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Heremans J, Maximilian Awad R, Bridoux J, Ertveldt T, Caveliers V, Madder A, Hoogenboom R, Devoogdt N, Ballet S, Hernot S, Breckpot K, Martin C. Sustained release of a human PD-L1 single-domain antibody using peptide-based hydrogels. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 196:114183. [PMID: 38246566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the immune checkpoint axis, which contains the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1, revolutionized the field of oncology. Unfortunately, the large size of mAbs and the presence of an Fc fraction limit their tumor penetrative capacities and support off-target effects, potentially resulting in unresponsive patients and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) respectively. Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) are ten times smaller than conventional mAbs and represent an emerging antibody subclass that has been proposed as next generation immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapeutics. They demonstrate favorable characteristics, such as an excellent stability, high antigen-binding affinity and an enhanced tumor penetration. Because sdAbs have a short half-life, methods to prolong their presence in the circulation and at the target site might be necessary in some cases to unfold their full therapeutic potential. In this study, we investigated a peptide-based hydrogel as an injectable biomaterial depot formulation for the sustained release of the human PD-L1 sdAb K2. We showed that a hydrogel composed of the amphipathic hexapeptide hydrogelator H-FQFQFK-NH2 prolonged the in vivo release of K2 after subcutaneous (s.c.) injection, up to at least 72 h, as monitored by SPECT/CT and fluorescence imaging. Additionally, after encapsulation in the hydrogel and s.c. administration, a significantly extended systemic presence and tumor uptake of K2 was observed in mice bearing a melanoma tumor expressing human PD-L1. Altogether, this study describes how peptide hydrogels can be exploited to provide the sustained release of sdAbs, thereby potentially enhancing its clinical and therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Heremans
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jessica Bridoux
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vicky Caveliers
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annemieke Madder
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Hernot
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Awad RM, De Vlaeminck Y, Meeus F, Ertveldt T, Zeven K, Ceuppens H, Goyvaerts C, Verdonck M, Salguero G, Raes G, Devoogdt N, Breckpot K. In vitro modelling of local gene therapy with IL-15/IL-15Rα and a PD-L1 antagonist in melanoma reveals an interplay between NK cells and CD4 + T cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18995. [PMID: 37923822 PMCID: PMC10624833 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45948-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Blockade of the immune checkpoint axis consisting of programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 alleviates the functional inhibition of tumor-infiltrating lymphoid cells yet weakly induces their expansion. Exogenous cytokines could further expand lymphoid cells and thus synergize with αPD-L1 therapy. However, systemic delivery of most cytokines causes severe toxicity due to unspecific expansion of immune cells in the periphery. Here, we modelled local delivery of cytokines and αPD-L1 therapeutics to immune cell-containing in vitro melanoma tumors. Three-dimensional tumor models consisting of 624-MEL cells were co-cultured with human peripheral blood lymphoid cells (PBLs) in presence of the cytokines IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-21 and IFN-γ. To model local gene therapy, melanoma tumors were modified with lentiviral vectors encoding IL-15 fused to IL-15Rα (IL-15/IL-15Rα) and K2-Fc, a fusion of a human PD-L1 specific single domain antibody to immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 Fc. To evaluate the interplay between PBL fractions, NK cells, CD4+ T cells or CD8+ T cells were depleted. Tumor cell killing was followed up using real time imaging and immune cell expansion and activation was evaluated with flow cytometry. Among the tested cytokines, IL-15 was the most potent cytokine in stimulating tumor cell killing and expanding both natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. Gene-based delivery of IL-15/IL-15Rα to tumor cells, shows expansion of NK cells, activation of NK cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and killing of tumor spheroids. Both NK cells and CD8+ T cells are necessary for tumor cell killing and CD4+ T-cell activation was reduced without NK cells. Co-delivery of K2-Fc improved tumor cell killing coinciding with increased activation of NK cells, which was independent of bystander T cells. CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were not affected by the co-delivery of K2-Fc even though NK-cell activation impacted CD4+ T-cell activation. This study demonstrates that gene-based delivery of IL-15/IL-15Rα to tumor cells effectively mediates anti-tumor activity and sensitizes the tumor microenvironment for therapy with αPD-L1 therapeutics mainly by impacting NK cells. These findings warrant further investigation of gene-based IL-15 and K2-Fc delivery in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Maximilian Awad
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMWE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Yannick De Vlaeminck
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMWE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fien Meeus
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMWE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMWE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katty Zeven
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Ceuppens
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMWE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMWE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Magali Verdonck
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMWE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gustavo Salguero
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Instituto Distrital de Ciencia Biotecnología e Innovación en Salud-IDCBIS, 111611, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Geert Raes
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Immunology, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology and Cancer Immunotherapy, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMWE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
