We have developed and validated a highly specific, versatile antibody to the extracellular domain of human LGR5 (α-LGR5). α-LGR5 detects LGR5 overexpression in >90% of colorectal cancer (CRC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pre-B-ALL tumour cells and was used to generate an Antibody-Drug Conjugate (α-LGR5-ADC), Bispecific T-cell Engager (α-LGR5-BiTE) and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (α-LGR5-CAR). α-LGR5-ADC was the most effective modality for targeting LGR5 cancer cells in vitro and demonstrated potent anti-tumour efficacy in a murine model of human NALM6 pre-B-ALL driving tumour attrition to less than 1% of control treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFComplement pathways, traditionally regarded as separate entities in vitro, are increasingly noted for cross-communication and bypass mechanisms. Among these, the MBL/ficolin/CL-associated serine protease (MASP)-3, a component of lectin pathway pattern recognition molecules, has shown the ability to process critical substrates such as pro-factor D and insulin growth factor binding protein-5. Given shared features between lectin pathway pattern recognition molecules and C1q from the classical pathway, we hypothesized that C1q might be a viable in vivo binding partner for the MASPs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPrevious studies of pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) of the complement system have revealed difficulties in observing binding on pathogens such as Aspergillus fumigatus and Escherichia coli, despite complement deposition indicative of classical and lectin pathway activation. Thus, we investigated the binding dynamics of PRMs of the complement system, specifically C1q of the classical pathway and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) of the lectin pathway. We observed consistently increasing deposition of essential complement components such as C4b, C3b, and the terminal complement complex on A.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: The complement system is part of innate immunity and is comprised of an intricate network of proteins that are vital for host defense and host homeostasis. A distinct mechanism by which complement defends against invading pathogens is through the membrane attack complex (MAC), a lytic structure that forms on target surfaces. The MAC is made up of several complement components, and one indispensable component of the MAC is C7.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF