scholarly journals A human antibody selective for transthyretin amyloid removes cardiac amyloid through phagocytic immune cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aubin Michalon ◽  
Andreas Hagenbuch ◽  
Christian Huy ◽  
Evita Varela ◽  
Benoit Combaluzier ◽  
...  

AbstractTransthyretin amyloid (ATTR) cardiomyopathy is a debilitating disease leading to heart failure and death. It is characterized by the deposition of extracellular ATTR fibrils in the myocardium. Reducing myocardial ATTR load is a therapeutic goal anticipated to translate into restored cardiac function and improved patient survival. For this purpose, we developed the selective anti-ATTR antibody NI301A, a recombinant human monoclonal immunoglobulin G1. NI301A was cloned following comprehensive analyses of memory B cell repertoires derived from healthy elderly subjects. NI301A binds selectively with high affinity to the disease-associated ATTR aggregates of either wild-type or variant ATTR related to sporadic or hereditary disease, respectively. It does not bind physiological transthyretin. NI301A removes ATTR deposits ex vivo from patient-derived myocardium by macrophages, as well as in vivo from mice grafted with patient-derived ATTR fibrils in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. The biological activity of ATTR removal involves antibody-mediated activation of phagocytic immune cells including macrophages. These data support the evaluation of safety and tolerability of NI301A in an ongoing phase 1 clinical trial in patients with ATTR cardiomyopathy.

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S659-S659
Author(s):  
Angela Talley ◽  
Archie Thurston ◽  
Grayson Moore ◽  
Myriah M Satterfield ◽  
Erika L Manyak ◽  
...  

Abstract Background SPR720 (phosphate pro-drug of SPR719) is a novel aminobenzimidazole bacterial DNA gyrase (GyrB) inhibitor in development for non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTM-LD) and pulmonary tuberculosis. SPR719 has broad-spectrum activity versus clinically relevant mycobacteria in vitro and in murine and hollow fiber (HF) infection models. In this first-in-human single ascending dose (SAD) /multiple ascending dose (MAD) study, the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of SPR720/SPR719 were evaluated in healthy volunteers. Methods This was a Phase 1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 7 SAD cohorts (including a food effect cohort) and 5 MAD cohorts. Healthy volunteers (n=8/cohort, 3:1 randomization) received SPR720 or placebo in single oral doses of ranging from 100 mg to 2000 mg or repeat total daily doses ranging from 500 mg to 1500 mg for 7 or 14 days. Safety monitoring and PK sampling occurred throughout the trial. Plasma and urine concentrations of SPR720/SPR719 were measured by validated LC-MS/MS methods. PK parameters were calculated using non-compartmental analysis. Results A total of 96 subjects (including 8 healthy elderly subjects, age ≥ 65 years) were randomized and received study drug. SPR720 was well-tolerated at daily doses up to 1000 mg for up to 14 days. Across SAD/MAD cohorts, the most common adverse events were gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) and headache, all of mild or moderate severity and dose dependent. No serious adverse events were reported. Across SAD cohorts, a dose proportional and greater-than-dose proportional increase in SPR719 plasma Cmax and AUC0-24, respectively were observed. SPR720 was rapidly absorbed with a mean SPR719 t1/2 of 2.9-4.5 h. Dosing with food decreased SPR719 plasma AUC by ~20%. No clinically meaningful effect of age on plasma AUC was observed. In the MAD cohorts, SPR719 plasma exposure declined approximately 40% between Day 1 and Day 7, suggesting induction of an elimination pathway. However, plasma AUC0-24 was similar at Days 7 and 14. Conclusion Together with HF pharmacodynamic data, human PK and safety data for SPR720 suggest that predicted therapeutic exposures can be attained with a well-tolerated once-daily dose. Further evaluation in a Phase 2 NTM-LD trial is planned. Disclosures Angela Talley, MD, Spero Therapeutics (Employee, Shareholder) Archie Thurston, Jr., PhD, Spero Therapeutics (Consultant) Grayson Moore, BA, RN, Spero Therapeutics, Inc. (Shareholder, Independent Contractor) Vipul Kumar, PhD, Spero Therapeutics (Employee, Shareholder) Suzanne Stokes, PhD, Spero Therapeutics (Employee, Shareholder) Aaron Dane, MSc, Spero theraputics (Consultant) David Melnick, MD, Spero Therapeutics (Employee)Spero Therapeutics (Employee)


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroto Nakajima ◽  
Atsushi Miyashita ◽  
Hiroshi Hamamoto ◽  
Kazuhisa Sekimizu

