-
MAbs 2022In this 13th annual installment of the annual 'Antibodies to Watch' article series, we discuss key events in commercial antibody therapeutics development that occurred... (Review)
Review
In this 13th annual installment of the annual 'Antibodies to Watch' article series, we discuss key events in commercial antibody therapeutics development that occurred in 2021 and forecast events that might occur in 2022. Regulatory review of antibody therapeutics that target the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus proceeded at an unprecedented pace in 2021, resulting in both emergency use authorizations and full approvals for sotrovimab, regdanvimab, REGEN-COV2, as well as others, in numerous countries. As of November 1, a total of 11 antibody therapeutics had been granted first approvals in either the United States or European Union in 2021 (evinacumab, dostarlimab loncastuximab tesirine, amivantamab, aducanumab, tralokinumab, anifrolumab, bimekizumab, tisotumab vedotin, regdanvimab, REGEN-COV2). The first global approvals of seven products, however, were granted elsewhere, including Japan (pabinafusp alfa), China (disitamab vedotin, penpulimab, zimberelimab), Australia (sotrovimab, REGEN-COV2), or the Republic of Korea (regdanvimab). Globally, at least 27 novel antibody therapeutics are undergoing review by regulatory agencies. First actions by the Food and Drug Administration on the biologics license applications for faricimab, sutimlimab, tebentafusp, relatlimab, sintilimab, ublituximab and tezepelumab are expected in the first quarter of 2022. Finally, our data show that, with antibodies for COVID-19 excluded, the late-stage commercial clinical pipeline of antibody therapeutics grew by over 30% in the past year. Of those in late-stage development, marketing applications for at least 22 may occur by the end of 2022.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Viral; Antibody Specificity; Antigens, Viral; Asia; Australia; COVID-19; Clinical Trials as Topic; Compassionate Use Trials; Drug Approval; European Union; Forecasting; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; United States; United States Food and Drug Administration
PubMed: 35030985
DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2021.2014296 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2020Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become one of the most important classes of biopharmaceutical products, and they continue to dominate the universe of biopharmaceutical... (Review)
Review
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become one of the most important classes of biopharmaceutical products, and they continue to dominate the universe of biopharmaceutical markets in terms of approval and sales. They are the most profitable single product class, where they represent six of the top ten selling drugs. At the beginning of the 1990s, an antibody selection technology known as antibody phage display was developed by John McCafferty and Sir. Gregory Winter that enabled the discovery of human antibodies for diverse applications, particularly antibody-based drugs. They created combinatorial antibody libraries on filamentous phage to be utilized for generating antigen specific antibodies in a matter of weeks. Since then, more than 70 phage-derived antibodies entered clinical studies and 14 of them have been approved. These antibodies are indicated for cancer, and non-cancer medical conditions, such as inflammatory, optical, infectious, or immunological diseases. This review will illustrate the utility of phage display as a powerful platform for therapeutic antibodies discovery and describe in detail all the approved mAbs derived from phage display.
Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibody Specificity; Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Cell Surface Display Techniques; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Development; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Genetic Engineering; High-Throughput Screening Assays; Humans; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Translational Research, Biomedical; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32983137
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01986 -
Cell Sep 2021Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic pathogen with pandemic potential. RVFV entry is mediated by the viral glycoprotein (Gn), but host entry factors remain...
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic pathogen with pandemic potential. RVFV entry is mediated by the viral glycoprotein (Gn), but host entry factors remain poorly defined. Our genome-wide CRISPR screen identified low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (mouse Lrp1/human LRP1), heat shock protein (Grp94), and receptor-associated protein (RAP) as critical host factors for RVFV infection. RVFV Gn directly binds to specific Lrp1 clusters and is glycosylation independent. Exogenous addition of murine RAP domain 3 (mRAP) and anti-Lrp1 antibodies neutralizes RVFV infection in taxonomically diverse cell lines. Mice treated with mRAP and infected with pathogenic RVFV are protected from disease and death. A mutant mRAPD3 that binds Lrp1 weakly failed to protect from RVFV infection. Together, these data support Lrp1 as a host entry factor for RVFV infection and define a new target to limit RVFV infections.
