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Simelane NWN, Abrahamse H. Actively targeted photodynamic therapy in multicellular colorectal cancer spheroids via functionalised gold nanoparticles. ARTIFICIAL CELLS, NANOMEDICINE, AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 52:309-320. [PMID: 38781462 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2024.2357693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) holds great potential to overcome limitations associated with common colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment approaches. Targeted photosensitiser (PS) delivery systems using nanoparticles (NPs) with targeting moieties are continually being designed, which are aimed at enhancing PS efficacy in CRC PDT. However, the optimisation of targeted PS delivery systems in most, in vitro PDT studies has been conducted on two dimensional (2D) monolayers cell cultures. In our present study, we developed a nano PS delivery system for in vitro cultured human colorectal three-dimensional multicellular spheroids (3D MCTS). PEGylated gold nanoparticles (PEG-AuNPs) were prepared and attached to ZnPcS4PS and further functionalised with specific CRC targeting anti-Guanylate Cyclase monoclonal antibodies(mAb). The ZnPcS4-AuNP-Anti-GCC Ab (BNC) nanoconjugates were successfully synthesised and their photodynamic effect investigated following exposure to laser irradiation and demonstrated enhanced anticancer effects in Caco-2 cells cultivated as 3D MCTS spheroids. Our findings suggest that targeted BNC nanoconjugates can improve the efficacy of PDT and highlight the potential of 3D MCTS tumour model for evaluating of targeted PDT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi Abrahamse
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Chen N, Pu C, Zhao L, Li W, Wang C, Zhu R, Liang T, Niu C, Huang X, Tang H, Wang Y, Yang H, Jia B, Jiang X, Han G, Wang W, Chen D, Wang Y, Rowinsky EK, Kennedy E, Lu VX, Cui G, Wu Z, Xiao L, Cui J. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Targeting CD19 and GCC in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol 2024:2823968. [PMID: 39298141 PMCID: PMC11413756 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.3891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Importance Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy (CART) has transformed the treatment landscape of hematologic cancer, but has negligible effects for adult solid cancers. In this trial, an autologous CAR T-cell product demonstrated antitumor activity in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of guanylate cyclase-C (GCC19) CART in participants with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Design, Setting, and Participants This single-arm, nonrandomized, phase 1 trial was conducted at the First Hospital of Jilin University from December 3, 2020, to April 13, 2022. Data analysis was conducted from May 2022 to April 2024. Adults with relapsed and refractory mCRC expressing GCC were treated with GCC19CART, a mixture of autologous CAR T cells transduced with lentiviral vectors expressing genes that encode either CD-19 CAR or GCC CAR. Main Outcomes and Measures Safety and tolerability of CAR T-cell therapy targeting GCC in patients with mCRC without therapeutic options is capable of conferring a reasonable likeliness of clinical benefit. Other outcomes included objective response rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, and immune activation. Results Of 15 patients 9 (60%) were women, and the median (range) age was 44 (33-61) years. Treatment with GCC19CART was associated with the development of cytokine release syndrome and diarrhea in most patients, all of which were self-limited and manageable. The objective response rate was 40%, with a partial response in 2 of 8 and 4 of 7 patients treated with either 1 × 106 cells/kg or 2 × 106 cells/kg. Median overall survival was 22.8 months (95% CI, 13.4-26.1) at data cutoff; the median progress-free survival was 6.0 months in the high dose level group (95% CI, 3.0 to not available). Conclusions and Relevance The results of this nonrandomized clinical trial suggest that GCC19CART was safe and tolerable in heavily pretreated patients with mCRC and is the first CAR T-cell therapy known to produce objective clinical activity in refractory cancer. Given the paucity of effective therapeutics developed for colorectal cancer in recent decades, the observation that CD-19 CART target engagement can robustly induce GCC19CART target engagement sufficient to produce objective activity may serve as a foundation to develop effective cellular therapy in mCRC and other solid cancers. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000040645.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naifei Chen
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chengfei Pu
- Innovative Cellular Therapeutics Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingling Zhao
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruihong Zhu
- Innovative Cellular Therapeutics Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Liang
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chao Niu
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xi Huang
- Innovative Cellular Therapeutics Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyang Tang
- Innovative Cellular Therapeutics Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizhuo Wang
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hang Yang
- Innovative Cellular Therapeutics Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Beibei Jia
- Innovative Cellular Therapeutics Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianyang Jiang
- Innovative Cellular Therapeutics Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Guiting Han
- Innovative Cellular Therapeutics Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Wensheng Wang
- Innovative Cellular Therapeutics Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongqi Chen
- Innovative Cellular Therapeutics Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Wang
- Innovative Cellular Therapeutics Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | - Victor X. Lu
- Innovative Cellular Therapeutics Inc, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Guozhen Cui
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhao Wu
- Innovative Cellular Therapeutics Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Xiao
- Innovative Cellular Therapeutics Inc, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Simelane NWN, Abrahamse H. Zinc phthalocyanine loaded- antibody functionalized nanoparticles enhance photodynamic therapy in monolayer (2-D) and multicellular tumour spheroid (3-D) cell cultures. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1340212. [PMID: 38259685 PMCID: PMC10801020 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1340212] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In conventional photodynamic therapy (PDT), effective delivery of photosensitizers (PS) to cancer cells can be challenging, prompting the exploration of active targeting as a promising strategy to enhance PS delivery. Typically, two-dimensional (2-D) monolayer cell culture models are used for investigating targeted photodynamic therapy. However, despite their ease of use, these cell culture models come with certain limitations due to their structural simplicity when compared to three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture models such as multicellular tumour spheroids (MCTSs). In this study, we prepared gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) that were functionalized with antibodies and loaded with tetra sulphonated zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPcS4). Characterization techniques including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to determine the size and morphology of the prepared nanoconjugates. We also conducted a comparative investigation to assess the photodynamic effects of ZnPcS4 alone and/or conjugated onto the bioactively functionalized nanodelivery system in colorectal Caco-2 cells cultured in both in vitro 2-D monolayers and 3-D MCTSs. TEM micrographs revealed small, well distributed, and spherical shaped nanoparticles. Our results demonstrated that biofunctionalized nanoparticle mediated PDT significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in Caco-2 cancer monolayers and, to a lesser extent, in Caco-2 MCTSs. Live/dead assays further elucidated the impact of actively targeted nanoparticle-photosensitizer nanoconstruct, revealing enhanced cytotoxicity in 2-D cultures, with a notable increase in dead cells post-PDT. In 3-D spheroids, however, while the presence of targeted nanoparticle-photosensitizer system facilitated improved therapeutic outcomes, the live/dead results showed a higher number of viable cells after PDT treatment compared to their 2-D monolayer counterparts suggesting that MCTSs showed more resistance to PS drug as compared to 2-D monolayers. These findings suggest a high therapeutic potential of the multifunctional nanoparticle as a targeted photosensitizer delivery system in PDT of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the choice of cell culture model influenced the response of cancer cells to PDT treatment, highlighting the feasibility of using MCTSs for targeted PS delivery to colorectal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi Abrahamse
