1
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Lang X, Wang X, Han M, Guo Y. Nanoparticle-Mediated Synergistic Chemoimmunotherapy for Cancer Treatment. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4533-4568. [PMID: 38799699 PMCID: PMC11127654 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s455213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Until now, there has been a lack of effective strategies for cancer treatment. Immunotherapy has high potential in treating several cancers but its efficacy is limited as a monotherapy. Chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) holds promise to be widely used in cancer treatment. Therefore, identifying their involvement and potential synergy in CIT approaches is decisive. Nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) are ideal delivery systems because they can simultaneously target immune cells and cancer cells, promoting drug accumulation, and reducing the toxicity of the drug. In this review, we first introduce five current immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint blocking (ICB), adoptive cell transfer therapy (ACT), cancer vaccines, oncolytic virus therapy (OVT) and cytokine therapy. Subsequently, the immunomodulatory effects of chemotherapy by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD), promoting tumor killer cell infiltration, down-regulating immunosuppressive cells, and inhibiting immune checkpoints have been described. Finally, the NDDSs-mediated collaborative drug delivery systems have been introduced in detail, and the development of NDDSs-mediated CIT nanoparticles has been prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Lang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangtao Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meihua Han
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yifei Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Kang Q, He L, Zhang Y, Zhong Z, Tan W. Immune-inflammatory modulation by natural products derived from edible and medicinal herbs used in Chinese classical prescriptions. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155684. [PMID: 38788391 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Edible and medicinal herbs1 (EMHs) refer to a class of substances with dual attribution of food and medicine. These substances are traditionally used as food and also listed in many international pharmacopoeias, including the European Pharmacopoeia, the United States Pharmacopoeia, and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Some classical formulas that are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine include a series of EMHs, which have been shown to be effective with obvious characteristics and advantages. Notably, these EMHs and Chinese classical prescriptions2 (CCPs) have also attracted attention in international herbal medicine research because of their low toxicity and high efficiency as well as the rich body of experience for their long-term clinical use. PURPOSE Our purpose is to explore the potential therapeutic effect of EMHs with immune-inflammatory modulation for the study of modern cancer drugs. STUDY DESIGN In the present study, we present a detailed account of some EMHs used in CCPs that have shown considerable research potential in studies exploring modern drugs with immune-inflammatory modulation. METHODS Approximately 500 publications in the past 30 years were collected from PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect using the keywords, such as natural products, edible and medicinal herbs, Chinese medicine, classical prescription, immune-inflammatory, tumor microenvironment and some related synonyms. The active ingredients instead of herbal extracts or botanical mixtures were focused on and the research conducted over the past decade were discussed emphatically and analyzed comprehensively. RESULTS More than ten natural products derived from EMHs used in CCPs are discussed and their immune-inflammatory modulation activities, including enhancing antitumor immunity, regulating inflammatory signaling pathways, lowering the proportion of immunosuppressive cells, inhibiting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, immunosuppressive factors, and inflammatory mediators, are summarized. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the immune-inflammatory modulating role of those EMHs used in CCPs and provide new ideas for cancer treatment in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianming Kang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Luying He
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China.
| | - Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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3
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Rotta G, Gilardoni E, Ravazza D, Mock J, Seehusen F, Elsayed A, Puca E, De Luca R, Pellegrino C, Look T, Weiss T, Manz MG, Halin C, Neri D, Dakhel Plaza S. A novel strategy to generate immunocytokines with activity-on-demand using small molecule inhibitors. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:904-926. [PMID: 38448543 PMCID: PMC11018789 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00034-0] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokine-based therapeutics have been shown to mediate objective responses in certain tumor entities but suffer from insufficient selectivity, causing limiting toxicity which prevents dose escalation to therapeutically active regimens. The antibody-based delivery of cytokines significantly increases the therapeutic index of the corresponding payload but still suffers from side effects associated with peak concentrations of the product in blood upon intravenous administration. Here we devise a general strategy (named "Intra-Cork") to mask systemic cytokine activity without impacting anti-cancer efficacy. Our technology features the use of antibody-cytokine fusions, capable of selective localization at the neoplastic site, in combination with pathway-selective inhibitors of the cytokine signaling, which rapidly clear from the body. This strategy, exemplified with a tumor-targeted IL12 in combination with a JAK2 inhibitor, allowed to abrogate cytokine-driven toxicity without affecting therapeutic activity in a preclinical model of cancer. This approach is readily applicable in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rotta
- Philochem AG, CH-8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Frauke Seehusen
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology (LAMP), Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Abdullah Elsayed
- Philochem AG, CH-8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emanuele Puca
- Philochem AG, CH-8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Philogen S.p.A, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Christian Pellegrino
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Look
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus G Manz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Halin
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, CH-8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland.
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Philogen S.p.A, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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4
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Aslam S, Zulfiqar F, Hameed W, Qureshi S, Zaroon, Bashir H. Fusion proteins development strategies and their role as cancer therapeutic agents. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2024; 71:81-95. [PMID: 37822167 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2523] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer continues to be leading cause of morbidity and mortality despite decades of research and advancement in chemotherapy. Most tumors can be reduced via standard oncology treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical resection, and they frequently recur. Significant progress has been made since targeted cancer therapy inception in creation of medications that exhibit improved tumor-selective action. Particularly in preclinical and clinical investigations, fusion proteins have shown strong activity and improved treatment outcomes for a number of human cancers. Synergistically combining many proteins into one complex allows the creation of synthetic fusion proteins with enhanced characteristics or new capabilities. Signal transduction pathways are important for onset, development, and spread of cancer. As result, signaling molecules are desirable targets for cancer therapies, and significant effort has been made into developing fusion proteins that would act as inhibitors of these pathways. A wide range of biotechnological and medicinal applications are made possible by fusion of protein domains that improves bioactivities or creates new functional combinations. Such proteins may function as immune effectors cell recruiters to tumors or as decoy receptors for various ligands. In this review article, we have outlined the standard methods for creating fusion proteins and covered the applications of fusion proteins in treatment of cancer. This article also highlights the role of fusion proteins in targeting the signaling pathways involved in cancer for effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakira Aslam
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Warda Hameed
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shahnila Qureshi
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zaroon
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hamid Bashir
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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5
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Chen P, Yang W, Nagaoka K, Huang GL, Miyazaki T, Hong T, Li S, Igarashi K, Takeda K, Kakimi K, Kataoka K, Cabral H. An IL-12-Based Nanocytokine Safely Potentiates Anticancer Immunity through Spatiotemporal Control of Inflammation to Eradicate Advanced Cold Tumors. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205139. [PMID: 36739605 PMCID: PMC10074049 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of immunologically cold tumors is a major challenge for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Interleukin 12 (IL-12) can invigorate ICIs against cold tumors by establishing a robust antitumor immunity. However, its toxicity and systemic induction of counteracting immunosuppressive signals have hindered translation. Here, IL-12 activity is spatiotemporally controlled for safely boosting efficacy without the stimulation of interfering immune responses by generating a nanocytokine that remains inactive at physiological pH, but unleashes its full activity at acidic tumor pH. The IL-12-based nanocytokine (Nano-IL-12) accumulate and release IL-12 in tumor tissues, eliciting localized antitumoral inflammation, while preventing systemic immune response, counteractive immune reactions, and adverse toxicities even after repeated intravenous administration. The Nano-IL-12-mediated spatiotemporal control of inflammation prompt superior anticancer efficacy, and synergize with ICIs to profoundly inflame the tumor microenvironment and completely eradicate ICI-resistant primary and metastatic tumors. The strategy could be a promising approach toward safer and more effective immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengwen Chen
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Wenqian Yang
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Koji Nagaoka
- Department of ImmunotherapeuticsThe University of Tokyo Hospital7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8655Japan
| | - George Lo Huang
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Takuya Miyazaki
- Red Arrow Therapeutics, Inc.7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐0003Japan
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology705‐1ShimoimaizumiEbina CityKanagawa243‐0435Japan
| | - Taehun Hong
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Shangwei Li
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Kazunori Igarashi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine and Faculty of MedicineThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐0033Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Takeda
- Department of Biofunctional MicrobiotaGraduate School of MedicineJuntendo University2‐1‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8421Japan
- Laboratory of Cell BiologyResearch Support CenterGraduate School of MedicineJuntendo University2‐1‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8421Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kakimi
- Department of ImmunotherapeuticsThe University of Tokyo Hospital7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8655Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM)Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion3‐25‐14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki‐kuKawasaki210‐0821Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
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6
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Abstract
As a natural function, antibodies defend the host from infected cells and pathogens by recognizing their pathogenic determinants. Antibodies (Abs) gained wide acceptance with an enormous impact on human health and have predominantly captured the arena of bio-therapeutics and bio-diagnostics. The scope of Ab-based biologics is vast, and it is likely to solve many unmet clinical needs in future. The majority of attention is now devoted to developing innovative technologies for manufacturing and engineering Abs, better suited to satisfy human needs. The advent of Ab engineering technologies (AET) led to phenomenal developments leading to the generation of Abs-/Ab-derived molecules with desirable functional properties proportional to their expanding requirements. Evolution brought by AET, from the naturally occurring Ab forms to several advanced Ab formats and derivatives, was much needed as it is of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry. Thus, numerous advancements in AET have propelled success in therapeutic Ab development, along with the potential for ever-increasing improvements. Unique characteristics of Abs, such as its diversity, specificity, structural integrity and an array of possible applications, together inspire continuous innovation in the field. Overall, the AET could assist in conquer of several limitations of Abs in terms of their applicability in the field of therapeutics, diagnostics and research; AET has so far led to the production of next-generation Abs, which have revolutionized these arenas. Here in this review, we discuss the various distinguished engineering platforms for Ab development and the progress in modern therapeutics by the so-called "next-generation Abs."
