scholarly journals Development of a bispecific immune engager using a recombinant malaria protein

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mie A. Nordmaj ◽  
Morgan E. Roberts ◽  
Emilie S. Sachse ◽  
Robert Dagil ◽  
Anne Poder Andersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Immune Evasion ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Cancer Targeting ◽  
Single Chain Variable Fragment ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Conjugation System ◽  
Immune Mediated

AbstractAs an immune evasion and survival strategy, the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite has evolved a protein named VAR2CSA. This protein mediates sequestration of infected red blood cells in the placenta through the interaction with a unique carbohydrate abundantly and exclusively present in the placenta. Cancer cells were found to share the same expression of this distinct carbohydrate, termed oncofetal chondroitin sulfate on their surface. In this study we have used a protein conjugation system to produce a bispecific immune engager, V-aCD3, based on recombinant VAR2CSA as the cancer targeting moiety and an anti-CD3 single-chain variable fragment linked to a single-chain Fc as the immune engager. Conjugation of these two proteins resulted in a single functional moiety that induced immune mediated killing of a broad range of cancer cells in vitro and facilitated tumor arrest in an orthotopic bladder cancer xenograft model.

scholarly journals Anti-CXCR4 Single-Chain Variable Fragment Antibodies Have Anti-Tumor Activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guang-Quan Liang ◽  
Jing Liu ◽  
Xiao-Xin Zhou ◽  
Ze-Xiong Lin ◽  
Tao Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Cancer Cell Proliferation ◽  
Single Chain Variable Fragment ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Mouse Xenograft Model

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are large and have limitations as cancer therapeutics. Human single-chain variable fragment (scFv) is a small antibody as a good alternative. It can easily enter cancer tissues, has no immunogenicity and can be produced in bacteria to decrease the cost. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is overexpressed in different cancer cells. It plays an important role in tumor growth and metastasis. Its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients and is regarded as an attractive target for cancer treatment. In this study, a peptide on the CXCR4 extracellular loop 2 (ECL2) was used as an antigen for screening a human scFv antibody library by yeast two-hybrid method. Three anti-CXCR4 scFv antibodies were isolated. They could bind to CXCR4 protein and three cancer cell lines (DU145, PC3, and MDA-MB-231) and not to 293T and 3T3 cells as negative controls. These three scFvs could decrease the proliferation, migration, and invasion of these cancer cells and promote their apoptosis. The two scFvs were further examined in a mouse xenograft model, and they inhibited the tumor growth. Tumor immunohistochemistry also demonstrated that the two scFvs decreased cancer cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis and increased their apoptosis. These results show that these anti-CXCR4 scFvs can decrease cancer cell proliferation and inhibit tumor growth in mice, and may provide therapy for various cancers.

scholarly journals NBM-HD-1: A Novel Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor with Anticancer Activity

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Jan Huang ◽  
Yu-Chih Liang ◽  
Shuang-En Chuang ◽  
Li-Ling Chi ◽  
Chi-Yun Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anticancer Activity ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Cyclin B1 ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cell Cycle Regulators ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Gene Expressions

HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) have been developed as promising anticancer agents in recent years. In this study, we synthesized and characterized a novel HDACi, termed NBM-HD-1. This agent was derived from the semisynthesis of propolin G, isolated from Taiwanese green propolis (TGP), and was shown to be a potent suppressor of tumor cell growth in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and rat glioma cells (C6), with an IC50ranging from 8.5 to 10.3 μM. Western blot demonstrated that levels of p21(Waf1/Cip1), gelsolin, Ac-histone 4, and Ac-tubulin markedly increased after treatment of cancer cells with NBM-HD-1. After NBM-HD-1 treatment for 1–4 h, p-PTEN and p-AKT levels were markedly decreased. Furthermore, we also found the anticancer activities of NBM-HD-1 in regulating cell cycle regulators. Treatment with NBM-HD-1,p21(Waf1/Cip1)gene expression had markedly increased whilecyclin B1andD1gene expressions had markedly decreased. On the other hand, we found that NBM-HD-1 increased the expressions of tumor-suppressor genep53in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we showed that NBM-HD-1 exhibited potent antitumor activity in a xenograft model. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that this compound, NBM-HD-1, is a novel and potent HDACi with anticancer activityin vitroandin vivo.

