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Zambrano N, Froechlich G, Lazarevic D, Passariello M, Nicosia A, De Lorenzo C, Morelli MJ, Sasso E. High-Throughput Monoclonal Antibody Discovery from Phage Libraries: Challenging the Current Preclinical Pipeline to Keep the Pace with the Increasing mAb Demand. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051325. [PMID: 35267633 PMCID: PMC8909429 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Monoclonal antibodies are increasingly used for a broad range of diseases. Rising demand must face with time time-consuming and laborious processes to isolate novel monoclonal antibodies. Next-generation sequencing coupled to phage display provides timely and sustainable high throughput selection strategy to rapidly access novel target. Here, we describe the current NGS-guided strategies to identify potential binders from enriched sub-libraires by applying a user-friendly informatic pipeline to identify and discard false positive clones. Rescue step and strategies to boost mAb yield are also discussed to improve the limiting selection and screening steps. Abstract Monoclonal antibodies are among the most powerful therapeutics in modern medicine. Since the approval of the first therapeutic antibody in 1986, monoclonal antibodies keep holding great expectations for application in a range of clinical indications, highlighting the need to provide timely and sustainable access to powerful screening options. However, their application in the past has been limited by time-consuming and expensive steps of discovery and production. The screening of antibody repertoires is a laborious step; however, the implementation of next-generation sequencing-guided screening of single-chain antibody fragments has now largely overcome this issue. This review provides a detailed overview of the current strategies for the identification of monoclonal antibodies from phage display-based libraries. We also discuss the challenges and the possible solutions to improve the limiting selection and screening steps, in order to keep pace with the increasing demand for monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Zambrano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (G.F.); (M.P.); (A.N.); (C.D.L.)
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (N.Z.); (E.S.)
| | - Guendalina Froechlich
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (G.F.); (M.P.); (A.N.); (C.D.L.)
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Dejan Lazarevic
- Center for Omics Sciences Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy; (D.L.); (M.J.M.)
| | - Margherita Passariello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (G.F.); (M.P.); (A.N.); (C.D.L.)
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Nicosia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (G.F.); (M.P.); (A.N.); (C.D.L.)
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia De Lorenzo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (G.F.); (M.P.); (A.N.); (C.D.L.)
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco J. Morelli
- Center for Omics Sciences Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy; (D.L.); (M.J.M.)
| | - Emanuele Sasso
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (G.F.); (M.P.); (A.N.); (C.D.L.)
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (N.Z.); (E.S.)
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Passariello M, Gentile C, Ferrucci V, Sasso E, Vetrei C, Fusco G, Viscardi M, Brandi S, Cerino P, Zambrano N, Zollo M, De Lorenzo C. Novel human neutralizing mAbs specific for Spike-RBD of SARS-CoV-2. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11046. [PMID: 34040046 PMCID: PMC8155001 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90348-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the therapies against the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 virus, monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) targeting the Spike glycoprotein represent good candidates to interfere in the Spike/ACE2 interaction, preventing virus cell entry. Since anti-spike mAbs, used individually, might be unable to block the virus entry in the case of resistant mutations, we designed an innovative strategy for the isolation of multiple novel human scFvs specific for the binding domain (RBD) of Spike. By panning a large phage display antibody library on immobilized RBD, we obtained specific binders by eluting with ACE2 in order to identify those scFvs recognizing the epitope of Spike interacting with its receptor. We converted the novel scFvs into full size IgG4, differently from the previously isolated IgG1 mAbs, to avoid unwanted potential side effects of IgG1 potent effector functions on immune system. The novel antibodies specifically bind to RBD in a nanomolar range and interfere in the interaction of Spike with ACE2 receptor, either used as purified protein or when expressed on cells in its native conformation. Furthermore, some of them have neutralizing activity for virus infection in cell cultures by using two different SARS-CoV-2 isolates including the highly contagious VOC 202012/01 variant and could become useful therapeutic tools to fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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MESH Headings
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/genetics
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/metabolism
- Antibodies, Viral/genetics
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/metabolism
- COVID-19/immunology
- COVID-19/therapy
- Cells, Cultured
- Epitopes
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
- Immunoglobulin G/metabolism
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Pandemics
- Protein Binding
- Protein Domains/genetics
- SARS-CoV-2/physiology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Passariello
- Ceinge - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Chiara Gentile
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Veronica Ferrucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Emanuele Sasso
- Ceinge - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Vetrei
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Brandi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici Naples, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Cerino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Zambrano
- Ceinge - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy.
| | - Massimo Zollo
- Ceinge - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy.
| | - Claudia De Lorenzo
- Ceinge - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy.
