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Chan ASH, Kangas TO, Qiu X, Uhlik MT, Fulton RB, Ottoson NR, Gorden KB, Yokoyama Y, Danielson ME, Jevne TM, Michel KS, Graff JR, Bose N. Imprime PGG Enhances Anti-Tumor Effects of Tumor-Targeting, Anti-Angiogenic, and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Antibodies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:869078. [PMID: 35692755 PMCID: PMC9178990 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.869078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Imprime PGG (Imprime) is in late-stage clinical development as a combinatorial agent with several therapeutic modalities. Here we present pre-clinical mechanistic data supportive of Imprime, a soluble yeast β-1,3/1,6-glucan pathogen-associated molecular pattern able to prime innate immune cells in a Dectin-1dependent manner. In tumor-free mice, Imprime evoked broad innate immune responses (type I interferon signature, mobilization of myeloid cells, dendritic cell and monocyte/macrophage expression of co-stimulatory ligands like CD86, and activation of natural killer cells). Imprime-mediated activation of myeloid cells also resulted in functional priming of antigen-specific CD8 T cell response. In tumor-bearing mice, Imprime monotherapy further resulted in activation of systemic and tumor infiltrating macrophages and enhanced cytotoxic CD8 T cell trafficking. Imprime enhanced the anti-tumor activity of several combinatorial agents in mouse cancer models; anti-tyrosinase-related protein 1 antibody in B16F10 melanoma experimental lung metastasis model, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 antibody in H1299 and H441 lung cancer, and anti-programmed cell death protein 1 antibody in MC38 colon cancer models. Mechanistically, combining Imprime with these combinatorial therapeutic agents elicited enhanced innate immune activation, supporting immunological synergy. Finally, Imprime treatment induced similar in vitro phenotypic and functional activation of human innate immune cells. Collectively, these data demonstrate Imprime’s potential to orchestrate a broad, yet coordinated, anti-cancer immune response and complement existing cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa S. H. Chan
- HiberCell Inc., Roseville, MN, United States
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., Eagan, MN, United States
| | - Takashi O. Kangas
- HiberCell Inc., Roseville, MN, United States
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., Eagan, MN, United States
| | - Xiaohong Qiu
- HiberCell Inc., Roseville, MN, United States
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., Eagan, MN, United States
| | - Mark T. Uhlik
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., Eagan, MN, United States
| | | | | | | | - Yumi Yokoyama
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., Eagan, MN, United States
| | - Michael E. Danielson
- HiberCell Inc., Roseville, MN, United States
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., Eagan, MN, United States
| | - Trinda M. Jevne
- HiberCell Inc., Roseville, MN, United States
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., Eagan, MN, United States
| | - Kyle S. Michel
- HiberCell Inc., Roseville, MN, United States
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., Eagan, MN, United States
| | | | - Nandita Bose
- HiberCell Inc., Roseville, MN, United States
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., Eagan, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Nandita Bose,
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van Steenwijk HP, Bast A, de Boer A. Immunomodulating Effects of Fungal Beta-Glucans: From Traditional Use to Medicine. Nutrients 2021; 13:1333. [PMID: 33920583 PMCID: PMC8072893 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of a well-functioning and balanced immune system has become more apparent in recent decades. Various elements have however not yet been uncovered as shown, for example, in the uncertainty on immune system responses to COVID-19. Fungal beta-glucans are bioactive molecules with immunomodulating properties. Insights into the effects and function of beta-glucans, which have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, advances with the help of modern immunological and biotechnological methods. However, it is still unclear into which area beta-glucans fit best: supplements or medicine? This review has highlighted the potential application of fungal beta-glucans in nutrition and medicine, reviewing their formulation, efficacy, safety profile, and immunomodulating effects. The current status of dietary fungal glucans with respect to the European scientific requirements for health claims related to the immune system and defense against pathogens has been reviewed. Comparing the evidence base of the putative health effects of fungal beta-glucan supplements with the published guidance documents by EFSA on substantiating immune stimulation and pathogen defense by food products shows that fungal beta-glucans could play a role in supporting and maintaining health and, thus, can be seen as a good health-promoting substance from food, which could mean that this effect may also be claimed if approved. In addition to these developments related to food uses of beta-glucan-containing supplements, beta-glucans could also hold a novel position in Western medicine as the concept of trained immunity is relatively new and has not been investigated to a large extent. These innovative concepts, together with the emerging success of modern immunological and biotechnological methods, suggest that fungal glucans may play a promising role in both perspectives, and that there are possibilities for traditional medicine to provide an immunological application in both medicine and nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidde P. van Steenwijk
