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Gao X, Wang Q, Yang X, Fang J, Li H, Xi H, Lin J, Qiu L. Legumain-Triggered Macrocyclization of Radiofluorinated Tracer for Enhanced PET Imaging. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:665-673. [PMID: 38598424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Enhancing the accumulation and retention of small-molecule probes in tumors is an important way to achieve accurate cancer diagnosis and therapy. Enzyme-stimulated macrocyclization of small molecules possesses great potential for enhanced positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of tumors. Herein, we reported an 18F-labeled radiotracer [18F]AlF-RSM for legumain detection in vivo. The tracer was prepared by a one-step aluminum-fluoride-restrained complexing agent ([18F]AlF-RESCA) method with high radiochemical yield (RCY) (88.35 ± 3.93%) and radiochemical purity (RCP) (>95%). More notably, the tracer can be transformed into a hydrophobic macrocyclic molecule under the joint action of legumain and reductant. Simultaneously, the tracer could target legumain-positive tumors and enhance accumulation and retention in tumors, resulting in the amplification of PET imaging signals. The enhancement of radioactivity enables PET imaging of legumain activity with high specificity. We envision that, by combining this highly efficient 18F-labeled strategy with our intramolecular macrocyclization reaction, a range of radiofluorinated tracers can be designed for tumor PET imaging and early cancer diagnosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Gao
- School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
| | - Qianhui Wang
- School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
| | - Jing Fang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
| | - Huirong Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
| | - Hongjie Xi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
| | - Jianguo Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
| | - Ling Qiu
- School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
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2
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Gray ME, Zielinski KM, Xu F, Elder KK, McKay SJ, Ojo VT, Benjamin SR, Yaseen AA, Brooks TA, Tumey LN. A comparison of the activity, lysosomal stability, and efficacy of legumain-cleavable and cathepsin cleavable ADC linkers. Xenobiotica 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38738708 DOI: 10.1080/00498254.2024.2352051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
1. Over the past two decades antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as a highly effective drug delivery technology. ADCs utilize a monoclonal antibody, a chemical linker, and a therapeutic payload to selectively deliver highly potent pharmaceutical agents to specific cell types.2. Challenges such as premature linker cleavage and clearance due to linker hydrophobicity have adversely impacted the stability and safety of ADCs. While there are various solutions to these challenges, our team has focused on replacement of hydrophobic ValCit linkers (cleaved by CatB) with Asn-containing linkers that are cleaved by lysosomal legumain.3. Legumain is abundantly present in lysosomes and is known to play a role in tumor microenvironment dynamics. Herein, we directly compare the lysosomal cleavage, cytotoxicity, plasma stability, and efficacy of a traditional cathepsin cleavable ADC to a matched Asn-containing legumain-cleavable ADC.4. We demonstrate that Asn-containing linker sequences are specifically cleaved by lysosomal legumain and that Asn-linked MMAE ADCs are broadly active against a variety of tumors, even those with low legumain expression. Finally, we show that AsnAsn-linked ADCs exhibit comparable or improved efficacy to traditional ValCit-linked ADCs. Our study paves the way for replacement of the traditional ValCit linker technology with more hydrophilic Asn-containing peptide linker sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E Gray
- Binghamton University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, PO Box 6000, Binghamton NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - Karina M Zielinski
- Binghamton University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, PO Box 6000, Binghamton NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - Fanny Xu
- Binghamton University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, PO Box 6000, Binghamton NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - Kayla K Elder
- Binghamton University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, PO Box 6000, Binghamton NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - Steven J McKay
- Binghamton University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, PO Box 6000, Binghamton NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - Victor T Ojo
- Binghamton University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, PO Box 6000, Binghamton NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - Samantha R Benjamin
- Binghamton University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, PO Box 6000, Binghamton NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - Aiman A Yaseen
- Binghamton University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, PO Box 6000, Binghamton NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - Tracy A Brooks
- Binghamton University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, PO Box 6000, Binghamton NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - L Nathan Tumey
- Binghamton University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, PO Box 6000, Binghamton NY 13902-6000, USA
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3