AbstractIn this study, we investigated a new application of bubble-eye goldfish (commercially available strain with large bubble-shaped eye sacs) for immunological studies in fishes utilizing the technical advantage of examining immune cells in the eye sac fluid ex vivo without sacrificing animals. As known in many aquatic species, the common goldfish strain showed an increased infection sensitivity at elevated temperature, which we demonstrate may be due to an immune impairment using the bubble-eye goldfish model. Injection of heat-killed bacterial cells into the eye sac resulted in an inflammatory symptom (surface reddening) and increased gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines observed in vivo, and elevated rearing temperature suppressed the induction of pro-inflammatory gene expressions. We further conducted ex vivo experiments using the immune cells harvested from the eye sac and found that the induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was suppressed when we increased the temperature of ex vivo culture, suggesting that the temperature response of the eye-sac immune cells is a cell autonomous function. These results indicate that the bubble-eye goldfish is a suitable model for ex vivo investigation of fish immune cells and that the temperature-induced infection susceptibility in the goldfish may be due to functional impairments of immune cells.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Borcherding ◽  
Kawther K. Ahmed ◽  
Andrew P. Voigt ◽  
Ajaykumar Vishwakarma ◽  
Ryan Kolb ◽  
...  

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a population of T cells that exert a suppressive effect on a variety of immune cells and non-immune cells. The suppressive effects of Tregs are detrimental to anti-tumor immunity. Recent investigations into cancer-associated Tregs have identified common expression patterns for tumor-infiltration, however the functional heterogeneity in tumor-infiltrating (TI) Treg is largely unknown. We performed single-cell sequencing on immune cells derived from renal clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients, isolating 160 peripheral-blood (PB) Tregs and 574 TI Tregs. We identified distinct transcriptional TI Treg cell fates, with a suppressive subset expressing CD177. We demonstrate CD177+ TI-Tregs have preferential suppressive effects in vivo and ex vivo. Gene signatures derived the CD177+ Treg subset had superior ability to predict survival in ccRCC and seven other cancer types. Further investigation into the development and regulation of TI-Treg heterogeneity will be vital to the application of tumor immunotherapies that possess minimal side effects.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 262-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ted Wun ◽  
Laura M. De Castro ◽  
Lori Styles ◽  
Anthony Cheung ◽  
Shannon Chase ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 262 Adhesion molecules are critically involved in the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD). A growing body of evidence from animal models and humans supports the role of selectin-mediated cell adhesion in the pathophysiology of vaso-occlusion. Leukocyte adhesion has been demonstrated to reduce microvascular blood flow in a sickle cell mouse model, and there is evidence to suggest leukocyte adhesion in humans contributes to vaso-occlusion (Stuart et al, Lancet 2004; Turhan et al, PNAS 2002). GMI-1070 is a pan-selectin inhibitor that targets E-, P-, and L-selectins and has previously been shown to restore blood flow and improve survival in a mouse model of vaso-occlusion (Chang et al, Blood 2010). Also, it is potent inhibitor of adhesion of human neutrophils to immobilized E-selectin and ICAM-1 under flow conditions in vitro. As part of a Phase 1/2 study of GMI-1070 in patients with SCD we determined the effects of the drug on biomarkers of adhesion in vivo and ex vivo. Methods: An open-label phase 1/2 study of the safety, PK, and activity of GMI-1070 was performed, enrolling adults with SCD at steady state. Here we are reporting data on GMI-1070 anti-adhesion activity. GMI-1070 was administered in two IV doses given on the same day: 20 mg/kg as a loading dose, followed 10 hours later by 10 mg/kg. Serial WBC count with differential (all 15 subjects), computer-assisted intravital microscopy (CAIM) (4 subjects), and ex vivo activity of GMI-1070 in plasma (4 subjects) were measured. CAIM is a non-invasive technique for quantitative measurement of microvascular blood flow in vessels of the bulbar conjunctiva. In this study it was used to measure RBC velocity before and after dosing (at 30 minutes, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours) with GMI-1070. Ex vivo evaluation of plasma GMI-1070 activity in a cell adhesion assay was also performed, with samples taken at 0, 8, 24, and 48 hours after first infusion. Results: Adults were enrolled at three centers: 13 with HbSS, 2 with HbSB0thal. All were African-American, and 9 were male. All subjects received both doses of study drug. The t1/2 was 7.7 hours. Mean baseline WBC was 10 K/mm3, and baseline absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was 5.4 K/mm3. The mean WBC was 10.4, 11.6, 10.2, and 8.7 K/mm3 at 8, 24, 48 hours and 7 days, respectively. The ANC mean was 5.5, 7.5, 5.6, and 4.2 K/mm3 at the same time points. ANC % change from baseline was significant at 24 and 48 hours (p=0.001, 0.025 mixed effects model) (Figure). There were no significant changes in absolute monocyte or lymphocyte counts. There was no correlation with any clinical adverse events. In one subject, the WBC rose from 10.4 to a peak of 28, with no clinical symptoms or significant changes in other lab values. CAIM (n=4) evaluating microvascular blood flow in the bulbar conjunctiva (measured in screen pixels/sec), showed mean RBC velocity at baseline was 335 (SD 70) pixels/sec, with mean values at 30 min., 2, 4, and 8 hours of 368 (59), 345 (63), 341 (59), and 338 (83) pixels/sec respectively, and returned to baseline of 317 (82) pixels/sec at 24 h. These differences did not reach statistical significance (mixed effects model). In ex vivo evaluation of neutrophil adhesion to matrix proteins (as quantified by # of bound neutrophils per 50× field) from samples 0, 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours after the first infusion revealed reduction in adhesions at 4 and 8 hours; mean adhered neutrophils were 33 (17), 20 (11), 18 (9), 47 (49), and 42 (15) respectively. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, GMI-1070 infusion resulted in neutrophilia, a trend towards increased RBC velocity in the vessels of the bulbar conjunctiva immediately after infusion, and reduced leukoctye adhesion in an ex vivo assay despite neutrophilia. All of these findings are consistent with an anti-adhesive effect on leukocyte adhesion in vivo and suggest that the findings in sickle mouse studies can be translated into SCD patients. This study supports further evaluation of GMI-1070 for the treatment of vaso-occlusive episodes in SCD.Figure:Observed (mean/SE) absolute WBC and ANC over timeFigure:. Observed (mean/SE) absolute WBC and ANC over time Disclosures: Wun: GlycoMimetics: Clinical Trial Sponsorship, Consultancy; Eli Lilly: Clinical Trial Sponsorship, Consultancy. Off Label Use: This drug (GMI-1070) has not been approved for any clinical indication. De Castro:GlycoMimetics: clinical trial sponsorship. Styles:GlycoMimetics: Clinical Trial Sponsorship, Consultancy. Cheung:GlycoMimetics: clinical trial sponsorship. Chase:GlycoMimetics: clinical trial sponsorship. Simon:GlycoMimetics: Research Funding. Magnani:GlycoMimetics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Thackray:GlycoMimetics: Employment, Equity Ownership.


