scholarly journals Dual checkpoint blockade of CD47 and PD-L1 using an affinity-tuned bispecific antibody maximizes antitumor immunity

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e003464
Author(s):  
Shih-Hsun Chen ◽  
Pawel K Dominik ◽  
Jessica Stanfield ◽  
Sheng Ding ◽  
Wenjing Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Bispecific Antibody ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Checkpoint Blockade ◽  
Therapeutic Window ◽  
Clinical Activity ◽  
Type I

BackgroundT cell checkpoint immunotherapies have shown promising results in the clinic, but most patients remain non-responsive. CD47-signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) myeloid checkpoint blockade has shown early clinical activity in hematologic malignancies. However, CD47 expression on peripheral blood limits αCD47 antibody selectivity and thus efficacy in solid tumors.MethodsTo improve the antibody selectivity and therapeutic window, we developed a novel affinity-tuned bispecific antibody targeting CD47 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) to antagonize both innate and adaptive immune checkpoint pathways. This PD-L1-targeted CD47 bispecific antibody was designed with potent affinity for PD-L1 and moderate affinity for CD47 to achieve preferential binding on tumor and myeloid cells expressing PD-L1 in the tumor microenvironment (TME).ResultsThe antibody design reduced binding on red blood cells and enhanced selectivity to the TME, improving the therapeutic window compared with αCD47 and its combination with αPD-L1 in syngeneic tumor models. Mechanistically, both myeloid and T cells were activated and contributed to antitumor activity of αCD47/PD-L1 bispecific antibody. Distinct from αCD47 and αPD-L1 monotherapies or combination therapies, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and gene expression analysis revealed that the bispecific treatment resulted in unique innate activation, including pattern recognition receptor-mediated induction of type I interferon pathways and antigen presentation in dendritic cells and macrophage populations. Furthermore, treatment increased the Tcf7+ stem-like progenitor CD8 T cell population in the TME and promoted its differentiation to an effector-like state. Consistent with mouse data, the compounds were well tolerated and demonstrated robust myeloid and T cell activation in non-human primates (NHPs). Notably, RNA-seq analysis in NHPs provided evidence that the innate activation was mainly contributed by CD47-SIRPα but not PD-L1-PD-1 blockade from the bispecific antibody.ConclusionThese findings provide novel mechanistic insights into how myeloid and T cells can be uniquely modulated by the dual innate and adaptive checkpoint antibody and demonstrate its potential in clinical development (NCT04881045) to improve patient outcomes over current PD-(L)1 and CD47-targeted therapies.

scholarly journals Triggering interferon signaling in T cells with avadomide sensitizes CLL to anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolaos Ioannou ◽  
Patrick Ryan Hagner ◽  
Matt Stokes ◽  
Anita Krithivas Gandhi ◽  
Benedetta Apollonio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Feedback Inhibition ◽  
Antibody Therapy ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Checkpoint Blockade ◽  
Type I

Cancer treatment has been transformed by checkpoint blockade therapies, with the highest anti-tumor activity of anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) antibody therapy seen in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Disappointingly, response rates have been low in the non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs), with no activity seen in relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with PD-1 blockade. Thus, identifying more powerful combination therapy is required for these patients. Here, we pre-clinically demonstrate enhanced anti-CLL activity following combinational therapy with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) and avadomide, a cereblon E3 ligase modulator (CELMoD). Avadomide induced type I and II interferon (IFN) signaling in patient T cells, triggering a feedforward cascade of reinvigorated T cell responses. Immune modeling assays demonstrated that avadomide stimulated T cell activation, chemokine expression, motility and lytic synapses with CLL cells, as well as IFN-inducible feedback inhibition through upregulation of PD-L1. Patient-derived xenograft tumors treated with avadomide were converted to CD8+ T cell-inflamed tumor microenvironments (TMEs) that responded to anti-PD-L1/PD-1-based combination therapy. Notably, clinical analyses showed increased PD-L1 expression on T cells, as well as intratumoral expression of chemokine signaling genes in B cell malignancy patients receiving avadomide-based therapy. These data illustrate the importance of overcoming a low inflammatory T cell state to successfully sensitize CLL to checkpoint blockade-based combination therapy.

