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Ludwig SD, Meksiriporn B, Tan J, Kureshi R, Mishra A, Kaeo KJ, Zhu A, Stavrakis G, Lee SJ, Schodt DJ, Wester MJ, Kumar D, Lidke KA, Cox AL, Dooley HM, Nimmagadda S, Spangler JB. Multiparatopic antibodies induce targeted downregulation of programmed death-ligand 1. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:904-919.e11. [PMID: 38547863 PMCID: PMC11102303 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.02.014] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) drives inhibition of antigen-specific T cell responses through engagement of its receptor programmed death-1 (PD-1) on activated T cells. Overexpression of these immune checkpoint proteins in the tumor microenvironment has motivated the design of targeted antibodies that disrupt this interaction. Despite clinical success of these antibodies, response rates remain low, necessitating novel approaches to enhance performance. Here, we report the development of antibody fusion proteins that block immune checkpoint pathways through a distinct mechanism targeting molecular trafficking. By engaging multiple receptor epitopes on PD-L1, our engineered multiparatopic antibodies induce rapid clustering, internalization, and degradation in an epitope- and topology-dependent manner. The complementary mechanisms of ligand blockade and receptor downregulation led to more durable immune cell activation and dramatically reduced PD-L1 availability in mouse tumors. Collectively, these multiparatopic antibodies offer mechanistic insight into immune checkpoint protein trafficking and how it may be manipulated to reprogram immune outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D Ludwig
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Bunyarit Meksiriporn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biology, School of Science, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
| | - Jiacheng Tan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rakeeb Kureshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Akhilesh Mishra
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Kyle J Kaeo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Angela Zhu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Georgia Stavrakis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Stephen J Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - David J Schodt
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Michael J Wester
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Dhiraj Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Keith A Lidke
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Andrea L Cox
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Helen M Dooley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Sridhar Nimmagadda
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
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2
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Klein C, Brinkmann U, Reichert JM, Kontermann RE. The present and future of bispecific antibodies for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:301-319. [PMID: 38448606 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00896-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) enable novel mechanisms of action and/or therapeutic applications that cannot be achieved using conventional IgG-based antibodies. Consequently, development of these molecules has garnered substantial interest in the past decade and, as of the end of 2023, 14 bsAbs have been approved: 11 for the treatment of cancer and 3 for non-oncology indications. bsAbs are available in different formats, address different targets and mediate anticancer function via different molecular mechanisms. Here, we provide an overview of recent developments in the field of bsAbs for cancer therapy. We focus on bsAbs that are approved or in clinical development, including bsAb-mediated dual modulators of signalling pathways, tumour-targeted receptor agonists, bsAb-drug conjugates, bispecific T cell, natural killer cell and innate immune cell engagers, and bispecific checkpoint inhibitors and co-stimulators. Finally, we provide an outlook into next-generation bsAbs in earlier stages of development, including trispecifics, bsAb prodrugs, bsAbs that induce degradation of tumour targets and bsAbs acting as cytokine mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Klein
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland.
| | - Ulrich Brinkmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | | | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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3
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Driscoll CL, Keeble AH, Howarth MR. SpyMask enables combinatorial assembly of bispecific binders. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2403. [PMID: 38493197 PMCID: PMC10944524 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46599-9] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies are a successful and expanding therapeutic class. Standard approaches to generate bispecifics are complicated by the need for disulfide reduction/oxidation or specialized formats. Here we present SpyMask, a modular approach to bispecifics using SpyTag/SpyCatcher spontaneous amidation. Two SpyTag-fused antigen-binding modules can be precisely conjugated onto DoubleCatcher, a tandem SpyCatcher where the second SpyCatcher is protease-activatable. We engineer a panel of structurally-distinct DoubleCatchers, from which binders project in different directions. We establish a generalized methodology for one-pot assembly and purification of bispecifics in 96-well plates. A panel of binders recognizing different HER2 epitopes were coupled to DoubleCatcher, revealing unexpected combinations with anti-proliferative or pro-proliferative activity on HER2-addicted cancer cells. Bispecific activity depended sensitively on both binder orientation and DoubleCatcher scaffold geometry. These findings support the need for straightforward assembly in different formats. SpyMask provides a scalable tool to discover synergy in bispecific activity, through modulating receptor organization and geometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia L Driscoll
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1PD, UK
| | - Anthony H Keeble
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1PD, UK
| | - Mark R Howarth
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1PD, UK.
