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Sibler E, He Y, Ducoli L, Keller N, Fujimoto N, Dieterich LC, Detmar M. Single-Cell Transcriptional Heterogeneity of Lymphatic Endothelial Cells in Normal and Inflamed Murine Lymph Nodes. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061371. [PMID: 34199492 PMCID: PMC8229892 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in immunity and lymph nodes (LNs) undergo drastic remodeling during inflammation. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate transcriptional changes in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in LNs draining naïve and inflamed skin. We found that subsets of LECs lining the different LN sinuses responded individually to skin inflammation, suggesting that they exert distinct functions under pathological conditions. Among the genes dysregulated during inflammation, we confirmed an up-regulation of CD200 in the LECs lining the subcapsular sinus floor with a possible function in immune regulation. Furthermore, by in silico analysis, we predicted numerous possible interactions of LECs with diverse immune cells in the LNs and found similarities in the transcriptional changes of LN LECs in different skin inflammation settings. In summary, we provide an in-depth analysis of the transcriptional landscape of LN LECs in the naïve state and in skin inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Sibler
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; (E.S.); (Y.H.); (L.D.); (N.K.); (L.C.D.)
| | - Yuliang He
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; (E.S.); (Y.H.); (L.D.); (N.K.); (L.C.D.)
| | - Luca Ducoli
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; (E.S.); (Y.H.); (L.D.); (N.K.); (L.C.D.)
| | - Nadja Keller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; (E.S.); (Y.H.); (L.D.); (N.K.); (L.C.D.)
| | - Noriki Fujimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Japan;
| | - Lothar C. Dieterich
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; (E.S.); (Y.H.); (L.D.); (N.K.); (L.C.D.)
| | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; (E.S.); (Y.H.); (L.D.); (N.K.); (L.C.D.)
- Correspondence:
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2
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Fibronectin in development and wound healing. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 170:353-368. [PMID: 32961203 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Fibronectin structure and composition regulate contextual cell signaling. Recent advances have been made in understanding fibronectin and its role in tissue organization and repair. This review outlines fibronectin splice variants and their functions, evaluates potential therapeutic strategies targeting or utilizing fibronectin, and concludes by discussing potential future directions to modulate fibronectin function in development and wound healing.
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Lingasamy P, Tobi A, Haugas M, Hunt H, Paiste P, Asser T, Rätsep T, Kotamraju VR, Bjerkvig R, Teesalu T. Bi-specific tenascin-C and fibronectin targeted peptide for solid tumor delivery. Biomaterials 2019; 219:119373. [PMID: 31374479 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Oncofetal fibronectin (FN-EDB) and tenascin-C C domain (TNC-C) are nearly absent in extracellular matrix of normal adult tissues but upregulated in malignant tissues. Both FN-EDB and TNC-C are developed as targets of antibody-based therapies. Here we used peptide phage biopanning to identify a novel targeting peptide (PL1, sequence: PPRRGLIKLKTS) that interacts with both FN-EDB and TNC-C. Systemic PL1-functionalized model nanoscale payloads [iron oxide nanoworms (NWs) and metallic silver nanoparticles] homed to glioblastoma (GBM) and prostate carcinoma xenografts, and to non-malignant angiogenic neovessels induced by VEGF-overexpression. Antibody blockage experiments demonstrated that PL1 tumor homing involved interactions with both receptor proteins. Treatment of GBM mice with PL1-targeted model therapeutic nanocarrier (NWs loaded with a proapoptotic peptide) resulted in reduced tumor growth and increased survival, whereas treatment with untargeted particles had no effect. PL1 peptide may have applications as an affinity ligand for delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic compounds to microenvironment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Lingasamy
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Allan Tobi
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Maarja Haugas
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Hedi Hunt
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Päärn Paiste
- Department of Geology, University of Tartu, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Toomas Asser
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tartu University Hospital, 50406, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tõnu Rätsep
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tartu University Hospital, 50406, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Venkata Ramana Kotamraju
- Cancer Research Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, 92037, CA, USA; Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Rolf Bjerkvig
- Department of Biomedicine Translational Cancer Research, University of Bergen, 5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tambet Teesalu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, 50411, Tartu, Estonia; Cancer Research Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, 92037, CA, USA; Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA.