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Zeven K, De Groof TW, Ceuppens H, Awad RM, Ertveldt T, de Mey W, Meeus F, Raes G, Breckpot K, Devoogdt N. Development and evaluation of nanobody tracers for noninvasive nuclear imaging of the immune-checkpoint TIGIT. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1268900. [PMID: 37799715 PMCID: PMC10548220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction T cell Ig and ITIM domain receptor (TIGIT) is a next-generation immune checkpoint predominantly expressed on activated T cells and NK cells, exhibiting an unfavorable prognostic association with various malignancies. Despite the emergence of multiple TIGIT-blocking agents entering clinical trials, only a fraction of patients responded positively to anti-TIGIT therapy. Consequently, an urgent demand arises for noninvasive techniques to quantify and monitor TIGIT expression, facilitating patient stratification and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Small antigen binding moieties such as nanobodies, are promising candidates for such tracer development. Methods We generated a panel of anti-human or anti-mouse TIGIT nanobodies from immunized llamas. In addition, we designed a single-chain variable fragment derived from the clinically tested monoclonal antibody Vibostolimab targeting TIGIT, and assessed its performance alongside the nanobodies. In vitro characterization studies were performed, including binding ability and affinity to cell expressed or recombinant TIGIT. After Technetium-99m labeling, the nanobodies and the single-chain variable fragment were evaluated in vivo for their ability to detect TIGIT expression using SPECT/CT imaging, followed by ex vivo biodistribution analysis. Results Nine nanobodies were selected for binding to recombinant and cell expressed TIGIT with low sub-nanomolar affinities and are thermostable. A six-fold higher uptake in TIGIT-overexpressing tumor was demonstrated one hour post- injection with Technetium-99m labeled nanobodies compared to an irrelevant control nanobody. Though the single-chain variable fragment exhibited superior binding to TIGIT-expressing peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro, its in vivo behavior yielded lower tumor-to-background ratios at one hour post- injection, indicating that nanobodies are better suited for in vivo imaging than the single-chain variable fragment. Despite the good affinity, high specificity and on-target uptake in mice in this setting, imaging of TIGIT expression on tumor- infiltrating lymphocytes within MC38 tumors remained elusive. This is likely due to the low expression levels of TIGIT in this model. Discussion The excellent affinity, high specificity and rapid on-target uptake in mice bearing TIGIT- overexpressing tumors showed the promising diagnostic potential of nanobodies to noninvasively image high TIGIT expression within the tumor. These findings hold promise for clinical translation to aid patient selection and improve therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katty Zeven
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timo W.M. De Groof
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Ceuppens
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wout de Mey
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fien Meeus
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geert Raes
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Immunology (CMIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Ertveldt T, Krasniqi A, Ceuppens H, Puttemans J, Dekempeneer Y, De Jonghe K, de Mey W, Lecocq Q, De Vlaeminck Y, Awad RM, Goyvaerts C, De Veirman K, Morgenstern A, Bruchertseifer F, Keyaerts M, Devoogdt N, D'Huyvetter M, Breckpot K. Targeted α-Therapy Using 225Ac Radiolabeled Single-Domain Antibodies Induces Antigen-Specific Immune Responses and Instills Immunomodulation Both Systemically and at the Tumor Microenvironment. J Nucl Med 2023; 64:751-758. [PMID: 37055223 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.122.264752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) using targeting moieties labeled with α-particle-emitting radionuclides (α-TRT) is an intensely investigated treatment approach as the short range of α-particles allows effective treatment of local lesions and micrometastases. However, profound assessment of the immunomodulatory effect of α-TRT is lacking in literature. Methods: Using flow cytometry of tumors, splenocyte restimulation, and multiplex analysis of blood serum, we studied immunologic responses ensuing from TRT with an antihuman CD20 single-domain antibody radiolabeled with 225Ac in a human CD20 and ovalbumin expressing B16-melanoma model. Results: Tumor growth was delayed with α-TRT and increased blood levels of various cytokines such as interferon-γ, C-C motif chemokine ligand 5, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Peripheral antitumoral T-cell responses were detected on α-TRT. At the tumor site, α-TRT modulated the cold tumor microenvironment (TME) to a more hospitable and hot habitat for antitumoral immune cells, characterized by a decrease in protumoral alternatively activated macrophages and an increase in antitumoral macrophages and dendritic cells. We also showed that α-TRT increased the percentage of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-positive (PD-L1pos) immune cells in the TME. To circumvent this immunosuppressive countermeasure we applied immune checkpoint blockade of the programmed cell death protein 1-PD-L1 axis. Combination of α-TRT with PD-L1 blockade potentiated the therapeutic effect, however, the combination aggravated adverse events. A long-term toxicity study revealed severe kidney damage ensuing from α-TRT. Conclusion: These data suggest that α-TRT alters the TME and induces systemic antitumoral immune responses, which explains why immune checkpoint blockade enhances the therapeutic effect of α-TRT. However, further optimization is warranted to avoid adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ertveldt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ahmet Krasniqi
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Ceuppens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Janik Puttemans
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yana Dekempeneer
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Jonghe
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wout de Mey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Lecocq
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannick De Vlaeminck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim De Veirman
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alfred Morgenstern
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Karlsruhe Institut, Germany; and
| | - Frank Bruchertseifer
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Karlsruhe Institut, Germany; and
| | - Marleen Keyaerts
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias D'Huyvetter
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium;
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Abstract