- Campus Venlo, Food Claims Centre Venlo, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, 5911 BV Venlo, The Netherlands;
| | - Aalt Bast
- Campus Venlo, University College Venlo, Maastricht University, 5911 BV Venlo, The Netherlands;
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health, Maastricht University, 5911 BV Venlo, The Netherlands
| | - Alie de Boer
- Campus Venlo, Food Claims Centre Venlo, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, 5911 BV Venlo, The Netherlands;
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Cognigni V, Ranallo N, Tronconi F, Morgese F, Berardi R. Potential benefit of β-glucans as adjuvant therapy in immuno-oncology: a review. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2021; 2:122-138. [PMID: 36046144 PMCID: PMC9400766 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2021.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal compounds have long been used for centuries as food supplements. β-glucans have been identified as the most interesting molecules with beneficial effects in several chronic diseases. In vitro studies have shown that they are able to elicit the immune cells maturation and activation with the result of an increased release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and a stimulation of anti-bacterial activity of macrophages and neutrophils. As β-glucans enhance pathogen elimination through non-self antigens identification, they can also direct immune response against tumor cells. These compounds also stimulate the activity on adaptive immune cells and they have been regarded as biological response modifiers. In this way, β-glucans can be exploited as adjuvant cancer therapy, in particular by a synergic action with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. In the immuno-oncology era, the need is to identify innovative drugs that can simultaneously target and inhibit different biological processes relevant for cancer cells survivors. Recent clinical studies showed promising results about the combination of β-glucans and immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients affected by different solid tumors. This review aims to investigate molecular mechanisms of action of β-glucans and is focused on their application in clinical practice as immune-adjuvants for treatment of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Cognigni
- Clinical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Ranallo
- Clinical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Tronconi
- Clinical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Morgese
- Clinical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Rossana Berardi
- Clinical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, 60126 Ancona, Italy
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Antitumor effect of soluble β-glucan as an immune stimulant. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 179:116-124. [PMID: 33667560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.02.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
β-glucans are linear polysaccharides of d-glucose monomers linked through β-glycosidic bonds and are widely present in nature. Different sources lead to their structural differences. β-glucan has long been acknowledged to be a safe and functional component. Its biological activities include lipid-lowering, hypoglycemic, antitumor and immune regulation etc. A large number of studies have shown that soluble β-glucan can bind to their receptors on the surface of immune cells, activates the pro-inflammatory response of innate immune cells, and enhances the host's antitumor defense. A variety of soluble β-glucans have been widely used in clinical antitumor studies as an immunostimulant to treat the cancer patient. In this paper, we reviewed the molecular structure, antitumor immune activities, structure-activity relationship and clinical trials of soluble β-glucans in order to provide the overall scene of β-glucans as immunostimulant to fight the cancer.
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Del Cornò M, Gessani S, Conti L. Shaping the Innate Immune Response by Dietary Glucans: Any Role in the Control of Cancer? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010155. [PMID: 31936360 PMCID: PMC7016572 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
β-glucans represent a heterogeneous group of naturally occurring and biologically active polysaccharides found in many kinds of edible mushrooms, baker’s yeast, cereals and seaweeds, whose health-promoting effects have been known since ancient times. These compounds can be taken orally as food supplements or as part of daily diets, and are safe to use, nonimmunogenic and well tolerated. A main feature of β-glucans is their capacity to function as biological response modifiers, exerting regulatory effects on inflammation and shaping the effector functions of different innate and adaptive immunity cell populations. The potential to interfere with processes involved in the development or control of cancer makes β-glucans interesting candidates as adjuvants in antitumor therapies as well as in cancer prevention strategies. Here, the regulatory effects of dietary β-glucans on human innate immunity cells are reviewed and their potential role in cancer control is discussed.
