 germline wild-type (gBRAC1/2 WT) platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer patients. The dose-escalation phase will evaluate three dose levels of AK112 (10mg/kg, 20mg/kg, and 30mg/kg Q2W) in combination with fixed dose of olaparib (300 mg, BID) using a 3+3 study design to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D). Phase II study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of AK112 at RP2D in combination with olaparib in subjects with BRCA1/2 germline wild-type (gBRAC1/2 WT) platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer. The primary efficacy endpoint is objective response rate (ORR) based on RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints include disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DoR), time to response (TTR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, the correlation between the antitumor activity and PD-L1 expression or the gBRCA1/2 mutation status in peripheral blood. Exploratory endpoints are the correlations between clinical activity and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) as well as tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in tumor tissues. Subjects with gBRAC1/2 WT platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer who had received ≥ 2 lines of platinum-based chemotherapy will be enrolled. Subjects with active or prior autoimmune disease that may relapse, significant cardiovascular disease, prior exposure to PARP inhibitor, antiangiogenic therapy or immunotherapy will not be eligible.

Acknowledgements

Akeso Biopharma, Inc would like to thank the patients, investigators and site staff for their participation in this study.

Trial Registration

Clinical registration number

CTR20210713

References

Annals of Oncology (2020) 31 (suppl_4): S551-S589. 10.1016/annonc/annonc276.

Ethics Approval

This study received ethics approval from Ethics Committee of National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of medical sciences and Peking Union Medical College on 11 Mar 2021 (Approval number: 21/125-2796). In accordance with ICH Good Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Declaration of Helsinki, study participants gave informed consent voluntarily before participating in this study.

Artemisia ordosica Polysaccharide Alleviated Lipopolysaccharide-induced Oxidative Stress of Broilers via Nrf2/Keap1 and TLR4/NF-κB Pathway

Artemisia ordosica is one of the main shrubby perennials belonging to Artemisia species of Asteraceae and could be used in folk Chinese/Mongolian medicine to treat symptoms of various inflammatory ailments. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of dietary Artemisia ordosica polysaccharide (AOP) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced oxidative stress in broilers via Nrf2/Keap1 and TLR4/NF-κB pathway. A total of 192 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly allotted to four treatments with 6 replicates (n = 8): (1) CON group, non-challenged broilers fed basal diet; (2) LPS group, LPS-challenged broilers fed basal diet; (3) AOP group, non-challenged broilers fed basal diet supplemented with 750 mg/kg AOP; (4) LPS+AOP group, LPS-challenged broilers fed basal diet supplemented with 750 mg/kg AOP. The trial included starter phase (d 1-14), stress period Ⅰ (d 15-21), convalescence Ⅰ (d 22-28), stress period Ⅱ (d 29-35) and convalescence Ⅱ (d 36-42). During stress period Ⅰ (on d 15, 17, 19 and 21) and stress period Ⅱ (on d 29, 31, 33 and 35), broilers were injected intra-abdominally either with LPS solution or with an equal amount of sterile saline. The results showed that dietary AOP supplementation alleviated LPS-induced reduction in antioxidant enzyme activity and excessive production of ROS, 8-OHdG and PC in serum of broilers challenged with LPS. Moreover, dietary AOP supplementation alleviated the decrease of T-AOC and activities of SOD, CAT and GPx in liver of broilers challenged with LPS by increasing expression of Nrf2, and inhibiting over-expression of Keap1 both at gene and protein level. Additionally, dietary AOP supplementation decreased the over-production of IL-1β and IL-6 in liver of broilers challenged by LPS through decreasing mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB P65, IL-1β and IL-6, and alleviating the increase of protein expression of TLR4, IKKβ, NF-κB P65, IL-1β, IL-6, and the decrease of protein expression of IkBα. In conclusion, dietary AOP supplementation could alleviate LPS-induced oxidative stress through Nrf2/Keap1 and TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Three Novel Structural Variations at MHC and IL12B Predisposing to Psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Structural variations (SVs, defined as DNA variants ≥50 bp) have been associated with various complex human diseases. However, research to screen the whole genome for SVs predisposing to psoriasis is still lacking.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the association of SVs and psoriasis.