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Liu C, Wang H. The fibroblast of radicular cyst facilitate osteoclastogenesis via the autocrine of Fibronectin containing extra domain A. Oral Dis 2019; 25:1136-1146. [PMID: 30770599 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chun‐yan Liu
- Department of Endodontics, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration Tongji University Shanghai China
| | - Hai‐Cheng Wang
- Department of Pathology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration Tongji University Shanghai China
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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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Fibronectin, the extracellular glue. Matrix Biol 2017; 60-61:27-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Sens C, Huck K, Pettera S, Uebel S, Wabnitz G, Moser M, Nakchbandi IA. Fibronectins containing extradomain A or B enhance osteoblast differentiation via distinct integrins. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:7745-7760. [PMID: 28325836 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.739987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibronectin is a multidomain protein secreted by various cell types. It forms a network of fibers within the extracellular matrix and impacts intracellular processes by binding to various molecules, primarily integrin receptors on the cells. Both the presence of several isoforms and the ability of the various domains and isoforms to bind to a variety of integrins result in a wide range of effects. In vivo findings suggest that fibronectin isoforms produced by the osteoblasts enhance their differentiation. Here we report that the isoform characterized by the presence of extradomain A activates α4β1 integrin and augments osteoblast differentiation. In addition, the isoform containing extradomain B enhances the binding of fibronectin through the RGD sequence to β3-containing integrin, resulting in increased mineralization by and differentiation of osteoblasts. Our study thus reveals novel functions for two fibronectin isoforms and the mediating receptors in osteoblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Sens
- From the Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried and.,the Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katrin Huck
- From the Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried and.,the Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Pettera
- From the Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried and
| | - Stephan Uebel
- From the Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried and
| | - Guido Wabnitz
- the Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Moser
- From the Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried and
| | - Inaam A Nakchbandi
- From the Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried and .,the Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Bootz F, Neri D. Immunocytokines: a novel class of products for the treatment of chronic inflammation and autoimmune conditions. Drug Discov Today 2016; 21:180-189. [PMID: 26526566 PMCID: PMC5144993 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, often referred to as immunocytokines, represent a novel class of biopharmaceutical agents that combine the disease-homing activity of certain antibodies with the immunomodulatory properties of cytokine payloads. Originally, immunocytokines were mainly developed for cancer therapy applications. More recently, however, the use of anti-inflammatory cytokines for the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions and to treat autoimmune diseases has been considered. This review analyzes basic principles in the design of immunocytokines and describes the most advanced products in preclinical and clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Bootz
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Antibody-mediated delivery of interleukin 4 to the neo-vasculature reduces chronic skin inflammation. J Dermatol Sci 2014; 76:96-103. [PMID: 25190364 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2014.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The antibody-mediated delivery of cytokines ("immunocytokines") to sites of pathological angiogenesis represents an attractive strategy for the development of innovative biopharmaceuticals, capable of modulating the activity of the immune system in cancer and in chronic inflammatory conditions. OBJECTIVE Recombinant IL4 has previously been shown to be therapeutically active in patients with psoriasis. The antibody-mediated delivery of this cytokine to sites of chronic skin inflammatory conditions should lead to an improved potency and selectivity, compared to non-targeted IL4. METHODS The therapeutic activity of F8-IL4, a fusion protein of the F8 antibody (specific to the alternatively-spliced EDA domain of fibronectin) with murine IL4, was investigated in three immunocompetent mouse models of skin inflammation: two induced by the TLR7/8 ligand imiquimod (in Balb/c and C57BL/6) and one mediated by the over-expression of VEGF-A. RESULTS The EDA domain of fibronectin, a marker for angiogenesis, is expressed in the inflamed skin in all three models and F8-IL4 selectively localized to inflamed skin lesions following intravenous administration. The F8-IL4 fusion protein mediated a therapeutic benefit, which was superior to the one of a non-targeted version of IL4 and led to increased levels of key regulatory cytokines (including IL5, IL10, IL13, and IL27) in the inflamed skin, while IL2 levels were not affected in all treatment groups. A murine version of etanercept and a murine anti-IL17 antibody were used as positive control in the therapy experiments. CONCLUSION Skin inflammatory lesions can be selectively targeted using anti-EDA antibody-cytokine fusion proteins and the pharmacodelivery of IL4 confers a therapeutic benefit by shifting the cytokine balance.
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Franz M, Matusiak-Brückner M, Richter P, Grün K, Ziffels B, Neri D, Maschek H, Schulz U, Pfeil A, Jung C, Figulla HR, Gummert J, Berndt A, Renner A. De novo expression of fetal ED-A(+) fibronectin and B (+) tenascin-C splicing variants in human cardiac allografts: potential impact for targeted therapy of rejection. J Mol Histol 2014; 45:519-32. [PMID: 24792713 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-014-9573-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Management of acute and especially chronic rejection after human cardiac transplantation is still challenging. Chronic rejection, represented by allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and cardiac interstitial fibrosis (CIF) is known to cause severe long-term complications. Rejection associated tissue-remodelling entails the reoccurrence of fetal variants of Fibronectin (Fn) and Tenascin-C (Tn-C), which are virtually absent in adult human organs. In a rat model, an extensive re-expression could be demonstrated for ED-A(+) Fn with spatial association to CAV and CIF. Thus, it is of great interest to investigate the cardiac tissue expression and distribution in human samples. From 48 heart transplanted patients, 64 tissue specimens derived from right ventricular biopsies were available. Histopathological analysis was performed according to the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) guidelines for the detection of acute rejection. By immunohistochemistry, protein expression of ED-A(+) Fn, B(+) Tn-C, alpha-smooth muscle actin, CD31 and CD45 was assessed and analysed semiquantitatively. Co-localisation studies were performed by means of immunofluorescence double labelling. Histopathological analysis of the 64 samples revealed different ISHLT grades (0R in 36 cases, 1R in 20 cases and 2R in 8 cases). There was a distinct and quantitatively relevant re-occurrence of ED-A(+) Fn and B(+) Tn-C in most samples. Semi-quantitative evaluation did not show any correlation to the acute rejection grade for all markers. Interestingly, significant correlations to the extent of inflammation could be shown for ED-A(+) Fn (r = 0.442, p = 0.000) and B(+) Tn-C (r = 0.408, p = 0.001) as well as between both proteins (r = 0.663, p = 0.000). A spatial association of ED-A(+) Fn and B(+) Tn-C to CAV and CIF could be demonstrated. A relevant re-occurrence of ED-A(+) Fn and B(+) Tn-C following human heart transplantation could be demonstrated with spatial association to signs of rejection and a significant correlation to tissue inflammation. These data might contribute to the identification of novel biomarkers reflecting the rejection process and to the development of promising strategies to image, prevent or treat cardiac rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Franz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Jena University Hospital, Erlanger Allee 101, 07740, Jena, Germany,
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Antibody–cytokine fusion proteins. Arch Biochem Biophys 2012; 526:194-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Kamperidis P, Kamalati T, Ferrari M, Jones M, Garrood T, Smith MD, Diez-Posada S, Hughes C, Finucane C, Mather S, Nissim A, George AJT, Pitzalis C. Development of a novel recombinant biotherapeutic with applications in targeted therapy of human arthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 63:3758-67. [PMID: 21953304 DOI: 10.1002/art.30650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To isolate recombinant antibodies with specificity for human arthritic synovium and to develop targeting reagents with joint-specific delivery capacity for therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications. METHODS In vivo single-chain Fv (scFv) antibody phage display screening using a human synovial xenograft model was used to isolate antibodies specific to the microvasculature of human arthritic synovium. Single-chain Fv antibody tissue-specific reactivity was assessed by immunostaining of synovial tissues from normal controls and from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, normal human tissue arrays, and tissues from other patients with inflammatory diseases displaying neovasculogenesis. In vivo scFv antibody tissue-specific targeting capacity was examined in the human synovial xenograft model using both (125)I-labeled and biotinylated antibody. RESULTS We isolated a novel recombinant human antibody, scFv A7, with specificity for the microvasculature of human arthritic synovium. We showed that in vivo, this antibody could efficiently target human synovial microvasculature in SCID mice transplanted with human arthritic synovial xenografts. Our results demonstrated that scFv A7 antibody had no reactivity with the microvasculature or with other cellular components found in a comprehensive range of normal human tissues including normal human synovium. Further, we showed that the reactivity of the scFv A7 antibody was not a common feature of neovasculogenesis associated with chronic inflammatory conditions. CONCLUSION Here we report for the first time the identification of an scFv antibody, A7, that specifically recognizes an epitope expressed in the microvasculature of human arthritic synovium and that has the potential to be developed as a joint-specific pharmaceutical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Kamperidis
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Immunocytokines: a novel class of potent armed antibodies. Drug Discov Today 2012; 17:583-90. [PMID: 22289353 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2012.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Several cytokines have been investigated in clinical trials, based on their potent therapeutic activity observed in animal models of cancer and other diseases. However, substantial toxicities are often reported at low doses, thus preventing escalation to therapeutically active regimens. The use of recombinant antibodies or antibody fragments as delivery vehicles promises to enhance greatly the therapeutic index of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This review surveys preclinical and clinical data published in the field of antibody-cytokine fusions (immunocytokines). Molecular determinants (such as molecular format, valence, target antigen), which crucially contribute to immunocytokine performance in vivo, are discussed in the article, as well as recent trends for the combined use of this novel class of biopharmaceuticals with other therapeutic agents.