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4
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Madsen AV, Pedersen LE, Kristensen P, Goletz S. Design and engineering of bispecific antibodies: insights and practical considerations. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1352014. [PMID: 38333084 PMCID: PMC10850309 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1352014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) have attracted significant attention due to their dual binding activity, which permits simultaneous targeting of antigens and synergistic binding effects beyond what can be obtained even with combinations of conventional monospecific antibodies. Despite the tremendous therapeutic potential, the design and construction of bsAbs are often hampered by practical issues arising from the increased structural complexity as compared to conventional monospecific antibodies. The issues are diverse in nature, spanning from decreased biophysical stability from fusion of exogenous antigen-binding domains to antibody chain mispairing leading to formation of antibody-related impurities that are very difficult to remove. The added complexity requires judicious design considerations as well as extensive molecular engineering to ensure formation of high quality bsAbs with the intended mode of action and favorable drug-like qualities. In this review, we highlight and summarize some of the key considerations in design of bsAbs as well as state-of-the-art engineering principles that can be applied in efficient construction of bsAbs with diverse molecular formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas V. Madsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lasse E. Pedersen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Peter Kristensen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Steffen Goletz
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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5
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Ruan D, Wu H, Meng Q, Xu R. Development of antibody-drug conjugates in cancer: Overview and prospects. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:3-22. [PMID: 38159059 PMCID: PMC10794012 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, remarkable breakthroughs have been reported on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), with 15 ADCs successfully entering the market over the past decade. This substantial development has positioned ADCs as one of the fastest-growing domains in the realm of anticancer drugs, demonstrating their efficacy in treating a wide array of malignancies. Nonetheless, there is still an unmet clinical need for wider application, better efficacy, and fewer side effects of ADCs. An ADC generally comprises an antibody, a linker and a payload, and the combination has profound effects on drug structure, pharmacokinetic profile and efficacy. Hence, optimization of the key components provides an opportunity to develop ADCs with higher potency and fewer side effects. In this review, we comprehensively reviewed the current development and the prospects of ADC, provided an analysis of marketed ADCs and the ongoing pipelines globally as well as in China, highlighted several ADC platforms and technologies specific to different pharmaceutical enterprises and biotech companies, and also discussed the new related technologies, possibility of next-generation ADCs and the directions of clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan‐Yun Ruan
- Department of Clinical ResearchSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal CancerChinese Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Hao‐Xiang Wu
- Department of Clinical ResearchSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal CancerChinese Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Qi Meng
- Department of Clinical ResearchSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal CancerChinese Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Rui‐Hua Xu
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal CancerChinese Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Medical OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
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6
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Niquille DL, Fitzgerald KM, Gera N. Biparatopic antibodies: therapeutic applications and prospects. MAbs 2024; 16:2310890. [PMID: 38439551 PMCID: PMC10936611 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2310890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Biparatopic antibodies (bpAbs) bind distinct, non-overlapping epitopes on an antigen. This unique binding mode enables new mechanisms of action beyond monospecific and bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) that can make bpAbs effective therapeutics for various indications, including oncology and infectious diseases. Biparatopic binding can lead to superior affinity and specificity, promote antagonism, lock target conformation, and result in higher-order target clustering. Such antibody-target complexes can elicit strong agonism, increase immune effector function, or result in rapid target downregulation and lysosomal trafficking. These are not only attractive properties for therapeutic antibodies but are increasingly being explored for other modalities such as antibody-drug conjugates, T-cell engagers and chimeric antigen receptors. Recent advances in bpAb engineering have enabled the construction of ever more sophisticated formats that are starting to show promise in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nimish Gera
- Biologics, Mythic Therapeutics, Waltham, MA, USA
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7
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Liu X, Luan L, Liu X, Jiang D, Deng J, Xu J, Yuan Y, Xing J, Chen B, Xing D, Huang H. A novel nanobody-based HER2-targeting antibody exhibits potent synergistic antitumor efficacy in trastuzumab-resistant cancer cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1292839. [PMID: 37954614 PMCID: PMC10634241 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1292839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Human epithelial growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) plays an oncogenic role in numerous tumors, including breast, gastric, and various other solid tumors. While anti-HER2 therapies are approved for the treatment of HER2-positive tumors, a necessity persists for creating novel HER2-targeted agents to resolve therapeutic resistance. Utilizing a synthetic nanobody library and affinity maturation, our study identified four anti-HER2 nanobodies that exhibited high affinity and specificity. These nanobodies recognized three distinct epitopes of HER2-ECD. Additionally, we constructed VHH-Fc and discovered that they facilitated superior internalization and showed moderate growth inhibition. Compared to the combination of trastuzumab and pertuzumab, the VHH-Fc combos or their combination with trastuzumab demonstrated greater or comparable antitumor activity in both ligand-independent and ligand-driven tumors. Most remarkably, A9B5-Fc, which targeted domain I of HER2-ECD, displayed significantly enhanced trastuzumab-synergistic antitumor efficacy compared to pertuzumab under trastuzumab-resistant conditions. Our findings offer anti-HER2 nanobodies with high affinity and non-overlapping epitope recognition. The novel nanobody-based HER2-targeted antibody, A9B5-Fc, binding to HER2-ECD I, mediates promising receptor internalization. It possesses the potential to serve as a potent synergistic partner with trastuzumab, contributing to overcoming acquired resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlin Liu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Linli Luan
- Noventi Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Liu
- Bioworkshops (Suzhou) Limited, Souzhou, China
| | - Dingwen Jiang
- Noventi Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Junwen Deng
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiazhen Xu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Yang Yuan
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiyao Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Bingguan Chen
- Noventi Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongming Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Haiming Huang
- Noventi Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
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8
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Akiba H, Fujita J, Ise T, Nishiyama K, Miyata T, Kato T, Namba K, Ohno H, Kamada H, Nagata S, Tsumoto K. Development of a 1:1-binding biparatopic anti-TNFR2 antagonist by reducing signaling activity through epitope selection. Commun Biol 2023; 6:987. [PMID: 37758868 PMCID: PMC10533564 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05326-8] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional bivalent antibodies against cell surface receptors often initiate unwanted signal transduction by crosslinking two antigen molecules. Biparatopic antibodies (BpAbs) bind to two different epitopes on the same antigen, thus altering crosslinking ability. In this study, we develop BpAbs against tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), which is an attractive immune checkpoint target. Using different pairs of antibody variable regions specific to topographically distinct TNFR2 epitopes, we successfully regulate the size of BpAb-TNFR2 immunocomplexes to result in controlled agonistic activities. Our series of results indicate that the relative positions of the two epitopes recognized by the BpAb are critical for controlling its signaling activity. One particular antagonist, Bp109-92, binds TNFR2 in a 1:1 manner without unwanted signal transduction, and its structural basis is determined using cryo-electron microscopy. This antagonist suppresses the proliferation of regulatory T cells expressing TNFR2. Therefore, the BpAb format would be useful in designing specific and distinct antibody functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Akiba
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
- Center for Drug Design Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Ibaraki, Osaka, 562-0011, Japan.
| | - Junso Fujita
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- JEOL YOKOGUSHI Research Alliance Laboratories, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ise
- Center for Drug Design Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Ibaraki, Osaka, 562-0011, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nishiyama
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Tomoko Miyata
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- JEOL YOKOGUSHI Research Alliance Laboratories, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kato
- Institute of Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Keiichi Namba
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- JEOL YOKOGUSHI Research Alliance Laboratories, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ohno
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
- Center for Drug Design Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Ibaraki, Osaka, 562-0011, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Kamada
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
- Center for Drug Design Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Ibaraki, Osaka, 562-0011, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagata
- Center for Drug Design Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Ibaraki, Osaka, 562-0011, Japan.
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Center for Drug Design Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Ibaraki, Osaka, 562-0011, Japan.
- School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.
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9
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Chang HL, Schwettmann B, McArthur HL, Chan IS. Antibody-drug conjugates in breast cancer: overcoming resistance and boosting immune response. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e172156. [PMID: 37712425 PMCID: PMC10503805 DOI: 10.1172/jci172156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as a revolutionary therapeutic class, combining the precise targeting ability of monoclonal antibodies with the potent cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutics. Notably, ADCs have rapidly advanced in the field of breast cancer treatment. This innovative approach holds promise for strengthening the immune system through antibody-mediated cellular toxicity, tumor-specific immunity, and adaptive immune responses. However, the development of upfront and acquired resistance poses substantial challenges in maximizing the effectiveness of these therapeutics, necessitating a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms. These mechanisms of resistance include antigen loss, derangements in ADC internalization and recycling, drug clearance, and alterations in signaling pathways and the payload target. To overcome resistance, ongoing research and development efforts are focused on urgently identifying biomarkers, integrating immune therapy approaches, and designing novel cytotoxic payloads. This Review provides an overview of the mechanisms and clinical effectiveness of ADCs, and explores their unique immune-boosting function, while also highlighting the complex resistance mechanisms and safety challenges that must be addressed. A continued focus on how ADCs impact the tumor microenvironment will help to identify new payloads that can improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L. Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| | - Blake Schwettmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| | - Heather L. McArthur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| | - Isaac S. Chan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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10
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Redwood-Sawyerr C, Nesbeth DN. Tetracycline-mediated fluorescence correlates with passage number and β-galactosidase activity in HeLa and HEK293T cells. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio059691. [PMID: 37284818 PMCID: PMC10320714 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059691] [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: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We report data consistent with tetracycline-mediated fluorescence having the potential to be an effective marker of senescence in immortalised cells. HeLa cells that had previously undergone more than 20 passages were transiently transfected with a plasmid encoding a novel tetracycline-inducible transgene featuring an open reading frame for green fluorescent protein. While characterising the performance of this plasmid and transfection procedure, HeLa cell fluorescence was observed to result from incubating cells with media containing 2 μg/ml tetracycline alone, without plasmid or transfection reagent. To investigate this phenomenon further, HeLa and HEK293T cells were purchased from a tissue culture collection and after cultivation over 4-23 passages, incubated with media containing 2 μg/ml tetracycline. For both cell lines, tetracycline-mediated fluorescence increase correlated with passage number increase. This effect in HeLa and HEK293T cells was also borne out by expression of β-galactosidase activity, an imperfect but widely used marker of cellular senescence. These data suggest tetracycline may have utility as a marker of cellular senescence in immortal cells and can inform future investigation and validation of this previously unreported application for this reagent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chileab Redwood-Sawyerr
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Bernard Katz Building, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Darren N. Nesbeth
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Bernard Katz Building, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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11