406 CDX527–01, a phase 1 dose-escalation and expansion study of the PD-L1xCD27 bispecific antibody CDX-527 in patients with advanced malignancies

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A431-A431
Author(s):  
Michael Yellin ◽  
Tracey Rawls ◽  
Diane Young ◽  
Philip Golden ◽  
Laura Vitale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Dose Escalation ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Bispecific Antibody ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Clinical Activity ◽  
Tumor Types ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

BackgroundCD27 ligation and PD-1 blockade elicit complementary signals mediating T cell activation and effector function. CD27 is constitutively expressed on most mature T cells and the interaction with its ligand, CD70, plays key roles in T cell costimulation leading to activation, proliferation, enhanced survival, maturation of effector capacity, and memory. The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway plays key roles in inhibiting T cell responses. Pre-clinical studies demonstrate synergy in T cell activation and anti-tumor activity when combining a CD27 agonist antibody with PD-(L)1 blockade, and clinical studies have confirmed the feasibility of this combination by demonstrating safety and biological and clinical activity. CDX-527 is a novel human bispecific antibody containing a neutralizing, high affinity IgG1k PD-L1 mAb (9H9) and the single chain Fv fragment (scFv) of an agonist anti-CD27 mAb (2B3) genetically attached to the C-terminus of each heavy chain, thereby making CDX-527 bivalent for each target. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated enhanced T cell activation by CDX-527 and anti-tumor activity of a surrogate bispecific compared to individual mAb combinations, and together with the IND-enabling studies support the advancement of CDX-527 into the clinic.MethodsA Phase 1 first-in-human, open-label, non-randomized, multi-center, dose-escalation and expansion study evaluating safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and clinical activity of CDX-527 is ongoing. Eligible patients have advanced solid tumor malignancies and have progressed on standard-of-care therapy. Patients must have no more than one prior anti-PD-1/L1 for tumor types which have anti-PD-1/L1 approved for that indication and no prior anti-PD-1/L1 for tumor types that do not have anti-PD-1/L1 approved for that indication. CDX-527 is administered intravenously once every two weeks with doses ranging from 0.03 mg/kg up to 10.0 mg/kg or until the maximum tolerated dose. The dose-escalation phase initiates with a single patient enrolled in cohort 1. In the absence of a dose limiting toxicity or any ≥ grade 2 treatment related AE, cohort 2 will enroll in a similar manner as cohort 1. Subsequent dose-escalation cohorts will be conducted in 3+3 manner. In the tumor-specific expansion phase, up to 4 individual expansion cohort(s) of patients with specific solid tumors of interest may be enrolled to further characterize the safety, PK, PD, and efficacy of CDX 527. Tumor assessments will be performed every 8-weeks by the investigator in accordance with iRECIST. Biomarker assessments will include characterizing the effects on peripheral blood immune cells and cytokines, and for the expansion cohorts, the impact of CDX-527 on the tumor microenvironment.ResultsN/AConclusionsN/ATrial RegistrationNCT04440943Ethics ApprovalThe study was approved by WIRB for Northside Hospital, approval number 20201542

scholarly journals 887 Repolarization of T cells by AMV564 in patients progressing on checkpoint blockade

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A929-A930
Author(s):  
Victoria Smith ◽  
Sterling Eckard ◽  
Bianca Rojo ◽  
Patrick Chun
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cd4 T Cells ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Checkpoint Blockade ◽  
High Baseline ◽  
Previously Treated ◽  
Th 1