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Kandari
- Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh Bhatnagar
- Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.,Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.,Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
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7
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Cirella A, Bolaños E, Di Trani CA, de Andrea CE, Sánchez-Gregorio S, Etxeberria I, Gonzalez-Gomariz J, Olivera I, Brocco D, Glez-Vaz J, Luri-Rey C, Azpilikueta A, Rodríguez I, Fernandez-Sendín M, Egea J, Eguren I, Sanmamed MF, Palencia B, Teijeira A, Berraondo P, Melero I. Intratumoral Gene Transfer of mRNAs Encoding IL12 in Combination with Decoy-Resistant IL18 Improves Local and Systemic Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:184-198. [PMID: 36478221 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
IL12-based local gene therapy of cancer constitutes an active area of clinical research using plasmids, mRNAs, and viral vectors. To improve antitumor effects, we have experimentally tested the combination of mRNA constructs encoding IL12 and IL18. Moreover, we have used a form of IL18 [decoy-resistant IL18 (DR-18)] which has preserved bioactivity but does not bind to the IL18 binding protein decoy receptor. Both cytokines dramatically synergize to induce IFNγ release from mouse splenocytes, and, if systemically cotransferred to the liver, they mediate lethal toxicity. However, if given intratumorally to B16OVA tumor-bearing mice, the combination attains efficacy against the directly treated tumor and moderate tumor-delaying activity on distant noninjected lesions. Cotreatment was conducive to the presence of more activated CD8+ T cells in the treated and noninjected tumors. In keeping with these findings, the efficacy of treatment was contingent on the integrity of CD8+ T cells and cDC1 dendritic cells in the treated mice. Furthermore, efficacy of IL12 plus DR-18 local mRNA coinjection against distant concomitant tumors could be enhanced upon combination with anti-PD-1 mAb systemic treatment, thus defining a feasible synergistic immunotherapy strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elixabet Bolaños
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Claudia Augusta Di Trani
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos E de Andrea
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Sánchez-Gregorio
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iñaki Etxeberria
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose Gonzalez-Gomariz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irene Olivera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Davide Brocco
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Javier Glez-Vaz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Luri-Rey
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arantza Azpilikueta
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Rodríguez
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Myriam Fernandez-Sendín
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Josune Egea
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iñaki Eguren
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miguel F Sanmamed
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belen Palencia
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alvaro Teijeira
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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8
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Deckers J, Anbergen T, Hokke AM, de Dreu A, Schrijver DP, de Bruin K, Toner YC, Beldman TJ, Spangler JB, de Greef TFA, Grisoni F, van der Meel R, Joosten LAB, Merkx M, Netea MG, Mulder WJM. Engineering cytokine therapeutics. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:286-303. [PMID: 37064653 PMCID: PMC9933837 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00030-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines have pivotal roles in immunity, making them attractive as therapeutics for a variety of immune-related disorders. However, the widespread clinical use of cytokines has been limited by their short blood half-lives and severe side effects caused by low specificity and unfavourable biodistribution. Innovations in bioengineering have aided in advancing our knowledge of cytokine biology and yielded new technologies for cytokine engineering. In this Review, we discuss how the development of bioanalytical methods, such as sequencing and high-resolution imaging combined with genetic techniques, have facilitated a better understanding of cytokine biology. We then present an overview of therapeutics arising from cytokine re-engineering, targeting and delivery, mRNA therapeutics and cell therapy. We also highlight the application of these strategies to adjust the immunological imbalance in different immune-mediated disorders, including cancer, infection and autoimmune diseases. Finally, we look ahead to the hurdles that must be overcome before cytokine therapeutics can live up to their full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Deckers
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Tom Anbergen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ayla M. Hokke
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Anne de Dreu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - David P. Schrijver
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Koen de Bruin
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Yohana C. Toner
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Thijs J. Beldman
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jamie B. Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Tom F. A. de Greef
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Living Technologies, Alliance Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University and University Medical Center Utrecht (EWUU), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Francesca Grisoni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Centre for Living Technologies, Alliance Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University and University Medical Center Utrecht (EWUU), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roy van der Meel
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Present Address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Leo A. B. Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Genetics, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maarten Merkx
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Present Address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department for Genomics and Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Willem J. M. Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Present Address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
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9
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Gao W, Pan J, Pan J. Antitumor Activities of Interleukin-12 in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225592. [PMID: 36428682 PMCID: PMC9688694 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most common and serious malignant tumor among skin cancers. Although more and more studies have revolutionized the systematic treatment of advanced melanoma in recent years, access to innovative drugs for melanoma is still greatly restricted in many countries. IL-12 produced mainly by antigen-presenting cells regulates the immune response and affects the differentiation of T cells in the process of antigen presentation. However, the dose-limited toxicity of IL-12 limits its clinical application. The present review summarizes the basic biological functions and toxicity of IL-12 in the treatment of melanoma and discusses the clinical application of IL-12, especially the combination of IL-12 with immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines and other therapeutic drugs. We also summarize several promising technological approaches such as carriers that have been developed to improve the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of IL-12 or IL-12 encoding plasmid application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Jun Pan
- Institute of Cancer, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jianping Pan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou 310015, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-0571-88285702
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10
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Novel strategies exploiting interleukin-12 in cancer immunotherapy. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Malara A, Gruppi C, Massa M, Tira ME, Rosti V, Balduini A, Barosi G. Elevated plasma EDA fibronectin in primary myelofibrosis is determined by high allele burden of JAK2V617F mutation and strongly predicts splenomegaly progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:987643. [PMID: 36212480 PMCID: PMC9532599 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.987643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In primary myelofibrosis, extra-domain A fibronectin (EDA-FN), the result of alternative splicing of FN gene, sustains megakaryocyte proliferation and confers a pro-inflammatory phenotype to bone marrow cell niches. In this work we assessed the levels of circulating EDA-FN in plasma samples of 122 patients with primary myelofibrosis. Patients with a homozygous JAK2V617F genotype displayed the higher level of plasma EDA-FN. Increased EDA-FN levels were associated with anemia, elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, bone marrow fibrosis and splanchnic vein thrombosis at diagnosis. While no correlation was observed with CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell mobilization, elevated blood level of EDA-FN at diagnosis was a predictor of large splenomegaly (over 10 cm from the left costal margin) outcome. Thus, EDA-FN expression in primary myelofibrosis may represent the first marker of disease progression, and a novel target to treat splenomegaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Malara
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandro Malara, ; Alessandra Balduini,
| | - Cristian Gruppi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Margherita Massa
- Center for the Study of Myelofibrosis, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Advanced Diagnostics, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Enrica Tira
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Rosti
- Center for the Study of Myelofibrosis, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Advanced Diagnostics, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Balduini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandro Malara, ; Alessandra Balduini,
| | - Giovanni Barosi
- Center for the Study of Myelofibrosis, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Advanced Diagnostics, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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12
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Gout DY, Groen LS, van Egmond M. The present and future of immunocytokines for cancer treatment. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:509. [PMID: 36066630 PMCID: PMC9448690 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04514-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has successfully been introduced as treatment of several lymphomas and leukemias. However, solid tumors reduce the efficacy of mAb therapy because of an immune-suppressive tumor micro-environment (TME), which hampers activation of effector immune cells. Pro-inflammatory cytokine therapy may counteract immune suppression in the TME and increase mAb efficacy, but untargeted pro-inflammatory cytokine therapy is limited by severe off-target toxicity and a short half-life of cytokines. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, also referred to as immunocytokines, provide a solution to either issue, as the antibody both acts as local delivery platform and increases half-life. The antibody can furthermore bridge local cytotoxic immune cells, like macrophages and natural killer cells with tumor cells, which can be eliminated after effector cells are activated via the cytokine. Currently, a variety of different antibody formats as well as a handful of cytokine payloads are used to generate immunocytokines. However, many potential formats and payloads are still left unexplored. In this review, we describe current antibody formats and cytokine moieties that are used for the development of immunocytokines, and highlight several immunocytokines in (pre-)clinical studies. Furthermore, potential future routes of development are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Y Gout
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1108, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Biology and Immunology Program, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Immunology Program, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte S Groen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1108, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,LUMICKS, Paalbergweg 3, 1105 AG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein van Egmond
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1108, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Cancer Biology and Immunology Program, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Cancer Immunology Program, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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13
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Interleukin-12 Plasmid DNA Delivery by N-[(2-Hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium)propyl]chitosan-Based Nanoparticles. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14112176. [PMID: 35683849 PMCID: PMC9182864 DOI: 10.3390/polym14112176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cationic polysaccharides are capable of forming polyplexes with nucleic acids and are considered promising polymeric gene carriers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity of N-[(2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium)propyl] chitosan salt (HTCS), a quaternary ammonium derivative of chitosan (CS), which benefits from non-ionizable positive charges. In this work, HTCS with a full quaternization of amino groups and a molar mass of 130,000 g·mol−1 was synthesized to use for delivery of a plasmid encoding the interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene. Thus, a polyplex based on HTCS and the IL-12 plasmid was prepared and then was characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, plasmid condensation ability, and protection of the plasmid against enzymatic degradation. We showed that HTCS was able to condense the IL-12 plasmid by the formation of polyplexes in the range of 74.5 ± 0.75 nm. The level of hIL-12 production following the transfection of the cells with HTCS polyplexes at a C/P ratio of 8:1 was around 4.8- and 2.2-fold higher than with CS and polyethylenimine polyplexes, respectively. These findings highlight the role of HTCS in the formation of polyplexes for the efficient delivery of plasmid DNA.