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Gu Y, Wang Z, Wang Y. Bispecific antibody drug conjugates: Making 1+1>2. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1965-1986. [PMID: 38799638 PMCID: PMC11119582 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibody‒drug conjugates (BsADCs) represent an innovative therapeutic category amalgamating the merits of antibody‒drug conjugates (ADCs) and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs). Positioned as the next-generation ADC approach, BsADCs hold promise for ameliorating extant clinical challenges associated with ADCs, particularly pertaining to issues such as poor internalization, off-target toxicity, and drug resistance. Presently, ten BsADCs are undergoing clinical trials, and initial findings underscore the imperative for ongoing refinement. This review initially delves into specific design considerations for BsADCs, encompassing target selection, antibody formats, and the linker-payload complex. Subsequent sections delineate the extant progress and challenges encountered by BsADCs, illustrated through pertinent case studies. The amalgamation of BsAbs with ADCs offers a prospective solution to prevailing clinical limitations of ADCs. Nevertheless, the symbiotic interplay among BsAb, linker, and payload necessitates further optimizations and coordination beyond a simplistic "1 + 1" to effectively surmount the extant challenges facing the BsADC domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Gu
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhijia Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu 610212, China
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4
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Zheng Y, Xu R, Cheng H, Tai W. Mono-amino acid linkers enable highly potent small molecule-drug conjugates by conditional release. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1048-1060. [PMID: 38369752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The endosome cleavable linkers have been widely employed by antibody-drug conjugates and small molecule-drug conjugates (SMDCs) to control the accurate release of payloads. An effective linker should provide stability in systemic circulation but efficient payload release at its targeted tumor sites. This conflicting requirement always leads to linker design with increasing structural complexity. Balance of the effectiveness and structural complexity presents a linker design challenge. Here, we explored the possibility of mono-amino acid as so far the simplest cleavable linker (X-linker) for SMDC-based auristatin delivery. Within a diverse set of X-linkers, the SMDCs differed widely in bioactivity, with one (Asn-linker) having significantly improved potency (IC50 = 0.1 nM) and fast response to endosomal cathepsin B cleavage. Notably, this SMDC, once grafted with effector protein fragment crystallizable (Fc), demonstrated a profound in vivo therapeutic effect in aspects of targetability, circulation half-life (t1/2 = 73 h), stability, and anti-tumor efficacy. On the basis of these results, we believe that this mono-amino acid linker, together with the new SMDC-Fc scaffold, has significant potential in targeted delivery application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Ruolin Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Wanyi Tai
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China.
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Tsuchikama K, Anami Y, Ha SYY, Yamazaki CM. Exploring the next generation of antibody-drug conjugates. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:203-223. [PMID: 38191923 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00850-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a promising cancer treatment modality that enables the selective delivery of highly cytotoxic payloads to tumours. However, realizing the full potential of this platform necessitates innovative molecular designs to tackle several clinical challenges such as drug resistance, tumour heterogeneity and treatment-related adverse effects. Several emerging ADC formats exist, including bispecific ADCs, conditionally active ADCs (also known as probody-drug conjugates), immune-stimulating ADCs, protein-degrader ADCs and dual-drug ADCs, and each offers unique capabilities for tackling these various challenges. For example, probody-drug conjugates can enhance tumour specificity, whereas bispecific ADCs and dual-drug ADCs can address resistance and heterogeneity with enhanced activity. The incorporation of immune-stimulating and protein-degrader ADCs, which have distinct mechanisms of action, into existing treatment strategies could enable multimodal cancer treatment. Despite the promising outlook, the importance of patient stratification and biomarker identification cannot be overstated for these emerging ADCs, as these factors are crucial to identify patients who are most likely to derive benefit. As we continue to deepen our understanding of tumour biology and refine ADC design, we will edge closer to developing truly effective and safe ADCs for patients with treatment-refractory cancers. In this Review, we highlight advances in each ADC component (the monoclonal antibody, payload, linker and conjugation chemistry) and provide more-detailed discussions on selected examples of emerging novel ADCs of each format, enabled by engineering of one or more of these components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoji Tsuchikama
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Yasuaki Anami
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Summer Y Y Ha
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chisato M Yamazaki
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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6
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Jäger S, Könning D, Rasche N, Hart F, Sensbach J, Krug C, Raab-Westphal S, Richter K, Unverzagt C, Hecht S, Anderl J, Schröter C. Generation and Characterization of Iduronidase-Cleavable ADCs. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:2221-2233. [PMID: 38054705 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
A crucial design feature for the therapeutic success of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) is the linker that connects the antibody with the drug. Linkers must be stable in circulation and efficiently release the drug inside the target cell, thereby having a fundamental impact on ADC pharmacokinetics and efficacy. The variety of enzymatically cleavable linkers applied in ADCs is limited, and some are believed to be associated with unwanted side effects due to the expression of cleavage-mediating enzymes in nonmalignant cells. Based on a bioinformatic screen of lysosomal enzymes, we identified α-l-iduronidase (IduA) as an interesting candidate for ADC linker cleavage because of its low expression in normal tissues and its overexpression in several tumor types. In the present study, we report a novel IduA-cleavable ADC linker using exatecan and duocarmycin as payloads. We showed the functionality of our linker system in cleavage assays using recombinant IduA or cell lysates and compared it to established ADC linkers. Subsequently, we coupled iduronide-exatecan via interchain cysteines or iduronide-duocarmycin via microbial transglutaminase (mTG) to an anti-CEACAM5 (aCEA5) antibody. The generated iduronide-exatecan ADC showed high serum stability and similar target-dependent tumor cell killing in the subnanomolar range but reduced toxicity on nonmalignant cells compared to an analogous cathepsin B-activatable valine-citrulline-exatecan ADC. Finally, in vivo antitumor activity could be demonstrated for an IduA-cleavable duocarmycin ADC. The presented results emphasize the potential of iduronide linkers for ADC development and represent a tool for further balancing out tumor selectivity and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Doreen Könning
- Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Nicolas Rasche
- Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Felix Hart
- Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Carina Krug
- Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Konstantin Richter
- Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Carlo Unverzagt
- Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Stefan Hecht
- Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jan Anderl
- Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
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7
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Bisbal Lopez L, Ravazza D, Bocci M, Zana A, Principi L, Dakhel Plaza S, Galbiati A, Gilardoni E, Scheuermann J, Neri D, Pignataro L, Gennari C, Cazzamalli S, Dal Corso A. Ex vivo mass spectrometry-based biodistribution analysis of an antibody-Resiquimod conjugate bearing a protease-cleavable and acid-labile linker. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1320524. [PMID: 38125888 PMCID: PMC10731371 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1320524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISACs) equipped with imidazoquinoline (IMD) payloads can stimulate endogenous immune cells to kill cancer cells, ultimately inducing long-lasting anticancer effects. A novel ISAC was designed, featuring the IMD Resiquimod (R848), a tumor-targeting antibody specific for Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CAIX) and the protease-cleavable Val-Cit-PABC linker. In vitro stability analysis showed not only R848 release in the presence of the protease Cathepsin B but also under acidic conditions. The ex vivo mass spectrometry-based biodistribution data confirmed the low stability of the linker-drug connection while highlighting the selective accumulation of the IgG in tumors and its long circulatory half-life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matilde Bocci
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jörg Scheuermann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- R&D Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
- Philogen S.p.A, Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Pignataro
- Chemistry Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Cesare Gennari
- Chemistry Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Dal Corso
- Chemistry Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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8
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Balamkundu S, Liu CF. Lysosomal-Cleavable Peptide Linkers in Antibody-Drug Conjugates. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3080. [PMID: 38002080 PMCID: PMC10669454 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug Conjugates (ADCs) are a powerful therapeutic modality for cancer treatment. ADCs are multi-functional biologics in which a disease-targeting antibody is conjugated to an effector payload molecule via a linker. The success of currently used ADCs has been largely attributed to the development of linker systems, which allow for the targeted release of cytocidal payload drugs inside cancer cells. Many lysosomal proteases are over expressed in human cancers. They can effectively cleave a variety of peptide sequences, which can be exploited for the design of ADC linker systems. As a well-established linker, valine-citrulline-p-aminobenzyl carbamate (ValCitPABC) is used in many ADCs that are already approved or under preclinical and clinical development. Although ValCitPABC and related linkers are readily cleaved by cathepsins