scholarly journals Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity of 3D8, a Nucleic Acid-Hydrolyzing Single-Chain Variable Fragment (scFv), Targeting SARS-CoV-2 and Multiple Coronaviruses In Vitro

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 650
Author(s):  
Gunsup Lee ◽  
Shailesh Budhathoki ◽  
Geum-Young Lee ◽  
Kwang-ji Oh ◽  
Yeon Kyoung Ham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Recombinant Antibody ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Single Chain Variable Fragment ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Diarrhea Virus ◽  
3D8 Scfv

The virus behind the current pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the etiology of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and poses a critical public health threat worldwide. Effective therapeutics and vaccines against multiple coronaviruses remain unavailable. Single-chain variable fragment (scFv), a recombinant antibody, exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity against DNA and RNA viruses owing to its nucleic acid-hydrolyzing property. The antiviral activity of 3D8 scFv against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses was evaluated in Vero E6 cell cultures. Viral growth was quantified with quantitative RT-qPCR and plaque assay. The nucleic acid-hydrolyzing activity of 3D8 was assessed through abzyme assays of in vitro viral transcripts and cell viability was determined by MTT assay. We found that 3D8 inhibited the replication of SARS-CoV-2, human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Our results revealed the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of 3D8 scFv against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells. Immunoblot and plaque assays showed the reduction of coronavirus nucleoproteins and infectious particles, respectively, in 3D8 scFv-treated cells. These data demonstrate the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of 3D8 against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. Thus, it could be considered a potential antiviral countermeasure against SARS-CoV-2 and zoonotic coronaviruses.

scholarly journals Transcutaneous penetration of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) compared to a full-size antibody: potential tool for atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey Baylet ◽  
Raoul Vyumvuhore ◽  
Marine Laclaverie ◽  
Laëtitia Marchand ◽  
Carine Mainzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Topical Therapy ◽  
Human Keratinocytes ◽  
Raman Microspectroscopy ◽  
Interleukin 4 ◽  
Single Chain Variable Fragment ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Administration Routes

AbstractCurrently, several biologics are used for the treatment of cutaneous pathologies such as atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis or skin cancers. The main administration routes are subcutaneous and intravenous injections. However, little is known about antibody penetration through the skin. The aim was to study the transcutaneous penetration of a reduced-size antibody as a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) compared to a whole antibody (Ab) and to determine its capacity to neutralize an inflammatory cytokine involved in AD such as human interleukin-4 (hIL-4). Transcutaneous penetration was evaluated by ex vivo studies on tape-stripped pig ear skin. ScFv and Ab visualization through the skin was measured by Raman microspectroscopy. In addition, hIL-4 neutralization was studied in vitro using HEK-Blue™ IL-4/IL-13 cells and normal human keratinocytes (NHKs). After 24 h of application, analysis by Raman microspectroscopy showed that scFv penetrated into the upper dermis while Ab remained on the stratum corneum. In addition, the anti-hIL4 scFv showed very efficient and dose-dependent hIL-4 neutralization. Thus, scFv penetrates through to the upper papillary dermis while Ab mostly remains on the surface, the anti-hIL4 scFv also neutralizes its target effectively suggesting its potential use as topical therapy for AD.

scholarly journals Glycyrol Alone or in Combination with Gefitinib Is Effective against Gefitinib-Resistant HCC827GR Lung Cancer Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
pp. 10526
Author(s):  
Shuang Zhao ◽  
Shangyun Lu ◽  
Lihong Fan ◽  
Hongbo Hu
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Lung Cancer Cells ◽  
Clinical Utilization ◽  
Murine Xenograft Model ◽  
Coumarin Compounds ◽  
Line Setting

