Anti-Tumor Activity of the Aurora a Inhibitor MLN8237 in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Preclinical Models.

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 1592-1592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica J Huck ◽  
Mengkun Zhang ◽  
Marc L Hyer ◽  
Mark G Manfredi
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Growth Inhibition ◽  
Tumor Model ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Tumor Growth Inhibition ◽  
Aurora A ◽  
Hct 116 ◽  
Xenograft Models

Abstract Aurora A kinase is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is essential for normal transit of cells through mitosis. In many tumor types the Aurora A gene is amplified and/or the protein is over-expressed. The Aurora A small-molecule inhibitor MLN8237 demonstrated robust tumor growth inhibition in xenograft models of solid tumors grown subcutaneously (S.C.) in immunocompromised mice. Here we explored the antitumor activity of MLN8237 in models of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) both in vitro and in vivo. In vivo three established DLBCL xenograft models (OCI-Ly7, OCI-Ly19, and WSU-DLCL2; all cells expressing luciferase) and a primary DLBCL tumor model PHTX-22-06 were tested using MLN8237 at different doses. Rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that is active against CD20+ malignant B cells and is a standard of care agent was used for comparison. Using these model systems, tumor cells were injected either I.V. (to evaluate disseminated disease), or S.C. in severe combined immunodeficient mice (SCID). Animals were dosed orally for 21 days with MLN8237 (QD or BID) at various doses, or Rituximab dosed at 10mg/kg IV (once/week) and tumor growth inhibition was monitored using either bioluminescent imaging for the disseminated models or vernier calipers for the S.C. models. Tumor growth inhibition by MLN8237 was dose dependent with 20 mg/kg bid being the most efficacious dose (TGI>100% in both disseminated OCI-Ly19 and WSU models). All animals in the OCI-Ly19 disseminated model 20 mg/kg BID treatment group demonstrated regressions and remained disease free until the end of the study, day 65. In this study the Rituximab treated animals were euthanized on day 31 due to a high level of tumor burden. In the primary tumor model, PHTX-22-06, MLN8237 dosed at 20 mg/kg BID was also the most efficacious with a TGI of 95%. Moreover, tumor growth inhibition was durable as determined by prolonged tumor growth delay (>50 days). Significant efficacy was achieved in all models tested, whether grown as disseminated or subcutaneous models. A noted increase in durability of response was observed with MLN8237 treatment when compared with previous data from solid tumor models. In vitro, MLN8237 treatment increased levels of apoptosis in the OCI-Ly19 cells in comparison to the solid tumor cell line HCT-116 (colon). Greater Annexin V positive cells and greater cleaved PARP and Caspase-3 signals were detected in the MLN8237 treated OCI-Ly19 cells when compared to HCT-116 cells. The demonstration of robust and durable anti-tumor activity in preclinical models treated with MLN8237 provides the basis for its clinical evaluation as a treatment option for DLBCL. MLN8237 is currently in multiple Phase I clinical trials.

scholarly journals Highly Differentiated Anti-CD47 Antibody, AO-176, Potently Inhibits Hematologic Malignancies Alone and in Combination

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1844-1844
Author(s):  
John Richards ◽  
Myriam N Bouchlaka ◽  
Robyn J Puro ◽  
Ben J Capoccia ◽  
Ronald R Hiebsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Growth Inhibition ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Tumor Growth Inhibition ◽  
Employment Equity ◽  
Equity Ownership

AO-176 is a highly differentiated, humanized anti-CD47 IgG2 antibody that is unique among agents in this class of checkpoint inhibitors. AO-176 works by blocking the "don't eat me" signal, the standard mechanism of anti-CD47 antibodies, but also by directly killing tumor cells. Importantly, AO-176 binds preferentially to tumor cells, compared to normal cells, and binds even more potently to tumors in their acidic microenvironment (low pH). Hematological neoplasms are the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancers in both men and women and account for approximately 10% of all cancers. Here we describe AO-176, a highly differentiated anti-CD47 antibody that potently targets hematologic cancers in vitro and in vivo. As a single agent, AO-176 not only promotes phagocytosis (15-45%, EC50 = 0.33-4.1 µg/ml) of hematologic tumor cell lines (acute myeloid leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and T cell leukemia) but also directly targets and kills tumor cells (18-46% Annexin V positivity, EC50 = 0.63-10 µg/ml) in a non-ADCC manner. In combination with agents targeting CD20 (rituximab) or CD38 (daratumumab), AO-176 mediates enhanced phagocytosis of lymphoma and multiple myeloma cell lines, respectively. In vivo, AO-176 mediates potent monotherapy tumor growth inhibition of hematologic tumors including Raji B cell lymphoma and RPMI-8226 multiple myeloma xenograft models in a dose-dependent manner. Concomitant with tumor growth inhibition, immune cell infiltrates were observed with elevated numbers of macrophage and dendritic cells, along with increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in AO-176 treated animals. When combined with bortezomib, AO-176 was able to elicit complete tumor regression (100% CR in 10/10 animals treated with either 10 or 25 mg/kg AO-176 + 1 mg/kg bortezomib) with no detectable tumor out to 100 days at study termination. Overall survival was also greatly improved following combination therapy compared to animals treated with bortezomib or AO-176 alone. These data show that AO-176 exhibits promising monotherapy and combination therapy activity, both in vitro and in vivo, against hematologic cancers. These findings also add to the previously reported anti-tumor efficacy exhibited by AO-176 in solid tumor xenografts representing ovarian, gastric and breast cancer. With AO-176's highly differentiated MOA and binding characteristics, it may have the potential to improve upon the safety and efficacy profiles relative to other agents in this class. AO-176 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT03834948) for the treatment of patients with select solid tumors. Disclosures Richards: Arch Oncology Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Other: Salary. Bouchlaka:Arch Oncology Inc.: Consultancy, Equity Ownership. Puro:Arch Oncology Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Capoccia:Arch Oncology Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Hiebsch:Arch Oncology Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Donio:Arch Oncology Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Wilson:Arch Oncology Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Chakraborty:Arch Oncology Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sung:Arch Oncology Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Pereira:Arch Oncology Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership.

scholarly journals Development of Multi-Engineered iPSC-Derived CAR-NK Cells for the Treatment of B-Cell Malignancies

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 1729-1729
Author(s):  
Luis Borges ◽  
Mark A Wallet ◽  
Chiamin-Liao Bullaughey ◽  
Michael F Naso ◽  
Buddha Gurung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Growth Inhibition ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Stock Options ◽  
Tumor Growth Inhibition ◽  
B Cell Malignancies ◽  
Privately Held

Abstract Induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated into various somatic cells, including different immune cell types. We have engineered iPSC-derived NK cells with multiple features to generate therapeutic candidates designed to eliminate cancer cells while avoiding recognition by the host immune system. The unlimited replication capacity of iPSCs facilitates the engineering of several genetic modifications without the risk of driving cells to exhaustion as in the case of cell products derived from fully differentiated immune cells. Once all edits are completed, our cells are single-cell cloned and each clone is genetically characterized to select clones without off-target insertions or deletions. Following the genetic characterization, selected clones are differentiated and tested in vitro and in vivo to identify the final clinical candidate. The use of a single-cell iPSC clone enables the generation of a master cell bank producing a highly uniform cell product that can be made available off-the-shelf at any clinical site. CNTY-101 is an iPSC-derived CAR-NK clinical candidate for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. It incorporates six gene edits designed to improve persistence and functionality as well as safety. These modifications include edits to reduce graft rejection due to alloreactivity, the expression of a homeostatic cytokine to improve functionality and persistence, the introduction of a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting CD19 to mediate tumor cell engagement and killing, as well a safety switch to eliminate the cells, if ever necessary. To prevent rejection by the patient's CD8 T cells, the beta-2-microbulin (ß2M) gene was disrupted with simultaneous insertion of a transgene encoding the HLA-E protein tethered with ß2M and a peptide. HLA-E was introduced to prevent NK cell cytotoxicity against the engineered cells, which lack HLA-I. For resistance to CD4 T cell-mediated allogenic immune rejection, the class II major histocompatibility complex transactivator (CIITA) gene was disrupted with simultaneous insertion of a transgene encoding the extra-cellular and transmembrane domains of EGFR, and the NK cell growth factor IL-15. EGFR provides an elimination tag that can be engaged by clinically approved anti-EGFR antibodies, such as cetuximab. Finally, the CAR transgene targeting the CD19 antigen was inserted into the AAVS1 safe harbor locus. Our data indicates that CNTY-101 iNK cells have strong antitumor activity against lymphoma cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, CNTY-101 eliminates lymphoma cell lines through multiple rounds of killing without reaching exhaustion. Clones expressing higher levels of IL-15 tend to have better persistence and functionality, with some clones showing robust cytotoxicity for over fifteen rounds of serial killing. In vivo, the clones that demonstrated better in vitro serial killing tend to mediate the best anti-tumor activity in lymphoma xenograft models. Upon 3 weekly doses, the most active candidate clone demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition after administration of fresh (91 % tumor growth inhibition) or cryopreserved cells (76 % tumor growth inhibition). The efficacy of the EGFR-safety switch was also investigated both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, addition of cetuximab to co-cultures of IL-2-activated PBMC and cells mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in a concentration-dependent fashion, with an EC50 of 2 ng/ml. In vivo, there was a 96% reduction in the number of iPSC-derived CAR-NK cells in the lungs and a 95% reduction in the number of CAR-NK cells in the blood of mice that received cetuximab versus PBS-treated mice. In summary, CNTY-101 is a novel, multi-engineered, allogeneic CAR-iNK product candidate for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. It includes multiple immune evasion features to prevent recognition by the patient's immune system and expression of IL-15 to facilitate persistence and functionality. We have initiated GMP manufacturing of CNTY-101 and plan to enter clinical trials in 2022. Disclosures Borges: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Wallet: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Bullaughey: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Naso: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Gurung: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Keating: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Carton: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Wheeler: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Campion: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Mendonca: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Jessup: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Beqiri: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Chin: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Millar Quinn: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Morse: Century Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company.

