Phase I study evaluating the Fc-optimized FLT3 antibody FLYSYN in AML patients with measurable residual disease.

Background: About half of AML patients achieving complete remission (CR) display measurable residual disease (MRD) and eventually relapse. FLYSYN is an Fc-optimized antibody for eradication of MRD directed to FLT3/CD135, which is abundantly expressed on AML cells.

Methods: This first-in-human, open-label, single-arm, multicenter trial included AML patients in CR with persisting or increasing MRD and evaluated safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of FLYSYN at different dose levels administered intravenously (cohort 1-5: single dose of 0.

An Fc-Optimized CD133 Antibody for Induction of Natural Killer Cell Reactivity against Colorectal Cancer.

The introduction of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has largely improved treatment options for cancer patients. The ability of antitumor mAbs to elicit antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) contributes to a large extent to their therapeutic efficacy. Many efforts accordingly aim to improve this important function by engineering mAbs with Fc parts that display enhanced affinity to the Fc receptor CD16 expressed, e.

Bispecific NKG2D-CD3 and NKG2D-CD16 fusion proteins for induction of NK and T cell reactivity against acute myeloid leukemia.

Background: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) mediate their effects in great part by inducing ADCC of NK cells, and multiple efforts aim to increase this function by engineering mAbs optimized Fc-parts. Even more potent antitumor immunity can be induced by strategies to stimulate T cells with their profoundly higher effector potential. However, upon increased immunostimulatory potential, the necessity to target highly tumor-specific antigens becomes critically important to reduce side effects.

Genetically engineered CAR NK cells display selective cytotoxicity against FLT3-positive B-ALL and inhibit in vivo leukemia growth.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered natural killer (NK) cells represent a promising effector cell type for adoptive cancer immunotherapy. Both, genetically modified donor-derived NK cells as well as continuously expanding NK-92 cells are currently under clinical development. To enhance their therapeutic utility for the treatment of pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), we engineered NK-92 cells by lentiviral gene transfer to express a FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)-specific CAR that contains a composite CD28-CD3ζ signaling domain.

Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography for Bottom-Up Proteomics Analysis of Single Proteins and Protein Complexes.

Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) is a robust standard analytical method to purify proteins while preserving their biological activity. It is widely used to study post-translational modifications of proteins and drug-protein interactions. In the current manuscript we employed HIC to separate proteins, followed by bottom-up LC-MS/MS experiments.

Preclinical evaluation of a diabody-based (177)Lu-radioimmunoconjugate for CD22-directed radioimmunotherapy in a non-Hodgkin lymphoma mouse model.

Radioimmunotherapy is considered as treatment option in recurrent and/or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). To overcome the dose limiting bone marrow toxicity of IgG-based radioimmunoconjugates (RICs), we modified a humanized diabody with 5-, 10-, or 20-kDa polyethylene glycol (PEG) for CD22-targeted radioimmunotherapy using the low-energy β-emitter lutetium-177 ((177)Lu). A favorable pharmacokinetic profile was observed for the 10-kDa-PEG-diabody in nude mice being xenografted with subcutaneous human Burkitt lymphoma.

Reduction of Minimal Residual Disease in Pediatric B-lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia by an Fc-optimized CD19 Antibody.

Prognosis of primary refractory and relapsed pediatric B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is very poor. Relapse rates significantly correlate with persistent minimal residual disease (MRD). In MRD, favorable effector-target ratios prevail and thus this situation might be optimally suited for immunotherapy with antibodies recruiting immunological effector cells.

A Humanized Anti-CD22-Onconase Antibody-Drug Conjugate Mediates Highly Potent Destruction of Targeted Tumor Cells.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have evolved as a new class of potent cancer therapeutics. We here report on the development of ADCs with specificity for the B-cell lineage specific (surface) antigen CD22 being expressed in the majority of hematological malignancies. As targeting moiety a previously generated humanized anti-CD22 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) derivative from the monoclonal antibody RFB4 was reengineered into a humanized IgG1 antibody format (huRFB4).

A Recombinant Bispecific CD20×CD95 Antibody With Superior Activity Against Normal and Malignant B-cells.