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Engel-Riedel W, Lowe J, Mattson P, Richard Trout J, Huhn RD, Gargano M, Patchen ML, Walsh R, Trinh MM, Dupuis M, Schneller F. A randomized, controlled trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of BTH1677 in combination with bevacizumab, carboplatin, and paclitaxel in first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2018; 6:16. [PMID: 29486797 PMCID: PMC5830087 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-018-0324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background BTH1677, a beta-glucan pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecule, drives an anti-cancer immune response in combination with oncology antibody therapies. This phase II study explored the efficacy, pharmacokinetics (PK), and safety of BTH1677 combined with bevacizumab/carboplatin/paclitaxel in patients with untreated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Patients were randomized to the BTH1677 arm (N = 61; intravenous [IV] BTH1677, 4 mg/kg, weekly; IV bevacizumab, 15 mg/kg, once each 3-week cycle [Q3W]; IV carboplatin, 6 mg/mL/min Calvert formula area-under-the-curve, Q3W; and IV paclitaxel, 200 mg/m2, Q3W) or Control arm (N = 31; bevacizumab/carboplatin/paclitaxel as above). Carboplatin/paclitaxel was discontinued after 4-6 cycles and patients who responded or remained stable received maintenance therapy with BTH1677/bevacizumab (BTH1677 arm) or bevacizumab (Control arm). Efficacy assessments, based on blinded central radiology review, included objective response rate (ORR; primary endpoint), disease control rate, duration of objective response, and progression-free survival. Overall survival and adverse events (AEs) were also assessed. Results ORR was higher in the BTH1677 vs Control arm but the difference between groups was not statistically significant (60.4% vs 43.5%; P = .2096). All other clinical endpoints also favored the BTH1677 arm but none statistically differed between arms. PK was consistent with previous studies. Although a higher incidence of Grade 3/4 AEs occurred in the BTH1677 vs Control arm (93.2% vs 66.7%), no unexpected AEs were observed. Serious AEs and discontinuations due to AEs were lower in the BTH1677 vs Control arm. Conclusions Improvements in tumor assessments and survival were observed with BTH1677/bevacizumab/carboplatin/paclitaxel compared with control treatment in patients with advanced NSCLC. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov registration ID: NCT00874107. Registered 2 April 2009. First participant was enrolled on 29 September 2009.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walburga Engel-Riedel
- Kliniken der Stadt Köln gGmbH, Krankenhaus Merheim, Thoraxchirurgische u. Pneumologische Klinik, Ostmerheimer Str. 200, 51109, Köln, Germany
| | - Jamie Lowe
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite A, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - Paulette Mattson
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite A, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - J Richard Trout
- Rutgers University, 82 Rittenhouse Circle, Newtown, PA, 18940, USA
| | - Richard D Huhn
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite A, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - Michele Gargano
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite A, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - Myra L Patchen
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite A, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA. .,PresentAddress: Immuno Research, Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite B, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA.
| | - Richard Walsh
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite A, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - My My Trinh
- Certara Strategic Consulting, 2000 Peel Street, Suite 570, Montréal, Québec, H3A2WS, Canada
| | - Mariève Dupuis
- Certara Strategic Consulting, 2000 Peel Street, Suite 570, Montréal, Québec, H3A2WS, Canada
| | - Folker Schneller
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic of Klinikum rechts der Isar of Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
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Netea MG, Joosten LAB, van der Meer JWM. Hypothesis: stimulation of trained immunity as adjunctive immunotherapy in cancer. J Leukoc Biol 2017; 102:1323-1332. [PMID: 29018149 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.5ri0217-064rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has steadily progressed during the past decades, with checkpoint inhibitor therapy becoming the latest and one of the most promising treatments. Despite the progress, most of the patients do not respond or develop resistance, and novel additional approaches are needed to improve the clinical effectiveness of immunotherapy. Trained immunity (TI) has been described recently as a process of epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming that induces a long-term enhanced function of innate immune cells. TI is considered to have beneficial effects in improving host response to infections and vaccination, and increasing evidence suggests that TI-mediated mechanisms also have useful and potent antitumor effects. We hypothesized that novel and more effective approaches for immunotherapy in cancer may involve induction of TI, alone or in combination with current immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Leo A B Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jos W M van der Meer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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8