Cancer cells develop several ways to subdue the immune system among others via upregulation of inhibitory immune checkpoint (ICP) proteins. These ICPs paralyze immune effector cells and thereby enable unfettered tumor growth. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that block ICPs can prevent immune exhaustion. Due to their outstanding effects, mAbs revolutionized the field of cancer immunotherapy. However, current ICP therapy regimens suffer from issues related to systemic administration of mAbs, including the onset of immune related adverse events, poor pharmacokinetics, limited tumor accessibility and immunogenicity. These drawbacks and new insights on spatiality prompted the exploration of novel administration routes for mAbs for instance peritumoral delivery. Moreover, novel ICP drug classes that are adept to novel delivery technologies were developed to circumvent the drawbacks of mAbs. We therefore review the state-of-the-art and novel delivery strategies of ICP drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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Kiss M, Lebegge E, Murgaski A, Van Damme H, Kancheva D, Brughmans J, Scheyltjens I, Talebi A, Awad RM, Elkrim Y, Bardet PMR, Arnouk SM, Goyvaerts C, Swinnen J, Nana FA, Van Ginderachter JA, Laoui D. Junctional adhesion molecule-A is dispensable for myeloid cell recruitment and diversification in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1003975. [PMID: 36531986 PMCID: PMC9751033 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1003975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A), expressed on the surface of myeloid cells, is required for extravasation at sites of inflammation and may also modulate myeloid cell activation. Infiltration of myeloid cells is a common feature of tumors that drives disease progression, but the function of JAM-A in this phenomenon and its impact on tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells is little understood. Here we show that systemic cancer-associated inflammation in mice enhanced JAM-A expression selectively on circulating monocytes in an IL1β-dependent manner. Using myeloid-specific JAM-A-deficient mice, we found that JAM-A was dispensable for recruitment of monocytes and other myeloid cells to tumors, in contrast to its reported role in inflammation. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that loss of JAM-A did not influence the transcriptional reprogramming of myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. Overall, our results support the notion that cancer-associated inflammation can modulate the phenotype of circulating immune cells, and we demonstrate that tumors can bypass the requirement of JAM-A for myeloid cell recruitment and reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Máté Kiss
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology and Cancer Immunotherapy, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium,*Correspondence: Máté Kiss, ; Damya Laoui,
| | - Els Lebegge
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aleksandar Murgaski
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology and Cancer Immunotherapy, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Helena Van Damme
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Daliya Kancheva
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology and Cancer Immunotherapy, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jan Brughmans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology and Cancer Immunotherapy, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Scheyltjens
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ali Talebi
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yvon Elkrim
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pauline M. R. Bardet
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology and Cancer Immunotherapy, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sana M. Arnouk
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johan Swinnen
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank Aboubakar Nana
- Division of Pneumology, CHU UCL Namur (Godinne Site), UCLouvain, Yvoir, Belgium,Division of Pneumology, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jo A. Van Ginderachter
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Damya Laoui
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium,Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology and Cancer Immunotherapy, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium,*Correspondence: Máté Kiss, ; Damya Laoui,
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7
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Ertveldt T, De Beck L, De Ridder K, Locy H, de Mey W, Goyvaerts C, Lecocq Q, Ceuppens H, De Vlaeminck Y, Awad RM, Keyaerts M, Devoogdt N, D'Huyvetter M, Breckpot K, Krasniqi A. Targeted Radionuclide Therapy with Low and High-Dose Lutetium-177-Labeled Single Domain Antibodies Induces Distinct Immune Signatures in a Mouse Melanoma Model. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1136-1148. [PMID: 35499391 PMCID: PMC9377759 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) using probes labeled with Lutetium-177 (177Lu) represents a new and growing type of cancer therapy. We studied immunologic changes in response to TRT with 177Lu labeled anti-human CD20 camelid single domain antibodies (sdAb) in a B16-melanoma model transfected to express human CD20, the target antigen, and ovalbumin, a surrogate tumor antigen. High-dose TRT induced melanoma cell death, calreticulin exposure, and ATP-release in vitro. Melanoma-bearing mice received fractionated low and high-dose TRT via tumor targeting anti-human CD20 sdAbs, as opposed to control sdAbs. Tumor growth was delayed with both doses. Low- and high-dose TRT increased IL10 serum levels. Low-dose TRT also decreased CCL5 serum levels. At the tumor, high-dose TRT induced a type I IFN gene signature, while low-dose TRT induced a proinflammatory gene signature. Low- and high-dose TRT increased the percentage of PD-L1pos and PD-L2pos myeloid cells in tumors with a marked increase in alternatively activated macrophages after high-dose TRT. The percentage of tumor-infiltrating T cells was not changed, yet a modest increase in ovalbumin-specific CD8pos T-cells was observed after low-dose TRT. Contradictory, low and high-dose TRT decreased CD4pos Th1 cells in addition to double negative T cells. In conclusion, these data suggest that low and high-dose TRT induce distinct immunologic changes, which might serve as an anchoring point for combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Corresponding Authors: Karine Breckpot, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium. Phone: 322-477-4566; Fax: 322-477-4506; E-mail: ; and Thomas Ertveldt, E-mail:
| | - Lien De Beck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kirsten De Ridder
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hanne Locy
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wout de Mey