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Kim R, Leal AD, Parikh A, Ryan DP, Wang S, Bahamon B, Gupta N, Moss A, Pye J, Miao H, Inguilizian H, Cleary JM. A phase I, first-in-human study of TAK-164, an antibody-drug conjugate, in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancers expressing guanylyl cyclase C. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2023; 91:291-300. [PMID: 36738333 PMCID: PMC10068631 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-023-04507-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Guanylyl cyclase C (GCC) is highly expressed in several gastrointestinal malignancies and preclinical studies suggest that it is a promising target for antibody-based therapeutics. This phase I trial assessed the safety and tolerability of TAK-164, an investigational, anti-GCC antibody-drug conjugate (NCT03449030). METHODS Thirty-one patients with GCC-positive, advanced gastrointestinal cancers received intravenous TAK-164 on day 1 of 21-day cycles. Dose escalation proceeded based on cycle 1 safety data via a Bayesian model. RESULTS Median age was 58 years (range 32-72), 25 patients (80.6%) had colorectal carcinoma, and median number of prior therapies was four. No dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were reported during cycle 1 DLT evaluation period. After cycle 2 dosing, 3 patients reported dose-limiting treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs): grade 3 pyrexia and grade 5 hepatic failure (0.19 mg/kg), grade 4 hepatic failure and platelet count decreased (0.25 mg/kg), grade 3 nausea, grade 4 platelet and neutrophil count decreased (0.25 mg/kg). The recommended phase II dose (RP2D) was 0.064 mg/kg. Common TAK-164-related TEAEs included platelet count decreased (58.1%), fatigue (38.7%), and anemia (32.3%). There was a dose-dependent increase in TAK-164 exposure over the range, 0.032-0.25 mg/kg. TAK-164 half-life ranged from 63.5 to 159 h. One patient (0.008 mg/kg) with high baseline GCC expression had an unconfirmed partial response. CONCLUSIONS TAK-164 appeared to have a manageable safety profile at 0.064 mg/kg. Hepatic toxicity was identified as a potential risk. The RP2D of 0.064 mg/kg was considered insufficient to derive clinical benefit; there are no plans for further clinical development. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03449030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Vincent A. Stabile Research Building, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
| | - Alexis D Leal
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Aparna Parikh
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David P Ryan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shining Wang
- Oncology Clinical Science, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Brittany Bahamon
- Translational Medicine, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Neeraj Gupta
- Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Aaron Moss
- Pharmacology/Toxicology, Audentes Therapeutics, Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joanna Pye
- Oncology Statistics, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Harry Miao
- Clinical Development, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Haig Inguilizian
- Global Patient Safety and Evaluation, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - James M Cleary
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Yu L, Li Y. Involvement of Intestinal Enteroendocrine Cells in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102577. [PMID: 36289839 PMCID: PMC9599815 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological and psychiatric patients have increased dramatically in number in the past few decades. However, effective treatments for these diseases and disorders are limited due to heterogeneous and unclear pathogenic mechanisms. Therefore, further exploration of the biological aspects of the disease, and the identification of novel targets to develop alternative treatment strategies, is urgently required. Systems-level investigations have indicated the potential involvement of the brain–gut axis and intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis and regulation of neurological and psychiatric disorders. While intestinal microbiota is crucial for maintaining host physiology, some important sensory and regulatory cells in the host should not be overlooked. Intestinal epithelial enteroendocrine cells (EECs) residing in the epithelium throughout intestine are the key regulators orchestrating the communication along the brain-gut-microbiota axis. On one hand, EECs sense changes in luminal microorganisms via microbial metabolites; on the other hand, they communicate with host body systems via neuroendocrine molecules. Therefore, EECs are believed to play important roles in neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review highlights the involvement of EECs and subtype cells, via secretion of endocrine molecules, in the development and regulation of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), schizophrenia, visceral pain, neuropathic pain, and depression. Moreover, the current paper summarizes the potential mechanism of EECs in contributing to disease pathogenesis. Examination of these mechanisms may inspire and lead to the development of new aspects of treatment strategies for neurological and psychiatric disorders in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangen Yu
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Yihang Li
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Correspondence:
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Caspi A, Entezari AA, Crutcher M, Snook AE, Waldman SA. Guanylyl cyclase C as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in colorectal cancer. Per Med 2022; 19:457-472. [PMID: 35920071 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2022-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer remains a major cause of mortality in the USA, despite advances in prevention and screening. Existing therapies focus primarily on generic treatment such as surgical intervention and chemotherapy, depending on disease severity. As personalized medicine and targeted molecular oncology continue to develop as promising treatment avenues, there has emerged a need for effective targets and biomarkers of colorectal cancer. The transmembrane receptor guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C) regulates intestinal homeostasis and has emerged as a tumor suppressor. Further, it is universally expressed in advanced metastatic colorectal tumors, as well as other cancer types that arise through intestinal metaplasia. In this context, GUCY2C satisfies many characteristics of a compelling target and biomarker for gastrointestinal malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Caspi
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Ariana A Entezari
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Madison Crutcher
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Adam E Snook
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Scott A Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Flickinger JC, Staudt RE, Singh J, Carlson RD, Barton JR, Baybutt TR, Rappaport JA, Zalewski A, Pattison A, Waldman SA, Snook AE. Chimeric adenoviral (Ad5.F35) and listeria vector prime-boost immunization is safe and effective for cancer immunotherapy. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:61. [PMID: 35739202 PMCID: PMC9226178 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00483-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Strategies to augment immunity to self/neoantigens expressed by cancers are urgently needed to expand the proportion of patients benefiting from immunotherapy, particularly for GI cancers where only a fraction of patients respond to immunotherapies. However, current vaccine strategies are limited by poor immunogenicity, pre-existing vector-specific immunity, and vaccine-induced vector-specific immunity. Here, we examined a prime-boost strategy using a chimeric adenoviral vector (Ad5.F35) that resists pre-existing immunity followed by recombinant Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) to amplify immunity to the GI cancer antigen GUCY2C. This previously unexplored combination enhanced the quantity, avidity, polyfunctionality, and antitumor efficacy of GUCY2C-specific effector CD8+ T cells, without toxicity in any tissue, including GUCY2C-expressing intestines and brain. Importantly, this combination was partially resistant to pre-existing immunity to Ad5 which is endemic in human populations and vector-specific immunity did not limit the ability of multiple Lm administrations to repeatedly enhance GUCY2C-specific responses. Broadly, these findings suggest that cancer patient immunizations targeting self/neoantigens, as well as immunizations for difficult infectious diseases (HIV, malaria, etc), may be most successful using a combination of Ad5.F35-based priming, followed by Lm-based boosting. More specifically, Lm-GUCY2C may be utilized to amplify GUCY2C-specific immunity in patients receiving adenovirus-based GUCY2C vaccines currently in clinical trials to prevent or treat recurrent GI cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Flickinger
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Ross E Staudt
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Jagmohan Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Robert D Carlson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Joshua R Barton
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Trevor R Baybutt
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Rappaport
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Alicja Zalewski
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
- Department of Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Amanda Pattison
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Scott A Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Jefferson Health, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Adam E Snook
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Jefferson Health, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
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Crutcher MM, Baybutt TR, Kopenhaver JS, Snook AE, Waldman SA. Emerging drug targets for colon cancer: A preclinical assessment. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:207-216. [PMID: 35129035 PMCID: PMC9075542 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2039119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. There have been improvements in screening, and therefore overall survival, but patients continue to present at late stages when minimal treatment options are available to them. While some targeted therapies have been introduced, their application is limited by patient-specific tumor characteristics. Additional targets for CRC in patients who present at a late stage, or who experience tumor relapse, need to be identified to continue to improve patient outcomes. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on emerging pathways and drug targets for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The shift to the cancer stem cell model and potential targets involving Wnt, NF-κB, phosphodiesterases, RAS, and guanylyl cyclase C, are discussed. The current utility of checkpoint inhibitors and evolving immunological options are examined. EXPERT OPINION Surgery and current systemic cytotoxic therapies are inadequate to appropriately treat the full spectrum of CRC, especially in those patients who present with metastatic or treatment-refractory disease. In addition to the identification of new, more generalizable targets, additional focus is being placed on novel administrations. Immuno-oncologic options and stem cell-targeting therapies for mCRC will become available to patients and may increase survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison M. Crutcher
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Trevor R. Baybutt
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Jessica S. Kopenhaver
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Adam E. Snook
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Scott A. Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Nkune NW, Kruger CA, Abrahamse H. Synthesis of a novel nanobioconjugate for targeted photodynamic therapy of colon cancer enhanced with cannabidiol. Oncotarget 2022; 13:156-172. [PMID: 35070080 PMCID: PMC8768846 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising primary treatment option for colorectal cancer (CRC), however CRC is accelerated by resilient CRC stem-like cells, which decrease its efficacy. In recent years, researchers have shown an emerging interest in the anticancer stem cell effects of cannabidiol (CBD). This study developed a targeted nanobioconjugate for specific ZnPcS4 photosensitizer intracellular accumulation within in vitro cultured human CRC cells (CaCo-2) for enhanced PDT primary treatment, as well as limited its secondary spread by combining this treatment with CBD. The final nanobioconjugate (FNBC) was successfully synthesized and characterized using various methods. The cytotoxicity of the FNBC and CBD were tested on CRC cells using laser irradiation at 673 nm with a fluency of 10 J/cm2. 24 h post treatment, morphological changes were assessed via microscopy, cell viability was measured using Annexin V-FITC and cellular nuclear DNA was visualized under fluorescent microscopy, following Hoechst staining. FNBC and CBD combinative treatment induced the most significant photodamage, leaving a staggering 6%*** viable cells. Overall, through active targeting of CRC cells using the FNBC, the enhanced PDT primary treatment of CRC was achieved, and the combinative treatment with CBD noted significant limitations on its secondary spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nkune Williams Nkune
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
| | - Cherie Ann Kruger
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
| | - Heidi Abrahamse
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
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Roacho-Pérez JA, Garza-Treviño EN, Delgado-Gonzalez P, G-Buentello Z, Delgado-Gallegos JL, Chapa-Gonzalez C, Sánchez-Domínguez M, Sánchez-Domínguez CN, Islas JF. Target Nanoparticles against Pancreatic Cancer: Fewer Side Effects in Therapy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1187. [PMID: 34833063 PMCID: PMC8620707 DOI: 10.3390/life11111187] [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: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the most common lethal tumor in America. This lethality is related to limited treatment options. Conventional treatments involve the non-specific use of chemotherapeutical agents such as 5-FU, capecitabine, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, or irinotecan, which produce several side effects. This review focuses on the use of targeted nanoparticles, such as metallic nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, and carbon nanotubes as an alternative to standard treatment for pancreatic cancer. The principal objective of nanoparticles is reduction of the side effects that conventional treatments produce, mostly because of their non-specificity. Several molecular markers of pancreatic cancer cells have been studied to target nanoparticles and improve current treatment. Therefore, properly functionalized nanoparticles with specific aptamers or antibodies can be used to recognize pancreatic cancer cells. Once cancer is recognized, these nanoparticles can attack the tumor by drug delivery, gene therapy, or hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A. Roacho-Pérez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey 64460, Mexico; (J.A.R.-P.); (E.N.G.-T.); (P.D.-G.); (Z.G.-B.); (J.L.D.-G.); (C.N.S.-D.)
| | - Elsa N. Garza-Treviño
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey 64460, Mexico; (J.A.R.-P.); (E.N.G.-T.); (P.D.-G.); (Z.G.-B.); (J.L.D.-G.); (C.N.S.-D.)
| | - Paulina Delgado-Gonzalez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey 64460, Mexico; (J.A.R.-P.); (E.N.G.-T.); (P.D.-G.); (Z.G.-B.); (J.L.D.-G.); (C.N.S.-D.)
| | - Zuca G-Buentello
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey 64460, Mexico; (J.A.R.-P.); (E.N.G.-T.); (P.D.-G.); (Z.G.-B.); (J.L.D.-G.); (C.N.S.-D.)
| | - Juan Luis Delgado-Gallegos
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey 64460, Mexico; (J.A.R.-P.); (E.N.G.-T.); (P.D.-G.); (Z.G.-B.); (J.L.D.-G.); (C.N.S.-D.)
| | - Christian Chapa-Gonzalez
- Instituto de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez 32310, Mexico;
| | - Margarita Sánchez-Domínguez
- Grupo de Química Coloidal e Interfacial Aplicada a Nanomateriales y Formulaciones, Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, S.C. (CIMAV, S.C.), Unidad Monterrey, Apodaca 66628, Mexico;
| | - Celia N. Sánchez-Domínguez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey 64460, Mexico; (J.A.R.-P.); (E.N.G.-T.); (P.D.-G.); (Z.G.-B.); (J.L.D.-G.); (C.N.S.-D.)
| | - Jose Francisco Islas
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey 64460, Mexico; (J.A.R.-P.); (E.N.G.-T.); (P.D.-G.); (Z.G.-B.); (J.L.D.-G.); (C.N.S.-D.)