BackgroundMDSC produce numerous immune-suppressive factors and are associated with poor outcomes across different cancers. They are frequently elevated in patients experiencing inadequate benefit from checkpoint blockade and there is a crucial need for therapies for this patient population. MDSC are recruited from bone marrow in response to both tumor signaling and T cell activation, and their accumulation in tumors and lymphatics can limit the potential benefits of immunostimulatory therapies. AMV564 is a bivalent T cell engager that selectively depletes MDSC. In a phase 1 study, pharmacodynamic analyses revealed significant depletion of MDSC, T cell activation, expansion of the T cell repertoire and an IFN-gamma-dominant cytokine profile with comparatively limited IL6 induction.1 Monotherapy activity including a confirmed RECIST complete response was observed. The clinical and pharmacodynamic profiles of AMV564 are being further evaluated in specific patient cohorts, including patients progressing on checkpoint blockade.MethodsIn a phase 1b expansion study (NCT04128423), patient cohorts with cancers more likely to include actionable tumor antigens were selected for treatment with AMV564, with most patients representing checkpoint treatment failures. An additional cohort of patients included heterogeneous tumor types stratified by tumor mutation burden (TMB) score from circulating tumor DNA. Pharmacodynamic analyses including direct immunophenotyping (flow cytometry) of T and myeloid cell compartments in peripheral blood were performed on patients treated with AMV564 (15 µg daily for 10 of 21 days by subcutaneous injection).ResultsChanges in myeloid and T cell profiles consistent with the pharmacodynamic signature of AMV564 were observed in patients receiving AMV564 despite one or more prior lines of checkpoint blockade therapy. Notably, both high baseline MDSC and elevated induction of MDSC after T cell activation were apparent (figure 1). Control of MDSC by AMV564 was associated with increases in both effector CD8 and CD4 T cells (figure 2). Extremely elevated levels of regulatory T cells were often observed: after treatment with AMV564, a Th-1-like repolarization of these cells was apparent, often associated with reduction in CD25 (figure 3).Abstract 887 Figure 1Significantly higher induction of M-MDSC is apparent in patients previously receiving checkpoint blockade (CPB) after T cell activation by AMV564.Abstract 887 Figure 2Treatment with AMV564 promotes increases in effector CD8 and CD4 T cells in patients previously treated with CPB (examples shown are Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)).Abstract 887 Figure 3Th-1 like repolarization of Treg is apparent in patients previously treated with CPB (MCC, HNSCC examples) after treatment with AMV564 (a). Example CD25 low and T-Bet high cells in HNSCC patient (arrow, b).ConclusionsTreatment with AMV564 yielded substantial reductions in MDSC and favorable polarization of CD8 and CD4 T cells, including Th1-like polarization of Treg. This signature was apparent in patients previously treated with checkpoint inhibitors, despite strong induction of MDSC in response to T cell activation, and high baseline levels (>20%) of Treg.Trial RegistrationNCT04128423ReferencesSmith V, Eckard S, Rettig MP, et al. AMV564, a bivalent, bispecific T-cell engager, depletes myeloid derived suppressor cells and activates T cells in cancer patients. Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Supplement):5699.Ethics ApprovalThis study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Independent Ethics Committee (IEC) at each participating institution (including Ohio State University, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Duke University, University of California Los Angeles, Advent Health, Christ Hospital). All participants gave informed consent for samples used to generate pharmacodynamic data. No sensitive of identifiable information is included.

scholarly journals Type I Interferon-mediated Stimulation of T Cells by CpG DNA

1998 ◽  
Vol 188 (12) ◽  
pp. 2335-2342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siquan Sun ◽  
Xiaohong Zhang ◽  
David F. Tough ◽  
Jonathan Sprent
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Type I Interferons ◽  
Type I ◽  
Cpg Dna ◽  
Stimulation Of

Immunostimulatory DNA and oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated CpG motifs (CpG DNA) are strongly stimulatory for B cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs). We report here that, as manifested by CD69 and B7-2 upregulation, CpG DNA also induces partial activation of T cells, including naive-phenotype T cells, both in vivo and in vitro. Under in vitro conditions, CpG DNA caused activation of T cells in spleen cell suspensions but failed to stimulate highly purified T cells unless these cells were supplemented with APCs. Three lines of evidence suggested that APC-dependent stimulation of T cells by CpG DNA was mediated by type I interferons (IFN-I). First, T cell activation by CpG DNA was undetectable in IFN-IR−/− mice. Second, in contrast to normal T cells, the failure of purified IFN-IR−/− T cells to respond to CpG DNA could not be overcome by adding normal IFN-IR+ APCs. Third, IFN-I (but not IFN-γ) caused the same pattern of partial T cell activation as CpG DNA. Significantly, T cell activation by IFN-I was APC independent. Thus, CpG DNA appeared to stimulate T cells by inducing APCs to synthesize IFN-I, which then acted directly on T cells via IFN-IR. Functional studies suggested that activation of T cells by IFN-I was inhibitory. Thus, exposing normal (but not IFN-IR−/−) T cells to CpG DNA in vivo led to reduced T proliferative responses after TCR ligation in vitro.