Monoclonal antibodies directed to the B-cell-specific CD20-antigen are successfully used for the treatment of lymphomas and autoimmune diseases. Here, we compare the anti-B-cell activity of three different antibodies directed to CD20: (i) a chimeric, monospecific antibody, (ii) an Fc-optimized variant thereof, and (iii) a bispecific CD20×CD95-antibody in a newly developed recombinant format, termed Fabsc. The bispecific antibody specifically triggers the CD95 death receptor on malignant, as well as activated, normal B-cells.

Large-Scale Purification of r28M: A Bispecific scFv Antibody Targeting Human Melanoma Produced in Transgenic Cattle.

Background: 30 years ago, the potential of bispecific antibodies to engage cytotoxic T cells for the lysis of cancer cells was discovered. Today a variety of bispecific antibodies against diverse cell surface structures have been developed, the majority of them produced in mammalian cell culture systems. Beside the r28M, described here, no such bispecific antibody is known to be expressed by transgenic livestock, although various biologicals for medical needs are already harvested-mostly from the milk-of these transgenics.

High treatment efficacy by dual targeting of Burkitt's lymphoma xenografted mice with a (177)Lu-based CD22-specific radioimmunoconjugate and rituximab.

Purpose: Dual-targeted therapy has been shown to be a promising treatment option in recurrent and/or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL). We generated radioimmunoconjugates (RICs) comprising either a novel humanized anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody, huRFB4, or rituximab, and the low-energy β-emitter (177)Lu. Both RICs were evaluated as single agents in a human Burkitt's lymphoma xenograft mouse model.

Characterization of a bispecific FLT3 X CD3 antibody in an improved, recombinant format for the treatment of leukemia.

FLT3 is a receptor-tyrosine-kinase that is expressed on leukemic cells of the myeloid and lymphoid lineage rather specifically. We here report on the construction and selection of bispecific FLT3 X CD3 antibodies in a new recombinant format, termed Fabsc, that resembles the normal antibody structure more closely than the well-established bispecific single chain (bssc)-format. Our preferred antibody, which emerged from an initial selection procedure utilizing different FLT3- and CD3-antibodies, contains the FLT3-antibody 4G8 and the CD3-antibody UCHT1.

γδ T Cell-Mediated Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity with CD19 Antibodies Assessed by an Impedance-Based Label-Free Real-Time Cytotoxicity Assay.

γδ T cells are not MHC restricted, elicit cytotoxicity against various malignancies, are present in early post-transplant phases in novel stem cell transplantation strategies and have been shown to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). These features make γδ T cells promising effector cells for antibody-based immunotherapy in pediatric patients with B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To evaluate combination of human γδ T cells with CD19 antibodies for immunotherapy of B-lineage ALL, γδ T cells were expanded after a GMP-compliant protocol and ADCC of both primary and expanded γδ T cells with an Fc-optimized CD19 antibody (4G7SDIE) and a bi-specific antibody with the specificities CD19 and CD16 (N19-C16) was evaluated in CD107a-degranulation assays and intracellular cytokine staining.

Fc-optimized NKG2D-Fc constructs induce NK cell antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells independently of HER2/neu expression status.

The ability of NK cells to mediate Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) largely contributes to the clinical success of antitumor Abs, including trastuzumab, which is approved for the treatment of breast cancer with HER2/neu overexpression. Notably, only ∼25% of breast cancer patients overexpress HER2/neu. Moreover, HER2/neu is expressed on healthy cells, and trastuzumab application is associated with side effects.

An Fc-optimized NKG2D-immunoglobulin G fusion protein for induction of natural killer cell reactivity against leukemia.

Recruitment of Fc-receptor-bearing effector cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, is a feature critical for the therapeutic success of antitumor antibodies and can be improved by the modifications of an antibody's Fc part. The various ligands of the activating immunoreceptor NKG2D, NKG2DL) are selectively expressed on malignant cells including leukemia. We here took advantage of the tumor-associated expression of NKG2DL for targeting leukemic cells by NKG2D-immunoglobulin G (IgG)1 fusion proteins containing modified Fc parts.

Alternative variants of human HYDIN are novel cancer-associated antigens recognized by adaptive immunity.

A mutation in the hydin gene has been recently described as one possible mechanism leading to lethal congenital hydrocephalus in mice, and a similar defect is proposed to be involved in an autosomal recessive form of hydrocephalus in human. Here, we report for the first time on the cancer association and immunogenicity of two HYDIN variants in humans. One is a previously described sequence derived from the chromosome 1 gene copy, that is, KIAA1864.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel anti-TLR9 intrabody.

Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) is a component of the innate immune system, which recognizes the DNA of both pathogens and hosts. Thus, it can drive autoimmune diseases. Intracellular antibodies expressed inside the ER block transitory protein functions by inhibiting the translocation of the protein from the ER to its subcellular destination.

A "vicious cycle" of NK-cell immune evasion in acute myeloid leukemia mediated by RANKL?

Receptor activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL) is mainly known for its role in bone metabolism, constituting a target for therapeutic interventions. Increasing evidence suggests that RANKL is also involved in oncogenesis and tumor progression, including a prominent role in host-tumor interaction. Our data suggest that targeting RANKL may reinforce natural killer (NK) cell-mediated antitumor responses in patients affected by hematological malignancies.

Overcoming drug-resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection by a humanized antibody.

Despite the availability of antiviral chemotherapy, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) infections remain a severe global health problem. Of particular concern is the growing incidence of drug resistance in immunocompromised patients, which stresses the urgency to develop new effective treatment alternatives. We have developed a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb hu2c) that completely abrogates viral cell-to-cell spread, a key mechanism by which HSV-1/2 escapes humoral immune surveillance.

Generation and preclinical characterization of a Fc-optimized GITR-Ig fusion protein for induction of NK cell reactivity against leukemia.

Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that largely contribute to the efficacy of therapeutic strategies like allogenic stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and application of Rituximab in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family member GITR ligand (GITRL) is frequently expressed on leukemia cells in AML and CLL and impairs the reactivity of NK cells which express GITR and upregulate its expression following activation. We developed a strategy to reinforce NK anti-leukemia reactivity by combining disruption of GITR-GITRL interaction with targeting leukemia cells for NK antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) using GITR-Ig fusion proteins with modified Fc moieties.

Receptor activator for NF-κB ligand in acute myeloid leukemia: expression, function, and modulation of NK cell immunosurveillance.

The TNF family member receptor activator for NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and its receptors RANK and osteoprotegerin are key regulators of bone remodeling but also influence cellular functions of tumor and immune effector cells. In this work, we studied the involvement of RANK-RANKL interaction in NK cell-mediated immunosurveillance of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Substantial levels of RANKL were found to be expressed on leukemia cells in 53 of 78 (68%) investigated patients.

RANKL expression, function, and therapeutic targeting in multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Bone destruction is a prominent feature of multiple myeloma, but conflicting data exist on the expression and pathophysiologic involvement of the bone remodeling ligand RANKL in this disease and the potential therapeutic benefits of its targeted inhibition. Here, we show that RANKL is expressed by primary multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells, whereas release of soluble RANKL was observed exclusively with multiple myeloma cells and was strongly influenced by posttranscriptional/posttranslational regulation. Signaling via RANKL into multiple myeloma and CLL cells induced release of cytokines involved in disease pathophysiology.

Comprehensive analysis of NKG2D ligand expression and release in leukemia: implications for NKG2D-mediated NK cell responses.

Ligands of the prototypical activating NK receptor NKG2D render cancer cells susceptible to NK cell-mediated cytolysis if expressed at sufficiently high levels. However, malignant cells employ mechanisms to evade NKG2D-mediated immunosurveillance, such as NKG2D ligand (NKG2DL) shedding resulting in reduced surface expression levels. In addition, systemic downregulation of NKG2D on NK cells of cancer patients has been observed in many studies and was attributed to soluble NKG2DL (sNKG2DL), although there also are conflicting data.

4-1BB ligand modulates direct and Rituximab-induced NK-cell reactivity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

NK cells play an important role in tumor immunosurveillance and largely contribute to the therapeutic success of anti-tumor antibodies like Rituximab. Here, we studied the role of the TNF family member 4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL) during the interaction of NK cells with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. 4-1BBL was highly expressed on patient B-CLL cells in all 56 investigated cases.

Stimulus dependence of the action of small-molecule inhibitors in the CD3/CD28 signalling network.

Cells in the body are exposed simultaneously to a multitude of various signals. Inside a cell, molecular signalling networks integrate this information into a physiologically meaningful response. Interestingly, in the cellular testing of drug candidates, this complexity is largely ignored.