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14
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Interleukin-12 as an in situ cancer vaccine component: a review. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:2057-2065. [PMID: 35024897 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03144-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a type I cytokine involved in both innate and adaptive immunity that stimulates T and natural killer cell activity and induces interferon gamma production. IL-12 has been identified as a potential immunotherapeutic component for combinatorial cancer treatments. While IL-12 has successfully been used to treat a variety of cancers in mice, it was associated with toxicity when administered systemically in cancer patients. In this review, we discuss the research findings and progress of IL-12 used in combination with other cancer treatment modalities. We describe different methods of IL-12 delivery, both systemic and local, and ultimately highlight the potential of an in situ vaccination approach for minimizing toxicities and providing antitumor efficacy. This review offers a basis for pursuing an in situ vaccine approach that may eventually allow IL-12 to be more readily integrated as an immunotherapy into the clinical treatment of cancers.
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15
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Li Q, Shi Z, Zhang F, Zeng W, Zhu D, Mei L. Symphony of nanomaterials and immunotherapy based on the cancer-immunity cycle. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:107-134. [PMID: 35127375 PMCID: PMC8799879 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system is involved in the initiation and progression of cancer. Research on cancer and immunity has contributed to the development of several clinically successful immunotherapies. These immunotherapies often act on a single step of the cancer–immunity cycle. In recent years, the discovery of new nanomaterials has dramatically expanded the functions and potential applications of nanomaterials. In addition to acting as drug-delivery platforms, some nanomaterials can induce the immunogenic cell death (ICD) of cancer cells or regulate the profile and strength of the immune response as immunomodulators. Based on their versatility, nanomaterials may serve as an integrated platform for multiple drugs or therapeutic strategies, simultaneously targeting several steps of the cancer–immunity cycle to enhance the outcome of anticancer immune response. To illustrate the critical roles of nanomaterials in cancer immunotherapies based on cancer–immunity cycle, this review will comprehensively describe the crosstalk between the immune system and cancer, and the current applications of nanomaterials, including drug carriers, ICD inducers, and immunomodulators. Moreover, this review will provide a detailed discussion of the knowledge regarding developing combinational cancer immunotherapies based on the cancer–immunity cycle, hoping to maximize the efficacy of these treatments assisted by nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhaoqing Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Weiwei Zeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Dunwan Zhu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Nanotechnology for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 20 84723750
| | - Lin Mei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Nanotechnology for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 20 84723750
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16
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Dakhel S, Lizak C, Matasci M, Mock J, Villa A, Neri D, Cazzamalli S. An Attenuated Targeted-TNF Localizes to Tumors In Vivo and Regains Activity at the Site of Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10020. [PMID: 34576184 PMCID: PMC8469155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokines) are gaining importance for cancer therapy, but those products are often limited by systemic toxicity related to the activity of the cytokine payload in circulation and in secondary lymphoid organs. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is used as a pro-inflammatory payload to trigger haemorrhagic necrosis and boost anti-cancer immunity at the tumor site. Here we describe a depotentiated version of TNF (carrying the single point mutation I97A), which displayed reduced binding affinity to its cognate receptor tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR-1) and lower biocidal activity. The fusion of the TNF(I97A) mutant to the L19 antibody promoted restoration of anti-tumor activity upon accumulation on the cognate antigen, the alternatively spliced EDB domain of fibronectin. In vivo administration of high doses (375 μg/Kg) of the fusion protein showed a potent anti-tumor effect without apparent toxicity compared with the wild type protein. L19-TNFI97A holds promise for the targeted delivery of TNF activity to neoplastic lesions, helping spare normal tissues.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/metabolism
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/genetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/metabolism
- Cricetulus
- Cytokines/genetics
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Female
- Fibronectins/genetics
- Fibronectins/metabolism
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Immunotherapy
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mutation
- Protein Structure, Secondary
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/genetics
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/metabolism
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I/genetics
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I/metabolism
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Dakhel
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (S.D.); (C.L.); (M.M.); (J.M.); (A.V.); (D.N.)
| | - Christian Lizak
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (S.D.); (C.L.); (M.M.); (J.M.); (A.V.); (D.N.)
| | - Mattia Matasci
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (S.D.); (C.L.); (M.M.); (J.M.); (A.V.); (D.N.)
| | - Jacqueline Mock
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (S.D.); (C.L.); (M.M.); (J.M.); (A.V.); (D.N.)
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (S.D.); (C.L.); (M.M.); (J.M.); (A.V.); (D.N.)
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (S.D.); (C.L.); (M.M.); (J.M.); (A.V.); (D.N.)
- Philogen S.p.A., Piazza La Lizza, 7, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Samuele Cazzamalli
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (S.D.); (C.L.); (M.M.); (J.M.); (A.V.); (D.N.)
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17
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Mansurov A, Lauterbach A, Budina E, Alpar AT, Hubbell JA, Ishihara J. Immunoengineering approaches for cytokine therapy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C369-C383. [PMID: 34232748 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00515.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of cytokines, much effort has been put forth to achieve therapeutic translation for treatment of various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. Despite these efforts, very few cytokines have cleared regulatory approval, and those that were approved are not commonly used due to their challenging toxicity profile and/or limited therapeutic efficacy. The main limitation in translation has been that wild-type cytokines have unfavorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, either eliciting unwanted systemic side effects or insufficient residence in secondary lymphoid organs. In this review, we address protein-engineering approaches that have been applied to both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines to enhance their therapeutic indices, and we highlight diseases in which administration of engineered cytokines is especially relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslan Mansurov
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Abigail Lauterbach
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Erica Budina
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Aaron T Alpar
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jeffrey A Hubbell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jun Ishihara
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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18
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Jin SM, Lee SN, Yoo YJ, Lim YT. Molecular and Macroscopic Therapeutic Systems for Cytokine‐Based Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202100026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seung Mo Jin
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Engineering, and Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU Sungkyunkwan University 2066 Seobu‐ro, Jangan‐gu Suwon Gyeonggi‐do 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Nam Lee
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Engineering, and Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU Sungkyunkwan University 2066 Seobu‐ro, Jangan‐gu Suwon Gyeonggi‐do 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Jeong Yoo
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Engineering, and Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU Sungkyunkwan University 2066 Seobu‐ro, Jangan‐gu Suwon Gyeonggi‐do 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Taik Lim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Engineering, and Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU Sungkyunkwan University 2066 Seobu‐ro, Jangan‐gu Suwon Gyeonggi‐do 16419 Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering Sungkyunkwan University 2066 Seobu‐ro, Jangan‐gu Suwon Gyeonggi‐do 16419 Republic of Korea
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19
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Karimdadi Sariani O, Eghbalpour S, Kazemi E, Rafiei Buzhani K, Zaker F. Pathogenic and therapeutic roles of cytokines in acute myeloid leukemia. Cytokine 2021; 142:155508. [PMID: 33810945 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease with high mortality that accounts for the most common acute leukemia in adults. Despite all progress in the therapeutic strategies and increased rate of complete remission, many patients will eventually relapse and die from the disease. Cytokines as molecular messengers play a pivotal role in the immune system. The imbalance release of cytokine has been shown to exert a significant influence on the progression of hematopoietic malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia. This article aimed to summarize current knowledge about cytokines and their critical roles in the pathogenesis, treatment, and survival of AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Karimdadi Sariani
- Department of Genetics, College of Science, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun Branch, Kazerun, Iran
| | - Sara Eghbalpour
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Kazemi
- Biosensor Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Farhad Zaker
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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20
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Spada S, Tocci A, Di Modugno F, Nisticò P. Fibronectin as a multiregulatory molecule crucial in tumor matrisome: from structural and functional features to clinical practice in oncology. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:102. [PMID: 33731188 PMCID: PMC7972229 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01908-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Deciphering extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and architecture may represent a novel approach to identify diagnostic and therapeutic targets in cancer. Among the ECM components, fibronectin and its fibrillary assembly represent the scaffold to build up the entire ECM structure, deeply affecting its features. Herein we focus on this extraordinary protein starting from its complex structure and defining its role in cancer as prognostic and theranostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Spada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Annalisa Tocci
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Modugno
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Paola Nisticò
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
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21
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Runbeck E, Crescioli S, Karagiannis SN, Papa S. Utilizing Immunocytokines for Cancer Therapy. Antibodies (Basel) 2021; 10:antib10010010. [PMID: 33803078 PMCID: PMC8006145 DOI: 10.3390/antib10010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokine therapy for cancer has indicated efficacy in certain diseases but is generally accompanied by severe toxicity. The field of antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokines) arose to target these effector molecules to the tumor environment in order to expand the therapeutic window of cytokine therapy. Pre-clinical evidence has shown the increased efficacy and decreased toxicity of various immunocytokines when compared to their cognate unconjugated cytokine. These anti-tumor properties are markedly enhanced when combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and checkpoint inhibitor antibodies. Clinical trials that have continued to explore the potential of these biologics for cancer therapy have been conducted. This review covers the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence for the application of immunocytokines in immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Runbeck
- ImmunoEngineering Group, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Studies, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK;
| | - Silvia Crescioli
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; (S.C.); (S.N.K.)