Topics: Animals; Antibody Specificity; Base Sequence; Brain; CRISPR-Cas Systems; Cell Membrane; Cells, Cultured; Glycoproteins; Glycosaminoglycans; Glycosylation; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; LDL-Receptor Related Protein-Associated Protein; Ligands; Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1; Membrane Glycoproteins; Mice; Protein Binding; Protein Denaturation; Rift Valley Fever; Rift Valley fever virus; Virus Internalization
PubMed: 34559985
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.09.001 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2021Building upon the resounding therapeutic success of monoclonal antibodies, and supported by accelerating progress in engineering methods, the field of multispecific... (Review)
Review
Building upon the resounding therapeutic success of monoclonal antibodies, and supported by accelerating progress in engineering methods, the field of multispecific therapeutic antibodies is growing rapidly. Over 140 different molecules are currently in clinical testing, with excellent results in recent phase 1-3 clinical trials for several of them. Multivalent bispecific IgG-modified formats predominate today, with a clear tendency for more target antigens and further increased valency in newer constructs. The strategies to augment anticancer efficacy are currently equally divided between disruption of multiple surface antigens, and additional redirection of cytotoxic T or NK lymphocytes against the tumor. Both effects complement other modern modalities, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, with which multispecifics are increasingly applied in combination or merged, for example, in the form of antibody producing CAR-T cells and oncolytics. While mainly focused on B-cell malignancies early on, the contemporary multispecific antibody sector accommodates twice as many trials against solid compared to hematologic cancers. An exciting emerging prospect is the targeting of intracellular neoantigens using T-cell receptor (TCR) fusion proteins or TCR-mimic antibody fragments. Considering the fact that introduction of PD-(L)1 inhibitors only a few years ago has already facilitated 5-year survival rates of 30-50% for per se highly lethal neoplasms, such as metastatic melanoma and non-small-cell lung carcinoma, the upcoming enforcement of current treatments with "next-generation" immunotherapeutics, offers a justified hope for the cure of some advanced cancers in the near future.
Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Bispecific; Antibody Specificity; Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Melanoma
PubMed: 34073188
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115632 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are antibodies with two binding sites directed at two different antigens or two different epitopes on the same antigen. The clinical...
Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are antibodies with two binding sites directed at two different antigens or two different epitopes on the same antigen. The clinical therapeutic effects of BsAbs are superior to those of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), with broad applications for tumor immunotherapy as well as for the treatment of other diseases. Recently, with progress in antibody or protein engineering and recombinant DNA technology, various platforms for generating different types of BsAbs based on novel strategies, for various uses, have been established. More than 30 mature commercial technology platforms have been used to create and develop BsAbs based on the heterologous recombination of heavy chains and matching of light chains. The detailed mechanisms of clinical/therapeutic action have been demonstrated with these different types of BsAbs. Three kinds of BsAbs have received market approval, and more than 110 types of BsAbs are at various stages of clinical trials. In this paper, we elaborate on the classic platforms, mechanisms, and applications of BsAbs. We hope that this review can stimulate new ideas for the development of BsAbs and improve current clinical strategies.
Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Bispecific; Antibody Specificity; Binding Sites, Antibody; Biotechnology; Drug Design; Epitopes; Humans; Immunotherapy; Protein Engineering; Recombinant Proteins; Translational Research, Biomedical
PubMed: 34025638
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.626616 -
Nature Oct 2022Most current therapies that target plasma membrane receptors function by antagonizing ligand binding or enzymatic activities. However, typical mammalian proteins...