Gefitinib has been clinically demonstrated to be effective in the first-line setting for patients with advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, acquired therapeutic resistance to gefitinib almost unavoidably develops, posing a major hurdle for its clinical utilization. Our previous study showed that glycyrol (GC), a representative of coumarin compounds isolated from the medicinal plant licorice, was effective against A549 lung cancer cells in both cell culture and a murine xenograft model. In this follow-up study, we evaluated the effect of glycyrol against gefitinib-resistant NSCLC and its ability to overcome the resistance using gefitinib-resistant HCC827GR cells. Results showed that glycyrol was effective against HCC827GR cells in both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, glycyrol was able to significantly increase the sensitivity of HCC827GR cells to gefitinib, mechanistically associated with inactivating MET, which is a known important contributor to the resistance of HCC827GR cells to gefitinib. The findings of the present study suggest that glycyrol holds potential to be developed as a novel agent against gefitinib-resistant NSCLC.

scholarly journals Zr-89 Immuno-PET Targeting Ectopic ATP Synthase Enables In-Vivo Imaging of Tumor Angiogenesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (16) ◽  
pp. 3928
Author(s):  
Bok-Nam Park ◽  
Ga-Hee Kim ◽  
Seung-A Ko ◽  
Ga-Hee Shin ◽  
Su-Jin Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cellular Uptake ◽  
Tumor Angiogenesis ◽  
Breast Cancer Cells ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Tumor Uptake ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Pc3 Cells

In this study, we synthesized a Zr-89-labeled anti-adenosine triphosphate synthase monoclonal antibody (ATPS mAb) for applications in immuno-positron emission tomography (PET) and evaluated its feasibility for angiogenesis imaging. The cellular uptake of Zr-89 ATPS mAb was measured after treatment of cancer cell lines in vitro, and its biodistribution was evaluated at 4, 24 and 48 h in vivo in mice bearing xenografts. PET images were acquired at 4, 24, 48, and 96 h after Zr-89 ATPS mAb administration. Tumor angiogenesis was analyzed using anti-CD31 immunofluorescence staining. The cellular uptake of Zr-89 ATPS mAb increased over time in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells but did not increase in PC3 prostate cancer cells. The tumor uptake of Zr-89 ATPS mAb at 24 h was 9.4 ± 0.9% ID/g for MDA-Mb-231 cells and was 3.8 ± 0.6% ID/g for PC3 cells (p = 0.004). Zr-89 ATPS mAb uptake in MDA-MB-231 xenografts was inhibited by the administration of cold ATPS mAb (4.4 ± 0.5% ID/g, p = 0.011). Zr-89 ATPS mAb uptake could be visualized by PET for up to 96 h in MDA-MB-231 tumors. In contrast, there was no distinct tumor uptake detected by PET in the PC3 xenograft model. CD31-positive tumor vessels were abundant in MDA-MB-231 tumors, whereas they were scarcely detected in PC3 tumors. In conclusion, ATPS mAb was successfully labeled with Zr-89, which could be used for immuno-PET imaging targeting tumor angiogenesis.

scholarly journals NCL Inhibition Exerts Antineoplastic Effects against Prostate Cancer Cells by Modulating Oncogenic MicroRNAs

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1861
Author(s):  
Tyler Sheetz ◽  
Joseph Mills ◽  
Anna Tessari ◽  
Megan Pawlikowski ◽  
Ashley E. Braddom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Advanced Stage ◽  
Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer ◽  
Single Chain