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Lecocq
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Ceuppens
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannick De Vlaeminck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marleen Keyaerts
- Laboratory for In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Laboratory for In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias D'Huyvetter
- Laboratory for In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Corresponding Authors: Karine Breckpot, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium. Phone: 322-477-4566; Fax: 322-477-4506; E-mail: ; and Thomas Ertveldt, E-mail:
| | - Ahmet Krasniqi
- Laboratory for In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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8
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Awad RM, Meeus F, Ceuppens H, Ertveldt T, Hanssens H, Lecocq Q, Mateusiak L, Zeven K, Valenta H, De Groof TWM, De Vlaeminck Y, Krasniqi A, De Veirman K, Goyvaerts C, D'Huyvetter M, Hernot S, Devoogdt N, Breckpot K. Emerging applications of nanobodies in cancer therapy. Int Rev Cell Mol Biol 2022; 369:143-199. [PMID: 35777863 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease, requiring treatment tailored to the unique phenotype of the patient's tumor. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and variants thereof have enabled targeted therapies to selectively target cancer cells. Cancer cell-specific mAbs have been used for image-guided surgery and targeted delivery of radionuclides or toxic agents, improving classical treatment strategies. Cancer cell-specific mAbs can further inhibit tumor cell growth or can stimulate immune-mediated destruction of cancer cells, a feature that has also been achieved through mAb-mediated manipulation of immune cells and pathways. Drawbacks of mAbs and their variants, together with the discovery of camelid heavy chain-only antibodies and the many advantageous features of their variable domains, referred to as VHHs, single domain antibodies or nanobodies (Nbs), resulted in the exploration of Nbs as an alternative targeting moiety. We therefore review the state-of-the-art as well as novel exploitation strategies of Nbs for targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fien Meeus
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Ceuppens
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heleen Hanssens
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Lecocq
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lukasz Mateusiak
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katty Zeven
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hana Valenta
- Lab for Nanobiology, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Timo W M De Groof
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannick De Vlaeminck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ahmet Krasniqi
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim De Veirman
- Laboratory for Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias D'Huyvetter
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Hernot
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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9
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De Beck L, Awad RM, Basso V, Casares N, De Ridder K, De Vlaeminck Y, Gnata A, Goyvaerts C, Lecocq Q, San José-Enériz E, Verhulst S, Maes K, Vanderkerken K, Agirre X, Prosper F, Lasarte JJ, Mondino A, Breckpot K. Inhibiting Histone and DNA Methylation Improves Cancer Vaccination in an Experimental Model of Melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:799636. [PMID: 35634329 PMCID: PMC9134079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.799636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has improved the treatment of malignant skin cancer of the melanoma type, yet overall clinical response rates remain low. Combination therapies could be key to meet this cogent medical need. Because epigenetic hallmarks represent promising combination therapy targets, we studied the immunogenic potential of a dual inhibitor of histone methyltransferase G9a and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in the preclinical B16-OVA melanoma model. Making use of tumor transcriptomic and functional analyses, methylation-targeted epigenetic reprogramming was shown to induce tumor cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro coinciding with transient tumor growth delay and an IFN-I response in immune-competent mice. In consideration of a potential impact on immune cells, the drug was shown not to interfere with dendritic cell maturation or T-cell activation in vitro. Notably, the drug promoted dendritic cell and, to a lesser extent, T-cell infiltration in vivo, yet failed to sensitize tumor cells to programmed cell death-1 inhibition. Instead, it increased therapeutic efficacy of TCR-redirected T cell and dendritic cell vaccination, jointly increasing overall survival of B16-OVA tumor-bearing mice. The reported data confirm the prospect of methylation-targeted epigenetic reprogramming in melanoma and sustain dual G9a and DNMT inhibition as a strategy to tip the cancer-immune set-point towards responsiveness to active and adoptive vaccination against melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien De Beck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veronica Basso
- Lymphocyte Activation Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Noelia Casares
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Kirsten De Ridder
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannick De Vlaeminck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Gnata
- Lymphocyte Activation Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Lecocq
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Edurne San José-Enériz
- Hemato-Oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Stefaan Verhulst
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ken Maes
- Laboratory of Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Laboratory of Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Hemato-Oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Hemato-Oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Hematology and Cell Therapy Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan José Lasarte
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Anna Mondino
- Lymphocyte Activation Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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10