Most current therapies that target plasma membrane receptors function by antagonizing ligand binding or enzymatic activities. However, typical mammalian proteins comprise multiple domains that execute discrete but coordinated activities. Thus, inhibition of one domain often incompletely suppresses the function of a protein. Indeed, targeted protein degradation technologies, including proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), have highlighted clinically important advantages of target degradation over inhibition. However, the generation of heterobifunctional compounds binding to two targets with high affinity is complex, particularly when oral bioavailability is required. Here we describe the development of proteolysis-targeting antibodies (PROTABs) that tether cell-surface E3 ubiquitin ligases to transmembrane proteins, resulting in target degradation both in vitro and in vivo. Focusing on zinc- and ring finger 3 (ZNRF3), a Wnt-responsive ligase, we show that this approach can enable colorectal cancer-specific degradation. Notably, by examining a matrix of additional cell-surface E3 ubiquitin ligases and transmembrane receptors, we demonstrate that this technology is amendable for 'on-demand' degradation. Furthermore, we offer insights on the ground rules governing target degradation by engineering optimized antibody formats. In summary, this work describes a strategy for the rapid development of potent, bioavailable and tissue-selective degraders of cell-surface proteins.
Topics: Animals; Antibodies; Antibody Specificity; Colorectal Neoplasms; Ligands; Membrane Proteins; Proteolysis; Receptors, Cell Surface; Substrate Specificity; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
PubMed: 36131013
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05235-6 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2020Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness and fatiguability of skeletal muscles. It is an antibody-mediated disease, caused by... (Review)
Review
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness and fatiguability of skeletal muscles. It is an antibody-mediated disease, caused by autoantibodies targeting neuromuscular junction proteins. In the majority of patients (~85%) antibodies against the muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR) are detected, while in 6% antibodies against the muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) are detected. In ~10% of MG patients no autoantibodies can be found with the classical diagnostics for AChR and MuSK antibodies (seronegative MG, SN-MG), making the improvement of methods for the detection of known autoantibodies or the discovery of novel antigenic targets imperative. Over the past years, using cell-based assays or improved highly sensitive immunoprecipitation assays, it has been possible to detect autoantibodies in previously SN-MG patients, including the identification of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4) as a third MG autoantigen, as well as AChR and MuSK antibodies undetectable by conventional methods. Furthermore, antibodies against other extracellular or intracellular targets, such as titin, the ryanodine receptor, agrin, collagen Q, K1.4 potassium channels and cortactin have been found in some MG patients, which can be useful biomarkers. In addition to the improvement of diagnosis, the identification of the patients' autoantibody specificity is important for their stratification into respective subgroups, which can differ in terms of clinical manifestations, prognosis and most importantly their response to therapies. The knowledge of the autoantibody profile of MG patients would allow for a therapeutic strategy tailored to their MG subgroup. This is becoming especially relevant as there is increasing progress toward the development of antigen-specific therapies, targeting only the specific autoantibodies or immune cells involved in the autoimmune response, such as antigen-specific immunoadsorption, which have shown promising results. We will herein review the advances made by us and others toward development of more sensitive detection methods and the identification of new antibody targets in MG, and discuss their significance in MG diagnosis and therapy. Overall, the development of novel autoantibody assays is aiding in the more accurate diagnosis and classification of MG patients, supporting the development of advanced therapeutics and ultimately the improvement of disease management and patient quality of life.
Topics: Antibody Specificity; Autoantibodies; Humans; Myasthenia Gravis; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Receptors, Cholinergic; Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel
PubMed: 32117321
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00212 -
Cell Nov 2021Biofilms are community architectures adopted by bacteria inclusive of a self-formed extracellular matrix that protects resident bacteria from diverse environmental...
Biofilms are community architectures adopted by bacteria inclusive of a self-formed extracellular matrix that protects resident bacteria from diverse environmental stresses and, in many species, incorporates extracellular DNA (eDNA) and DNABII proteins for structural integrity throughout biofilm development. Here, we present evidence that this eDNA-based architecture relies on the rare Z-form. Z-form DNA accumulates as biofilms mature and, through stabilization by the DNABII proteins, confers structural integrity to the biofilm matrix. Indeed, substances known to drive B-DNA into Z-DNA promoted biofilm formation whereas those that drive Z-DNA into B-DNA disrupted extant biofilms. Importantly, we demonstrated that the universal bacterial DNABII family of proteins stabilizes both bacterial- and host-eDNA in the Z-form in situ. A model is proposed that incorporates the role of Z-DNA in biofilm pathogenesis, innate immune response, and immune evasion.