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Abstract
The high metabolic rate of tumours often leads to acidosis and hypoxia in poorly perfused regions. Tumour cells have thus evolved the ability to function in a more acidic environment than normal cells. Key pH regulators in tumour cells include: isoforms 2, 9 and 12 of carbonic anhydrase, isoforms of anion exchangers, Na+/HCO3- co-transporters, Na+/H+ exchangers, monocarboxylate transporters and the vacuolar ATPase. Both small molecules and antibodies targeting these pH regulators are currently at various stages of clinical development. These antitumour mechanisms are not exploited by the classical cancer drugs and therefore represent a new anticancer drug discovery strategy.
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Schwager K, Bootz F, Imesch P, Kaspar M, Trachsel E, Neri D. The antibody-mediated targeted delivery of interleukin-10 inhibits endometriosis in a syngeneic mouse model. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:2344-52. [PMID: 21705369 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is still a highly underdiagnosed disease, and the current medical and surgical treatment of endometriosis is associated with a high recurrence rate. This study investigates the use of derivatives of the human antibody F8, specific to the alternatively spliced extra-domain A of fibronectin (Fn), for the imaging and treatment of endometriosis. METHODS Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence was used to evaluate antigen expression in endometriotic tissue of human endometriosis and of a syngeneic mouse model of the disease. The in vivo targeting performance of a fluorescent derivative of the F8 antibody was assessed by imaging mice with endometriosis using a near-infrared fluorescence imager, 24 h following i.v. injection of the antibody conjugate. Furthermore, the mouse model was used for therapy experiments using two recombinant F8-based immunocytokines [F8-interleukin-10 (IL10) and F8-IL2] or saline for the treatment groups. RESULTS A very strong vascular expression of splice isoforms of Fn and of tenascin-C was observed in human endometriotic lesions by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques. After i.v. administration, a selective accumulation of the F8 antibody in endometriotic lesions could be observed in a syngeneic mouse model. These targeting data were used as a basis for therapy experiments with a pro-inflammatory (F8-IL2) and an anti-inflammatory (F8-IL10) cytokine fusion protein of the F8 antibody. The average lesion size in the F8-IL10 treatment group was clearly reduced compared with the saline control group and with the F8-IL2 group, for which no therapeutic effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS The F8 antibody targets endometriotic lesions in vivo in a mouse model of endometriosis and may be used for the non-invasive imaging of the disease and for the pharmacodelivery of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Schwager
- Philochem AG, c/o ETH Zurich, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 10 HCI E520, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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Frey K, Zivanovic A, Schwager K, Neri D. Antibody-based targeting of interferon-alpha to the tumor neovasculature: a critical evaluation. Integr Biol (Camb) 2011; 3:468-78. [DOI: 10.1039/c0ib00099j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Frey
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 10, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland. Fax: +41 44 633 13 58; Tel: +41 44 633 74 01
| | - Andjelija Zivanovic
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 10, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland. Fax: +41 44 633 13 58; Tel: +41 44 633 74 01
| | - Kathrin Schwager
- Philochem AG, c/o ETH Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 10, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 10, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland. Fax: +41 44 633 13 58; Tel: +41 44 633 74 01