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Thomas M, Sadjadian P, Kollmeier J, Lowe J, Mattson P, Trout JR, Gargano M, Patchen ML, Walsh R, Beliveau M, Marier JF, Bose N, Gorden K, Schneller F. A randomized, open-label, multicenter, phase II study evaluating the efficacy and safety of BTH1677 (1,3-1,6 beta glucan; Imprime PGG) in combination with cetuximab and chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Invest New Drugs 2017; 35:345-358. [PMID: 28303530 PMCID: PMC5418307 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-017-0450-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction BTH1677, a 1,3–1,6 beta-glucan immunomodulator, stimulates a coordinated anti-cancer immune response in combination with anti-tumor antibody therapies. This phase II study explored the efficacy, pharmacokinetics (PK), and safety of BTH1677 combined with cetuximab/carboplatin/paclitaxel in untreated stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods Patients were randomized 2:1 to the BTH1677 arm (N=60; BTH1677, 4 mg/kg, weekly; cetuximab, initial dose 400 mg/m2 and subsequent doses 250 mg/m2, weekly; carboplatin, 6 mg/mL/min AUC (area-under-the-curve) by Calvert formula, once each 3-week cycle [Q3W]); and paclitaxel, 200 mg/m2, Q3W) or Control arm (N=30; cetuximab/carboplatin/paclitaxel as above). Carboplatin/paclitaxel was discontinued after 4–6 cycles; patients who responded or remained stable received maintenance therapy with BTH1677/cetuximab (BTH1677 arm) or cetuximab (Control arm). Investigator and blinded central radiology reviews were conducted. Efficacy assessments included objective response rate (ORR; primary endpoint), disease control rate, duration of objective response, time-to-progression and overall survival (OS); safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs). Potential biomarker analysis for BTH1677 response was also conducted. Results Compared to control treatment, the addition of BTH1677 numerically increased ORR by both investigator (47.8% vs 23.1%; p=0.0468) and central (36.6% vs 23.1%; p=0.2895) reviews. No other endpoints differed between arms. PK was consistent with previous studies. BTH1677 was well tolerated, with AEs expected of the backbone therapy predominating. Biomarker-positive patients displayed better ORR and OS than negative patients. Conclusions BTH1677 combined with cetuximab/carboplatin/paclitaxel was well tolerated and improved ORR as first-line treatment in patients with advanced NSCLC. Future patient selection by biomarker status may further improve efficacy ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00874848
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Affiliation(s)
- M Thomas
- Internistische Onkologie der Thoraxtumoren, Thoraxklinik im Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC-H), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Amalienstrasse 5, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - P Sadjadian
- Johannes Wesling Medical Center Minden, Clinic Hematology/Oncology, Hans-Nolte-Str. 1, 32429, Minden, Germany
| | - J Kollmeier
- Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, HELIOS Klinikum Emil von Behring, Specialist Department 1: Clinic for Pneumology, Pneumology Oncology, Walterhöferstr.11, 14165, Berlin, Germany
| | - J Lowe
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite A, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - P Mattson
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite A, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - J R Trout
- Rutgers University, 82 Rittenhouse Circle, Newtown, PA, 18940, USA
| | - M Gargano
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite A, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - M L Patchen
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite A, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA. .,Immuno Research, Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite B, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA.
| | - R Walsh
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite A, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - M Beliveau
- Pharsight/Certara, Pharsight - A Certara™ Company, 2000 Peel Street, Suite 570, Montréal, Québec, H3A 2W5, Canada
| | - J F Marier
- Pharsight/Certara, Pharsight - A Certara™ Company, 2000 Peel Street, Suite 570, Montréal, Québec, H3A 2W5, Canada
| | - N Bose
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite A, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - K Gorden
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite A, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - F Schneller
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, Klinikum rechts der Isar of Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
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Imprime PGG-Mediated Anti-Cancer Immune Activation Requires Immune Complex Formation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165909. [PMID: 27812183 PMCID: PMC5094785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Imprime PGG (Imprime), an intravenously-administered, soluble β-glucan, has shown compelling efficacy in multiple phase 2 clinical trials with tumor targeting or anti-angiogenic antibodies. Mechanistically, Imprime acts as pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) directly activating innate immune effector cells, triggering a coordinated anti-cancer immune response. Herein, using whole blood from healthy human subjects, we show that Imprime-induced anti-cancer functionality is dependent on immune complex formation with naturally-occurring, anti-β glucan antibodies (ABA). The formation of Imprime-ABA complexes activates complement, primarily via the classical complement pathway, and is opsonized by iC3b. Immune complex binding depends upon Complement Receptor 3 and Fcg Receptor IIa, eliciting phenotypic activation of, and enhanced chemokine production by, neutrophils and monocytes, enabling these effector cells to kill antibody-opsonized tumor cells via the generation of reactive oxygen species and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis. Importantly, these innate immune cell changes were not evident in subjects with low ABA levels but could be rescued with exogenous ABA supplementation. Together, these data indicate that pre-existing ABA are essential for Imprime-mediated anti-cancer immune activation and suggest that pre-treatment ABA levels may provide a plausible patient selection biomarker to delineate patients most likely to benefit from Imprime-based therapy.