Topics: Animals; Antibody Specificity; Bacteria; Bacterial Proteins; Biofilms; Cell Line; Chinchilla; DNA, Bacterial; DNA, Cruciform; Deoxyribonucleases; Extracellular Matrix; Extracellular Space; Extracellular Traps; Humans; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate
PubMed: 34735796
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.10.010 -
Theranostics 2022T-cell-redirecting bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) and trispecific antibodies (tsAbs) designed to recognize different epitopes or antigens have emerged as promising...
T-cell-redirecting bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) and trispecific antibodies (tsAbs) designed to recognize different epitopes or antigens have emerged as promising cancer therapies. Current approaches are all designed to include another antibody specific to the site of the primary antibody, and the molecular structures are generally established. However, the dimensions of target molecule and epitope location play a key role in the efficiency of the immunological synapse (IS) formation and subsequent T-cell-redirecting activities, therefore the connection flexibility of these antibodies determines the geometries of different formats of these molecules and will have a major impact on the efficacy. We describe a novel recombination strategy using various linker designs to site-specifically fuse anti-Her2 (2Rs15) or anti-VEGFR2 (3VGR19) nanobodies to different positions of the anti-CD3 antibody fragment (Fab, SP34). Based on the comparison among the various antigen-specific bsAbs, we could determine the desired fusion site of each nanobody to SP34, and further ensure the optimal structure of tsAbs with synergistic dual-antigen enhanced T-cell-redirecting activities. This approach allows precise control of the formation of IS between Her2- and/or VEGFR2-expressing cancer cells and T cells, to obtain the optimal structure of the Her2/VEGFR2/CD3 tsAb without the need to map antibody-binding epitopes. Optimization of Her2/VEGFR2/CD3 tsAb results in enhanced T-cell-redirecting and antitumor efficacy compared with the corresponding bsAbs alone or in combination, and the potency to overcome tumor relapse due to antigen escape or resistance to Herceptin and Cyramza therapy. The novel design strategy for developing tsAbs using a site-specific recombination approach represents a promising platform for immuno-oncology and in applications other than cancer therapy.
Topics: T-Lymphocytes; Antibodies, Bispecific; Lymphocyte Activation; Epitopes; Antibody Specificity
PubMed: 36451856
DOI: 10.7150/thno.75037 -
Cancer Cell Aug 2019Reactivation of T cell immunity by PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade has been shown to be a promising cancer therapeutic strategy. However, PD-L1...
Reactivation of T cell immunity by PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade has been shown to be a promising cancer therapeutic strategy. However, PD-L1 immunohistochemical readout is inconsistent with patient response, which presents a clinical challenge to stratify patients. Because PD-L1 is heavily glycosylated, we developed a method to resolve this by removing the glycan moieties from cell surface antigens via enzymatic digestion, a process termed sample deglycosylation. Notably, deglycosylation significantly improves anti-PD-L1 antibody binding affinity and signal intensity, resulting in more accurate PD-L1 quantification and prediction of clinical outcome. This proposed method of PD-L1 antigen retrieval may provide a practical and timely approach to reduce false-negative patient stratification for guiding anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.
Topics: A549 Cells; Antibodies; Antibody Specificity; Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; B7-H1 Antigen; Clinical Decision-Making; False Negative Reactions; Glycosylation; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Jurkat Cells; MCF-7 Cells; Neoplasms; Patient Selection; Peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminyl) Asparagine Amidase; Predictive Value of Tests; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Reproducibility of Results; Specimen Handling; THP-1 Cells
PubMed: 31327656
DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2019.06.008