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Wakefield DL, Golfetto O, Jorand R, Biswas S, Meyer K, Avery KN, Zer C, Cacao EE, Tobin SJ, Talisman IJ, Williams JC, Jovanovic-Talisman T. Using quantitative single molecule localization microscopy to optimize multivalent HER2-targeting ligands. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1064242. [PMID: 37138747 PMCID: PMC10149953 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1064242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The progression-free survival of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer is significantly extended by a combination of two monoclonal antibodies, trastuzumab and pertuzumab, which target independent epitopes of the extracellular domain of HER2. The improved efficacy of the combination over individual antibody therapies targeting HER2 is still being investigated, and several molecular mechanisms may be in play: the combination downregulates HER2, improves antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity, and/or affects the organization of surface-expressed antigens, which may attenuate downstream signaling. Methods By combining protein engineering and quantitative single molecule localization microscopy (qSMLM), here we both assessed and optimized clustering of HER2 in cultured breast cancer cells. Results We detected marked changes to the cellular membrane organization of HER2 when cells were treated with therapeutic antibodies. When we compared untreated samples to four treatment scenarios, we observed the following HER2 membrane features: (1) the monovalent Fab domain of trastuzumab did not significantly affect HER2 clustering; (2) individual therapy with either trastuzumab or (3) pertuzumab produced significantly higher levels of HER2 clustering; (4) a combination of trastuzumab plus pertuzumab produced the highest level of HER2 clustering. To further enhance this last effect, we created multivalent ligands using meditope technology. Treatment with a tetravalent meditope ligand combined with meditope-enabled trastuzumab resulted in pronounced HER2 clustering. Moreover, compared to pertuzumab plus trastuzumab, at early time points this meditope-based combination was more effective at inhibiting epidermal growth factor (EGF) dependent activation of several downstream protein kinases. Discussion Collectively, mAbs and multivalent ligands can efficiently alter the organization and activation of the HER2 receptors. We expect this approach could be used in the future to develop new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John C. Williams
- Department of Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Tijana Jovanovic-Talisman
- Department of Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
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12
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An anti-HER2 biparatopic antibody that induces unique HER2 clustering and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1394. [PMID: 36914633 PMCID: PMC10011572 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that plays an oncogenic role in breast, gastric and other solid tumors. However, anti-HER2 therapies are only currently approved for the treatment of breast and gastric/gastric esophageal junction cancers and treatment resistance remains a problem. Here, we engineer an anti-HER2 IgG1 bispecific, biparatopic antibody (Ab), zanidatamab, with unique and enhanced functionalities compared to both trastuzumab and the combination of trastuzumab plus pertuzumab (tras + pert). Zanidatamab binds adjacent HER2 molecules in trans and initiates distinct HER2 reorganization, as shown by polarized cell surface HER2 caps and large HER2 clusters, not observed with trastuzumab or tras + pert. Moreover, zanidatamab, but not trastuzumab nor tras + pert, elicit potent complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) against high HER2-expressing tumor cells in vitro. Zanidatamab also mediates HER2 internalization and downregulation, inhibition of both cell signaling and tumor growth, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and phagocytosis (ADCP), and also shows superior in vivo antitumor activity compared to tras + pert in a HER2-expressing xenograft model. Collectively, we show that zanidatamab has multiple and distinct mechanisms of action derived from the structural effects of biparatopic HER2 engagement.
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Mak S, Marszal A, Matscheko N, Rant U. Kinetic analysis of ternary and binary binding modes of the bispecific antibody emicizumab. MAbs 2023; 15:2149053. [PMID: 36453702 PMCID: PMC9724730 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2022.2149053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The binding properties of bispecific antibodies (bsAb) are crucial for their function, especially when two antigens are targeted on the same cell surface. Dynamic interactions between each of the antibody's arms and its cognate target cause the formation and decay of a biologically functional ternary complex. How association and dissociation processes work cooperatively, and how they influence the avidity of the ternary complex, is still poorly understood. Here, we present a biosensor assay for the simultaneous measurement of the binding kinetics of the therapeutic bsAb emicizumab (Hemlibra®) and its two targets, the blood coagulation factors IX and X (FIX, FX). We describe an automated workflow to characterize binary and ternary-binding modes, utilizing a Y-shaped DNA nanostructure to immobilize the antigens on a sensor and to emulate conditions on a cell or platelet surface by presenting the antigens with optimal accessibility for the bsAb flown over the sensor as analyte. We find that emicizumab binds FX much stronger than FIX (Kd = 0.05 µM vs. 5 µM, t1/2 = 20 s vs. 1 s) with profound consequences on the avidity of the ternary complex, which is dominated by FX's binding properties and a hand-off mechanism from FX to FIX. Moreover, formation and decay of the ternary complex depend on the bsAb concentration during the association phase. Emicizumab's in-vivo mode of action and the catalytic activation of FX can be rationalized from the analyzed binding kinetics. The assay and workflow are well suited for the screening of bispecific binders in drug discovery and provide valuable new kinetic information.Abbreviations: bsAb: bispecific antibody; FVIII/FIX/FX: coagulation factors VIII/IX/X; SPR: surface plasmon resonance; kon: association rate constant; koff: dissociation rate constant; KD: equilibrium dissociation constant; t1/2: dissociation half-life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nena Matscheko
- Dynamic Biosensors GmbH, Munich, Germany,CONTACT Nena Matscheko
| | - Ulrich Rant
- Dynamic Biosensors GmbH, Munich, Germany,Ulrich Rant Dynamic Biosensors GmbH, Munich, Germany
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14