| | - Sophia N. Karagiannis
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; (S.C.); (S.N.K.)
| | - Sophie Papa
- ImmunoEngineering Group, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Studies, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK;
- Correspondence:
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22
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Shimizu S, Sakai K, Chikugo T, Satou T, Shiraishi N, Mitsudomi T, Nishio K. Integrin-linked kinase pathway in heterogeneous pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:320. [PMID: 33692852 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is classified as poorly differentiated, and non-small cell lung carcinomas that contained a component of sarcoma or sarcoma-like differentiation are rare. The underlying carcinogenetic mechanism governing PSC remains unclear. The current study investigated the underlying carcinogenetic mechanism of PSC based on the hypothesis that it involves the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Mutation analysis of PSCs, including carcinosarcoma, pleomorphic carcinoma and epithelial carcinoma specimens, was performed using targeted deep sequencing, whole transcriptome analysis and digital spatial profiling (DSP). PSCs exhibit a distinct mutation profile, with TP53, SYNE1 and APC mutations. Therefore, clustering of the gene expression profiles allowed the PSCs to be distinguished from the epithelial carcinomas. Increased gene expression of fibronectin in PSC was an important contributor to differential profiles. Pathway analysis revealed enhanced activity of the integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling pathway in the PSCs. DSP analysis using 56 antibodies of marker proteins confirmed significantly higher expression of fibronectin in PSCs. Intratumor heterogeneity of fibronectin expression was observed in sarcoma components. In conclusion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition process mediated by ILK signaling may be associated with carcinogenetic mechanisms of PSC. Overexpression of fibronectin mediated by ILK signaling appears to serve a role in the EMT involved in the PSC transformation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeki Shimizu
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Kazuko Sakai
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Takaaki Chikugo
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Takao Satou
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Naoki Shiraishi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mitsudomi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Kazuto Nishio
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
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23
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Ongaro T, Guarino SR, Scietti L, Palamini M, Wulhfard S, Neri D, Villa A, Forneris F. Inference of molecular structure for characterization and improvement of clinical grade immunocytokines. J Struct Biol 2021; 213:107696. [PMID: 33493635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2021.107696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The use of immunomodulatory agents for the treatment of cancer is gaining a growing biopharmaceutical interest. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, namely immunocytokines, represent a promising solution for the regulation of the immune system at the site of disease. The three-dimensional arrangement of these molecules can profoundly influence their biological activity and pharmacokinetic properties. Structural techniques might provide important insight in the 3D arrangement of immunocytokines. Here, we performed structure investigations on clinical grade fusion proteins L19-IL2, IL12-L19L19 and L19L19-IL2 to elucidate their quaternary organization. Crystallographic characterization of the common L19 antibody fragment at a resolution of 2.0-Å was combined with low-resolution studies of the full-length chimeric molecules using small-angle synchrotron X-ray scattering (SAXS) and negative stain electron microscopy. Characterization of the full-length quaternary structures of the immunocytokines in solution by SAXS consistently supported the diabody structure in the L19-IL2 immunocytokine and allowed generation of low-resolution models of the chimeric proteins L19L19-IL2 and IL12-L19L19. Comparison with 3D reconstructions obtained from negative-stain electron microscopy revealed marked flexibility associated to the linker regions connecting the cytokine and the antibody components of the chimeric proteins. Collectively, our results indicate that low-resolution molecular structure characterizations provide useful complementary insights for the quality control of immunocytokines, constituting a powerful tool to guide the design and the subsequent optimization steps towards clinical enhancement of these chimeric protein reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Ongaro
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy; Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Salvatore R Guarino
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy
| | - Luigi Scietti
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy
| | - Martina Palamini
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy
| | - Sarah Wulhfard
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | | | - Federico Forneris
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia Italy.
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24
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Gouyou B, Ongaro T, Cazzamalli S, De Luca R, Kerschenmeyer A, Valet P, Villa A, Neri D, Matasci M. Antibody-based delivery of interleukin-9 to neovascular structures: Therapeutic evaluation in cancer and arthritis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:940-951. [PMID: 33475433 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220981578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-9 is a cytokine with multiple functions, including the ability to activate group 2 innate lymphoid cells, which has been postulated to be therapeutically active in mouse models of arthritis. Similarly, interleukin-9 has been suggested to play an important role in tumor immunity. Here, we describe the cloning, expression, and characterization of three fusion proteins based on murine interleukin-9 and the F8 antibody, specific to the alternatively spliced EDA domain of fibronectin. EDA is strongly expressed in cancer and in various arthritic conditions, while being undetectable in the majority of healthy organs. Interleukin-9-based fusion proteins with an irrelevant antibody specific to hen egg lysozyme served as negative control in our study. The fusion proteins were characterized by quantitative biodistribution analysis in tumor-bearing mice using radioiodinated protein preparations. The highest tumor uptake and best tumor:organ ratios were observed for a format, in which the interleukin-9 moiety was flanked by two units of the F8 antibody in single-chain Fv format. Biological activity of interleukin-9 was retained when the payload was fused to antibodies. However, the targeted delivery of interleukin-9 to the disease site resulted in a modest anti-tumor activity in three different murine models of cancer (K1735M2, CT26, and F9), while no therapeutic benefit was observed in a collagen induced model of arthritis. Collectively, these results confirm the possibility to deliver interleukin-9 to the site of disease but cast doubts about the alleged therapeutic activity of this cytokine in cancer and arthritis, which has been postulated in previous publications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiziano Ongaro
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen 8112, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Philippe Valet
- Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, INSERM U1048, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Cedex 4, Toulouse 31432, France
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Mattia Matasci
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen 8112, Switzerland
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25
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Mock J, Stringhini M, Villa A, Weller M, Weiss T, Neri D. An engineered 4-1BBL fusion protein with "activity on demand". Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:31780-31788. [PMID: 33239441 PMCID: PMC7749310 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2013615117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered cytokines are gaining importance in cancer therapy, but these products are often limited by toxicity, especially at early time points after intravenous administration. 4-1BB is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, which has been considered as a target for therapeutic strategies with agonistic antibodies or using its cognate cytokine ligand, 4-1BBL. Here we describe the engineering of an antibody fusion protein, termed F8-4-1BBL, that does not exhibit cytokine activity in solution but regains biological activity on antigen binding. F8-4-1BBL bound specifically to its cognate antigen, the alternatively spliced EDA domain of fibronectin, and selectively localized to tumors in vivo, as evidenced by quantitative biodistribution experiments. The product promoted a potent antitumor activity in various mouse models of cancer without apparent toxicity at the doses used. F8-4-1BBL represents a prototype for antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, which conditionally display "activity on demand" properties at the site of disease on antigen binding and reduce toxicity to normal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Mock
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Antibody Research, Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland;
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26
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Nguyen KG, Vrabel MR, Mantooth SM, Hopkins JJ, Wagner ES, Gabaldon TA, Zaharoff DA. Localized Interleukin-12 for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:575597. [PMID: 33178203 PMCID: PMC7593768 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.575597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a potent, pro-inflammatory type 1 cytokine that has long been studied as a potential immunotherapy for cancer. Unfortunately, IL-12's remarkable antitumor efficacy in preclinical models has yet to be replicated in humans. Early clinical trials in the mid-1990's showed that systemic delivery of IL-12 incurred dose-limiting toxicities. Nevertheless, IL-12's pleiotropic activity, i.e., its ability to engage multiple effector mechanisms and reverse tumor-induced immunosuppression, continues to entice cancer researchers. The development of strategies which maximize IL-12 delivery to the tumor microenvironment while minimizing systemic exposure are of increasing interest. Diverse IL-12 delivery systems, from immunocytokine fusions to polymeric nanoparticles, have demonstrated robust antitumor immunity with reduced adverse events in preclinical studies. Several localized IL-12 delivery approaches have recently reached the clinical stage with several more at the precipice of translation. Taken together, localized delivery systems are supporting an IL-12 renaissance which may finally allow this potent cytokine to fulfill its considerable clinical potential. This review begins with a brief historical account of cytokine monotherapies and describes how IL-12 went from promising new cure to ostracized black sheep following multiple on-study deaths. The bulk of this comprehensive review focuses on developments in diverse localized delivery strategies for IL-12-based cancer immunotherapies. Advantages and limitations of different delivery technologies are highlighted. Finally, perspectives on how IL-12-based immunotherapies may be utilized for widespread clinical application in the very near future are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khue G Nguyen
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Maura R Vrabel
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Siena M Mantooth
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jared J Hopkins
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Ethan S Wagner
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Taylor A Gabaldon
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - David A Zaharoff
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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27
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Gouyou B, Millul J, Villa A, Cazzamalli S, Neri D, Matasci M. Sortase-Mediated Site-Specific Modification of Interleukin-2 for the Generation of a Tumor-Targeting Acetazolamide-Cytokine Conjugate. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:26077-26083. [PMID: 33073134 PMCID: PMC7558062 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c03592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Small ligands specific to tumor-associated antigens can be used as alternatives to antibodies for the delivery of small payloads such as radionuclides, cytotoxic drugs, and fluorophores. Their use as a delivery moiety of bioactive proteins such as cytokines remains largely unexplored. Here, we describe the preparation and in vivo characterization of the first small molecule-cytokine conjugate targeting carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), a marker of renal cell carcinoma and hypoxia. Site-specific conjugation between interleukin-2 and acetazolamide was obtained by sortase A-mediated transpeptidation. Binding of the conjugate to the cognate CAIX antigen was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance. The in vivo targeting of structures expressing carbonic anhydrase IX was assessed by biodistribution experiments in tumor-bearing mice. Optimization of manufacturability and tumor-targeting performance of acetazolamide-cytokine products will be required in order to enable industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacopo Millul