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Sommavilla R, Pasche N, Trachsel E, Giovannoni L, Roesli C, Villa A, Neri D, Kaspar M. Expression, engineering and characterization of the tumor-targeting heterodimeric immunocytokine F8-IL12. Protein Eng Des Sel 2010; 23:653-61. [PMID: 20551083 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzq038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proinflammatory cytokines have been used for several years in patients with advanced cancer but their administration is typically associated with severe toxicity hampering their application to therapeutically active regimens. This problem can be overcome by using immunocytokines (cytokines fused to antibody or antibody fragments) which selectively deliver the active cytokine to the tumor environment. Preclinical and recent clinical results confirmed that this approach is a very promising avenue to go. We designed an immunocytokine consisting of the scFv(F8) specific to extra-domain A of fibronectin and the very potent human cytokine interleukin-12 (IL12). The heterodimeric nature of IL12 allows the engineering of various immunocytokine formats, based on different combinations of the two subunits (p35 and p40) together with the scFv. In comparison to monomeric or homodimeric cytokines, the construction of a heterodimeric immunocytokine poses many challenges, e.g. gene dosing, stable high-yield expression as well as good manufacture practice (GMP) purification and characterization. In this paper, we describe the successful construction, characterization and production of the heterodimeric immunocytokine F8-IL12. The positive outcome of this feasibility study leads now to GMP production of F8-IL12, which will soon enter clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sommavilla
- Philochem AG, c/o ETH Zürich, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, HCI E520, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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Roesli C, Neri D. Methods for the identification of vascular markers in health and disease: from the bench to the clinic. J Proteomics 2010; 73:2219-29. [PMID: 20541635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2010.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Revised: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 05/30/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several diseases are characterized by changes in the molecular composition of vascular structures, thus offering the opportunity to use specific ligands (e.g., monoclonal antibodies) for imaging and therapy application. This novel pharmaceutical strategy, often referred to as "vascular targeting", promises to facilitate the discovery and development of selective biopharmaceuticals for the management of angiogenesis-related diseases. This article reviews novel biomedical applications based on vascular targeting strategies, as well as methodologies which have been used for the discovery of vascular markers of pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Roesli
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Franz M, Brehm BR, Richter P, Gruen K, Neri D, Kosmehl H, Hekmat K, Renner A, Gummert J, Figulla HR, Berndt A. Changes in extra cellular matrix remodelling and re-expression of fibronectin and tenascin-C splicing variants in human myocardial tissue of the right atrial auricle: implications for a targeted therapy of cardiovascular diseases using human SIP format antibodies. J Mol Histol 2010; 41:39-50. [PMID: 20232238 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-010-9260-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2009] [Accepted: 02/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are accompanied by changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) including the re-expression of fibronectin and tenascin-C splicing variants. Using human recombinant small immunoprotein (SIP) format antibodies, a molecular targeting of these proteins is of therapeutic interest. Tissue samples of the right atrial auricle from patients with coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease were analysed by PCR based ECM gene expression profiling. Moreover, the re-expression of fibronectin and tenascin-C splicing variants was investigated by immunofluoerescence labelling. We demonstrated changes in ECM gene expression depending on histological damage or underlying cardiac disease. An increased expression of fibronectin and tenascin-C mRNA in association to histological damage and in valvular heart disease compared to coronary artery disease could be shown. There was a distinct re-expression of ED-A containing fibronectin and A1 domain containing tenascin-C detectable with human recombinant SIP format antibodies in diseased myocardium. ED-A containing fibronectin showed a clear vessel positivity. For A1 domain containing tenascin-C, there was a particular positivity in areas of interstitial and perivascular fibrosis. Right atrial myocardial tissue is a valuable model to investigate cardiac ECM remodelling. Human recombinant SIP format antibodies usable for an antibody-mediated targeted delivery of drugs might offer completely new therapeutic options in cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Franz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Erlanger Allee 101, 07740, Jena, Germany.