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Madsen AV, Kristensen P, Buell AK, Goletz S. Generation of robust bispecific antibodies through fusion of single-domain antibodies on IgG scaffolds: a comprehensive comparison of formats. MAbs 2023; 15:2189432. [PMID: 36939220 PMCID: PMC10038023 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2189432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) enable dual binding of different antigens with potential synergistic targeting effects and innovative therapeutic possibilities. The formation of bsAbs is, however, often dependent on complex engineering strategies with a high risk of antibody chain mispairing leading to contamination of the final product with incorrectly assembled antibody species. This study demonstrates formation of bsAbs in a generic and conceptually easy manner through fusion of single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) onto IgG scaffolds through flexible 10 amino acid linkers to form high-quality bsAbs with both binding functionalities intact and minimal product-related impurities. SdAbs are attractive fusion partners due to their small and monomeric nature combined with antigen-binding capabilities comparable to conventional human antibodies. By systematically comparing a comprehensive panel of symmetric αPD-L1×αHER2 antibodies, including reversely mirrored antigen specificities, we investigate how the molecular geometry affects production, stability, antigen binding and CD16a binding. SdAb fusion of the heavy chain was generally preferred over light chain fusion for promoting good expression and high biophysical stability as well as maintaining efficient binding to both antigens. We find that N-terminal sdAb fusion might sterically hinder antigen-binding to the Fv region of the IgG scaffold, whereas C-terminal fusion might disturb antigen-binding to the fused sdAb. Our work demonstrates a toolbox of complementary methods for in-depth analysis of key features, such as in-solution dual antigen binding, thermal stability, and aggregation propensity, to ensure high bsAb quality. These techniques can be executed at high-throughput and/or with very low material consumption and thus represent valuable tools for bsAb screening and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas V Madsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Peter Kristensen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Alexander K Buell
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Steffen Goletz
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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15
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Kumar V, Randhawa P, Bilodeau R, Mercola D, McClelland M, Agrawal A, Nguyen J, Castro P, Ittmann MM, Rahmatpanah F. Spatial Profiling of the Prostate Cancer Tumor Microenvironment Reveals Multiple Differences in Gene Expression and Correlation with Recurrence Risk. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194923. [PMID: 36230846 PMCID: PMC9562240 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in both the development and progression of prostate cancer. Furthermore, identifying protein and gene expression differences between different regions is valuable for treatment development. We applied Digital Spatial Profiling multiplex analysis to formalin-fixed paraffin embedded prostatectomy tissue blocks to investigate protein and transcriptome differences between tumor, tumor-adjacent stroma (TAS), CD45+ tumor, and CD45+ TAS tissue. Differential expression of an immunology/oncology protein panel (n = 58) was measured. OX40L and CTLA4 were expressed at higher levels while 22 other proteins, including CD11c, were expressed at lower levels (FDR < 0.2 and p-value < 0.05) in TAS as compared to tumor epithelia. A tissue microarray analysis of 97 patients with 1547 cores found positive correlations between high expression of CD11c and increased time to recurrence in tumor and TAS, and inverse relationships for CTLA4 and OX40L, where higher expression in tumor correlated with lower time to recurrence, but higher time to recurrence in TAS. Spatial transcriptomic analysis using a Cancer Transcriptome Atlas panel (n = 1825 genes) identified 162 genes downregulated and 69 upregulated in TAS versus tumor, 26 downregulated and 6 upregulated in CD45+ TAS versus CD45+ tumor. We utilized CIBERSORTx to estimate the relative immune cell fractions using CD45+ gene expression and found higher average fractions for memory B, naïve B, and T cells in TAS. In summary, the combination of protein expression differences, immune cell fractions, and correlations of protein expression with time to recurrence suggest that closely examining the tumor microenvironment provides valuable data that can improve prognostication and treatment techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Kumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Pavneet Randhawa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Robert Bilodeau
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Dan Mercola
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Michael McClelland
- Department of Molecular and Microbiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Anshu Agrawal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - James Nguyen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Patricia Castro
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael M. Ittmann
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Farah Rahmatpanah
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Correspondence:
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16
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Designing antibodies as therapeutics. Cell 2022; 185:2789-2805. [PMID: 35868279 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Antibody therapeutics are a large and rapidly expanding drug class providing major health benefits. We provide a snapshot of current antibody therapeutics including their formats, common targets, therapeutic areas, and routes of administration. Our focus is on selected emerging directions in antibody design where progress may provide a broad benefit. These topics include enhancing antibodies for cancer, antibody delivery to organs such as the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs, plus antibody developability challenges including immunogenicity risk assessment and mitigation and subcutaneous delivery. Machine learning has the potential, albeit as yet largely unrealized, for a transformative future impact on antibody discovery and engineering.