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Vigor K, Emerson J, Scott R, Cheek J, Barton C, Bax HJ, Josephs DH, Karagiannis SN, Spicer JF, Lentfer H. Development of downstream processing to minimize beta-glucan impurities in GMP-manufactured therapeutic antibodies. Biotechnol Prog 2016; 32:1494-1502. [PMID: 27604040 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The presence of impurities or contaminants in biological products such as monoclonal antibodies (mAb) could affect efficacy or cause adverse reactions in patients. ICH guidelines (Q6A and Q6B) are in place to regulate the level of impurities within clinical drug products. An impurity less often reported and, therefore, lacking regulatory guideline is beta-glucan. Beta-glucans are polysaccharides of d-glucose monomers linked by (1-3) beta-glycosidic bonds, and are produced by prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, including plants. They may enter manufacturing processes via raw materials such as cellulose-based membrane filters or sucrose. Here we report the detection of beta-glucan contamination of a monoclonal IgE antibody (MOv18), manufactured in our facility for a first-in-human, first-in-class clinical trial in patients with cancer. Since beta-glucans have potential immunostimulatory properties and can cause symptomatic infusion reactions, it was of paramount importance to identify the source of beta-glucans in our product and to reduce the levels to clinically insignificant concentrations. We identified beta-glucans in sucrose within the formulation buffer and within the housing storage buffer of the virus removal filter. We also detected low level beta-glucan contamination in two of four commercially available antibodies used in oncology. Both formulation buffers contained sucrose. We managed to reduce levels of beta-glucan in our product 10-fold, by screening all sucrose raw material, filtering the sucrose by Posidyne® membrane filtration, and by incorporating extra wash steps when preparing the virus removal filter. The beta-glucan levels now lie within a range that is unlikely to cause clinically significant immunological effects. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:1494-1502, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Vigor
- Biotherapeutics Development Unit, Cancer Research UK, South Mimms, Hertfordshire, EN6 3LD, U.K
| | - John Emerson
- Biotherapeutics Development Unit, Cancer Research UK, South Mimms, Hertfordshire, EN6 3LD, U.K
| | - Robert Scott
- Biotherapeutics Development Unit, Cancer Research UK, South Mimms, Hertfordshire, EN6 3LD, U.K
| | - Julia Cheek
- Biotherapeutics Development Unit, Cancer Research UK, South Mimms, Hertfordshire, EN6 3LD, U.K
| | - Claire Barton
- Cancer Research UK Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London, EC1V 4AD, U.K
| | - Heather J Bax
- Div. of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, U.K
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, U.K
| | - Debra H Josephs
- Div. of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, U.K
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, U.K
| | - Sophia N Karagiannis
- Div. of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, U.K
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, U.K
| | - James F Spicer
- Div. of Cancer Studies, Dept. of Research Oncology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, U.K
| | - Heike Lentfer
- Biotherapeutics Development Unit, Cancer Research UK, South Mimms, Hertfordshire, EN6 3LD, U.K
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11
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Cornelio GH, Tamayo ME, Flores ML, Bautista JB, Tioleco PS, Gargano MA, Kurman MR, Walsh RM, Beliveau M, Marier JF, Patchen ML. BTH1677 in combination with cetuximab with and without irinotecan in patients with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer. COLORECTAL CANCER 2016. [DOI: 10.2217/crc-2016-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim: Investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and efficacy of BTH1677/cetuximab, with and without irinotecan, in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Patients & methods: Patients with recurrent or progressive mCRC were assigned to BTH1677/cetuximab/irinotecan (group 1; n = 10) or BTH1677/cetuximab (group 2; n = 22). Adverse events, PK parameters and tumor response were assessed. Results & conclusion: Adverse events were consistent with those expected of the backbone therapy of cetuximab/irinotecan (group 1) or cetuximab alone (group 2). The BTH1677 PK profiles were similar in the two groups. The overall response rates were 30.0% (group 1) and 22.7% (group 2); in KRAS wild-type subset analysis, rates were 42.9% and 45.5%, respectively. BTH1677 therapy was tolerable and warrants further evaluation for treatment of mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo H Cornelio
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Maria E Tamayo
- Department of Medicine, Medical Oncology Section, The Medical City, Manila, Philippines
| | - Myra L Flores
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Janet B Bautista
- Department of Medicine, Medical Oncology Section, The Medical City, Manila, Philippines
| | - Paulo S Tioleco
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Myra L Patchen
- Biothera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Eagan, MN, USA
- Immuno Research, Inc., 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Suite B, Eagan, MN 55121, USA
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