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11
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Singh D, Dheer D, Samykutty A, Shankar R. Antibody drug conjugates in gastrointestinal cancer: From lab to clinical development. J Control Release 2021; 340:1-34. [PMID: 34673122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are one the fastest growing biotherapeutics in oncology and are still in their infancy in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer for clinical applications to improve patient survival. The ADC based approach is developed with tumor specific antigen, antibody carrying cytotoxic agents to precisely target and deliver chemotherapeutics at the tumor site. To date, 11 ADCs have been approved by US-FDA, and more than 80 are in the clinical development phase for different oncological indications. However, The ADCs based therapies in GI cancers are still far from having high-efficient clinical outcomes. The limited success of these ADCs and lessons learned from the past are now being used to develop a newer generation of ADC against GI cancers. In this review, we did a comprehensive assessment of the key components of ADCs, including tumor marker, antibody, cytotoxic payload, and linkage strategy, with a focus on technical improvement and some future trends in the pipeline for clinical translation. The various preclinical and clinical ADCs used in gastrointestinal malignancies, their target, composition and bioconjugation, along with preclinical and clinical outcomes, are discussed. The emphasis is also given to new generation ADCs employing novel mAb, payload, linker, and bioconjugation methods are also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davinder Singh
- Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Divya Dheer
- Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Abhilash Samykutty
- Stephenson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Ravi Shankar
- Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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12
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Simelane NWN, Kruger CA, Abrahamse H. Targeted Nanoparticle Photodynamic Diagnosis and Therapy of Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9779. [PMID: 34575942 PMCID: PMC8466279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an aggressive cancer that remains a challenge to diagnose and treat. Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) and therapy (PDT) are novel alternative techniques, which can enhance early diagnosis, as well as elicit tumor cell death. This is accomplished through photosensitizer (PS) mediated fluorescence and cytotoxic reactive oxygen species activation upon laser light irradiation excitation at specific low and high range wavelengths, respectively. However, the lack of PS target tumor tissue specificity often hampers these techniques. This study successfully fabricated a bioactive nanoconjugate, ZnPcS4-AuNP-S-PEG5000-NH2-Anti-GCC mAb (BNC), based upon a polyethylene glycol-gold nanoparticle, which was multi-functionalized with a fluorescent PDT metalated zinc phthalocyanine PS, and specific anti-GCC targeting antibodies, to overcome CRC PDD and PDT challenges. The BNC was found to be stable and showed selectively improved subcellular accumulation within targeted CRC for improved PDD and PDT outcomes in comparison to healthy in vitro cultured cells. Additionally, the BNC reported significantly higher late apoptotic PDT-induced CRC cell death rates (34% ***) when compared to PDT PS administration alone (15% *). These results indicated that the improved PDD and PDT outcomes were due to the specific PS accumulation in CRC cells through nanoparticle carriage and bioactive anti-GCC targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cherie Ann Kruger
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; (N.W.N.S.); (H.A.)
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13
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Maresca KP, Chen J, Mathur D, Giddabasappa A, Root A, Narula J, King L, Schaer D, Golas J, Kobylarz K, Rosfjord E, Keliher E, Chen L, Ram S, Pickering EH, Hardwick JS, Rejto PA, Hussein A, Ilovich O, Staton K, Wilson I, McCarthy TJ. Preclinical Evaluation of 89Zr-Df-IAB22M2C PET as an Imaging Biomarker for the Development of the GUCY2C-CD3 Bispecific PF-07062119 as a T Cell Engaging Therapy. Mol Imaging Biol 2021; 23:941-951. [PMID: 34143379 PMCID: PMC8578158 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01621-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose A sensitive and specific imaging biomarker to monitor immune activation and quantify pharmacodynamic responses would be useful for development of immunomodulating anti-cancer agents. PF-07062119 is a T cell engaging bispecific antibody that binds to CD3 and guanylyl cyclase C, a protein that is over-expressed by colorectal cancers. Here, we used 89Zr-Df-IAB22M2C (89Zr-Df-Crefmirlimab), a human CD8-specific minibody to monitor CD8+ T cell infiltration into tumors by positron emission tomography. We investigated the ability of 89Zr-Df-IAB22M2C to track anti-tumor activity induced by PF-07062119 in a human CRC adoptive transfer mouse model (with injected activated/expanded human T cells), as well as the correlation of tumor radiotracer uptake with CD8+ immunohistochemical staining. Procedures NOD SCID gamma mice bearing human CRC LS1034 tumors were treated with four different doses of PF-07062119, or a non-targeted CD3 BsAb control, and imaged with 89Zr-Df-IAB22M2C PET at days 4 and 9. Following PET/CT imaging, mice were euthanized and dissected for ex vivo distribution analysis of 89Zr-Df-IAB22M2C in tissues on days 4 and 9, with additional data collected on day 6 (supplementary). Data were analyzed and reported as standard uptake value and %ID/g for in vivo imaging and ex vivo tissue distribution. In addition, tumor tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for CD8+ T cells. Results The results demonstrated substantial mean uptake of 89Zr-Df-IAB22M2C (%ID/g) in PF-07062119-treated tumors, with significant increases in comparison to non-targeted BsAb-treated controls, as well as PF-07062119 dose-dependent responses over time of treatment. A moderate correlation was observed between tumor tissue radioactivity uptake and CD8+ cell density, demonstrating the value of the imaging agent for non-invasive assessment of intra-tumoral CD8+ T cells and the mechanism of action for PF-07062119. Conclusion Immune-imaging technologies for quantitative cellular measures would be a valuable biomarker in immunotherapeutic clinical development. We demonstrated a qualification of 89Zr-IAB22M2C PET to evaluate PD responses (mice) to a novel immunotherapeutic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11307-021-01621-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P Maresca
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA.