METHODS

We performed a genome-wide screen on SVs using an imputation method on 5 independent cohorts with 45,386 subjects from the Chinese Han population. Fine mapping analysis, genetic interaction analysis and RNA expression analysis were conducted to explore the mechanism of SVs.

RESULTS

We obtained 4,535 SVs in total and identified 2 novel deletions (esv3608550, OR=2.73, P<2.00×10^-308 ; esv3608542, OR=0.47, P=7.40×10^-28 ) at 6q21.33 (MHC), 1 novel Alu element insertion (esv3607339, OR=1.22, P=1.18×10^-35 ) at 5q33.3 (IL12B), and confirmed 1 previously reported deletion (esv3587563, OR=1.30, P=9.52×10^-60 ) at 1q21.2 (LCE) for psoriasis. Fine mapping analysis including SNPs and small Insertions/Deletions (InDels) revealed that esv3608550 and esv3608542 were independently associated with psoriasis, and a novel independent SNP (rs9378188, OR=1.65, P=3.46×10^-38 ) was identified at 6q21.33. By genetic interaction analysis and RNA expression analysis, we speculate that the association of 2 deletions at 6q21.33 with psoriasis might relate to their influence on the expression of HLA-C.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study constructed the most comprehensive SV map for psoriasis thus far and enriched the genetic architecture and pathogenesis of psoriasis as well as highlighted the nonnegligible impact of SVs on complex diseases.

[Role of Bruton's tyrosine kinase in endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide-induced pyroptosis of intestinal cells in scalded mice]

Objective: To investigate the role of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) in pyroptosis of intestinal cells caused by endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in scalded mice. Methods: The experimental research method was applied. One hundred and twenty-eight male C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were divided into sham injury group, scald alone group, scald+LPS group, scald+LPS+3 mg/kg LFM-A13 group, scald+LPS+10 mg/kg LFM-A13 group, and scald+LPS+30 mg/kg LFM-A13 group. There were 8 mice in sham injury group, and there were 24 mice in the other 5 groups, respectively. Mice in 5 scald groups were inflicted with 10% total body surface area full-thickness scald on the back, and mice in sham injury group were sham injured on the back. At post injury hour (PIH) 0 (immediately), mice in sham injury group and scald alone group were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline, mice in scald+LPS group were intraperitoneally injected with LPS, and mice in scald+LPS+3 mg/kg LFM-A13 group, scald+LPS+10 mg/kg LFM-A13 group, and scald+LPS+30 mg/kg LFM-A13 group were intraperitoneally injected with LPS and LFM-A13 in corresponding doses. Mice in sham injury group were sacrificed at PIH 0 to collect serum and intestinal tissue, and 8 mice in each group of 5 scald groups were sacrificed at PIH 0, 12, and 24 to collect intestinal tissue and serum at PIH 12. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect phosphorylation of BTK in intestinal tissue of mice. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of phosphorylated BTK (p-BTK), cleaved cysteine aspartic acid specific protease 1 (caspase-1), and cleaved caspase-11 in intestinal tissue of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used to detect interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum and intestinal tissue of mice. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference test. Results: There was no obvious phosphorylation of BTK in intestinal tissue of mice in 6 groups at PIH 0 and scald alone group at PIH 12 and 24. Phosphorylation of BTK in intestinal tissue of mice in scald+LPS group at PIH 12 and 24 were obviously increased compared with those in scald alone group. Phosphorylation of BTK in intestinal tissue of mice in scald+LPS+3 mg/kg LFM-A13 group, scald+LPS+10 mg/kg LFM-A13 group, and scald+LPS+30 mg/kg LFM-A13 group were obviously decreased compared with those in scald+LPS group, and the degrees of decline gradually increased with increase of dose in LFM-A13. Compared with (0.130±0.010) of sham injury group and (0.120±0.040 and 0.110±0.040) of scald alone group, protein expressions of p-BTK in intestinal tissue of mice in scald+LPS group at PIH 12 and 24 were obviously increased (0.470±0.090 and 0.430±0.080, P<0.01). Compared with those in scald+LPS group, protein expressions of p-BTK in intestinal tissue of mice in scald+LPS+3 mg/kg LFM-A13 group at PIH 24, and scald+LPS+10 mg/kg LFM-A13 group and scald+LPS+30 mg/kg LFM-A13 group at PIH 12 and 24 were obviously decreased (0.280±0.060, 0.300±0.120, 0.150±0.050, 0.280±0.090, 0.140±0.040, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with those in scald+LPS+3 mg/kg LFM-A13 group, protein expressions of p-BTK in intestinal tissue of mice in scald+LPS+10 mg/kg LFM-A13 group and scald+LPS+30 mg/kg LFM-A13 group at PIH 24 were obviously decreased (P<0.01). Compared with those in sham injury group and scald alone group, protein expressions of cleaved caspase-1 and caspase-11 in intestinal tissue of mice in scald+LPS group were obviously increased at PIH 12 and 24 (P<0.01). Compared with those in scald+LPS group, protein expressions of cleaved caspase-1 at PIH 12 and cleaved caspase-11 at PIH 12 and 24 in intestinal tissue of mice in scald+LPS+3 mg/kg LFM-A13 group and protein expressions of cleaved caspase-1 and caspase-11 in intestinal tissue of mice in scald+LPS+10 mg/kg LFM-A13 group and scald+LPS+30 mg/kg LFM-A13 group at PIH 12 and 24 were obviously decreased (P<0.01). Compared with those in scald+LPS+3 mg/kg LFM-A13 group, protein expressions of cleaved caspase-1 and caspase-11 in intestinal tissue of mice in scald+LPS+10 mg/kg LFM-A13 group and scald+LPS+30 mg/kg LFM-A13 group at PIH 12 and 24 were obviously decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). At PIH 12, content of IL-1β in intestinal tissue and serum of mice in scald+LPS group were obviously higher than those in sham injury group and scald alone group (P<0.01), and content of IL-1β in intestinal tissue and serum of mice in scald+LPS+30 mg/kg LFM-A13 group were obviously lower than those in scald+LPS group (P<0.01). Conclusions: Phosphorylation of BTK is related to increases of cleaved caspase-1 and caspase-11 in intestinal tissue, and IL-1β content in intestinal tissue and serum of scalded septic mice caused by LPS. Phosphorylation of BTK mediates intestinal cell pyroptosis of scalded mice caused by LPS. Inhibiting phosphorylation of BTK can alleviate intestinal cell pyroptosis of scalded mice, with protective effect on intestinal injury intestine.