scholarly journals Type I Interferon Signaling before Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Lowers Donor T Cell Activation Via Reduced Allogenicity of Recipient Cells

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 4431-4431
Author(s):  
Erik Thiele Orberg ◽  
Julius Clemens Fischer ◽  
Sascha Göttert ◽  
Florian Bassermann ◽  
Hendrik Poeck
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Type I ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Conditioning Therapy

Background: Recent studies highlight immunoregulatory functions of type I interferons (IFN-I) during the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We demonstrated that selective activation of IFN-I pathways including RIG-I/MAVS and cGAS/STING prior to allo-HSCT conditioning therapy can ameliorate the course of GVHD. However, direct effects of IFN-Is on immune cells remain ill characterised. Methods: We applied selective RIG-I agonists (3pRNA) to stimulate IFN-I production in murine models of conditioning therapy with total body irradiation (TBI) and GVHD. Results: Using IFNAR1-deficient donor T and hematopoietic donor cells, we found that endogenous and RIG-I-induced IFN-Is do not reduce GVHD by acting on these respective cell types. However, 3pRNA applied before conditioning therapy reduced the ability of CD11c+ recipient cells to stimulate proliferation and interferon gamma expression of allogeneic T cells. Consistently, RIG-I activation before TBI reduced the proliferation of transplanted T-cells after allo-HSCT. The reduced allogenicity of CD11c+ recipient cells was dependent on IFN-I signalling. Notably, this immunosuppressive function of DCs was restricted to a scenario of genotoxic tissue damage as neither RIG-I activation and IFN-I induction in naive (non-irradiated) mice altered allogeneic T cell activation. Conclusion: Our findings uncover a hitherto unknown IFN-I- and context dependent immunosuppressive function of dendritic cells. This needs to be considered in the development of IFN-I based therapeutic approaches to modulate donor T cell activation after allo-HSCT. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Systemic IL-15 promotes allogeneic cell rejection in patients treated with natural killer cell adoptive therapy

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa M Berrien-Elliott ◽  
Michelle Becker-Hapak ◽  
Amanda F. Cashen ◽  
Miriam T. Jacobs ◽  
Pamela Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Cd8 T Cell ◽  
Clinical Activity ◽  
Allogeneic Cell

NK cells are a promising alternative to T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Adoptive therapies with allogeneic, cytokine-activated NK cells are being investigated in clinical trials. However, the optimal cytokine support after adoptive transfer to promote NK cell expansion, and persistence remains unclear. Correlative studies from two independent clinical trial cohorts treated with MHC-haploidentical NK cell therapy for relapsed/refractory AML revealed that cytokine support by systemic IL-15 (N-803) resulted in reduced clinical activity, compared to IL-2. We hypothesized that the mechanism responsible was IL-15/N-803 promoting recipient CD8 T cell activation that in turn accelerated donor NK cell rejection. This idea was supported by increased proliferating CD8+ T cell numbers in patients treated with IL-15/N-803, compared to IL2. Moreover, mixed lymphocyte reactions showed that IL-15/N-803 enhanced responder CD8 T cell activation and proliferation, compared to IL-2 alone. Additionally, IL-15/N-803 accelerated the ability of responding T cells to kill stimulator-derived ML NK cells, demonstrating that additional IL-15 can hasten donor NK cell elimination. Thus, systemic IL-15 used to support allogeneic cell therapy may paradoxically limit their therapeutic window of opportunity and clinical activity. This study indicates that stimulating patient CD8 T cell allo-rejection responses may critically limit allogeneic cellular therapy supported with IL-15.