| | - Jianqing Chen
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA
| | - Divya Mathur
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA.,Regneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | | | - Adam Root
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA.,Generate Biomedicines, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jatin Narula
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA
| | - Lindsay King
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA
| | - David Schaer
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan Golas
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA.,Regneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Keith Kobylarz
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA
| | - Edward Rosfjord
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA.,Black Diamond Therapeutics, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edmund Keliher
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA
| | - Laigao Chen
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA
| | - Sripad Ram
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA
| | - Eve H Pickering
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA
| | - James S Hardwick
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA
| | - Paul A Rejto
- Worldwide Research, Development & Medicine, Pfizer Inc, New York, USA
| | | | - Ohad Ilovich
- Invicro, A Konica Minolta Company, New Haven, USA
| | - Kevin Staton
- Evergreen Theragnostics, Jersey City, NJ, USA.,Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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14
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Entezari AA, Snook AE, Waldman SA. Guanylyl cyclase 2C (GUCY2C) in gastrointestinal cancers: recent innovations and therapeutic potential. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:335-346. [PMID: 34056991 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1937124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C) is an intestinal signaling system that regulates intestinal fluid and electrolyte secretion as well as intestinal homeostasis. In recent years, it has emerged as a promising target for chemoprevention and therapy for GI malignancies. AREAS COVERED The loss of GUCY2C signaling early in colorectal tumorigenesis suggests it could have a significant impact on tumor initiation. Recent studies highlight the importance of GUCY2C signaling in preventing colorectal tumorigenesis using agents such as linaclotide, plecanatide, and sildenafil. Furthermore, GUCY2C is a novel target for immunotherapy and a diagnostic marker for primary and metastatic diseases. EXPERT OPINION There is an unmet need for prevention and therapy in GI cancers. In that context, GUCY2C is a promising target for prevention, although the precise mechanisms by which GUCY2C signaling affects tumorigenesis remain to be defined. Furthermore, clinical trials are exploring its role as an immunotherapeutic target for vaccines to prevent metastatic disease. Indeed, GUCY2C is an emerging target across the disease continuum from chemoprevention, to diagnostic management, through the treatment and prevention of metastatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana A Entezari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adam E Snook
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Scott A Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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15
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Lisby AN, Flickinger JC, Bashir B, Weindorfer M, Shelukar S, Crutcher M, Snook AE, Waldman SA. GUCY2C as a biomarker to target precision therapies for patients with colorectal cancer. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2021; 6:117-129. [PMID: 34027103 DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2021.1876518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most-deadly malignancies worldwide. Current therapeutic regimens for CRC patients are relatively generic, based primarily on disease type and stage, with little variation. As the field of molecular oncology advances, so too must therapeutic management of CRC. Understanding molecular heterogeneity has led to a new-found promotion for precision therapy in CRC; underlining the diversity of molecularly targeted therapies based on individual tumor characteristics. Areas covered We review current approaches for the treatment of CRC and discuss the potential of precision therapy in advanced CRC. We highlight the utility of the intestinal protein guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C), as a multi-purpose biomarker and unique therapeutic target in CRC. Here, we summarize current GUCY2C-targeted approaches for treatment of CRC. Expert opinion The GUCY2C biomarker has multi-faceted utility in medicine. Developmental investment of GUCY2C as a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker offers a variety of options taking the molecular characteristics of cancer into account. From GUCY2C-targeted therapies, namely cancer vaccines, CAR-T cells, and monoclonal antibodies, to GUCY2C agonists for chemoprevention in those who are at high risk for developing colorectal cancer, the utility of this protein provides many avenues for exploration with significance in the field of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N Lisby
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - John C Flickinger
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Babar Bashir
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Megan Weindorfer
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Sanjna Shelukar
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Madison Crutcher
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Adam E Snook
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Scott A Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
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16
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Flickinger JC, Rappaport JA, Barton JR, Baybutt TR, Pattison AM, Snook AE, Waldman SA. Guanylyl cyclase C as a biomarker for immunotherapies for the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies. Biomark Med 2021; 15:201-217. [PMID: 33470843 PMCID: PMC8293028 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2020-0359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers encompass a diverse class of tumors arising in the GI tract, including esophagus, stomach, pancreas and colorectum. Collectively, gastrointestinal cancers compose a high fraction of all cancer deaths, highlighting an unmet need for novel and effective therapies. In this context, the transmembrane receptor guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C) has emerged as an attractive target for the prevention, detection and treatment of many gastrointestinal tumors. GUCY2C is an intestinally-restricted protein implicated in tumorigenesis that is universally expressed by primary and metastatic colorectal tumors as well as ectopically expressed by esophageal, gastric and pancreatic cancers. This review summarizes the current state of GUCY2C-targeted modalities in the management of gastrointestinal malignancies, with special focus on colorectal cancer, the most incident gastrointestinal malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Flickinger
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Rappaport
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Joshua R Barton
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Trevor R Baybutt
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Amanda M Pattison
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Adam E Snook
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Scott A Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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17
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Root AR, Guntas G, Katragadda M, Apgar JR, Narula J, Chang CS, Hanscom S, McKenna M, Wade J, Meade C, Ma W, Guo Y, Liu Y, Duan W, Hendershot C, King AC, Zhang Y, Sousa E, Tam A, Benard S, Yang H, Kelleher K, Jin F, Piche-Nicholas N, Keating SE, Narciandi F, Lawrence-Henderson R, Arai M, Stochaj WR, Svenson K, Mosyak L, Lam K, Francis C, Marquette K, Wroblewska L, Zhu HL, Sheehan AD, LaVallie ER, D’Antona AM, Betts A, King L, Rosfjord E, Cunningham O, Lin L, Sapra P, Tchistiakova L, Mathur D, Bloom L. Discovery and optimization of a novel anti-GUCY2c x CD3 bispecific antibody for the treatment of solid tumors. MAbs 2021; 13:1850395. [PMID: 33459147 PMCID: PMC7833764 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1850395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We report here the discovery and optimization of a novel T cell retargeting anti-GUCY2C x anti-CD3ε bispecific antibody for the treatment of solid tumors. Using a combination of hybridoma, phage display and rational design protein engineering, we have developed a fully humanized and manufacturable CD3 bispecific antibody that demonstrates favorable pharmacokinetic properties and potent in vivo efficacy. Anti-GUCY2C and anti-CD3ε antibodies derived from mouse hybridomas were first humanized into well-behaved human variable region frameworks with full retention of binding and T-cell mediated cytotoxic activity. To address potential manufacturability concerns, multiple approaches were taken in parallel to optimize and de-risk the two antibody variable regions. These approaches included structure-guided rational mutagenesis and phage display-based optimization, focusing on improving stability, reducing polyreactivity and self-association potential, removing chemical liabilities and proteolytic cleavage sites, and de-risking immunogenicity. Employing rapid library construction methods as well as automated phage display and high-throughput protein production workflows enabled efficient generation of an optimized bispecific antibody with desirable manufacturability properties, high stability, and low nonspecific binding. Proteolytic cleavage and deamidation in complementarity-determining regions were also successfully addressed. Collectively, these improvements translated to a molecule with potent single-agent in vivo efficacy in a tumor cell line adoptive transfer model and a cynomolgus monkey pharmacokinetic profile (half-life>4.5 days) suitable for clinical development. Clinical evaluation of PF-07062119 is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam R. Root