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21
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Borgia B, Roesli C, Fugmann T, Schliemann C, Cesca M, Neri D, Giavazzi R. A proteomic approach for the identification of vascular markers of liver metastasis. Cancer Res 2009; 70:309-18. [PMID: 19996283 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-2939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Vascular proteins expressed at liver metastasis sites could serve as prognostic markers or as targets for pharmacodelivery applications. We employed a proteomic approach to define such proteins in three syngeneic mouse models of liver metastasis. Vascular structures were biotinylated in vivo by a terminal perfusion technique, followed by mass spectrometric analysis of accessible biotinylated proteins. In this manner, we identified 12 proteins for which expression was selectively associated with liver metastasis, confirming this association by tissue immunofluorescence or in vivo localization with radiolabeled antibodies. In summary, our findings identify vascular proteins that may have prognostic or drug-targeting use in addressing liver metastases, a common issue in many advanced cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Borgia
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
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22
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Schwager K, Kaspar M, Bootz F, Marcolongo R, Paresce E, Neri D, Trachsel E. Preclinical characterization of DEKAVIL (F8-IL10), a novel clinical-stage immunocytokine which inhibits the progression of collagen-induced arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2009; 11:R142. [PMID: 19781067 PMCID: PMC2787264 DOI: 10.1186/ar2814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2009] [Revised: 09/04/2009] [Accepted: 09/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In this article, we present a comparative immunohistochemical evaluation of four clinical-stage antibodies (L19, F16, G11 and F8) directed against splice isoforms of fibronectin and of tenascin-C for their ability to stain synovial tissue alterations in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Furthermore we have evaluated the therapeutic potential of the most promising antibody, F8, fused to the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL) 10. Methods F8-IL10 was produced and purified to homogeneity in CHO cells and shown to comprise biological active antibody and cytokine moieties by binding assays on recombinant antigen and by MC/9 cell proliferation assays. We have also characterized the ability of F8-IL10 to inhibit arthritis progression in the collagen-induced arthritis mouse model. Results The human antibody F8, specific to the extra-domain A of fibronectin, exhibited the strongest and most homogenous staining pattern in synovial biopsies and was thus selected for the development of a fully human fusion protein with IL10 (F8-IL10, also named DEKAVIL). Following radioiodination, F8-IL10 was able to selectively target arthritic lesions and tumor neo-vascular structures in mice, as evidenced by autoradiographic analysis and quantitative biodistribution studies. The subcutaneous administration route led to equivalent targeting results when compared with intravenous administration and was thus selected for the clinical development of the product. F8-IL10 potently inhibited progression of established arthritis in the collagen-induced mouse model when tested alone and in combination with methotrexate. In preparation for clinical trials in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, F8-IL10 was studied in rodents and in cynomolgus monkeys, revealing an excellent safety profile at doses tenfold higher than the planned starting dose for clinical phase I trials. Conclusions Following the encouraging preclinical results presented in this paper, clinical trials with F8-IL10 will now elucidate the therapeutic potential of this product and whether the targeted delivery of IL10 potentiates the anti-arthritic action of the cytokine in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Schwager
- Philochem AG, c/o ETH Zurich, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10 HCI E520, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Pedretti M, Rancic Z, Soltermann A, Herzog BA, Schliemann C, Lachat M, Neri D, Kaufmann PA. Comparative immunohistochemical staining of atherosclerotic plaques using F16, F8 and L19: Three clinical-grade fully human antibodies. Atherosclerosis 2009; 208:382-9. [PMID: 19699478 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2009] [Revised: 06/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/23/2009] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE F16, F8 and L19 are three fully human monoclonal antibodies, specific to splice isoforms of tenascin-C and fibronectin, which stain sites of active tissue remodeling and which are currently in Phase I and II clinical trials as radio-immunoconjugates and immunocytokines in patients with cancer and arthritis. The characterization of atherosclerosis using these antibodies may open novel pharmacodelivery options for the imaging and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. It may also allow a better assessment of the corresponding immunoconjugates in polymorbid patients with atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS We performed a comparative immunohistochemical analysis with the F16, F8 and L19 antibodies in 28 freshly frozen human carotid plaques and in 11 normal