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17
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Maddox AL, Brehove MS, Eliato KR, Saftics A, Romano E, Press MF, Mortimer J, Jones V, Schmolze D, Seewaldt VL, Jovanovic-Talisman T. Molecular Assessment of HER2 to Identify Signatures Associated with Therapy Response in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112795. [PMID: 35681773 PMCID: PMC9179327 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The HER2 status of breast cancers is accurately determined by measuring HER2 protein overexpression and gene amplification. However, these clinical diagnostic tests cannot predict the response to therapy. Single molecule imaging approaches can quantify molecular features of HER2, such as receptor nano-organization, with exquisite spatial resolution and sensitivity. The aim of our study was to assess how the molecular features of HER2 varied with the therapy response. According to our results in cultured cell lines and six patient specimens, the therapy response was associated with high detected HER2 densities and clustering. This advanced imaging approach can thus provide key data to complement the current diagnostic standards. Abstract Trastuzumab, the prototype HER2-directed therapy, has markedly improved survival for women with HER2-positive breast cancers. However, only 40–60% of women with HER2-positive breast cancers achieve a complete pathological response to chemotherapy combined with HER2-directed therapy. The current diagnostic assays have poor positive-predictive accuracy in identifying therapy-responsive breast cancers. Here, we deployed quantitative single molecule localization microscopy to assess the molecular features of HER2 in a therapy-responsive setting. Using fluorescently labeled trastuzumab as a probe, we first compared the molecular features of HER2 in trastuzumab-sensitive (BT-474 and SK-BR-3) and trastuzumab-resistant (BT-474R and JIMT-1) cultured cell lines. Trastuzumab-sensitive cells had significantly higher detected HER2 densities and clustering. We then evaluated HER2 in pre-treatment core biopsies from women with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy. A complete pathological response was associated with a high detected HER2 density and significant HER2 clustering. These results established the nano-organization of HER2 as a potential signature of therapy-responsive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L. Maddox
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.L.M.); (M.S.B.); (K.R.E.); (A.S.); (E.R.)
| | - Matthew S. Brehove
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.L.M.); (M.S.B.); (K.R.E.); (A.S.); (E.R.)
| | - Kiarash R. Eliato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.L.M.); (M.S.B.); (K.R.E.); (A.S.); (E.R.)
| | - Andras Saftics
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.L.M.); (M.S.B.); (K.R.E.); (A.S.); (E.R.)
| | - Eugenia Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.L.M.); (M.S.B.); (K.R.E.); (A.S.); (E.R.)
| | - Michael F. Press
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA;
| | - Joanne Mortimer
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Veronica Jones
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Daniel Schmolze
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Victoria L. Seewaldt
- Department of Population Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Tijana Jovanovic-Talisman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.L.M.); (M.S.B.); (K.R.E.); (A.S.); (E.R.)
- Correspondence:
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18
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Gramespacher JA, Cotton AD, Burroughs PWW, Seiple IB, Wells JA. Roadmap for Optimizing and Broadening Antibody-Based PROTACs for Degradation of Cell Surface Proteins. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1259-1268. [PMID: 35481357 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is a promising therapeutic strategy capable of overcoming the limitations of traditional occupancy-based inhibitors. By ablating all of the associated functions of a protein at once, the event-driven pharmacology of degrader technologies has recently enabled the targeting of proteins that have been historically deemed "undruggable". Most degradation strategies utilize the ubiquitin-proteasome system to mediate intracellular target degradation and are thus limited to targeting proteins with cytoplasmic domains. While some of these strategies, such as PROTACs, have shown great promise, there is a need for new modalities that can be applied to specifically target cell surface proteins. We previously described the development of an antibody-based PROTAC (AbTAC) that utilizes genetically encoded IgG bispecific antibody scaffolds to bring the cell surface E3-ligase RNF43 into the proximity of a membrane protein of interest (POI) to mediate its degradation. Here, we employ rational protein engineering strategies to interrogate and optimize the properties necessary for efficient degradation of two therapeutically important membrane proteins, PD-L1 and EGFR. We develop multiple antibodies to RNF43 and show that the specific antibody binding epitopes on RNF43 and the POI are more important than the affinities of the AbTAC antibodies. We further expand the available repertoire of E3 ligases by co-opting the E3-ligase ZNRF3 to degrade both PD-L1 and EGFR and show similar importance of epitope for degradation efficiency. Importantly, we show that both RNF43 and ZNRF3 AbTACs do not potentiate unwanted WNT signaling. Lastly, we find that these AbTACs can be even further improved by exploring various dual-binding and IgG scaffolds that range in flexibility, valency, and orientation of the binding arms. These structure-activity and mechanistic studies provide a roadmap for optimizing the development of AbTACs, thereby greatly expanding their utility for targeted cell surface protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef A. Gramespacher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Adam D. Cotton
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Paul W. W. Burroughs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Ian B. Seiple
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - James A. Wells
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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19