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jatin Narula
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Sara Hanscom
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Jason Wade
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Caryl Meade
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Weijun Ma
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yongjing Guo
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Weili Duan
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Amy C. King
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eric Sousa
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amy Tam
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Susan Benard
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Han Yang
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Fang Jin
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Maya Arai
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Lidia Mosyak
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - H. Lily Zhu
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Alison Betts
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lindsay King
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA, USA
| | - Edward Rosfjord
- Oncology Research & Development, Pfizer Inc., Pearl River, NY, USA
| | | | - Laura Lin
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Puja Sapra
- Oncology Research & Development, Pfizer Inc., Pearl River, NY, USA
| | | | - Divya Mathur
- Oncology Research & Development, Pfizer Inc., Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Laird Bloom
- BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
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18
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Khera E, Cilliers C, Smith MD, Ganno ML, Lai KC, Keating TA, Kopp A, Nessler I, Abu-Yousif AO, Thurber GM. Quantifying ADC bystander payload penetration with cellular resolution using pharmacodynamic mapping. Neoplasia 2020; 23:210-221. [PMID: 33385970 PMCID: PMC7779838 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
With the recent approval of 3 new antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) for solid tumors, this class of drugs is gaining momentum for the targeted treatment of cancer. Despite significant investment, there are still fundamental issues that are incompletely understood. Three of the recently approved ADCs contain payloads exhibiting bystander effects, where the payload can diffuse out of a targeted cell into adjacent cells. These effects are often studied using a mosaic of antigen positive and negative cells. However, the distance these payloads can diffuse in tumor tissue while maintaining a lethal concentration is unclear. Computational studies suggest bystander effects partially compensate for ADC heterogeneity in tumors in addition to targeting antigen negative cells. However, this type of study is challenging to conduct experimentally due to the low concentrations of extremely potent payloads. In this work, we use a series of 3-dimensional cell culture and primary human tumor xenograft studies to directly track fluorescently labeled ADCs and indirectly follow the payload via an established pharmacodynamic marker (γH2A. X). Using TAK-164, an anti-GCC ADC undergoing clinical evaluation, we show that the lipophilic DNA-alkylating payload, DGN549, penetrates beyond the cell targeted layer in GCC-positive tumor spheroids and primary human tumor xenograft models. The penetration distance is similar to model predictions, where the lipophilicity results in moderate tissue penetration, thereby balancing improved tissue penetration with sufficient cellular uptake to avoid significant washout. These results aid in mechanistic understanding of the interplay between antigen heterogeneity, bystander effects, and heterogeneous delivery of ADCs in the tumor microenvironment to design clinically effective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshita Khera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Cornelius Cilliers
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Anna Kopp
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ian Nessler
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Greg M Thurber
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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19
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Rappaport JA, Waldman SA. An update on guanylyl cyclase C in the diagnosis, chemoprevention, and treatment of colorectal cancer. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2020; 13:1125-1137. [PMID: 32945718 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1826304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, underscoring the need for novel therapies. Despite the successes of new targeted agents for other cancers, colorectal cancer suffers from a relative scarcity of actionable biomarkers. In this context, the intestinal receptor, guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C), has emerged as a promising target.Areas covered: GUCY2C regulates a tumor-suppressive signaling axis that is silenced through loss of its endogenous ligands at the earliest stages of tumorigenesis. A body of literature supports a cancer chemoprevention strategy involving reactivation of GUCY2C through FDA-approved cGMP-elevating agents such as linaclotide, plecanatide, and sildenafil. Its limited expression in extra-intestinal tissues, and retention on the surface of cancer cells, also positions GUCY2C as a target for immunotherapies to treat metastatic disease, including vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor T-cells, and antibody-drug conjugates. Likewise, GUCY2C mRNA identifies metastatic cells, enhancing colorectal cancer detection, and staging. Pre-clinical and clinical programs exploring these GUCY2C-targeting strategies will be reviewed.Expert opinion: Recent mechanistic insights characterizing GUCY2C ligand loss early in tumorigenesis, coupled with results from the first clinical trials testing GUCY2C-targeting strategies, continue to elevate GUCY2C as an ideal target for prevention, detection, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Rappaport
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Scott A Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, PA, USA
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20
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Abu-Yousif AO, Cvet D, Gallery M, Bannerman BM, Ganno ML, Smith MD, Lai KC, Keating TA, Stringer B, Kamali A, Eng K, Koseoglu S, Zhu A, Xia CQ, Landen MS, Borland M, Robertson R, Bolleddula J, Qian MG, Fretland J, Veiby OP. Preclinical Antitumor Activity and Biodistribution of a Novel Anti-GCC Antibody-Drug Conjugate in Patient-derived Xenografts. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 19:2079-2088. [PMID: 32788205 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-1102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Guanylyl cyclase C (GCC) is a unique therapeutic target with expression restricted to the apical side of epithelial cell tight junctions thought to be only accessible by intravenously administered agents on malignant tissues where GCC expression is aberrant. In this study, we sought to evaluate the therapeutic potential of a second-generation investigational antibody-dug conjugate (ADC), TAK-164, comprised of a human anti-GCC mAb conjugated via a peptide linker to the highly cytotoxic DNA alkylator, DGN549. The in vitro binding, payload release, and in vitro activity of TAK-164 was characterized motivating in vivo evaluation. The efficacy of TAK-164 and the relationship to exposure, pharmacodynamic marker activation, and biodistribution was evaluated in xenograft models and primary human tumor xenograft (PHTX) models. We demonstrate TAK-164 selectively binds to, is internalized by, and has potent cytotoxic effects against GCC-expressing cells in vitro A single intravenous administration of TAK-164 (0.76 mg/kg) resulted in significant growth rate inhibition in PHTX models of metastatic colorectal cancer. Furthermore, imaging studies characterized TAK-164 uptake and activity and showed positive relationships between GCC expression and tumor uptake which correlated with antitumor activity. Collectively, our data suggest that TAK-164 is highly active in multiple GCC-positive tumors including those refractory to TAK-264, a GCC-targeted auristatin ADC. A strong relationship between uptake of 89Zr-labeled TAK-164, levels of GCC expression and, most notably, response to TAK-164 therapy in GCC-expressing xenografts and PHTX models. These data supported the clinical development of TAK-164 as part of a first-in-human clinical trial (NCT03449030).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan O Abu-Yousif
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts.