in the lysosome while remaining reasonably stable in human plasma, many studies have shown that they are susceptible to carboxylesterase 1C (Ces1C) in mouse and rat plasma, which hinders the preclinical evaluation of ADCs. Furthermore, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, two of the most commonly observed dose-limiting adverse effects of ADCs, are believed to result from the premature hydrolysis of ValCitPABC by human neutrophil elastase. In addition to ValCitPABC, the GGFG tetrapeptidyl-aminomethoxy linker is also cathepsin-cleavable and is used in the highly successful ADC drug, DS8201a. In addition to cathepsin-cleavable linkers, there is also growing interest in legumain-sensitive linkers for ADC development. Increasing plasma stability while maintaining lysosomal cleavability of ADC linkers is an objective of intensive current research. This review reports recent advances in the design and structure-activity relationship studies of various peptide/peptidomimetic linkers in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chuan-Fa Liu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore;
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9
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Howe JM, Fang S, Watts KA, Xu F, Benjamin SR, Tumey LN. ValCitGlyPro-dexamethasone antibody conjugates selectively suppress the activation of human monocytes. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:2348-2357. [PMID: 37974960 PMCID: PMC10650436 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00336a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are effective in treating autoimmune and inflammatory disorders but come with significant side effects, many of which are mediated by non-immunological cells. Therefore, there is rapidly growing interest in using antibody drug conjugate (ADC) technology to deliver GCs specifically to immune cells, thereby minimizing off-target side effects. Herein, we report the study of anti-CD11a, anti-CD38, and anti-TNFα ADCs to deliver dexamethasone to monocytes. We found that anti-CD11a and anti-CD38 were rapidly internalized by monocytes, while uptake of anti-TNFα depended on pre-activation with LPS. Using these antibodies were attached to a novel linker system, ValCitGlyPro-Dex (VCGP-Dex), that efficiently released dexamethasone upon lysosomal catabolism. This linker relies on lysosomal cathepsins to cleave after the ValCit sequence, thereby releasing a GlyPro-Dex species that undergoes rapid self-immolation to form dexamethasone. The resulting monocyte-targeting ADCs bearing this linker payload effectively suppressed LPS-induced NFκB activation and cytokine release in both a monocytic cell line (THP1) and in human PBMCs. Anti-TNFα_VCGP-Dex and anti-CD38_VCGP-Dex were particularly effective, suppressing ∼60-80% of LPS-induced IL-6 release from PBMCs at 3-10 μg mL-1 concentrations. In contrast, the corresponding isotype control ADC (anti-RSV) and the corresponding naked antibodies (anti-CD38 and anti-TNFα) resulted in only modest suppression (0-30%) of LPS-induced IL-6. Taken together, these results provide further evidence of the ability of glucocorticoid-ADCs to selectively suppress immune responses, and highlight the potential of two targets (CD38 and TNFα) for the development of novel immune-suppressing ADCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Howe
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University PO Box 6000 Binghamton NY 13902-6000 USA
| | - Siteng Fang
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University PO Box 6000 Binghamton NY 13902-6000 USA
| | - Kelsey A Watts
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University PO Box 6000 Binghamton NY 13902-6000 USA
| | - Fanny Xu
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University PO Box 6000 Binghamton NY 13902-6000 USA
| | - Samantha R Benjamin
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University PO Box 6000 Binghamton NY 13902-6000 USA
| | - L Nathan Tumey
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University PO Box 6000 Binghamton NY 13902-6000 USA
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10
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Marvin CC, Hobson AD, McPherson M, Dunstan TA, Vargo TR, Hayes ME, Fettis MM, Bischoff A, Wang L, Wang L, Hernandez A, Jia Y, Oh JZ, Tian Y. Self-Immolative Carbamate Linkers for CD19-Budesonide Antibody-Drug Conjugates. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:1835-1850. [PMID: 37788373 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates consist of potent small-molecule payloads linked to a targeting antibody. Payloads must possess a viable functional group by which a linker for conjugation can be attached. Linker-attachment options remain limited for the connection to payloads via hydroxyl groups. A releasing group based on 2-aminopyridine was developed to enable stable attachment of para-aminobenzyl carbamate (PABC) linkers to the C21-hydroxyl group of budesonide, a glucocorticoid receptor agonist. Payload release involves a cascade of two self-immolative events that are initiated by the protease-mediated cleavage of the dipeptide-PABC bond. Budesonide release rates were determined for a series of payload-linker intermediates in buffered solution at pH 7.4 and 5.4, leading to the identification of 2-aminopyridine as the preferred releasing group. Addition of a poly(ethylene glycol) group improved linker hydrophilicity, thereby providing CD19-budesonide ADCs with suitable properties. ADC23 demonstrated targeted delivery of budesonide to CD19-expressing cells and inhibited B-cell activation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Marvin
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Adrian D Hobson