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De Ridder K, Locy H, Piccioni E, Zuazo MI, Awad RM, Verhulst S, Van Bulck M, De Vlaeminck Y, Lecocq Q, Reijmen E, De Mey W, De Beck L, Ertveldt T, Pintelon I, Timmermans JP, Escors D, Keyaerts M, Breckpot K, Goyvaerts C. TNF-α-Secreting Lung Tumor-Infiltrated Monocytes Play a Pivotal Role During Anti-PD-L1 Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:811867. [PMID: 35493461 PMCID: PMC9046849 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.811867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) of the PD-1 pathway revolutionized the survival forecast for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Yet, the majority of PD-L1+ NSCLC patients are refractory to anti-PD-L1 therapy. Recent observations indicate a pivotal role for the PD-L1+ tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells in therapy failure. As the latter comprise a heterogenous population in the lung tumor microenvironment, we applied an orthotopic Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) model to evaluate 11 different tumor-residing myeloid subsets in response to anti-PD-L1 therapy. While we observed significantly reduced fractions of tumor-infiltrating MHC-IIlow macrophages and monocytes, serological levels of TNF-α restored in lung tumor-bearing mice. Notably, we demonstrated in vivo and in vitro that anti-PD-L1 therapy mediated a monocyte-specific production of, and response to TNF-α, further accompanied by their significant upregulation of CD80, VISTA, LAG-3, SIRP-α and TIM-3. Nevertheless, co-blockade of PD-L1 and TNF-α did not reduce LLC tumor growth. A phenomenon that was partly explained by the observation that monocytes and TNF-α play a Janus-faced role in anti-PD-L1 therapy-mediated CTL stimulation. This was endorsed by the observation that monocytes appeared crucial to effectively boost T cell-mediated LLC killing in vitro upon combined PD-L1 with LAG-3 or SIRP-α blockade. Hence, this study enlightens the biomarker potential of lung tumor-infiltrated monocytes to define more effective ICB combination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten De Ridder
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hanne Locy
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elisa Piccioni
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Miren Ibarra Zuazo
- Immunomodulation Group, Navarrabiomed, Navarrabiomed-UPNA-IdISNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Verhulst
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathias Van Bulck
- Laboratory of Molecular and Medical Oncology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannick De Vlaeminck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Lecocq
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eva Reijmen
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wout De Mey
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lien De Beck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabel Pintelon
- Laboratory of Cell Biology & Histology, Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy (ACAM), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology & Histology, Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy (ACAM), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - David Escors
- Immunomodulation Group, Navarrabiomed, Navarrabiomed-UPNA-IdISNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Rayne Institute, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marleen Keyaerts
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Cleo Goyvaerts,
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11
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De Ridder K, Tung N, Werle JT, Karpf L, Awad RM, Bernier A, Ceuppens H, Salmon H, Goyvaerts C. Novel 3D Lung Tumor Spheroids for Oncoimmunological Assays. Advanced NanoBiomed Research 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten De Ridder
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy Department of Biomedical Sciences Vrije Universiteit Brussel Laarbeeklaan 103-E 1090 Jette Belgium
| | - Navpreet Tung
- Department of Oncological Sciences The Precision Immunology Institute The Tisch Cancer Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 1470 Madison Avenue New York NY 10029 USA
| | - Jan-Timon Werle
- Institut Curie INSERM 75005 Paris France
- PSL Research University 75006 Paris France
| | - Léa Karpf
- Department of Oncological Sciences The Precision Immunology Institute The Tisch Cancer Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 1470 Madison Avenue New York NY 10029 USA
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy Department of Biomedical Sciences Vrije Universiteit Brussel Laarbeeklaan 103-E 1090 Jette Belgium
| | - Annie Bernier
- Institut Curie INSERM 75005 Paris France
- PSL Research University 75006 Paris France
| | - Hannelore Ceuppens
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy Department of Biomedical Sciences Vrije Universiteit Brussel Laarbeeklaan 103-E 1090 Jette Belgium
| | - Hélène Salmon
- Department of Oncological Sciences The Precision Immunology Institute The Tisch Cancer Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 1470 Madison Avenue New York NY 10029 USA
- Institut Curie INSERM 75005 Paris France
- PSL Research University 75006 Paris France
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy Department of Biomedical Sciences Vrije Universiteit Brussel Laarbeeklaan 103-E 1090 Jette Belgium
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12
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Lecocq Q, Debie P, Puttemans J, Awad RM, De Beck L, Ertveldt T, De Vlaeminck Y, Goyvaerts C, Raes G, Keyaerts M, Breckpot K, Devoogdt N. Evaluation of single domain antibodies as nuclear tracers for imaging of the immune checkpoint receptor human lymphocyte activation gene-3 in cancer. EJNMMI Res 2021; 11:115. [PMID: 34727262 PMCID: PMC8563901 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-021-00857-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in the field of immune-oncology have led to a significant increase in life expectancy of patients with diverse forms of cancer, such as hematologic malignancies, melanoma and lung cancer. Unfortunately, these encouraging results are not observed in the majority of patients, who remain unresponsive and/or encounter adverse events. Currently, researchers are collecting more insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie these variable responses. As an example, the human lymphocyte activation gene-3 (huLAG-3), an inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor, is increasingly studied as a therapeutic target in immune-oncology. Noninvasive molecular imaging of the immune checkpoint programmed death protein-1 (PD-1) or its ligand PD-L1 has shown its value as a strategy to guide and monitor PD-1/PD-L1-targeted immune checkpoint therapy. Yet, radiotracers that allow dynamic, whole body imaging of huLAG-3 expression are not yet described. We here developed single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) that bind huLAG-3 and showed that these sdAbs can image huLAG-3 in tumors, therefore representing promising tools for further development into clinically applicable radiotracers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Lecocq