arteries. Furthermore, we assessed the localization of the antibodies in relation to the infiltrating macrophages, vasa vasorum and Ki67-positive proliferating cells of the plaque. RESULTS The F16 antibody, specific to the extra-domain A1 of tenascin-C, stained plaques with a selective and intense pattern, while F8 and L19, specific to the EDA and EDB domains of fibronectin, respectively, exhibited a less selective and intense staining. In immunofluorescence, F16 was found to bind regions rich in macrophages, vasa vasorum and proliferating cells, while showing no detectable vs. weak staining of normal arteries and of quiescent plaque structures. CONCLUSION The human monoclonal antibody F16 stains areas of active tissue remodeling in atherosclerotic plaques and may thus deserve to be investigated as a suitable building block for the development of radiopharmaceuticals for plaque imaging or for the antibody-based targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to atherosclerotic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pedretti
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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Degen M, Goulet S, Ferralli J, Roth M, Tamm M, Chiquet-Ehrismann R. Opposite effect of fluticasone and salmeterol on fibronectin and tenascin-C expression in primary human lung fibroblasts. Clin Exp Allergy 2009; 39:688-99. [PMID: 19309351 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2009.03220.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway remodelling is a key feature of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The remodelling process involves the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins within the airways. Current therapies for asthma and COPD consist of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta(2)-agonists (LABA). However, their effect on airway remodelling is not well understood so far. OBJECTIVE In this study we investigated the effect of fluticasone and salmeterol, either alone or in combination, on fibronectin and tenascin-C protein, isoform, and mRNA levels in primary human lung fibroblasts. METHODS In our model, fibroblasts cultured in serum-free medium represented a non-inflammatory condition and stimulation with 5% fetal calf serum and/or TGF-beta(1) mimicked a pro-fibrotic environment with activation of tissue repair. Using these two different conditions, the effects of fluticasone and salmeterol on fibronectin and tenascin-C protein and mRNA levels were analysed by immunoblotting and semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS In both conditions, fluticasone increased fibronectin transcript and protein levels, whereas it decreased those of tenascin-C. Salmeterol neither affected fibronectin and tenascin-C synthesis significantly nor did it influence the effect of fluticasone when applied in combination. Furthermore, we found that treatment with fluticasone had an opposite effect on extra domain A and B containing fibronectin isoforms generated by alternative splicing compared with total fibronectin transcript levels, whereas tenascin-C isoforms were not differently modulated by fluticasone. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that standard therapies for inflammatory lung disorders influence ECM protein composition and relative expression levels. In contrast to corticosteroids, LABA did not significantly alter the expression of tenascin-C and fibronectin in cultures of primary human lung fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Degen
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Novartis Research Foundation, Basel, Switzerland
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25
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Mårlind J, Kaspar M, Trachsel E, Sommavilla R, Hindle S, Bacci C, Giovannoni L, Neri D. Antibody-mediated delivery of interleukin-2 to the stroma of breast cancer strongly enhances the potency of chemotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:6515-24. [PMID: 18927291 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-5041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is an interest in the discovery of biopharmaceuticals, which are well tolerated and which potentiate the action of anthracyclines and taxanes in breast cancer therapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We have produced a recombinant fusion protein, composed of the human antibody fragment scFv(F16) fused to human interleukin-2 (F16-IL2), and tested its therapeutic performance in the MDA-MB-231 xenograft model of human breast cancer. The F16 antibody is specific to the alternatively spliced A1 domain of tenascin-C, which is virtually undetectable in normal tissues but is strongly expressed in the neovasculature and stroma of breast cancer. RESULTS When used as monotherapy, F16-IL2 displayed a strikingly superior therapeutic benefit compared with unconjugated recombinant IL-2. The administration of doxorubicin either before (8 days, 24 h, or 2 h) or simultaneously with the injection of F16-IL2 did not decrease the accumulation of immunocytokine in the tumor as measured by quantitative biodistribution analysis. Therapy experiments, featuring five once per week coadministrations of 20 mug F16-IL2 and doxorubicin, showed a statistically significant reduction of tumor growth rate and prolongation of survival at a 4 mg/kg doxorubicin dose but not at a 1 mg/kg dose. By contrast, combination of F16-IL2 with paclitaxel (5 and 1 mg/kg) exhibited a significant therapeutic benefit compared with paclitaxel alone at both dose levels. F16-IL2, alone or in combination with doxorubicin, was well tolerated in cynomolgus monkeys at doses equivalent to the ones now used in clinical studies. CONCLUSIONS F16-IL2 may represent a new useful biopharmaceutical for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Mårlind