Immunosuppressive Drugs up-Regulate the Immunoinhibitory Receptor Osteoactivin On Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 3284-3284
Author(s):  
Sabine Braun ◽  
Michael Gutknecht ◽  
Mark-Alexander Schwarzbich ◽  
Lothar Kanz ◽  
Helmut R Salih ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cyclosporine A ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Immunosuppressive Drugs ◽  
Type I ◽  
Transmembrane Glycoprotein ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Abstract 3284 Introduction: Dendritic cells (DC) abundantly express the type I transmembrane glycoprotein Osteoactivin (OA) - also known as transmembrane glycoprotein NMB and DC-HIL - compared to low expression levels on monocytes. Antigen-presenting cells interact via OA with the type I transmembrane proteoglycan syndecan-4 (SD-4) on T cells which inhibits T cell activation. We previously reported on increased expression of OA upon exposure of monocyte-derived DC (moDC) to immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., Gutknecht et al ASH annual meeting 2011). Here we extended these analyses and comparatively analyzed the impact of various immunsuppressive drugs (ID) on moDC phenotype and function. Methods: The moDC were generated from blood monocytes by plastic adherence and exposure to GM-CSF and IL-4. Clinically relevant concentrations of ID were added to the culture medium every second day starting with the first day of culture (cyclosporine A: 1μg/ml, prednisolone: 3.5μg/ml, tacrolimus: 10ng/ml, mycophenolat-mofetil 0.1μM, methotrexat 230ng/ml). Cells were harvested for immunophenotyping by flow cytometry, western-blotting and real-time PCR. Cytokine release by moDC was determined on day 7 by ELISA. Functional properties were determined by mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) on day 7 of culture. Results: Exposure of moDC to therapeutic concentrations of prednisolone resulted in significantly reduced expression of the costimulatory molecules CD83 and CD86 and increased levels of the monocyte marker CD14, indicative of impaired differentiation. Tacrolimus significantly increased CD14 expression and reduced CD83 expression, while the other ID did not cause significant alterations. All ID altered the release of the immunomodulatory cytokines IL-10, IL-6 and TGF-ß. Notably, all ID except cyclosporine A caused a substantial upregulation of the immunoinhibitory receptor OA in moDC. The extent of OA expression increased over time of exposure to ID during differentiation and resulted in reduced capacity of the moDC to stimulate allogenic T cells which could be restored by disruption of OA/SD-4 interaction using a blocking OA antibody. Conclusion: Increased expression of OA on moDC upon exposure to ID contributes to inhibition of T-cell activation. The mechanisms underlying the differential effect of cyclosporine A are presently under study. Our results indicate that targeting OA/SD-4 interaction may hold promise for modulation of T cell responses in various pathophysiological conditions and immunotherapeutic strategies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Protein Kinase C-Mediated Phosphorylation of BCL11B at Serine 2 Negatively Regulates Its Interaction with NuRD Complexes during CD4+T-Cell Activation

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (13) ◽  
pp. 1881-1898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Dubuissez ◽  
Ingrid Loison ◽  
Sonia Paget ◽  
Han Vorng ◽  
Saliha Ait-Yahia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Protein Kinase C ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Kinase C ◽  
Tcr Activation

The transcription factor BCL11B/CTIP2 is a major regulatory protein implicated in various aspects of development, function and survival of T cells. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated phosphorylation and SUMOylation modulate BCL11B transcriptional activity, switching it from a repressor in naive murine thymocytes to a transcriptional activator in activated thymocytes. Here, we show that BCL11B interacts via its conserved N-terminal MSRRKQ motif with endogenous MTA1 and MTA3 proteins to recruit various NuRD complexes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated phosphorylation of BCL11B Ser2 does not significantly impact BCL11B SUMOylation but negatively regulates NuRD recruitment by dampening the interaction with MTA1 or MTA3 (MTA1/3) and RbAp46 proteins. We detected increased phosphorylation of BCL11B Ser2 uponin vivoactivation of transformed and primary human CD4+T cells. We show that following activation of CD4+T cells, BCL11B still binds toIL-2andId2promoters but activates their transcription by recruiting P300 instead of MTA1. Prolonged stimulation results in the direct transcriptional repression ofBCL11Bby KLF4. Our results unveil Ser2 phosphorylation as a new BCL11B posttranslational modification linking PKC signaling pathway to T-cell receptor (TCR) activation and define a simple model for the functional switch of BCL11B from a transcriptional repressor to an activator during TCR activation of human CD4+T cells.

scholarly journals Tofacitinib Ameliorates Lupus Through Suppression of T Cell Activation Mediated by TGF-Beta Type I Receptor

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Yan ◽  
Weiwei Chen ◽  
Hua Song ◽  
Xianming Long ◽  
Zhuoya Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Type I ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Dsdna Antibody