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Froechlich G, Gentile C, Infante L, Caiazza C, Pagano P, Scatigna S, Cotugno G, D'Alise AM, Lahm A, Scarselli E, Nicosia A, Mallardo M, Sasso E, Zambrano N. Generation of a Novel Mesothelin-Targeted Oncolytic Herpes Virus and Implemented Strategies for Manufacturing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E477. [PMID: 33418877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: HER2-based retargeted viruses are in advanced phases of preclinical development of breast cancer models. Mesothelin (MSLN) is a cell-surface tumor antigen expressed in different subtypes of breast and non-breast cancer. Its recent identification as a marker of some triple-negative breast tumors renders it an attractive target, presently investigated in clinical trials employing antibody drug conjugates and CAR-T cells. The availability of MSLN-retargeted oncolytic viruses may complement the current immunotherapeutic panel of biological drugs against HER2-negative breast and non-breast tumors. Methods: A fully virulent, tumor-targeted oncolytic Herpes simplex virus-1 (MSLN-THV) with a selectivity for mesothelin-expressing cancer cells was generated. Recombineering technology was used to replace an essential moiety of the viral glycoprotein D with antibody fragments derived from clinically validated MSLN monoclonal antibodies, and to allow IL12 cargo expression in infected cells. Panels of breast and female reproductive system cell lines were used to verify the oncolytic potential of the viral constructs. A platform for production of the retargeted viruses was developed in HEK 293 cells, providing stable expression of a suitable chimeric receptor. Results: We demonstrated the selectivity of viral infection and cytotoxicity by MSLN-retargeted viruses in a panel of mesothelin-positive cancer cells, originating from breast and female reproductive system tumors. We also developed a second-generation oncolytic MSLN-THV, encoding IL12, to enhance the immunotherapeutic potential of the viral backbone. A non-tumor cell line expressing a chimeric MSLN/Nectin-1 receptor, de-sensitized from antiviral responses by genetic inactivation of the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING)-dependent pathway was engineered, to optimize viral yields. Conclusions: Our proof-of-concept study proposes MSLN-retargeted herpesviruses as potential cancer immunotherapeutics for assessments in preclinical models of MSLN-positive tumors, complementing the available panel of oncolytic viruses to HER2-negative breast tumors.
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Mailly L, Baumert TF. Hepatitis C virus infection and tight junction proteins: The ties that bind. Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr 2020; 1862:183296. [PMID: 32268133 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver diseases ranging from liver inflammation to advanced liver diseases like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCV infection is restricted to the liver, and more specifically to hepatocytes, which represent around 80% of liver cells. The mechanism of HCV entry in human hepatocytes has been extensively investigated since the discovery of the virus 30 years ago. The entry mechanism is a multi-step process relying on several host factors including heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), tetraspanin CD81, Scavenger Receptor class B type I (SR-BI), Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1). Moreover, in order to establish a persistent infection, HCV entry is dependent on the presence of tight junction (TJ) proteins Claudin-1 (CLDN1) and Occludin (OCLN). In the liver, tight junction proteins play a role in architecture and homeostasis including sealing the apical pole of adjacent cells to form bile canaliculi and separating the basolateral domain drained by sinusoidal blood flow. In this review, we will highlight the role of liver tight junction proteins in HCV infection, and we will discuss the potential targeted therapeutic approaches to improve virus eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Mailly
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, UMR-S1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, UMR-S1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, F-67000 Strasbourg, France; Pôle Hépato-digestif, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France; Institut Universitaire de France, F-75231 Paris, France.
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5
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Abstract
Over the past two decades a growing body of evidence has demonstrated an important role of tight junction (TJ) proteins in the physiology and disease biology of GI and liver disease. On one side, TJ proteins exert their functional role as integral proteins of TJs in forming barriers in the gut and the liver. Furthermore, TJ proteins can also be expressed outside TJs where they play important functional roles in signalling, trafficking and regulation of gene expression. A hallmark of TJ proteins in disease biology is their functional role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. A causative role of TJ proteins has been established in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer and gastric cancer. Among the best characterised roles of TJ proteins in liver disease biology is their function as cell entry receptors for HCV-one of the most common causes of hepatocellular carcinoma. At the same time TJ proteins are emerging as targets for novel therapeutic approaches for GI and liver disease. Here we review our current knowledge of the role of TJ proteins in the pathogenesis of GI and liver disease biology and discuss their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam B. Zeisel
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL), Lyon, France
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Punita Dhawan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
- Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE
| | - Thomas F. Baumert
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle hépato-digestif, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France
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Hashimoto Y, Okada Y, Shirakura K, Tachibana K, Sawada M, Yagi K, Doi T, Kondoh M. Anti-Claudin Antibodies as a Concept for Development of Claudin-Directed Drugs. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 368:179-186. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.252361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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7
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Sasso E, D'Avino C, Passariello M, D'Alise AM, Siciliano D, Esposito ML, Froechlich G, Cortese R, Scarselli E, Zambrano N, Nicosia A, De Lorenzo C. Massive parallel screening of phage libraries for the generation of repertoires of human immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies. MAbs 2018; 10:1060-1072. [PMID: 29995563 PMCID: PMC6204801 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2018.1496772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints are emerging as novel targets for cancer therapy, and antibodies against them have shown remarkable clinical efficacy with potential for combination treatments to achieve high therapeutic index. This work aims at providing a novel approach for the generation of several novel human immunomodulatory antibodies capable of binding their targets in their native conformation and useful for therapeutic applications. We performed a massive parallel screening of phage libraries by using for the first time activated human lymphocytes to generate large collections of single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) against 10 different immune checkpoints: LAG-3, PD-L1, PD-1, TIM3, BTLA, TIGIT, OX40, 4-1BB, CD27 and ICOS. By next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis we ranked individual scFvs in each collection and identified those with the highest level of enrichment. As a proof of concept of the quality/potency of the binders identified by this approach, human IgGs from three of these collections (i.e., PD-1, PD-L1 and LAG-3) were generated and shown to have comparable or better binding affinity and biological activity than the clinically validated anti-PD-1 mAb nivolumab. The repertoires generated in this work represent a convenient source of agonistic or antagonistic antibodies against the ‘Checkpoint Immunome’ for preclinical screening and clinical implementation of optimized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Sasso
- a Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology , University of Naples "Federico II" , Napoli ( NA ), Italy.,b CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l ., Naples , Italy
| | - Chiara D'Avino
- a Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology , University of Naples "Federico II" , Napoli ( NA ), Italy.,b CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l ., Naples , Italy
| | - Margherita Passariello
- a Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology , University of Naples "Federico II" , Napoli ( NA ), Italy.,b CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l ., Naples , Italy
| | | | - Daniela Siciliano
- a Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology , University of Naples "Federico II" , Napoli ( NA ), Italy.,b CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l ., Naples , Italy
| | | | - Guendalina Froechlich
- a Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology , University of Naples "Federico II" , Napoli ( NA ), Italy.,b CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l ., Naples , Italy
| | | | | | - Nicola Zambrano
- a Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology , University of Naples "Federico II" , Napoli ( NA ), Italy.,b CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l ., Naples , Italy
| | - Alfredo Nicosia
- a Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology , University of Naples "Federico II" , Napoli ( NA ), Italy.,b CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l ., Naples , Italy.,e Keires AG , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Claudia De Lorenzo
- a Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology , University of Naples "Federico II" , Napoli ( NA ), Italy.,b CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l ., Naples , Italy