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is only temporarily effective for advanced-stage PCa, as the disease inevitably progresses to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The protein nucleolin (NCL) is overexpressed in several types of human tumors where it is also mislocalized to the cell surface. We previously reported the identification of a single-chain fragment variable (scFv) immuno-agent that is able to bind NCL on the surface of breast cancer cells and inhibit proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we evaluated whether NCL could be a valid therapeutic target for PCa, utilizing DU145, PC3 (CRPC), and LNCaP (androgen-sensitive) cell lines. First, we interrogated the publicly available databases and noted that higher NCL mRNA levels are associated with higher Gleason Scores as well as with recurrent and metastatic tumors. Then, using our anti-NCL scFv, we demonstrated that NCL is expressed on the surface of all three tested cell lines and that NCL inhibition results in reduced proliferation and migration. We also measured the inhibitory effect of NCL targeting on the biogenesis of oncogenic microRNAs such as miR-21, -221 and -222, which was cell context dependent. Taken together, our data provide evidence that NCL targeting inhibits the key hallmarks of malignancy in PCa cells and may provide a novel therapeutic option for patients with advanced-stage PCa.

scholarly journals Engineered Fragments of the PSMA-Specific 5D3 Antibody and Their Functional Characterization

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6672
Author(s):  
Zora Novakova ◽  
Nikola Belousova ◽  
Catherine A. Foss ◽  
Barbora Havlinova ◽  
Marketa Gresova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Experimental Therapy ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Single Chain Fv ◽  
Murine Xenograft Model ◽  
Single Target

Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) is an established biomarker for the imaging and experimental therapy of prostate cancer (PCa), as it is strongly upregulated in high-grade primary, androgen-independent, and metastatic lesions. Here, we report on the development and functional characterization of recombinant single-chain Fv (scFv) and Fab fragments derived from the 5D3 PSMA-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb). These fragments were engineered, heterologously expressed in insect S2 cells, and purified to homogeneity with yields up to 20 mg/L. In vitro assays including ELISA, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, revealed that the fragments retain the nanomolar affinity and single target specificity of the parent 5D3 antibody. Importantly, using a murine xenograft model of PCa, we verified the suitability of fluorescently labeled fragments for in vivo imaging of PSMA-positive tumors and compared their pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution to the parent mAb. Collectively, our data provide an experimental basis for the further development of 5D3 recombinant fragments for future clinical use.

scholarly journals Spironolactone, a Classic Potassium-Sparing Diuretic, Reduces Survivin Expression and Chemosensitizes Cancer Cells to Non-DNA-Damaging Anticancer Drugs

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomomi Sanomachi ◽  
Shuhei Suzuki ◽  
Keita Togashi ◽  
Asuka Sugai ◽  
Shizuka Seino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Survivin Expression ◽  
Mouse Xenograft Model ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Spironolactone, a classical diuretic drug, is used to treat tumor-associated complications in cancer patients. Spironolactone was recently reported to exert anti-cancer effects by suppressing DNA damage repair. However, it currently remains unclear whether spironolactone exerts combinational effects with non-DNA-damaging anti-cancer drugs, such as gemcitabine and epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Using the cancer cells of lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and glioblastoma, the combinational effects of spironolactone with gemcitabine and osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR-TKI, were examined in vitro with cell viability assays. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we investigated alterations induced in survivin, an anti-apoptotic protein, by spironolactone as well as the chemosensitization effects of the suppression of survivin by YM155, an inhibitor of survivin, and siRNA. We also examined the combinational effects in a mouse xenograft model. The results obtained revealed that spironolactone augmented cell death and the suppression of cell growth by gemcitabine and osimertinib. Spironolactone also reduced the expression of survivin in these cells, and the pharmacological and genetic suppression of survivin sensitized cells to gemcitabine and osimertinib. This combination also significantly suppressed tumor growth without apparent adverse effects in vivo. In conclusion, spironolactone is a safe candidate drug that exerts anti-cancer effects in combination with non-DNA-damaging drugs, such as gemcitabine and osimertinib, most likely through the suppression of survivin.

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