| | - Donna Cvet
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | - Melissa Gallery
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | - Bret M Bannerman
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | - Michelle L Ganno
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | - Michael D Smith
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | | | | | - Bradley Stringer
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | - Afrand Kamali
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | - Kurt Eng
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | - Secil Koseoglu
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | | | - Cindy Q Xia
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | - Melissa Saylor Landen
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | - Maria Borland
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | | | - Jayaprakasam Bolleddula
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | - Mark G Qian
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | - Jennifer Fretland
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
| | - O Petter Veiby
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited), Cambridge, Massachsetts
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Pattison AM, Barton JR, Entezari AA, Zalewski A, Rappaport JA, Snook AE, Waldman SA. Silencing the intestinal GUCY2C tumor suppressor axis requires APC loss of heterozygosity. Cancer Biol Ther 2020; 21:799-805. [PMID: 32594830 PMCID: PMC7515455 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2020.1779005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Most sporadic colorectal cancer reflects acquired mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene, while germline heterozygosity for mutant APC produces the autosomal dominant disorder Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) with a predisposition to colorectal cancer. In these syndromes, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) silences the remaining normal allele of APC, through an unknown mechanism, as the initiating step in transformation. Guanylyl cyclase C receptor (GUCY2C) and its hormones, uroguanylin and guanylin, have emerged as a key signaling axis opposing mutations driving intestinal tumorigenesis. Indeed, uroguanylin and guanylin are among the most commonly repressed genes in colorectal cancer. Here, we explored the role of APC heterozygosity in mechanisms repressing hormone expression which could contribute to LOH. In genetic mouse models of APC loss, uroguanylin and guanylin expression were quantified following monoallelic or biallelic deletion of the Apc gene. Induced biallelic loss of APC repressed uroguanylin and guanylin expression. However, monoallelic APC loss in Apcmin/+ mice did not alter hormone expression. Similarly, in FAP patients, normal colonic mucosa (monoallelic APC loss) expressed guanylin while adenomas and an invasive carcinoma (biallelic APC loss) were devoid of hormone expression. Thus, uroguanylin and guanylin expression by normal intestinal epithelial cells persists in the context of APC heterozygosity and is lost only after tumor initiation by APC LOH. These observations reveal a role for loss of the hormones silencing the GUCY2C axis in tumor progression following biallelic APC loss, but not in mechanisms creating the genetic vulnerability in epithelial cells underlying APC LOH initiating tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Pattison
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joshua R Barton
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ariana A Entezari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alicja Zalewski
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jeff A Rappaport
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adam E Snook
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Scott A Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, PA, USA
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22
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Mathur D, Root AR, Bugaj-Gaweda B, Bisulco S, Tan X, Fang W, Kearney JC, Lucas J, Guffroy M, Golas J, Rohde CM, Stevens C, Kamperschroer C, Kelleher K, Lawrence-Henderson RF, Upeslacis E, Yao J, Narula J, LaVallie ER, Fernandez DR, Buetow BS, Rosfjord E, Bloom L, King LE, Tchistiakova L, Nguyen A, Sapra P. A Novel GUCY2C-CD3 T-Cell Engaging Bispecific Construct (PF-07062119) for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancers. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:2188-2202. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Cappelli K, Gialletti R, Tesei B, Bassotti G, Fettucciari K, Capomaccio S, Bonfili L, Cuccioloni M, Eleuteri AM, Spaterna A, Laus F. Guanylin, Uroguanylin and Guanylate Cyclase-C Are Expressed in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Horses. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1237. [PMID: 31611814 PMCID: PMC6776823 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) is a multifunctional receptor encoded by the GUCY2C gene, representing an attractive target for therapy in several gastrointestinal diseases in humans. Little is known about this system in horses. We investigated for the first time the gene expression of guanylin, uroguanylin and GC-C receptors in different horse’s gastrointestinal tracts. Tissue samples from stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, head and body of cecum, left and right dorsal colon, left and right ventral colon, pelvic flexure, transverse colon, descending colon and rectum were collected from adult horses within 1 h post mortem. For each sample, total RNA was extracted from 100 mg of ground tissue, and qRT-PCR performed on GUCA2a, GUCA2b and GUCY2 transcripts on a CFX96 Touch instrument. Data analysis was carried out with Bio-Rad CFX Manager software, and genes of interest normalized relative to the abundance of the two reference genes (SDHA, HPRT). Additionally, the protein expression levels of GC-C receptor were analyzed through western blotting. A common pattern of expression throughout the gastrointestinal lumen for all three investigated transcripts was found. The expression of GUCA2a, GUCA2b and GUCY2 genes was higher in jejunum, ileum, descending colon and rectum. The levels of expression of GC-C protein confirmed these data. The findings of this study might open new scenarios for the therapeutic approach to enteric diseases of horse using selective agonists of GC-C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Cappelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Gialletti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Beniamino Tesei
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Gabrio Bassotti
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Katia Fettucciari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Capomaccio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Bonfili
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Anna Maria Eleuteri
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Andrea Spaterna
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Fulvio Laus
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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24
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Therapeutic opportunities in colon cancer: Focus on phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Life Sci 2019; 230:150-161. [PMID: 31125564 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite novel technologies, colon cancer remains undiagnosed and 25% of patients are diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. Resistant to chemotherapeutic agents is one of the major problems associated with treating colon cancer which creates the need to develop novel agents targeting towards newer targets. A phosphodiesterase is a group of isoenzyme, which, hydrolyze cyclic nucleotides and thereby lowers intracellular levels of cAMP and cGMP leading to tumorigenic effects. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed increased PDE expression in different types of cancers including colon cancer. cAMP-specific PDE inhibitors increase intracellular cAMP that leads to activation of effector molecules-cAMP-dependent protein kinase A, exchange protein activated by cAMP and cAMP gated ion channels. These molecules regulate cellular responses and exert its anticancer role through different mechanisms including apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, upregulating tumor suppressor genes and suppressing oncogenes. On the other hand, cGMP specific PDE inhibitors exhibit anticancer effects through cGMP dependent protein kinase and cGMP dependent cation channels. Elevation in cGMP works through activation of caspases, suppression of Wnt/b-catenin pathway and TCF transcription leading to inhibition of CDK and survivin. These studies point out towards the fact that PDE inhibition is associated with anti-proliferative, anti-apoptotic and anti-angiogenic pathways involved in its anticancer effects in colon cancer. Thus, inhibition of PDE enzymes can be used as a novel approach to treat colon cancer. This review will focus on cAMP and cGMP signaling pathways leading to tumorigenesis and the use of PDE inhibitors in colon cancer.