- Philochem
AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Department
of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mattia Matasci
- Philochem
AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
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28
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Ochoa de Olza M, Navarro Rodrigo B, Zimmermann S, Coukos G. Turning up the heat on non-immunoreactive tumours: opportunities for clinical development. Lancet Oncol 2020; 21:e419-e430. [PMID: 32888471 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(20)30234-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Notable advances have been achieved in the treatment of cancer since the advent of immunotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown clinical benefit across a wide variety of tumour types. Nevertheless, most patients still progress on these treatments, highlighting the importance of unravelling the underlying mechanisms of primary resistance to immunotherapy. A well described biomarker of non-responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors is the absence or low presence of lymphocytes in the tumour microenvironment, so-called cold tumours. There are five mechanisms of action that have the potential to turn cold tumours into so-called hot and inflamed tumours, hence increasing the tumour's responsiveness to immunotherapy-increasing local inflammation, neutralising immunosuppression at the tumour site, modifying the tumour vasculature, targeting the tumour cells themselves, or increasing the frequency of tumour-specific T cells. In this Review, we discuss preclinical data that serves as the basis for ongoing immunotherapy clinical trials for the treatment of non-immunoreactive tumours, as well as reviewing clinical and translational data where available. We explain how improving our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of primary resistance to immunotherapy will help elucidate an increasingly granular view of the tumour microenvironment cellular composition, functional status, and cellular localisation, with the goal of further therapy refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ochoa de Olza
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Service of Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Blanca Navarro Rodrigo
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Service of Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Zimmermann
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Service of Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - George Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Service of Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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29
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Improving safety of cancer immunotherapy via delivery technology. Biomaterials 2020; 265:120407. [PMID: 32992118 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Breakthroughs in molecular mechanisms underlying immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment and paradigm shifts in the cancer-immunity response cycle have profoundly changed the landscape of cancer immunotherapy. However, one of the challenges is to mitigate the serious side effects caused by systemic autoimmunity and autoinflammatory responses following immunotherapy. Thus, restraining the activation of the immune system in healthy tissues is highly desirable to address this problem. Bioengineering and delivery technologies provide a solution to the issue. In this Review, we first introduce immune-related adverse effects of main immunotherapies and the underlying mechanisms, summarize strategies of designingde bioengineering and delivery systems to reduce their immunotoxicities, and highlight the importance of the development of immunotoxicity-related animal models.
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30
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Lieverse RIY, Marcus D, van der Wiel AMA, Van Limbergen EJ, Theys J, Yaromina A, Lambin P, Dubois LJ. Human fibronectin extra domain B as a biomarker for targeted therapy in cancer. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:1555-1568. [PMID: 32386436 PMCID: PMC7332215 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix protein fibronectin contains a domain that is rarely found in healthy adults and is almost exclusively expressed by newly formed blood vessels in tumours, particularly in solid tumours, different types of lymphoma and some leukaemias. This domain, called the extra domain B (ED‐B), thus has broad therapeutic potential. The antibody L19 has been developed to specifically target ED‐B and has shown therapeutic potential when combined with cytokines, such as IL‐2. In this review article, we discuss the preclinical research and clinical trials that highlight the potential of ED‐B targeting for the imaging and treatment of various types of cancer. ED‐B‐centred studies also highlight how proper patient stratification is of utmost importance for the successful implementation of novel antibody‐based targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Relinde I Y Lieverse
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Damiënne Marcus
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander M A van der Wiel
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Evert J Van Limbergen
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Theys
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Ala Yaromina
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
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31
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Enhancing the Efficacy of CAR T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061389. [PMID: 32481570 PMCID: PMC7353070 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has the worst prognosis and lowest survival rate among all types of cancers and thus, there exists a strong need for novel therapeutic strategies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells present a new potential option after successful FDA-approval in hematologic malignancies, however, current CAR T cell clinical trials in pancreatic cancer failed to improve survival and were unable to demonstrate any significant response. The physical and environmental barriers created by the distinct tumor microenvironment (TME) as a result of the desmoplastic reaction in pancreatic cancer present major hurdles for CAR T cells as a viable therapeutic option in this tumor entity. Cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts express extracellular matrix molecules, enzymes, and growth factors, which can attenuate CAR T cell infiltration and efficacy. Recent efforts demonstrate a niche shift where targeting the TME along CAR T cell therapy is believed or hoped to provide a substantial clinical added value to improve overall survival. This review summarizes therapeutic approaches targeting the TME and their effect on CAR T cells as well as their outcome in preclinical and clinical trials in pancreatic cancer.
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32
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Neri D. Antibody-Cytokine Fusions: Versatile Products for the Modulation of Anticancer Immunity. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 7:348-354. [PMID: 30824549 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The remarkable clinical success of immune-checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of a growing number of cancer types has sparked interest in the discovery of novel forms of immunotherapy, which may be used alone or in combination. In this context, cytokine-based therapeutics are well poised to play a role in modern cancer therapy. This article focuses on antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (also called "immunocytokines") as one class of biopharmaceuticals that can substantially improve the therapeutic index and, thus, the applicability of cytokine products. In many preclinical settings, antibodies can be used to preferentially deliver many (but not all) types of cytokines to primary and metastatic tumor lesions. The antibody-based delivery of certain proinflammatory payloads (such as IL2, IL12, and TNF) to the tumor microenvironment can lead to a dramatic potentiation of their anticancer activity. However, although some fusion proteins have advanced to late-stage clinical trials, much work remains to be done in order to fully characterize the mechanism of action and the pharmaceutical potential of immunocytokines in the clinical setting. Various factors contribute to in vivo performance, including the target antigen, the antibody properties, the nature of the payload, the format of the fusion protein, the dose, and schedule, as well as their use in combination with other therapeutic modalities. Protein engineering opportunities and insights in cancer immunology are contributing to the development of next-generation immunocytokine products and of novel therapeutic concepts, with the goal to increase antitumor activity and reduce systemic toxicity (a common problem for cytokine-based biopharmaceuticals).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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33
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Mansurov A, Ishihara J, Hosseinchi P, Potin L, Marchell TM, Ishihara A, Williford JM, Alpar AT, Raczy MM, Gray LT, Swartz MA, Hubbell JA. Collagen-binding IL-12 enhances tumour inflammation and drives the complete remission of established immunologically cold mouse tumours. Nat Biomed Eng 2020; 4:531-543. [PMID: 32284554 PMCID: PMC11095084 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-020-0549-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Checkpoint-inhibitor (CPI) immunotherapy has achieved remarkable clinical success, yet its efficacy in 'immunologically cold' tumours has been modest. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a powerful cytokine that activates the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system; however, the administration of IL-12 has been associated with immune-related adverse events. Here we show that, after intravenous administration of a collagen-binding domain fused to IL-12 (CBD-IL-12) in mice bearing aggressive mouse tumours, CBD-IL-12 accumulates in the tumour stroma due to exposed collagen in the disordered tumour vasculature. In comparison with the administration of unmodified IL-12, CBD-IL-12 induced sustained intratumoural levels of interferon-γ, substantially reduced its systemic levels as well as organ damage and provided superior anticancer efficacy, eliciting complete regression of CPI-unresponsive breast tumours. Furthermore, CBD-IL-12 potently synergized with CPI to eradicate large established melanomas, induced antigen-specific immunological memory and controlled tumour growth in a genetically engineered mouse model of melanoma. CBD-IL-12 may potentiate CPI immunotherapy for immunologically cold tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslan Mansurov
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jun Ishihara
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Peyman Hosseinchi
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lambert Potin
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tiffany M Marchell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ako Ishihara
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Aaron T Alpar
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michal M Raczy
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Laura T Gray
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Melody A Swartz
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Hubbell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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34
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Comparative evaluation of bolus and fractionated administration modalities for two antibody-cytokine fusions in immunocompetent tumor-bearing mice. J Control Release 2020; 317:282-290. [PMID: 31790729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins are being considered as biopharmaceuticals for cancer immunotherapy. Tumor-homing cytokine fusions typically display an improved therapeutic activity compared to the corresponding unmodified cytokine products, but toxicity profiles at equivalent doses are similar, since side effects are mainly driven by the cytokine concentration in blood. In order to explore avenues to harness the therapeutic potential of antibody-cytokine fusions while decreasing potential toxicity, we compared bolus and fractionated administration modalities for two tumor-targeting antibody-cytokine fusion proteins based on human interleukin-2 (IL2) and murine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (i.e., L19-hIL2 and L19-mTNF) in two murine immunocompetent mouse models of cancer (F9 and C51). A comparative quantitative biodistribution analysis with radio-labeled protein preparations revealed that a fractionated administration of L19-hIL2 could deliver comparable product doses to the tumor with decreased product concentration in blood and normal organs, compared to bolus injection. By contrast, L19-mTNF (a product that causes a selective vascular shutdown in the tumor) accumulated most efficiently after bolus injection. Fractionated schedules allowed the safe administration of a cumulative dose of L19-mTNF, which was 2.5-times higher than the lethal dose for bolus injection. Dose fractionation led to a prolonged tumor growth inhibition for F9 teratocarcinomas, but not for C51 colorectal tumors, which responded best to bolus injection. Thus, dose fractionation may have different outcomes for the same antibody-cytokine product in different biological contexts.