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Sasso E, Latino D, Froechlich G, Succoio M, Passariello M, De Lorenzo C, Nicosia A, Zambrano N. A long non-coding SINEUP RNA boosts semi-stable production of fully human monoclonal antibodies in HEK293E cells. MAbs 2018; 10:730-737. [PMID: 29658818 PMCID: PMC6150626 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2018.1463945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of monoclonal antibodies is emerging as a highly promising and fast-developing scenario for innovative treatment of viral, autoimmune and tumour diseases. The search for diagnostic and therapeutic antibodies currently depends on in vitro screening approaches, such as phage and yeast display technologies. Antibody production still represents a critical step for preclinical and clinical evaluations. Accordingly, improving production of monoclonal antibodies represents an opportunity, to facilitate downstream target validations. SINEUP RNAs are long non-coding transcripts, possessing the ability to enhance translation of selected mRNAs. We applied SINEUP technology to semi-stable production of monoclonal antibodies in HEK293E cells, which allows for episomal propagation of the expression vectors encoding the heavy and light chains of IgGs. Co-expression of SINEUP RNA with mRNAs encoding heavy and light chains of IgG4s was able to increase the production of different anti-CLDN1 antibodies up to three-fold. Improved production of monoclonal antibodies was achieved both in transiently transfected HEK293E cells and in cellular clones with stable expression of the SINEUP. Compared to antibody preparations obtained under standard conditions, the anti-CLDN1 IgG4s produced in the presence of the SINEUP transcript showed unaltered post-translational modifications, and retained the ability to recognize their target. We thus propose SINEUP technology as a valuable tool to enhance semi-stable antibody production in human cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Sasso
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy.,b CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.AR.L. , Napoli , Italy.,c Associazione Culturale DiSciMuS RFC , Casoria , NA , Italy
| | - Debora Latino
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy.,b CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.AR.L. , Napoli , Italy
| | - Guendalina Froechlich
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy.,b CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.AR.L. , Napoli , Italy
| | - Mariangela Succoio
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy.,b CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.AR.L. , Napoli , Italy.,c Associazione Culturale DiSciMuS RFC , Casoria , NA , Italy
| | - Margherita Passariello
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy.,b CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.AR.L. , Napoli , Italy
| | - Claudia De Lorenzo
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy.,b CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.AR.L. , Napoli , Italy
| | - Alfredo Nicosia
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy.,b CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.AR.L. , Napoli , Italy.,d ReiThera S.R.L. Roma , Italy
| | - Nicola Zambrano
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy.,b CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.AR.L. , Napoli , Italy.,c Associazione Culturale DiSciMuS RFC , Casoria , NA , Italy
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Colpitts CC, Tawar RG, Mailly L, Thumann C, Heydmann L, Durand SC, Xiao F, Robinet E, Pessaux P, Zeisel MB, Baumert TF. Humanisation of a claudin-1-specific monoclonal antibody for clinical prevention and cure of HCV infection without escape. Gut 2018; 67:736-745. [PMID: 28360099 PMCID: PMC5868241 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2016-312577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HCV infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and a major indication for liver transplantation. Although direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have much improved the treatment of chronic HCV infection, alternative strategies are needed for patients with treatment failure. As an essential HCV entry factor, the tight junction protein claudin-1 (CLDN1) is a promising antiviral target. However, genotype-dependent escape via CLDN6 and CLDN9 has been described in some cell lines as a possible limitation facing CLDN1-targeted therapies. Here, we evaluated the clinical potential of therapeutic strategies targeting CLDN1. DESIGN We generated a humanised anti-CLDN1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) (H3L3) suitable for clinical development and characterised its anti-HCV activity using cell culture models, a large panel of primary human hepatocytes (PHH) from 12 different donors, and human liver chimeric mice. RESULTS H3L3 pan-genotypically inhibited HCV pseudoparticle entry into PHH, irrespective of donor. Escape was likely precluded by low surface expression of CLDN6 and CLDN9 on PHH. Co-treatment of a panel of PHH with a CLDN6-specific mAb did not enhance the antiviral effect of H3L3, confirming that CLDN6 does not function as an entry factor in PHH from multiple donors. H3L3 also inhibited DAA-resistant strains of HCV and synergised with current DAAs. Finally, H3L3 cured persistent HCV infection in human-liver chimeric uPA-SCID mice in monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these findings underscore the clinical potential of CLDN1-targeted therapies and describe the functional characterisation of a humanised anti-CLDN1 antibody suitable for further clinical development to complement existing therapeutic strategies for HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che C Colpitts
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Rajiv G Tawar
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurent Mailly
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christine Thumann
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laura Heydmann
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sarah C Durand
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Fei Xiao
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Eric Robinet
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Patrick Pessaux
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mirjam B Zeisel
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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10