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25
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Snook AE, Baybutt TR, Xiang B, Abraham TS, Flickinger JC, Hyslop T, Zhan T, Kraft WK, Sato T, Waldman SA. Split tolerance permits safe Ad5-GUCY2C-PADRE vaccine-induced T-cell responses in colon cancer patients. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:104. [PMID: 31010434 PMCID: PMC6477737 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0576-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The colorectal cancer antigen GUCY2C exhibits unique split tolerance, evoking antigen-specific CD8+, but not CD4+, T-cell responses that deliver anti-tumor immunity without autoimmunity in mice. Here, the cancer vaccine Ad5-GUCY2C-PADRE was evaluated in a first-in-man phase I clinical study of patients with early-stage colorectal cancer to assess its safety and immunological efficacy. METHODS Ten patients with surgically-resected stage I or stage II (pN0) colon cancer received a single intramuscular injection of 1011 viral particles (vp) of Ad5-GUCY2C-PADRE. Safety assessment and immunomonitoring were carried out for 6 months following immunization. This trial employed continual monitoring of both efficacy and toxicity of subjects as joint primary outcomes. RESULTS All patients receiving Ad5-GUCY2C-PADRE completed the study and none developed adverse events greater than grade 1. Antibody responses to GUCY2C were detected in 10% of patients, while 40% exhibited GUCY2C-specific T-cell responses. GUCY2C-specific responses were exclusively CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, mimicking pre-clinical studies in mice in which GUCY2C-specific CD4+ T cells are eliminated by self-tolerance, while CD8+ T cells escape tolerance and mediate antitumor immunity. Moreover, pre-existing neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) to the Ad5 vector were associated with poor vaccine-induced responses, suggesting that Ad5 NAbs oppose GUCY2C immune responses to the vaccine in patients and supported by mouse studies. CONCLUSIONS Split tolerance to GUCY2C in cancer patients can be exploited to safely generate antigen-specific cytotoxic CD8+, but not autoimmune CD4+, T cells by Ad5-GUCY2C-PADRE in the absence of pre-existing NAbs to the viral vector. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial (NCT01972737) was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on October 30th, 2013. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01972737.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam E Snook
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, JAH 368, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
| | - Trevor R Baybutt
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, JAH 368, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Bo Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, JAH 368, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Tara S Abraham
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, JAH 368, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - John C Flickinger
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, JAH 368, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Terry Hyslop
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Tingting Zhan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, JAH 368, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Walter K Kraft
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, JAH 368, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Takami Sato
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Scott A Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, JAH 368, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
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Rappaport JA, Waldman SA. The Guanylate Cyclase C-cGMP Signaling Axis Opposes Intestinal Epithelial Injury and Neoplasia. Front Oncol 2018; 8:299. [PMID: 30131940 PMCID: PMC6091576 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanylate cyclase C (GUCY2C) is a transmembrane receptor expressed on the luminal aspect of the intestinal epithelium. Its ligands include bacterial heat-stable enterotoxins responsible for traveler's diarrhea, the endogenous peptide hormones uroguanylin and guanylin, and the synthetic agents, linaclotide, plecanatide, and dolcanatide. Ligand-activated GUCY2C catalyzes the synthesis of intracellular cyclic GMP (cGMP), initiating signaling cascades underlying homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium. Mouse models of GUCY2C ablation, and recently, human populations harboring GUCY2C mutations, have revealed the diverse contributions of this signaling axis to epithelial health, including regulating fluid secretion, microbiome composition, intestinal barrier integrity, epithelial renewal, cell cycle progression, responses to DNA damage, epithelial-mesenchymal cross-talk, cell migration, and cellular metabolic status. Because of these wide-ranging roles, dysregulation of the GUCY2C-cGMP signaling axis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of bowel transit disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer. This review explores the current understanding of cGMP signaling in the intestinal epithelium and mechanisms by which it opposes intestinal injury. Particular focus will be applied to its emerging role in tumor suppression. In colorectal tumors, endogenous GUCY2C ligand expression is lost by a yet undefined mechanism conserved in mice and humans. Further, reconstitution of GUCY2C signaling through genetic or oral ligand replacement opposes tumorigenesis in mice. Taken together, these findings suggest an intriguing hypothesis that colorectal cancer arises in a microenvironment of functional GUCY2C inactivation, which can be repaired by oral ligand replacement. Hence, the GUCY2C signaling axis represents a novel therapeutic target for preventing colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Rappaport
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Scott A Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Schreiber AR, Nguyen A, Bagby SM, Arcaroli JJ, Yacob BW, Quackenbush K, Guy JL, Crowell T, Stringer B, Danaee H, Kalebic T, Messersmith WA, Pitts TM. Evaluation of TAK-264, an Antibody-Drug Conjugate in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines and Patient-Derived Xenograft Models. CLINICAL CANCER DRUGS 2018; 5:42-49. [PMID: 30631747 PMCID: PMC6324574 DOI: 10.2174/2212697x05666180516120907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are an emerging technology consisting of an antibody, linker, and toxic agent, which have the potential to offer a targeted therapeutic approach. A novel target recently explored for the treatment of pancreatic cancer is guanylyl cyclase C (GCC). The objective of this study was to determine the anti-tumorigenic activity of TAK-264, an investigational ADC consisting of an antibody targeting GCC linked to a monomethyl auristatin E payload via a peptide linker. METHODS The antiproliferative effects of TAK-264 assessed in a panel of eleven pancreatic cancer cell lines. Additionally, ten unique pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer patient-derived xenograft models were treated with TAK-264 and the efficacy was determined. Baseline levels of GCC were analyzed on PDX models and cell lines. Immunoblotting was performed to evaluate the effects of TAK-264 on downstream effectors. RESULTS GCC protein expression was analyzed by immunoblotting in both normal and tumor tissue; marked increase in GCC expression was observed in tumor tissue. The in vitro experiments demonstrated a range of responses to TAK-264. Eight of the ten PDAC PDX models treated with TAK-264 demonstrated a statistically significant tumor growth inhibition. Immunoblotting demonstrated an increase in phosphorylated-HistoneH3 in both responsive and less responsive cell lines and PDAC PDX models treated with TAK-264. There was no correlation between baseline levels of GCC and response in either PDX or cell line models. CONCLUSION TAK-264 has shown suppression activity in pancreatic cancer cell lines and in pancreatic PDX models. These findings support further investigation of ADC targeting GCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R. Schreiber
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, CO, USA
| | - Anna Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, CO, USA
| | - Stacey M. Bagby
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, CO, USA
| | - John J. Arcaroli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Betelehem W. Yacob
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, CO, USA
| | - Kevin Quackenbush
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, CO, USA
| | - Joe L. Guy
- Univeristy of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Wells A. Messersmith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Todd M. Pitts
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
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