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35
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De Luca R, Gouyou B, Ongaro T, Villa A, Ziffels B, Sannino A, Buttinoni G, Galeazzi S, Mazzacuva M, Neri D. A Novel Fully-Human Potency-Matched Dual Cytokine-Antibody Fusion Protein Targets Carbonic Anhydrase IX in Renal Cell Carcinomas. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1228. [PMID: 31799191 PMCID: PMC6863974 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Certain cytokines synergize in activating anti-cancer immunity at the site of disease and it may be desirable to generate biopharmaceutical agents, capable of simultaneous delivery of cytokine pairs to the tumor. In this article, we have described the cloning, expression and characterization of IL2-XE114-TNFmut, a dual-cytokine biopharmaceutical featuring the sequential fusion of interleukin-2 (IL2) with the XE114 antibody in scFv format and a tumor necrosis factor mutant (TNFmut). The fusion protein recognized the cognate antigen (carbonic anhydrase IX, a marker of hypoxia and of renal cell carcinoma) with high affinity and specificity. IL2-XE114-TNFmut formed a stable non-covalent homotrimeric structure, displayed cytokine activity in in vitro tests and preferentially localized to solid tumors in vivo. The product exhibited a partial growth inhibition of murine CT26 tumors transfected for carbonic anhydrase IX. When administered to Cynomolgus monkey as intravenous injection, IL2-XE114-TNFmut showed the expected plasma concentration of ~1,500 ng/ml at early time points, indicating the absence of any in vivo trapping events, and a half-life of ~2 h. IL2-XE114-TNFmut may thus be considered as a promising biopharmaceutical for the treatment of metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, since these tumors are known to be sensitive to IL2 and to TNF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gianluca Buttinoni
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
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Gasparri AM, Sacchi A, Basso V, Cortesi F, Freschi M, Rrapaj E, Bellone M, Casorati G, Dellabona P, Mondino A, Corti A, Curnis F. Boosting Interleukin-12 Antitumor Activity and Synergism with Immunotherapy by Targeted Delivery with isoDGR-Tagged Nanogold. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1903462. [PMID: 31523920 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201903462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The clinical use of interleukin-12 (IL12), a cytokine endowed with potent immunotherapeutic anticancer activity, is limited by systemic toxicity. The hypothesis is addressed that gold nanoparticles tagged with a tumor-homing peptide containing isoDGR, an αvβ3-integrin binding motif, can be exploited for delivering IL12 to tumors and improving its therapeutic index. To this aim, gold nanospheres are functionalized with the head-to-tail cyclized-peptide CGisoDGRG (Iso1) and murine IL12. The resulting nanodrug (Iso1/Au/IL12) is monodispersed, stable, and bifunctional in terms of αvβ3 and IL12-receptor recognition. Low-dose Iso1/Au/IL12, equivalent to 18-75 pg of IL12, induces antitumor effects in murine models of fibrosarcomas and mammary adenocarcinomas, with no evidence of toxicity. Equivalent doses of Au/IL12 (a nanodrug lacking Iso1) fail to delay tumor growth, whereas 15 000 pg of free IL12 is necessary to achieve similar effects. Iso1/Au/IL12 significantly increases tumor infiltration by innate immune cells, such as NK and iNKT cells, monocytes, and neutrophils. NK cell depletion completely inhibits its antitumor effects. Low-dose Iso1/Au/IL12 can also increase the therapeutic efficacy of adoptive T-cell therapy in mice with autochthonous prostate cancer. These findings indicate that coupling IL12 to isoDGR-tagged nanogold is a valid strategy for enhancing its therapeutic index and sustaining adoptive T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Gasparri
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Angelina Sacchi
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Veronica Basso
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Filippo Cortesi
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Massimo Freschi
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Eltjona Rrapaj
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Matteo Bellone
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Giulia Casorati
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Paolo Dellabona
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Anna Mondino
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Angelo Corti
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Flavio Curnis
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, 20132, Italy
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Weide B, Eigentler T, Catania C, Ascierto PA, Cascinu S, Becker JC, Hauschild A, Romanini A, Danielli R, Dummer R, Trefzer U, Elia G, Neri D, Garbe C. A phase II study of the L19IL2 immunocytokine in combination with dacarbazine in advanced metastatic melanoma patients. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1547-1559. [PMID: 31482307 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02383-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Engineered cytokine products represent promising agents for the treatment of immunogenic tumors, such as malignant melanoma, in addition to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here we describe the results of a controlled, randomized phase II clinical trial, aimed at assessing the therapeutic potential of L19IL2, a fully human fusion protein consisting of the L19 antibody specific to the alternatively spliced extra-domain B of fibronectin, fused to human interleukin-2 in advanced metastatic melanoma. In one arm, patients received dacarbazine (DTIC; 1000 mg/m2 of body surface on day 1 of 21-day cycles) as single agent, while in two other arms L19IL2 (22.5 million international units of IL2 equivalents) was added, based on two different schedules of administration. In total, 69 patients with stage IV melanoma were enrolled (24 in the dacarbazine arm, 23 and 22 in the other combination arms, respectively) and 67 received treatment. Analyses of efficacy results show a statistically significant benefit in terms of overall response rate and median progression-free survival for patients receiving L19IL2 in combination with DTIC, compared to DTIC as single agent. In light of these results, further clinical investigations with L19IL2 (alone or in combination with other agents) are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Weide
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chiara Catania
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Cascinu
- Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Ancona, Italy
- Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Partner Site Essen, Essen, Germany
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Axel Hauschild
- University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSK), Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | | | - Reinhard Dummer
- University Hospital Zurich and University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Trefzer
- Charité, Berlin, Germany
- Dermatologikum Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Giuliano Elia
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland.
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Building HCI G396.4, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Claus Garbe
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany.