2015 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 399-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Moinard ◽  
J. Maccario ◽  
S. Walrand ◽  
V. Lasserre ◽  
J. Marc ◽  
...  

AbstractArginine (ARG) and its precursor citrulline (CIT) are popular dietary supplements, especially for the elderly. However, age-related reductions in lean body mass and alterations in organ functions could change their bioavailability. Pharmacokinetics and tolerance to amino acid (AA) loads are poorly documented in elderly subjects. The objective here was to characterise the plasma kinetics of CIT and ARG in a single-dosing study design. Eight fasting elderly men underwent two separate isomolar oral loading tests (10 g of CIT or 9·94 g of ARG). Blood was withdrawn over an 8-h period to measure plasma AA concentrations. Only CIT, ornithine and ARG plasma concentrations were changed. Volume of distribution was not dependent on AA administered. Conversely, parameters related to ARG kinetics were strongly dependent on AA administered: after ARG load, elimination was higher (ARG>CIT; P=0·041) and admission period+time at peak concentration was lower (ARG<CIT; P=0·033), and the combination of both phenomena results in a marked increase in ARG availability when CIT was administered (ARG<CIT; P=0·033) compared with ARG administration itself. In conclusion, a single CIT administration in the elderly is safe and well tolerated, and CIT proves to be a better in vivo ARG precursor than ARG itself in healthy elderly subjects.


Gut ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Aimone-Gastin ◽  
H Pierson ◽  
C Jeandel ◽  
J P Bronowicki ◽  
F Plénat ◽  
...  

Background—The frequency of dietary protein bound vitamin B12 malabsorption in elderly patients remains controversial.Aims—To evaluate this malabsorption in elderly hospitalised patients using a modified Schilling test.Patients—Fourteen elderly patients with low B12 blood levels were prospectively selected from 394 hospitalised patients.Methods—The modified Schilling test was performed with trout labelled in vivo.Results—The test was normal in five healthy elderly subjects, in 7/8 patients with pancreatic insufficiency, and in nine non-elderly patients with antral gastritis. The low decision limit was established at 3.3% (median 4.8%). From the 14 elderly patients with low B12 prospectively selected from 394 hospitalised patients, seven had a real deficiency with anaemia and an increased homocysteine and/or methylmalonate serum level. The modified Schilling test showed malabsorption in five of these patients, including two in which the standard Schilling test was normal, and three in which the standard Schilling test was partially corrected by an intrinsic factor.Conclusions—Protein bound vitamin B12malabsorption was detected in at least 0.5% of elderly hospitalised patients, using the labelled trout flesh absorption test.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuxun Wang ◽  
Heping Yang ◽  
Huanping Li ◽  
Shuda Zhao ◽  
Yikun Zeng ◽  
...  