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Michael McPherson
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Theresa A Dunstan
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Thomas R Vargo
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Martin E Hayes
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Margaret M Fettis
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Agnieszka Bischoff
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Axel Hernandez
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ying Jia
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Jason Z Oh
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Yu Tian
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
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11
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Fujii T, Matsuda Y. Novel formats of antibody conjugates: recent advances in payload diversity, conjugation, and linker chemistry. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:1053-1065. [PMID: 37953519 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2276873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the field of bioconjugates, the focus on antibody - drug conjugates (ADCs) with novel payloads beyond the traditional categories of potent cytotoxic agents is increasing. These innovative ADCs exhibit various molecular formats, ranging from small-molecule payloads, such as immune agonists and proteolytic agents, to macromolecular payloads, such as oligonucleotides and proteins. AREAS COVERED This review offers an in-depth exploration of unconventional strategies for designing conjugates with novel mechanisms of action and notable examples of approaches that show promising prospects. Representative examples of novel format payloads and their classification, attributes, and appropriate conjugation techniques are discussed in detail. EXPERT OPINION The existing basic technologies used to manufacture ADCs can be directly applied to synthesize novel formatted conjugates. However, a wide variety of new payloads require the creation of customized technologies adapted to the unique characteristics of these payloads. Consequently, fundamental technologies, such as conjugation methods aimed at achieving high drug - antibody ratios and developing stable crosslinkers, are likely to become increasingly important research areas in the future.
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Wei D, Mao Y, Wang H, Qu S, Chen J, Li J, Jiang B, Chen H. A mild phenoxysilyl linker for self-immolative release of antibody-drug conjugates. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.108091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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13
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Jackson CP, Fang S, Benjamin SR, Alayi T, Hathout Y, Gillen SM, Handel JP, Brems BM, Howe JM, Tumey LN. Evaluation of an ester-linked immunosuppressive payload: A case study in understanding the stability and cleavability of ester-containing ADC linkers. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 75:128953. [PMID: 36058468 PMCID: PMC10166636 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In spite of their value in prodrug applications, the use of esters in antibody-drug-conjugate (ADC) payloads and linkers has generally been avoided due to the ubiquitous and promiscuous nature of human esterases. ADCs generally have a long circulating half life (3-7 days) that makes them susceptible to esterase-mediated metabolism. Moreover, it is largely unclear whether lysosomal and cytosolic esterases cleave ester-containing linkers upon ADC internalization. Due to our interest in the targeted delivery of immune-modulators, our team has recently prepared a series of ester-linked dexamethasone ADCs. Herein, we report our studies of the functional activity of these ADCs, with a particular focus on their catabolism in various biological milieu. We found that esters are selectively but inefficiently cleaved upon cellular uptake, likely by cytosolic esterases. Lysosomal catabolism studies indicate that, in spite of the strong proteolytic activity, very little cleavage of ester-containing linkers occurs in the lysosome. However, ADCs bearing the ester-linked payloads are active in various immune-suppressive assays, suggesting that cytosolic cleavage is taking place. This was confirmed through LCMS quantitation of the payload following cell lysis. Finally, the stability of the ester linkage was evaluated in mouse and human plasma. We found, similar to other reports, there is a significant site-dependence on the cleavage. Esters attached at highly exposed sites, such as 443C, were rapidly cleaved in plasma while esters at more hindered sites, such at 334C, were not. Together, these results help to unravel the complexities of ester-incorporation into ADC linkers and pave a path forward for their utility in ADC applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney P Jackson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States
| | - Siteng Fang
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States
| | - Samantha R Benjamin
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States
| | - Tchilabalo Alayi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States
| | - Yetrib Hathout
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States
| | - Sarah M Gillen
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States
| | - Jillian P Handel
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States
| | - Brittany M Brems
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States
| | - Justin M Howe
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States
| | - L Nathan Tumey
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States.