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Crouchet E, Wrensch F, Schuster C, Zeisel MB, Baumert TF. Host-targeting therapies for hepatitis C virus infection: current developments and future applications. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2018; 11:1756284818759483. [PMID: 29619090 PMCID: PMC5871046 DOI: 10.1177/1756284818759483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. In the past few years, anti-HCV therapies have undergone a revolution with the approval of multiple direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which enable interferon-free treatments with considerable improvement of sustained virologic response in patients. Today, DAAs have become the standard of care for HCV therapy. However, several limitations remain, which include access to therapy, treatment failure in a subset of patients and persistent risk of HCC development following cure in patients with advanced fibrosis. By targeting conserved host proteins involved in the HCV life cycle, host-targeting agents (HTAs) offer opportunities for pan-genotypic antiviral approaches with a high barrier to drug resistance. Moreover, when applied in combination with DAAs, HTAs could improve the management of difficult-to-treat patients by acting through a complementary mechanism of action. In this review, we summarize the different HTAs evaluated in preclinical and clinical development and discuss their potential role for anti-HCV therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Crouchet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Florian Wrensch
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Schuster
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mirjam B. Zeisel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL), Lyon, France
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11
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Hashimoto Y, Fukasawa M, Kuniyasu H, Yagi K, Kondoh M. Claudin-targeted drug development using anti-claudin monoclonal antibodies to treat hepatitis and cancer. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1397:5-16. [PMID: 28415141 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The 27-member family of tetraspan membrane proteins known as claudins (CLDNs) is a major component of tight junctions. A series of studies elucidating the relationship between CLDNs and various pathological conditions has provided new insights into drug development. For instance, CLDN-1 may be a potent target for epidermal absorption of drugs and for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. CLDN-4 may be a target for treating cancer. Because CLDNs are also expressed in various normal tissues, safety and efficacy evaluations are critical for translational research. We previously developed several anti-CLDN antibodies and have established proof of concept for CLDN-targeted drug development using these reagents. Here, we provide an overview of CLDN-1 as a target for improving epidermal drug absorption and preventing HCV infection and of CLDN-4 as a target for anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Hashimoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Fukasawa
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kuniyasu
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Kiyohito Yagi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masuo Kondoh
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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12
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Abstract
Tight junctions are critically important for many physiological functions, including the maintenance of cell polarity, regulation of paracellular permeability, and involvement in signal transduction pathways to regulate integral cellular processes. Furthermore, tight junctions enable epithelial cells to form physical barriers, which act as an innate immune mechanism that can impede viral infection. Viruses, in turn, have evolved mechanisms to exploit tight junction proteins to gain access to cells or spread through tissues in an infected host. Claudin family proteins are integral components of tight junctions and are thought to play crucial roles in regulating their permeability. Claudins have been implicated in the infection process of several medically important human pathogens, including hepatitis C virus, dengue virus, West Nile virus, and human immunodeficiency virus, among others. In this review, we summarize the role of claudins in viral infections and discuss their potential as novel antiviral targets. A better understanding of claudins during viral infection may provide insight into physiological roles of claudins and uncover novel therapeutic antiviral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che C Colpitts
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 3 Rue Koeberlé, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 3 Rue Koeberlé, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
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13
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Colpitts CC, Baumert TF. Hepatitis C virus cell entry: a target for novel antiviral strategies to address limitations of direct acting antivirals. Hepatol Int 2016; 10:741-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s12072-016-9724-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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14
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Sasso E, Paciello R, D'Auria F, Riccio G, Froechlich G, Cortese R, Nicosia A, De Lorenzo C, Zambrano N. One-Step Recovery of scFv Clones from High-Throughput Sequencing-Based Screening of Phage Display Libraries Challenged to Cells Expressing Native Claudin-1. Biomed Res Int 2015; 2015:703213. [PMID: 26649313 DOI: 10.1155/2015/703213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Expanding the availability of monoclonal antibodies interfering with hepatitis C virus infection of hepatocytes is an active field of investigation within medical biotechnologies, to prevent graft reinfection in patients subjected to liver transplantation and to overcome resistances elicited by novel antiviral drugs. In this paper, we describe a complete pipeline for screening of phage display libraries of human scFvs against native Claudin-1, a tight-junction protein involved in hepatitis C virus infection, expressed on the cell surface of human hepatocytes. To this aim, we implemented a high-throughput sequencing approach for library screening, followed by a simple and effective strategy to recover active binder clones from enriched sublibraries. The recovered clones were successfully converted to active immunoglobulins, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of the whole procedure. This novel approach can guarantee rapid and cheap isolation of antibodies for virtually any native antigen involved in human diseases, for therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications.
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