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Boghaert ER, Cox MC, Vaidya KS. Pathophysiological and pharmacological considerations to improve the design and application of antibody-drug conjugates. Cancer Res 2022; 82:1858-1869. [PMID: 35298624 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-3236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) have emerged as one of the pillars of clinical disease management in oncology. The biggest hurdle to widespread development and application of ADCs has been a narrow therapeutic index. Advances in antibody technologies and formats as well as novel linker and payload chemistries have begun to facilitate structural improvements to ADCs. However, the interplay of structural characteristics with physiologic and pharmacologic factors determining therapeutic success has garnered less attention. This review elaborates on the pharmacology of ADCs, the pathophysiology of cancerous tissues, and the reciprocal consequences on ADC properties and functions. While most currently approved ADCs utilize either microtubule inhibition or DNA damage as primary mechanisms of action, we present arguments to expand this repertoire and highlight the need for payload mechanisms that exploit disease-specific vulnerabilities. We promote the idea that the choice of antibody format, targeting antigen, linker properties, and payload of an ADC should be deliberately fit for purpose by taking the pathophysiology of disease and the specific pharmacology of the drug entity into account, thus allowing a higher probability of clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan C Cox
- Abbvie, Inc., North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kedar S Vaidya
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals (United States), Palo Alto, CA, United States
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20
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Jambrec D, Gebala M. DNA Electrostatics: From Theory to Application. ChemElectroChem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.202101415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daliborka Jambrec
- Analytische Chemie – Elektroanalytik & Sensorik Ruhr-Universität Bochum Universitätsstr. 150 D-44780 Bochum Germany
| | - Magdalena Gebala
- Department of Biochemistry Stanford University Stanford 94305, CA USA
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21
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Xia X, Yang X, Huang W, Xia X, Yan D. Self-Assembled Nanomicelles of Affibody-Drug Conjugate with Excellent Therapeutic Property to Cure Ovary and Breast Cancers. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2021; 14:33. [PMID: 34902075 PMCID: PMC8669081 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-021-00762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Affibody molecules are small non-immunoglobulin affinity proteins, which can precisely target to some cancer cells with specific overexpressed molecular signatures. However, the relatively short in vivo half-life of them seriously limited their application in drug targeted delivery for cancer therapy. Here an amphiphilic affibody-drug conjugate is self-assembled into nanomicelles to prolong circulation time for targeted cancer therapy. As an example of the concept, the nanoagent was prepared through molecular self-assembly of the amphiphilic conjugate of ZHER2:342-Cys with auristatin E derivate, where the affibody used is capable of binding to the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Such a nanodrug not only increased the blood circulation time, but also enhanced the tumor targeting capacity (abundant affibody arms on the nanoagent surface) and the drug accumulation in tumor. As a result, this affibody-based nanoagent showed excellent antitumor activity in vivo to HER2-positive ovary and breast tumor models, which nearly eradicated both small solid tumors (about 100 mm3) and large established tumors (exceed 500 mm3). The relative tumor proliferation inhibition ratio reaches 99.8% for both models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelin Xia
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyuan Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
| | - Deyue Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Bai G, Ge Y, Su Y, Chen S, Zeng X, Lu H, Ma B. Computational Construction of a Single-Chain Bi-Paratopic Antibody Allosterically Inhibiting TCR-Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B Binding. Front Immunol 2021; 12:732938. [PMID: 34887850 PMCID: PMC8649926 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.732938] [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: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) simultaneously crosslinks MHC class II antigen and TCR, promoting proliferation of T cells and releasing a large number of toxic cytokines. In this report, we computationally examined the possibility of using a single-chain biparatopic bispecific antibody to target SEB and prevent TCR binding. The design was inspired by the observation that mixing two anti-SEB antibodies 14G8 and 6D3 can block SEB-TCR activation, and we used 14G8-6D3-SEB tertiary crystal structure as a template. Twelve simulation systems were constructed to systematically examine the effects of the designed bispecific scFV MB102a, including isolated SEB, MB102a with different linkers, MB102a-SEB complex, MB102a-SEB-TCRβ complex, MB102a-SEB-TCR-MHC II complex, and MB102a-SEB-MHC II. Our all atom molecular dynamics simulations (total 18,900 ns) confirmed that the designed single-chain bispecific antibody may allosterically prevent SEB-TCRβ chain binding and inhibit SEB-TCR-MHC II formation. Subsequent analysis indicated that the binding of scFV to SEB correlates with SEB-TCR binding site motion and weakens SEB-TCR interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganggang Bai
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhong Ge
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhong Su
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingcheng Zeng
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixia Lu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Buyong Ma
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Molcell Biodesign, Inc., Frederick, MD, United States
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23
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Benedetti F, Stadlbauer K, Stadlmayr G, Rüker F, Wozniak-Knopp G. A Tetravalent Biparatopic Antibody Causes Strong HER2 Internalization and Inhibits Cellular Proliferation. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111157. [PMID: 34833033 PMCID: PMC8624325 DOI: 10.3390/life11111157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of tyrosine kinase HER2 in numerous cancers, connected with fierce signaling and uncontrolled proliferation, makes it a suitable target for immunotherapy. The acquisition of resistance to currently used compounds and the multiplicity of signaling pathways involved prompted research into the discovery of novel binders as well as treatment options with multiple targeting and multispecific agents. Here we constructed an anti-HER2 tetravalent and biparatopic symmetrical IgG-like molecule by combining the Fab of pertuzumab with a HER2-specific Fcab (Fc fragment with antigen binding), which recognizes an epitope overlapping with trastuzumab. In the strongly HER2-positive cell line SK-BR-3, the molecule induced a rapid and efficient reduction in surface HER2 levels. A potent anti-proliferative effect, specific for the HER2-positive cell line, was observed in vitro, following the induction of apoptosis, and this could not be achieved with treatment with the mixture of pertuzumab and the parental Fcab. The inhibitory cytotoxic effect of our antibody as a single agent makes it a promising contribution to the armory of anti-cancer molecules directed against HER2-addicted cells.