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - P Debie
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/K, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - J Puttemans
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/K, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - R M Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - L De Beck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - T Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Y De Vlaeminck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Goyvaerts
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - G Raes
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium.,Cellular and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Keyaerts
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/K, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.,Nuclear Medicine Department, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - K Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - N Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/K, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
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13
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Awad RM, Lecocq Q, Zeven K, Ertveldt T, De Beck L, Ceuppens H, Broos K, De Vlaeminck Y, Goyvaerts C, Verdonck M, Raes G, Van Parys A, Cauwels A, Keyaerts M, Devoogdt N, Breckpot K. Formatting and gene-based delivery of a human PD-L1 single domain antibody for immune checkpoint blockade. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 22:172-182. [PMID: 34485603 PMCID: PMC8397838 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies that target the inhibitory immune checkpoint axis consisting of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand, PD-L1, have changed the immune-oncology field. We identified K2, an anti-human PD-L1 single-domain antibody fragment, that can enhance T cell activation and tumor cell killing. In this study, the potential of different K2 formats as immune checkpoint blocking medicines was evaluated using a gene-based delivery approach. We showed that 2K2 and 3K2, a bivalent and trivalent K2 format generated using a 12 GS (glycine-serine) linker, were 313- and 135-fold more potent in enhancing T cell receptor (TCR) signaling in PD-1POS cells than was monovalent K2. We further showed that bivalent constructs generated using a 30 GS linker or disulfide bond were 169- and 35-fold less potent in enhancing TCR signaling than was 2K2. 2K2 enhanced tumor cell killing in a 3D melanoma model, albeit to a lesser extent than avelumab. Therefore, an immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 antibody-like fusion protein was generated, referred to as K2-Fc. K2-Fc was significantly better than avelumab in enhancing tumor cell killing in the 3D melanoma model. Overall, this study describes K2-based immune checkpoint medicines, and it highlights the benefit of an IgG1 Fc fusion to K2 that gains bivalency, effector functions, and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Lecocq
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katty Zeven
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.,In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lien De Beck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Ceuppens
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katrijn Broos
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannick De Vlaeminck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Magali Verdonck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geert Raes
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.,Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexander Van Parys
- Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, Flanders Institute of Biotechnology, VIB Medical Biotechnology Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anje Cauwels
- Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, Flanders Institute of Biotechnology, VIB Medical Biotechnology Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marleen Keyaerts
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.,Nuclear Medicine Department, UZ Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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Chigoho DM, Lecocq Q, Awad RM, Breckpot K, Devoogdt N, Keyaerts M, Caveliers V, Xavier C, Bridoux J. Site-Specific Radiolabeling of a Human PD-L1 Nanobody via Maleimide-Cysteine Chemistry. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14060550. [PMID: 34201323 PMCID: PMC8228271 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 have proven to be efficient cancer therapies in a subset of patients. From all the patients with various cancer types, only 20% have a positive response. Being able to distinguish patients that do express PD-1/PD-L1 from patients that do not allows patients to benefit from a more personalized and efficient treatment of tumor lesion(s). Expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 is typically assessed via immunohistochemical detection in a tumor biopsy. However, this method does not take in account the expression heterogeneity within the lesion, nor the possible metastasis. To visualize whole-body PD-L1 expression by PET imaging, we developed a nanobody-based radio-immunotracer targeting PD-L1 site-specifically labeled with gallium-68. The cysteine-tagged nanobody was site-specifically conjugated with a maleimide (mal)-NOTA chelator and radiolabeling was tested at different nanobody concentrations and temperatures. Affinity and specificity of the tracer, referred to as [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-mal-hPD-L1 Nb, were assayed by surface plasmon resonance and on PD-L1POS or PD-L1NEG 624-MEL cells. Xenografted athymic nude mice bearing 624-MEL PD-L1POS or PD-L1NEG tumors were injected with the tracer and ex vivo biodistribution was performed 1 h 20 min post-injection. Ideal 68Ga-labeling conditions were found at 50 °C for 15 min. [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-mal-hPD-L1 Nb was obtained in 80 ± 5% DC-RCY with a RCP > 99%, and was stable in injection buffer and human serum up to 3 h (>99% RCP). The in vitro characterization showed that the NOTA-functionalized Nb retained its affinity and specificity. Ex vivo biodistribution revealed a tracer uptake of 1.86 ± 0.67% IA/g in the positive tumors compared with 0.42 ± 0.04% IA/g in the negative tumors. Low background uptake was measured in the other organs and tissues, except for the kidneys and bladder, due to the expected excretion route of Nbs. The data obtained show that the site-specific 68Ga-labeled NOTA-mal-hPD-L1 Nb is a promising PET radio-immunotracer due to its ease of production, stability and specificity for PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Mugoli Chigoho
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory (ICMI), Medical Imaging Department (MIMA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (D.M.C.); (N.D.); (M.K.); (V.C.); (C.X.)