- Sektion Dermatologische Onkologie, Universität Tübingen Hautklinik, Liebermeisterstraße 25, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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38
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Puca E, Probst P, Stringhini M, Murer P, Pellegrini G, Cazzamalli S, Hutmacher C, Gouyou B, Wulhfard S, Matasci M, Villa A, Neri D. The antibody-based delivery of interleukin-12 to solid tumors boosts NK and CD8 + T cell activity and synergizes with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:2518-2530. [PMID: 31374124 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We describe the cloning and characterization of a novel fusion protein (termed L19-mIL12), consisting of murine interleukin-12 in single-chain format, sequentially fused to the L19 antibody in tandem diabody format. The fusion protein bound avidly to the cognate antigen (the alternatively spliced EDB domain of fibronectin), retained the activity of the parental cytokine and was able to selectively localize to murine tumors in vivo, as shown by quantitative biodistribution analysis. L19-mIL12 exhibited a potent antitumor activity in immunocompetent mice bearing CT26 carcinomas and WEHI-164 sarcomas, which could be boosted by combination with checkpoint blockade, leading to durable cancer eradication. L19-mIL12 also inhibited tumor growth in mice with Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC), but in this case, cancer cures could not be obtained, both in monotherapy and in combination. A microscopic analysis and a depletion experiment of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes illustrated the contribution of NK cells and CD8+ T cells for the anticancer activity observed in both tumor models. Upon L19-mIL12 treatment, the density of regulatory T cells (Tregs) was strongly increased in LLC, but not in CT26 tumors. A FACS analysis also revealed that the majority of CD8+ T cells in CT26 tumors were specific to the retroviral AH1 antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Puca
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Probst
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Patrizia Murer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Pellegrini
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Universität Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia Hutmacher
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
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Liu Y, Di S, Shi B, Zhang H, Wang Y, Wu X, Luo H, Wang H, Li Z, Jiang H. Armored Inducible Expression of IL-12 Enhances Antitumor Activity of Glypican-3-Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Engineered T Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 203:198-207. [PMID: 31142602 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy based on chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CAR-T) cells has been demonstrated as one of the most promising therapeutic strategies in the treatment of malignancies. However, CAR-T cell therapy has shown limited efficacy for the treatment of solid tumors. This is, in part, because of tumor heterogeneity and a hostile tumor microenvironment, which could suppress adoptively transferred T cell activity. In this study, we, respectively, engineered human- or murine-derived-armored glypican-3 (GPC3)-specific CAR-T cells capable of inducibly expressing IL-12 (GPC3-28Z-NFAT-IL-12) T cells. The results showed that GPC3-28Z-NFAT-IL-12 T cells could lyse GPC3+ tumor cells specifically and increase cytokine secretion compared with GPC3-28Z T cells in vitro. In vivo, GPC3-28Z-NFAT-IL-12 T cells augmented the antitumor effect when encountering GPC3+ large tumor burdens, which could be attributed to IL-12 increasing IFN-γ production, favoring T cells infiltration and persistence. Furthermore, in immunocompetent hosts, low doses of GPC3-m28Z-mNFAT-mIL-12 T cells exerted superior antitumor efficacy without prior conditioning in comparison with GPC3-m28Z T cells. Also, mIL-12 secretion decreased regulatory T cell infiltration in established tumors. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that the inducible expression of IL-12 could boost CAR-T function with less potential side effects, both in immunodeficient and immunocompetent hosts. The inducibly expressed IL-12-armored GPC3-CAR-T cells could broaden the application of CAR-T-based immunotherapy to patients intolerant of lymphodepletion chemotherapy and might provide an alternative therapeutic strategy for patients with GPC3+ cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and
| | - Shengmeng Di
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and
| | - Bizhi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and
| | | | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and
| | - Xiuqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and
| | - Hong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and
| | - Huamao Wang
- CARsgen Therapeutics, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Zonghai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and .,CARsgen Therapeutics, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and
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40
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Murer P, Neri D. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins: A novel class of biopharmaceuticals for the therapy of cancer and of chronic inflammation. N Biotechnol 2019; 52:42-53. [PMID: 30991144 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins represent a novel class of biopharmaceuticals, with the potential to increase the therapeutic index of cytokine 'payloads' and to promote leukocyte infiltration at the site of disease. In this review, we present a survey of immunocytokines that have been used in preclinical models of cancer and in clinical trials. In particular, we highlight how antibody format, choice of target antigen and cytokine engineering, as well as combination strategies, may have a profound impact on therapeutic performance. Moreover, by using anti-inflammatory cytokines, antibody fusion strategies can conveniently be employed for the treatment of auto-immune and chronic inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Murer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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41
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Hutmacher C, Gonzalo Núñez N, Liuzzi AR, Becher B, Neri D. Targeted Delivery of IL2 to the Tumor Stroma Potentiates the Action of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors by Preferential Activation of NK and CD8 + T Cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:572-583. [PMID: 30782667 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant human IL2 is being considered as a combination partner for immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer therapy, but the product only has a narrow therapeutic window. Therefore, we used F8-IL2, an antibody-IL2 fusion protein capable of selective localization to the tumor site, in combination with antibodies against murine CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1. In immunocompetent mice bearing CT26 tumors, the combination of F8-IL2 with CTLA-4 blockade was efficacious, leading to increased progression-free survival and protective immunity against subsequent tumor rechallenges. The combination with anti-PD-1 induced substantial tumor growth retardation, but tumor clearance was rare, whereas the combination with anti-PD-L1 exhibited the lowest activity. A detailed high-parametric single-cell analysis of the tumor leukocyte composition revealed that F8-IL2 had a strong impact on NK-cell activity without collateral immune activation in the systemic immune compartment, whereas CTLA-4 blockade led to significant changes in the T-cell compartment. Leukocyte depletion studies revealed that CD8+ T and NK cells were the main drivers of the therapeutic activity. We extended the experimental observations to a second model, treating MC38 tumor-bearing mice with F8-IL2 and/or CTLA-4 blockade. Only the combination treatment displayed potent anticancer activity, characterized by an increase in cytolytic CD8+ T and NK cells in tumors and draining lymph nodes. A decrease in the regulatory T cell frequency, within the tumors, was also observed. The results provide a rationale for the combined use of engineered IL2 therapeutics with immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Hutmacher
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Anna Rita Liuzzi
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Becher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland.
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42
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Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins: Biopharmaceuticals with immunomodulatory properties for cancer therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 141:67-91. [PMID: 30201522 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines have long been used for therapeutic applications in cancer patients. Substantial side effects and unfavorable pharmacokinetics limit their application and may prevent dose escalation to therapeutically active regimens. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (often referred to as immunocytokines) may help localize immunomodulatory cytokine payloads to the tumor, thereby activating anticancer immune responses. A variety of formats (e.g., intact IgGs or antibody fragments), molecular targets (e.g., extracellular matrix components and cell membrane antigens) and cytokine payloads have been considered for the development of this novel class of biopharmaceuticals. This review presents the basic concepts on the design and engineering of immunocytokines, reviews their potential limitations, points out emerging opportunities and summarizes key features of preclinical and clinical-stage products.
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43
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Nayyar G, Chu Y, Cairo MS. Overcoming Resistance to Natural Killer Cell Based Immunotherapies for Solid Tumors. Front Oncol 2019; 9:51. [PMID: 30805309 PMCID: PMC6378304 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, the prognosis of several solid tumor malignancies remains poor. Different factors associated with solid tumors including a varied genetic signature, complex molecular signaling pathways, defective cross talk between the tumor cells and immune cells, hypoxic and immunosuppressive effects of tumor microenvironment result in a treatment resistant and metastatic phenotype. Over the past several years, immunotherapy has emerged as an attractive therapeutic option against multiple malignancies. The unique ability of natural killer (NK) cells to target cancer cells without antigen specificity makes them an ideal candidate for use against solid tumors. However, the outcomes of adoptive NK cell infusions into patients with solid tumors have been disappointing. Extensive studies have been done to investigate different strategies to improve the NK cell function, trafficking and tumor targeting. Use of cytokines and cytokine analogs has been well described and utilized to enhance the proliferation, stimulation and persistence of NK cells. Other techniques like blocking the human leukocyte antigen-killer cell receptors (KIR) interactions with anti-KIR monoclonal antibodies, preventing CD16 receptor shedding, increasing the expression of activating NK cell receptors like NKG2D, and use of immunocytokines and immune checkpoint inhibitors can enhance NK cell mediated cytotoxicity. Using genetically modified NK cells with chimeric antigen receptors and bispecific and trispecific NK cell engagers, NK cells can be effectively redirected to the tumor cells improving their cytotoxic potential. In this review, we have described these strategies and highlighted the need to further optimize these strategies to improve the clinical outcome of NK cell based immunotherapy against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Nayyar
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Yaya Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Mitchell S Cairo
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States.,Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States.,Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States.,Department of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
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44
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Ongaro T, Matasci M, Cazzamalli S, Gouyou B, De Luca R, Neri D, Villa A. A novel anti-cancer L19-interleukin-12 fusion protein with an optimized peptide linker efficiently localizes in vivo at the site of tumors. J Biotechnol 2019; 291:17-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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45
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Murer P, Kiefer JD, Plüss L, Matasci M, Blümich SL, Stringhini M, Neri D. Targeted Delivery of TNF Potentiates the Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity of an Anti-Melanoma Immunoglobulin. J Invest Dermatol 2018; 139:1339-1348. [PMID: 30543899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The recombinant murine IgG2a antibody TA99, directed against a melanoma antigen, was used to study combination modalities that potentiate antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity. As previously reported, IgG2a(TA99) was extremely efficacious in preventing the growth of B16 lung metastases. However, the same antibody mediated only minimal tumor growth retardation when used to treat established neoplastic masses. The therapeutic activity of IgG2a(TA99) could be substantially enhanced by co-administration with an antibody-cytokine fusion (TA99-murine tumor necrosis factor [mTNF]), consisting of the TA99 antibody in single-chain variable fragment format fused to murine TNF. This fusion protein efficiently killed endothelial cells in vitro and displayed only minimal activity against B16 melanoma cells. In vivo, TA99-mTNF boosted the influx of natural killer cells and macrophages into B16 melanoma lesions. Therapy studies with two different administration schedules showed that the combination of TA99-mTNF and IgG2a(TA99) was superior to the individual products used as single agents. The combination treatment converted most of the tumor mass into a necrotic lesion, but a vital tumor rim eventually regrew, even when dacarbazine was included in the therapeutic regimen. The treatment modality described in this article may be applicable to the treatment of melanoma patients, given the specificity of the gp75 antigen and its conservation across species.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/genetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/isolation & purification
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- CHO Cells
- Cell Line, Tumor/transplantation
- Cricetulus
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Female
- Humans
- Immunoconjugates/administration & dosage
- Immunoconjugates/genetics
- Immunoconjugates/isolation & purification
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/pathology
- Membrane Glycoproteins/immunology
- Mice
- Oxidoreductases/immunology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/administration & dosage
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/isolation & purification
- Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Skin Neoplasms/immunology
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/administration & dosage
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/isolation & purification
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Murer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan D Kiefer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Louis Plüss
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Sandra L Blümich
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland.