Autoreactive T cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). TGF-β type I receptor (TGFβRI) is pivotal in determining T cell activation. Here, we showed that TGFβRI expression in naïve CD4+ T cells was decreased in SLE patients, especially in those with high disease activity. Moreover, IL-6 was found to downregulate TGFβRI expression through JAK/STAT3 pathway in SLE patients. In vitro, the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib inhibited SLE T cell activating by upregulating TGFβRI expression in a dose-dependent manner. In MRL/lpr mice, tofacitinib treatment ameliorated the clinical indicators and lupus nephritis, as evidenced by reduced plasma anti-dsDNA antibody levels, decreased proteinuria, and lower renal histopathological score. Consistently, tofacitinib enhanced TGFβRI expression and inhibited T cell activation in vivo. TGFβRI inhibitor SB431542 reversed the effects of tofacitinib on T cell activation. Thus, our results have indicated that tofacitinib can suppress T cell activation by upregulating TGFβRI expression, which provides a possible molecular mechanism underlying clinical efficacy of tofacitinib in treating SLE patients.

scholarly journals Development of a CD123xCD3 Bispecific Antibody (JNJ-63709178) for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 2824-2824 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Gaudet ◽  
Jennifer F Nemeth ◽  
Ronan McDaid ◽  
Yingzhe Li ◽  
Benjamin Harman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Stock Options ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Bispecific Antibody ◽  
Tumor Regression

Abstract AML is a cancer of the myeloid lineage that is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow and blood. Existing therapies do not lead to cures, partially due to their inability to eliminate residual leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in the bone marrow. T-cell redirection has been shown to be an effective method of treatment for hematologic malignancies (eg, blinatumomab) and represents an attractive approach to treat AML. CD123 (α-chain of the interleukin-3 receptor) has been shown to be expressed on the surface of AML blasts and LSCs. To eradicate CD123+ cells, we developed a bispecific antibody (JNJ-63709178) using the Genmab DuoBody® technology that can bind both CD123 on tumor cells and CD3 on T cells. JNJ-63709178 is a humanized IgG4 bispecific antibody with silenced Fc function. This antibody is able to recruit T cells to CD123-expressing tumor cells and induce the killing of these tumor cells in vitro (MOLM-13, OCI-AML5 and KG-1; EC50 = 0.51-0.91 nM). In contrast, this antibody does not kill CD123- cell lines, demonstrating the specificity of cytotoxicity. Consistently, the degree of cell killing correlated with the level of T-cell activation (CD69 and CD25) and cytokine release (TGF-β and TNF-α). Control bispecific antibodies containing a null arm (viral epitope) paired with a CD123 arm (CD123xnull) or a CD3 arm (nullxCD3) did not induce cytotoxicity or T-cell activation in the assays tested. JNJ-63709178 had no effect on T-cell activation when incubated with T cells alone. In AML murine xenograft models, JNJ-63709178 was able to suppress tumor growth and induce tumor regression (MOLM-13 and KG-1, respectively) in the presence of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or T cells. Tumor regression correlated with the infiltration of T cells in the tumor and the expression of T-cell activation markers such as CD25, PD1 and TIM3. Furthermore, this antibody was able to induce the killing of primary CD123+ cancer cells from the blood of patients with AML without the need to supplement with fresh T cells (EC50 = 0.83 nM). These results indicate that JNJ-63709178 can potently and specifically kill CD123+ cancer cells in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo. Pharmacokinetic studies in cynomolgus monkeys support twice weekly dosing for human studies. JNJ-63709178 is currently being investigated in a Phase 1 clinical trial in relapsed and refractory AML (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02715011). Disclosures Gaudet: Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment, Other: Stock options, Patents & Royalties: pending, not yet issued. Nemeth:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment, Other: stock, Patents & Royalties: patent pending. McDaid:Janssen Pharmaceuticals Research and Development: Employment. Li:Janssen: Employment. Harman:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment. Millar:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment, Other: stock options. Teplyakov:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment. Wheeler:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment. Luo:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment. Tam:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment, Other: stocks, Research Funding. Wu:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment. Chen:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment. Rudnick:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment. Chu:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment. Hughes:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment. Luistro:Janssen: Employment. Chin:Janssen: Employment. Babich:Janssen: Employment. Kalota:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment, Other: stock. Singh:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment, Other: stock options. Salvati:Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D: Employment, Other: stock options, Patents & Royalties: patent. Elsayed:Janssen: Employment, Other: stock options. Attar:Janssen: Employment.

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