| | - Quentin Lecocq
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (Q.L.); (R.M.A.); (K.B.)
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (Q.L.); (R.M.A.); (K.B.)
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (Q.L.); (R.M.A.); (K.B.)
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory (ICMI), Medical Imaging Department (MIMA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (D.M.C.); (N.D.); (M.K.); (V.C.); (C.X.)
| | - Marleen Keyaerts
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory (ICMI), Medical Imaging Department (MIMA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (D.M.C.); (N.D.); (M.K.); (V.C.); (C.X.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vicky Caveliers
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory (ICMI), Medical Imaging Department (MIMA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (D.M.C.); (N.D.); (M.K.); (V.C.); (C.X.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catarina Xavier
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory (ICMI), Medical Imaging Department (MIMA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (D.M.C.); (N.D.); (M.K.); (V.C.); (C.X.)
| | - Jessica Bridoux
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory (ICMI), Medical Imaging Department (MIMA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (D.M.C.); (N.D.); (M.K.); (V.C.); (C.X.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-24774991
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Lecocq Q, Awad RM, De Vlaeminck Y, De Mey W, Ertveldt T, Goyvaerts C, Raes G, Thielemans K, Keyaerts M, Devoogdt N, Breckpot K. Nanobody nuclear imaging allows noninvasive quantification of LAG-3 expression by tumor-infiltrating leukocytes and predicts response of immune checkpoint blockade. J Nucl Med 2021; 62:1638-1644. [PMID: 33712537 PMCID: PMC8612328 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.120.258871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the field of immune-oncology led to the discovery of next-generation immune checkpoints (ICPs). Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), being the most widely studied among them, is being explored as a target for the treatment of cancer patients. Several antagonistic anti-LAG-3 antibodies are being developed and are prime candidates for clinical application. Furthermore, validated therapies targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein-4, programmed cell-death protein-1, or programmed cell-death ligand-1 showed that only subsets of patients respond. This finding highlights the need for better tools for patient selection and monitoring. The potential of molecular imaging to detect ICPs noninvasively in cancer is supported by several preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we report on a single-domain antibody to evaluate whole-body LAG-3 expression in various syngeneic mouse cancer models using nuclear imaging. Methods: SPECT/CT scans of tumor-bearing mice were performed 1 h after injection with radiolabeled single-domain antibody. Organs and tumors of mice were isolated and evaluated for the presence of the radiolabeled tracer and LAG-3–expressing immune cells using a γ-counter and flow cytometry respectively. PD-1/LAG-3–blocking antibodies were injected in MC38-bearing mice. Results: The radiolabeled single-domain antibody detected LAG-3 expression on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as soon as 1 h after injection in MC38, MO4, and TC-1 cancer models. The single-domain antibody tracer visualized a compensatory upregulation of LAG-3 on TILs in MC38 tumors of mice treated with PD-1–blocking antibodies. When PD-1 blockade was combined with LAG-3 blockade, a synergistic effect on tumor growth delay was observed. Conclusion: These findings consolidate LAG-3 as a next-generation ICP and support the use of single-domain antibodies as tools to noninvasively monitor the dynamic evolution of LAG-3 expression by TILs, which could be exploited to predict therapy outcome.