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Enzymatic Construction of DARPin-Based Targeted Delivery Systems Using Protein Farnesyltransferase and a Capture and Release Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911537. [PMID: 36232839 PMCID: PMC9569580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-based conjugates have been extensively utilized in various biotechnological and therapeutic applications. In order to prepare homogeneous conjugates, site-specific modification methods and efficient purification strategies are both critical factors to be considered. The development of general and facile conjugation and purification strategies is therefore highly desirable. Here, we apply a capture and release strategy to create protein conjugates based on Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins (DARPins), which are engineered antigen-binding proteins with prominent affinity and selectivity. In this case, DARPins that target the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), a diagnostic cell surface marker for many types of cancer, were employed. The DARPins were first genetically modified with a C-terminal CVIA sequence to install an enzyme recognition site and then labeled with an aldehyde functional group employing protein farnesyltransferase. Using a capture and release strategy, conjugation of the labeled DARPins to a TAMRA fluorophore was achieved with either purified proteins or directly from crude E. coli lysate and used in subsequent flow cytometry and confocal imaging analysis. DARPin-MMAE conjugates were also prepared yielding a construct manifesting an IC50 of 1.3 nM for cell killing of EpCAM positive MCF-7 cells. The method described here is broadly applicable to enable the streamlined one-step preparation of protein-based conjugates.
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Ha SYY, Anami Y, Yamazaki CM, Xiong W, Haase CM, Olson SD, Lee J, Ueno NT, Zhang N, An Z, Tsuchikama K. An Enzymatically Cleavable Tripeptide Linker for Maximizing the Therapeutic Index of Antibody-Drug Conjugates. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1449-1461. [PMID: 35793453 PMCID: PMC9452487 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Valine-citrulline is a protease-cleavable linker commonly used in many drug delivery systems, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) for cancer therapy. However, its suboptimal in vivo stability can cause various adverse effects such as neutropenia and hepatotoxicity, leading to dose delays or treatment discontinuation. Here, we report that glutamic acid-glycine-citrulline (EGCit) linkers have the potential to solve this clinical issue without compromising the ability of traceless drug release and ADC therapeutic efficacy. We demonstrate that our EGCit ADC resists neutrophil protease-mediated degradation and spares differentiating human neutrophils. Notably, our anti-HER2 ADC shows almost no sign of blood and liver toxicity in healthy mice at 80 mg kg-1. In contrast, at the same dose level, the FDA-approved anti-HER2 ADCs Kadcyla and Enhertu show increased levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and morphologic changes in liver tissues. Our EGCit conjugates also exert greater antitumor efficacy in multiple xenograft tumor models compared with Kadcyla and Enhertu. This linker technology could substantially broaden the therapeutic windows of ADCs and other drug delivery agents, providing clinical options with improved efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summer Y. Y. Ha
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1881 East Rd., Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Yasuaki Anami
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1881 East Rd., Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Chisato M. Yamazaki
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1881 East Rd., Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Wei Xiong
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1881 East Rd., Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Candice M. Haase
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1881 East Rd., Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Scott D. Olson
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1881 East Rd., Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Jangsoon Lee
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Naoto T. Ueno
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1881 East Rd., Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1881 East Rd., Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Kyoji Tsuchikama
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1881 East Rd., Houston, TX 77054, USA
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Fang S, Brems BM, Olawode EO, Miller JT, Brooks TA, Tumey LN. Design and Characterization of Immune-Stimulating Imidazo[4,5-c]quinoline Antibody-Drug Conjugates. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3228-3241. [PMID: 35904247 PMCID: PMC10166635 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Traditional antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology has employed tumor-targeting antibodies to selectively deliver ultrapotent cytotoxins to tumor tissue. While this technology has been highly successful, resulting in the FDA approval of over 10 ADCs, the field continues to struggle with modest efficacy and significant off-target toxicity. Concurrent with the struggles of the ADC field, a new generation of immune-activating therapeutics has arisen, most clearly exemplified by the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors that are now part of standard-of-care treatment regimens for a variety of cancers. The success of these immuno-oncology therapeutic agents has prompted the investigation of a variety of new immuno-stimulant approaches, including toll-like receptor (TLR) activators. Herein, we describe the optimization of ADC technology for the selective delivery of a potent series of TLR7 agonists. A series of imidazole[4,5-c]quinoline agonists (as exemplified by compound 1) were shown to selectively agonize the human and mouse TLR7 receptor at low nanomolar concentrations, resulting in the release of IFNα