Abstract Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of proteins that recognize pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Their primary function is to activate innate immune responses while also involved in facilitating adaptive immune responses. Different TLRs exert distinct functions by activating varied immune cascades. Several TLRs are being pursued as cancer drug targets. We discovered a novel, highly potent and selective small molecule TLR8 agonist DN052. DN052 exhibited strong in vitro cellular activity with EC50 at 6.7 nM and was highly selective for TLR8 over other TLRs including TLR4, 7 and 9. DN052 displayed excellent in vitro ADMET and in vivo PK profiles. DN052 potently inhibited tumor growth as a single agent. Moreover, combination of DN052 with the immune checkpoint inhibitor, selected targeted therapeutics or chemotherapeutic drugs further enhanced efficacy of single agents. Mechanistically, treatment with DN052 resulted in strong induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in ex vivo human PBMC assay and in vivo monkey study. GLP toxicity studies in rats and monkeys demonstrated favorable safety profile. This led to the advancement of DN052 into phase 1 clinical trials.


2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 663-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Vazirpanah ◽  
Andrea Ottria ◽  
Maarten van der Linden ◽  
Catharina G K Wichers ◽  
Mark Schuiveling ◽  
...  

ObjectiveGout is the most common inflammatory arthritis worldwide, and patients experience a heavy burden of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The inflammation is caused by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in tissues, especially in the joints, triggering immune cells to mount an inflammatory reaction. Recently, it was shown that MSU crystals can induce mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling in monocytes encountering these crystals in vitro. The mTOR pathway is strongly implicated in cardiovascular and metabolic disease. We hypothesised that inhibiting this pathway in gout might be a novel avenue of treatment in these patients, targeting both inflammation and comorbidities.Methods We used a translational approach starting from ex vivo to in vitro and back to in vivo.ResultsWe show that ex vivo immune cells from patients with gout exhibit higher expression of the mTOR pathway, which we can mimic in vitro by stimulating healthy immune cells (B lymphocytes, monocytes, T lymphocytes) with MSU crystals. Monocytes are the most prominent mTOR expressers. By using live imaging, we demonstrate that monocytes, on encountering MSU crystals, initiate cell death and release a wide array of proinflammatory cytokines. By inhibiting mTOR signalling with metformin or rapamycin, a reduction of cell death and release of inflammatory mediators was observed. Consistent with this, we show that patients with gout who are treated with the mTOR inhibitor metformin have a lower frequency of gout attacks.ConclusionsWe propose mTOR inhibition as a novel therapeutic target of interest in gout treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (20) ◽  
pp. 5194-5202
Author(s):  
Amrita Krishnan ◽  
Vikram Adhikarla ◽  
Erasmus K. Poku ◽  
Joycelynne Palmer ◽  
Ammar Chaudhry ◽  
...  

Abstract 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is one of the most widely used imaging techniques to detect multiple myeloma (MM). Intracellular FDG uptake depicts in vivo metabolic activity, which can be seen in both malignant and nonmalignant cells, resulting in limited sensitivity and specificity. Our group showed preclinically that tracing MM dissemination using a CD38-directed human antibody, daratumumab, that is radioconjugated with 64Cu via the chelator DOTA (64Cu-daratumumab), led to improved sensitivity and specificity over that of FDG. Here, we report the results of a phase 1 trial designed to (1) assess the safety and feasibility of 64Cu-daratumumab PET/CT and (2) preliminarily evaluate and characterize the ability of 64Cu-daratumumab to accurately detect or exclude MM lesions. A total of 12 daratumumab-naive patients were imaged. Prior to the injection of 15 mCi/5 mg of 64Cu-daratumumab, patients were treated with 0 (n = 3), 10 (n = 3), 45 (n = 3), or 95 mg (n = 3) of unlabeled daratumumab to assess its effect on image quality. No significant adverse events were observed from either unlabeled daratumumab or 64Cu-daratumumab. Of the dose levels tested, 45 mg unlabeled daratumumab was the most optimal in terms of removing background signal without saturating target sites. 64Cu-daratumumab PET/CT provided safe whole-body imaging of MM. A trial comparing the sensitivity and specificity of 64Cu-daratumumab PET/CT with that of FDG PET/CT is planned. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03311828.


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