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
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VanAuker MD, Hood E. Delivery strategies to target therapies to inflammatory tissue. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2008; 5:767-74. [PMID: 18590461 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.5.7.767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation plays a key role in many chronic disease processes as well as an acute role in injury and wound healing. Various cell types are recruited from the bloodstream to the inflamed site through adhesion molecules, cytokines, chemokines and others. OBJECTIVES This review examines many drug-targeting strategies that make use of these molecules or signaling pathways, and seeks to describe certain commonalities irrespective of the disease process or agent to be delivered. METHODS A survey of the literature, primarily within the last year, was performed. Search words included 'drug targeting' and 'inflammation' and of those, the scope was refined to include those studies that specifically sought to modify or ameliorate an aspect of the inflammatory process in the treatment of a disease. RESULTS/CONCLUSION Inflammation plays a key role in many diseases, and many similar targets (such as adhesion molecules) are the focus of the treatment of those diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D VanAuker
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
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Astrof S, Crowley D, Hynes RO. Multiple cardiovascular defects caused by the absence of alternatively spliced segments of fibronectin. Dev Biol 2007; 311:11-24. [PMID: 17706958 PMCID: PMC2080666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2007] [Revised: 07/06/2007] [Accepted: 07/06/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Alternatively spliced variants of fibronectin (FN) containing exons EIIIA and EIIIB are expressed around newly forming vessels in development and disease but are downregulated in mature vasculature. The sequences and patterns of expression of these splice variants are highly conserved among vertebrates, suggestive of their biological importance; however the functions of EIIIA and EIIIB-containing FNs are unknown. To understand the role(s) of these splice variants, we deleted both EIIIA and EIIIB exons from the FN gene and observed embryonic lethality with incomplete penetrance by embryonic day 10.5. Deletion of both EIIIA and EIIIB exons did not affect synthesis or cell surface deposition of FN, indicating that embryonic lethality was due specifically to the absence of EIIIA and EIIIB exons from FN. EIIIA/EIIIB double-null embryos displayed multiple embryonic cardiovascular defects, including vascular hemorrhage, failure of remodeling embryonic and yolk sac vasculature, defective placental angiogenesis and heart defects. In addition, we observed defects in coverage and association with dorsal aortae of alpha-smooth-muscle-actin-positive cells. Our studies indicate that the presence or absence of EIIIA and EIIIB exons alters the function of FN and demonstrate the requirement for these alternatively spliced exons in cardiovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Astrof
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Kaspar M, Trachsel E, Neri D. The antibody-mediated targeted delivery of interleukin-15 and GM-CSF to the tumor neovasculature inhibits tumor growth and metastasis. Cancer Res 2007; 67:4940-8. [PMID: 17510424 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-targeting immunocytokines represent a new class of anticancer pharmaceutical agents, which often display a superior therapeutic index compared with the corresponding unconjugated cytokines. In this article, we have studied the anticancer properties of interleukin-15 (IL-15) and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), fused to the human antibody fragment scFv(L19), specific to the EDB domain of fibronectin, a marker of angiogenesis. The immunocytokines L19-IL-15 and L19-GM-CSF were expressed in mammalian cells and purified to homogeneity, revealing no loss of cytokine activity in in vitro assays. Furthermore, the ability of the two immunocytokines to selectively localize to tumors in vivo was confirmed by biodistribution analysis with radioiodinated protein preparations. L19-IL-15 and L19-GM-CSF displayed a potent antitumor activity both in s.c. and in metastatic F9 and C51 murine models of cancer in immunocompetent mice. This therapeutic action was superior compared with IL-15-based and GM-CSF-based fusion proteins, containing antibodies of irrelevant specificity in the mouse, which were used as non-tumor-targeting controls. For both L19-IL-15 and L19-GM-CSF immunocytokines, CD8(+) T cells seemed to mostly contribute to the therapeutic action as shown by in vivo cell depletion experiments. The results presented in this article are of clinical significance, considering the fact that the sequence of EDB is identical in mouse and man and that the tumor-targeting ability of the L19 antibody has been extensively shown in clinical trials in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Kaspar
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
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