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De Vlaeminck Y, Bonelli S, Awad RM, Dewilde M, Rizzolio S, Lecocq Q, Bolli E, Santos AR, Laoui D, Schoonooghe S, Tamagnone L, Goyvaerts C, Mazzone M, Breckpot K, Van Ginderachter JA. Targeting Neuropilin-1 with Nanobodies Reduces Colorectal Carcinoma Development. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123582. [PMID: 33266104 PMCID: PMC7760077 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neuropilin-1 is a co-receptor for semaphorins and vascular endothelial growth factor family members. Neuropilin-1 can be expressed on tumor cells, tumor-infiltrating myeloid and lymphoid cells and has been linked to a tumor-promoting environment. We investigated nanobodies (Nbs) targeting neuropilin-1 for their potential to hamper colorectal carcinoma development in mice. Our data suggest that targeting neuropilin-1 in cancer using neuropilin-1 blocking Nbs delays tumor growth and extends the survival through a shift in the anti-tumor macrophage/pro-tumor macrophage ratio and activation of colorectal cancer-specific CD8+ T cells. These findings provide a rationale for the further development of Nbs targeting human neuropilin-1 and bringing them from the bench to the bedside. Abstract Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a co-receptor for semaphorins and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members that can be expressed on cancer cells and tumor-infiltrating myeloid, endothelial and lymphoid cells. It has been linked to a tumor-promoting environment upon interaction with semaphorin 3A (Sema3A). Nanobodies (Nbs) targeting NRP-1 were generated for their potential to hamper the NRP-1/Sema3A interaction and their impact on colorectal carcinoma (CRC) development was evaluated in vivo through the generation of anti-NRP-1-producing CRC cells. We observed that tumor growth was significantly delayed and survival prolonged when the anti-NRP-1 Nbs were produced in vivo. We further analyzed the tumor microenvironment and observed that the pro-inflammatory MHC-IIhigh/trophic MHC-IIlow macrophage ratio was increased in tumors that produce anti-NRP-1 Nbs. This finding was corroborated by an increase in the expression of genes associated with MHC-IIhigh macrophages and a decrease in the expression of MHC-IIlow macrophage-associated genes in the macrophage pool sorted from anti-NRP-1 Nb-producing tumors. Moreover, we observed a significantly higher percentage of tumor-associated antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in tumors producing anti-NRP-1 Nbs. These data demonstrate that an intratumoral expression of NRP-1/Sema3A blocking biologicals increases anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick De Vlaeminck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (Y.D.V.); (R.M.A.); (Q.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Stefano Bonelli
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1040 Brussels, Belgium; (S.B.); (E.B.); (D.L.); (S.S.)
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (Y.D.V.); (R.M.A.); (Q.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Maarten Dewilde
- VIB Discovery Sciences, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.D.); (A.R.S.)
| | | | - Quentin Lecocq
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (Y.D.V.); (R.M.A.); (Q.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Evangelia Bolli
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1040 Brussels, Belgium; (S.B.); (E.B.); (D.L.); (S.S.)
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ana Rita Santos
- VIB Discovery Sciences, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.D.); (A.R.S.)
| | - Damya Laoui
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1040 Brussels, Belgium; (S.B.); (E.B.); (D.L.); (S.S.)
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steve Schoonooghe
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1040 Brussels, Belgium; (S.B.); (E.B.); (D.L.); (S.S.)
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00100 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (Y.D.V.); (R.M.A.); (Q.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (Y.D.V.); (R.M.A.); (Q.L.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence: (K.B.); (J.A.V.G.)
| | - Jo A. Van Ginderachter
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1040 Brussels, Belgium; (S.B.); (E.B.); (D.L.); (S.S.)
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence: (K.B.); (J.A.V.G.)
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Awad RM, De Vlaeminck Y, Maebe J, Goyvaerts C, Breckpot K. Turn Back the TIMe: Targeting Tumor Infiltrating Myeloid Cells to Revert Cancer Progression. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1977. [PMID: 30233579 PMCID: PMC6127274 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells frequently produce soluble factors that favor myelopoiesis and recruitment of myeloid cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Consequently, the TME of many cancer types is characterized by high infiltration of monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and granulocytes. Experimental and clinical studies show that most myeloid cells are kept in an immature state in the TME. These studies further show that tumor-derived factors mold these myeloid cells into cells that support cancer initiation and progression, amongst others by enabling immune evasion, tumor cell survival, proliferation, migration and metastasis. The key role of myeloid cells in cancer is further evidenced by the fact that they negatively impact on virtually all types of cancer therapy. Therefore, tumor-associated myeloid cells have been designated as the culprits in cancer. We review myeloid cells in the TME with a focus on the mechanisms they exploit to support cancer cells. In addition, we provide an overview of approaches that are under investigation to deplete myeloid cells or redirect their function, as these hold promise to overcome resistance to current cancer therapies.
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Abstract
A prospective study was made of 125 ureteric stones in order to detect factors which would predict the successful outcome of conservative treatment. The factors studied were the duration of pain prior to presentation, pyuria, haematuria, surface regularity of the stone and the degree of obstruction as seen radiologically. In stones less than or equal to 10 mm in size, conservative treatment was successful when the duration of pain was less than 30 days (39/45), when there was no significant pyuria (53/82), when the stones had an irregular surface (44/65) and when obstruction was only partial (55/88). Since most of these factors were interactive, further statistical analysis showed that duration of pain was the only significant factor in predicting the outcome of conservative treatment. In stones greater than 10 mm in size these factors had no predictive value and only 2/23 were passed spontaneously on conservative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A I Ibrahim
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Awad RM, Hanallah RF, Morsy TA. The evaluation of some laboratory techniques in the detection of enterobiasis in school children in Egypt. J Egypt Soc Parasitol 1985; 15:305-12. [PMID: 4056477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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