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46
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Spangler JB, Trotta E, Tomala J, Peck A, Young TA, Savvides CS, Silveria S, Votavova P, Salafsky J, Pande VS, Kovar M, Bluestone JA, Garcia KC. Engineering a Single-Agent Cytokine/Antibody Fusion That Selectively Expands Regulatory T Cells for Autoimmune Disease Therapy. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 201:2094-2106. [PMID: 30104245 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
IL-2 has been used to treat diseases ranging from cancer to autoimmune disorders, but its concurrent immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects hinder efficacy. IL-2 orchestrates immune cell function through activation of a high-affinity heterotrimeric receptor (composed of IL-2Rα, IL-2Rβ, and common γ [γc]). IL-2Rα, which is highly expressed on regulatory T (TReg) cells, regulates IL-2 sensitivity. Previous studies have shown that complexation of IL-2 with the JES6-1 Ab preferentially biases cytokine activity toward TReg cells through a unique mechanism whereby IL-2 is exchanged from the Ab to IL-2Rα. However, clinical adoption of a mixed Ab/cytokine complex regimen is limited by stoichiometry and stability concerns. In this study, through structure-guided design, we engineered a single agent fusion of the IL-2 cytokine and JES6-1 Ab that, despite being covalently linked, preserves IL-2 exchange, selectively stimulating TReg expansion and exhibiting superior disease control to the mixed IL-2/JES6-1 complex in a mouse colitis model. These studies provide an engineering blueprint for resolving a major barrier to the implementation of functionally similar IL-2/Ab complexes for treatment of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie B Spangler
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Eleonora Trotta
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Jakub Tomala
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 14220 Prague 4-Krc, Czech Republic
| | - Ariana Peck
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | | | | | - Stephanie Silveria
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Petra Votavova
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 14220 Prague 4-Krc, Czech Republic
| | | | - Vijay S Pande
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305; and
| | - Marek Kovar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 14220 Prague 4-Krc, Czech Republic
| | - Jeffrey A Bluestone
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143.,Sean N. Parker Autoimmune Research Laboratory, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - K Christopher Garcia
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305; .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
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De Luca R, Neri D. Potentiation of PD-L1 blockade with a potency-matched dual cytokine-antibody fusion protein leads to cancer eradication in BALB/c-derived tumors but not in other mouse strains. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:1381-1391. [PMID: 29971465 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
We have recently described a novel therapeutic antibody product (IL2-F8-TNFmut), featuring the simultaneous fusion of murine IL2 and of a TNF mutant with scFv(F8), an antibody specific to the alternatively-spliced extra domain A of fibronectin (EDA). Here, we report on the in vivo characterization of the anti-cancer activity of IL2-F8-TNFmut in four immunocompetent murine models of cancer, CT26, WEHI-164, F9 teratocarcinoma and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC), using the product alone or in combination with a monoclonal antibody specific to murine PD-L1. All four models exhibited a strong expression of EDA-fibronectin, which was confined to vascular structures for F9 tumors, while the other three malignancies exhibited a more stromal pattern of staining. A complete and long-lasting tumor eradication of CT26 and WEHI-164 tumors was observed in BALB/c mice when IL2-F8-TNFmut was used in combination with PD-L1 blockade. The combination treatment led to improved tumor growth inhibition in 129/SvEv mice bearing murine teratocarcinoma or in C57BL/6 mice bearing murine LLC, but those cancer cures were difficult to achieve in those models. A microscopic analysis of tumor sections, obtained 24 h after pharmacological treatment, revealed that the PD-L1 antibody had homogenously reached tumor cells in vivo and that the combination of PD-L1 blockade with IL2-F8-TNFmut stimulated an influx of NK cells and of T cells into the neoplastic mass. These data indicate that potency-matched dual-cytokine fusion proteins may be ideally suited to potentiate the therapeutic activity of immune check-point inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto De Luca
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Jung K, Ha JH, Kim JE, Kim JA, Kim YJ, Kim CH, Kim YS. Heterodimeric Fc-fused IL12 shows potent antitumor activity by generating memory CD8 + T cells. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1438800. [PMID: 29900039 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1438800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL12) (p35/p40 complex) is a heterodimeric cytokine with potent anti-tumor activity. However, its short serum half-life and high dose-related toxicities limit its clinical efficacy. Here, we constructed heterodimeric immunoglobulin Fc-fused mouse IL12 (mIL12) in a monovalent binding format (mono-mIL12-Fc) to generate long-acting mIL12 in the naturally occurring heterodimeric form. Mono-mIL12-Fc exhibited a much longer plasma half-life than recombinant mIL12, enabling twice-weekly systemic injections to remove established tumors in syngeneic mouse models. Mono-mIL12-Fc was more potent than wild-type Fc-based bivalent-binding IL12-Fc (bi-mIL12-Fc) for eradicating large established immunogenic tumors without noticeable toxicities by enhancing interferon-γ production and the proliferation of immune effector cells in tumors. More importantly, mono-mIL12-Fc triggered weaker IL12 signaling than bi-mIL12-Fc, favoring the generation of functional and protective memory CD8+ T cells. Our results demonstrate that heterodimeric-Fc-fused IL12 is a suitable format for augmenting adaptive CD8+ T cell immune responses, providing a practical alternative to the systemic administration of IL12 for antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keunok Jung
- Priority Research Center for Molecular Science & Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hee Ha
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ah Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye-Jin Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
As of May 1, 2017, 74 antibody-based molecules have been approved by a regulatory authority in a major market. Additionally, there are 70 and 575 antibody-based molecules in phase III and phase I/II clinical trials, respectively. These total 719 antibody-based clinical stage molecules include 493 naked IgGs, 87 antibody-drug conjugates, 61 bispecific antibodies, 37 total Fc fusion proteins, 17 radioimmunoglobulins, 13 antibody fragments, and 11 immunocytokines. New uses for these antibodies are being discovered each year. For oncology, many of the exciting new approaches involve antibody modulation of T-cells. There are over 80 antibodies in clinical trials targeting T cell checkpoints, 26 T-cell-redirected bispecific antibodies, and 145 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cell-based candidates (all currently in phase I or II clinical trials), totaling more than 250 T cell interacting clinical stage antibody-based candidates. Finally, significant progress has been made recently on routes of delivery, including delivery of proteins across the blood-brain barrier, oral delivery to the gut, delivery to the cellular cytosol, and gene- and viral-based delivery of antibodies. Thus, there are currently at least 864 antibody-based clinical stage molecules or cells, with incredible diversity in how they are constructed and what activities they impart. These are followed by a next wave of novel molecules, approaches, and new methods and routes of delivery, demonstrating that the field of antibody-based biologics is very innovative and diverse in its approaches to fulfill their promise to treat unmet medical needs.
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50
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Fercher C, Keshvari S, McGuckin MA, Barnard RT. Evolution of the magic bullet: Single chain antibody fragments for the targeted delivery of immunomodulatory proteins. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2017; 243:166-183. [PMID: 29256259 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217748575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunocytokines are fusion proteins that combine the specific antigen binding capacities of an antibody or derivative thereof and the potent bioactivity of a cytokine partner. These novel biopharmaceuticals have been directed to various targets of oncological as well as non-oncological origin and a handful of promising constructs are currently advancing in the clinical trial pipeline. Several factors such as the choice of a disease specific antigen, the antibody format and the modulatory nature of the payload are crucial, not only for therapeutic efficacy and safety but also for the commercial success of such a product. In this review, we provide an overview of the basic principles and obstacles in immunocytokine design with a specific focus on single chain antibody fragment-based constructs that employ interleukins as the immunoactive component. Impact statement Selective activation of the immune system in a variety of malignancies represents an attractive approach when existing strategies have failed to provide adequate treatment options. Immunocytokines as a novel class of bifunctional protein therapeutics have emerged recently and generated promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. In order to harness their full potential, multiple different aspects have to be taken into consideration. Several key points of these fusion constructs are discussed here and should provide an outline for the development of novel products based on an overview of selected formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Fercher
- 1 School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sahar Keshvari
- 2 Inflammatory Diseases Biology and Therapeutics, Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Michael A McGuckin
- 2 Inflammatory Diseases Biology and Therapeutics, Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Ross T Barnard
- 1 School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.,3 Australian Research Council Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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