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24
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Proshkina GM, Shramova EI, Shilova MV, Zelepukin IV, Shipunova VO, Ryabova AV, Deyev SM, Kotlyar AB. DARPin_9-29-Targeted Gold Nanorods Selectively Suppress HER2-Positive Tumor Growth in Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205235. [PMID: 34680384 PMCID: PMC8534065 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer is one of the main causes of cancer-related death in women all around the world. The disease becomes largely incurable and lethal after metastasis to distant organs. High level of HER2, a tyrosine kinase receptor, is associated with more aggressive clinical behavior and poor prognosis for breast cancer patients. In this paper, we developed a novel nano-biomaterial for selective photothermal therapy of HER2-positive breast cancers. We demonstrate that bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated mini gold nanorods (GNRs) chemically conjugated with a HER2-specific designed ankyrin repeat protein, DARPin_9-29, selectively accumulate in HER2-positive xenograft tumors in mice and lead to a strong reduction in the tumor size when being illuminated with near-infrared light. Abstract Near-infrared phototherapy has great therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. However, for efficient application, in vivo photothermal agents should demonstrate excellent stability in blood and targeted delivery to pathological tissue. Here, we demonstrated that stable bovine serum albumin-coated gold mini nanorods conjugated to a HER2-specific designed ankyrin repeat protein, DARPin_9-29, selectively accumulate in HER2-positive xenograft tumors in mice and lead to a strong reduction in the tumor size when being illuminated with near-infrared light. The results pave the way for the development of novel DARPin-based targeted photothermal therapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina M. Proshkina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (G.M.P.); (E.I.S.); (M.V.S.); (I.V.Z.); (V.O.S.)
| | - Elena I. Shramova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (G.M.P.); (E.I.S.); (M.V.S.); (I.V.Z.); (V.O.S.)
| | - Marya V. Shilova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (G.M.P.); (E.I.S.); (M.V.S.); (I.V.Z.); (V.O.S.)
| | - Ivan V. Zelepukin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (G.M.P.); (E.I.S.); (M.V.S.); (I.V.Z.); (V.O.S.)
- MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), 31 Kashirskoe Shosse, 115409 Moscow, Russia
| | - Victoria O. Shipunova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (G.M.P.); (E.I.S.); (M.V.S.); (I.V.Z.); (V.O.S.)
- MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), 31 Kashirskoe Shosse, 115409 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia V. Ryabova
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilova St, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Sergey M. Deyev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (G.M.P.); (E.I.S.); (M.V.S.); (I.V.Z.); (V.O.S.)
- MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), 31 Kashirskoe Shosse, 115409 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: or (S.M.D.); (A.B.K.)
| | - Alexander B. Kotlyar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences and the Center of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Correspondence: or (S.M.D.); (A.B.K.)
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Stüber JC, Richter CP, Bellón JS, Schwill M, König I, Schuler B, Piehler J, Plückthun A. Apoptosis-inducing anti-HER2 agents operate through oligomerization-induced receptor immobilization. Commun Biol 2021; 4:762. [PMID: 34155320 PMCID: PMC8217238 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02253-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of the receptor tyrosine kinase HER2 plays a critical role in the development of various tumors. Biparatopic designed ankyrin repeat proteins (bipDARPins) potently induce apoptosis in HER2-addicted breast cancer cell lines. Here, we have investigated how the spatiotemporal receptor organization at the cell surface is modulated by these agents and is distinguished from other molecules, which do not elicit apoptosis. Binding of conventional antibodies is accompanied by moderate reduction of receptor mobility, in agreement with HER2 being dimerized by the bivalent IgG. In contrast, the most potent apoptosis-inducing bipDARPins lead to a dramatic arrest of HER2. Dual-color single-molecule tracking revealed that the HER2 "lockdown" by these bipDARPins is caused by the formation of HER2-DARPin oligomer chains, which are trapped in nanoscopic membrane domains. Our findings establish that efficient neutralization of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling can be achieved through intermolecular bipDARPin crosslinking alone, resulting in inactivated, locked-down bipDARPin-HER2 complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob C Stüber
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Christian P Richter
- Department of Biology/Chemistry and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Junel Sotolongo Bellón
- Department of Biology/Chemistry and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Martin Schwill
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Iwo König
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Roche Diagnostics Int. AG, Rotkreuz, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Schuler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jacob Piehler
- Department of Biology/Chemistry and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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