from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) and the upregulation of CD86 on antigen-presenting cells. Compound 1 was attached to a deglycosylated (Fc-γ null) HER2-targeting antibody via a cleavable linker, resulting in an ADC (anti-HER2_vc-1) that potently and selectively activated the TLR7 pathway in tumor-associated macrophages via a "bystander" mechanism. We demonstrated that this ADC rapidly released the TLR7 agonist into the media when incubated with HER2+ cells. This release was not observed upon incubation with an isotype control ADC and furthermore was suppressed by co-administration of the naked antibody. In co-culture experiments with HER2+ HCC1954 cells, this ADC induced the activation of the NFκB pathway in mouse macrophages and the release of IFNα from hPBMCs, while a corresponding isotype control ADC did not. Finally, we demonstrated that IP administration of anti-HER2_vc-1 induced complete tumor regression in an HCC1954 xenograft study in SCID beige mice. Unlike related ADC technology that has been reported recently, our technology relies on the passive diffusion of the TLR7 agonist into tumor-associated macrophages rather than Fc-γ-mediated uptake. Based on these observations, we believe that this ADC technology holds significant potential for both oncology and infectious disease applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siteng Fang
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Brittany M Brems
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Emmanuel O Olawode
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Jared T Miller
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Tracy A Brooks
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - L Nathan Tumey
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
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Theranostic Small-Molecule Prodrug Conjugates for Targeted Delivery and Controlled Release of Toll-like Receptor 7 Agonists. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137160. [PMID: 35806163 PMCID: PMC9266369 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported the design and synthesis of a small-molecule drug conjugate (SMDC) platform that demonstrated several advantages over antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) in terms of in vivo pharmacokinetics, solid tumor penetration, definitive chemical structure, and adaptability for modular synthesis. Constructed on a tri-modal SMDC platform derived from 1,3,5-triazine (TZ) that consists of a targeting moiety (Lys-Urea-Glu) for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), here we report a novel class of chemically identical theranostic small-molecule prodrug conjugates (T-SMPDCs), [18/19F]F-TZ(PSMA)-LEGU-TLR7, for PSMA-targeted delivery and controlled release of toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonists to elicit de novo immune response for cancer immunotherapy. In vitro competitive binding assay of [19F]F-TZ(PSMA)-LEGU-TLR7 showed that the chemical modification of Lys-Urea-Glu did not compromise its binding affinity to PSMA. Receptor-mediated cell internalization upon the PSMA binding of [18F]F-TZ(PSMA)-LEGU-TLR7 showed a time-dependent increase, indicative of targeted intracellular delivery of the theranostic prodrug conjugate. The designed controlled release of gardiquimod, a TLR7 agonist, was realized by a legumain cleavable linker. We further performed an in vivo PET/CT imaging study that showed significantly higher uptake of [18F]F-TZ(PSMA)-LEGU-TLR7 in PSMA+ PC3-PIP tumors (1.9 ± 0.4% ID/g) than in PSMA− PC3-Flu tumors (0.8 ± 0.3% ID/g) at 1 h post-injection. In addition, the conjugate showed a one-compartment kinetic profile and in vivo stability. Taken together, our proof-of-concept biological evaluation demonstrated the potential of our T-SMPDCs for cancer immunomodulatory therapies.
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18
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Han A, Olsen O, D'Souza C, Shan J, Zhao F, Yanolatos J, Hovhannisyan Z, Haxhinasto S, Delfino F, Olson W. Development of Novel Glucocorticoids for Use in Antibody-Drug Conjugates for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases. J Med Chem 2021; 64:11958-11971. [PMID: 34378927 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used to treat a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases; however, systemic delivery of GCs is associated with side effects that affect essentially every organ system, reflecting the nearly ubiquitous expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Targeted delivery of GCs to diseased tissues using antibody-glucocorticoid conjugates (GC-ADCs) offers a therapeutic alternative to overcome these adverse effects. Herein, we describe novel classes of GCs that exhibited greater potency than dexamethasone and budesonide, a 100-fold selectivity toward the GR over other nuclear receptors, and no in vitro safety liability in pharmacology assays (hERG, AMES) and that demonstrated a substantial reduction in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) release in mice challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The site-specific conjugated GC-ADCs via cathepsin-cleavable linkers were highly stable in plasma and specifically released GCs in antigen-positive cells, suggesting that these novel GCs can serve as ADC payloads to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Han
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York 10591, United States
| | - Olav Olsen
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York 10591, United States
| | | | - Jing Shan
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York 10591, United States
| | - Feng Zhao
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York 10591, United States
| | - Jean Yanolatos
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York 10591, United States
| | | | - Sokol Haxhinasto
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York 10591, United States
| | - Frank Delfino
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York 10591, United States
| | - William Olson
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York 10591, United States
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