[Characteristics and recovery of hearing loss in 573 patients with bacterial meningitis]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics and prognosis of hearing loss in children with bacterial meningitis. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients diagnosed with bacterial meningitis who were hospitalized in Beijing Children's Hospital between 2010 and 2016 and older than 28 days and younger than 18 years at symptom onset were included in this study (n=573). All clinical information including hearing assessment results during hospitalization were reviewed. All patients with hearing loss were followed up to repeat their hearing test and assess their hearing condition with parents' evaluation of aural and (or) oral performance of children (PEACH). Patients were grouped according to their hearing assessment results, and Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for hearing loss in patients with bacterial meningitis. Results: Five hundred and seventy-three patients were enrolled in this study, including 347 males and 226 females. The onset age ranged from 29 days to 15.8 years. Two hundred and forty-six patients had identified causative pathogens, among whom 92 cases (37.4%) were pneumococcal meningitis cases. Hearing loss was found in 160 cases (27.9%) during hospitalization, involving 240 ears. Permanent hearing loss was found in 20 cases (16.9%), involving 32 ears. In the patients with permanent hearing loss, 87.5% (28/32) of ears were identified as severe or profound hearing loss during hospitalization. Logistic regression analysis showed that dystonia, the protein concentration level in cerebrospinal fluid>1 g/L, glucose concentration level lower than 1 mmol/L and subdural effusion were independent risk factors for hearing loss (OR=2.426 (1.450-4.059), 1.865 (1.186-2.932), 1.544 (1.002-2.381) and 1.904 (1.291-2.809)). Conclusions: Hearing loss is a common sequela of bacterial meningitis in children. Most patients have transient hearing loss, but patients with severe or profound hearing impairment have a higher risk of developing permanent hearing loss.