Blockade of the CD47/SIRPα Checkpoint Potentiates the Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Tafasitamab

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 11-12
Author(s):  
Doris Mangelberger ◽  
Christian Augsberger ◽  
Karin Landgraf ◽  
Christina Heitmüller ◽  
Stefan Steidl
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Tumor Model ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Checkpoint Blockade ◽  
Subcutaneous Tumor ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

Introduction Tafasitamab (MOR208) is an Fc-enhanced, humanized, monoclonal antibody that targets CD19 and has shown promising clinical activity in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). CD19 is homogeneously expressed among different B-cell malignancies, and the binding of tafasitamab to CD19 directly mediates cell death, induces antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis. Aiming to potentiate the tafasitamab-mediated "eat me" signal, we tested a combination with a CD47-directed monoclonal antibody (mAb) to inhibit the CD47/SIRPα "don't eat me" signal and further enhance macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. Preclinical studies demonstrated that blocking the CD47/SIRPα checkpoint in combination with antibodies, such as rituximab, increased phagocytosis by macrophages, resulting in effective anti-tumor effects in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (Chao, et al. 2010). Additionally, the combination of the anti-CD47, magrolimab, and the anti-CD20, rituximab, demonstrated beneficial outcomes for patients with refractory NHL (Advani, et al. 2019). Here, we present in vitro and in vivo data on the combinatory effect of tafasitamab and an anti-CD47 mAb in preclinical models of Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). Methods During in vitro studies, CD14+ monocytes were isolated from the whole blood of healthy volunteers and differentiated with 50 ng/mL M-CSF for 6 days. ADCP was analyzed by flow cytometry in co-culture experiments with Ramos cells (BL) after 3 hours of treatment with tafasitamab and anti-CD47 mAb (clone B6H12). In vivo, the combination of tafasitamab with an anti-CD47 mAb was tested in a Ramos disseminated survival and subcutaneous tumor model in SCID and NOD-SCID mice, respectively. In both models, tafasitamab was administered therapeutically twice a week either at 3 mg/kg (disseminated) or 10 mg/kg (subcutaneous) for max. 4 weeks. The anti-CD47 mAb was administered at 4 mg/kg three times per week. Main study readouts were to assess animal survival and any delays in tumor growth. Results The combination of tafasitamab + CD47/SIRPα checkpoint blockade enhanced ADCP activity of primary M2 macrophages on BL-derived Ramos cells, in comparison with the anti-CD47 mAb or tafasitamab monotherapies (Figure 1A). In vivo, a significant increase in anti-tumor activity was observed with the combination of tafasitamab + anti-CD47 mAb. In the Ramos disseminated survival model, the combination showed an increased life span (ILS) of >182% compared with tafasitamab monotherapy control, with an overall survival of all animals treated with the combination (15/15) until the end of the study (Day 99 post-cell injection). Additionally, pronounced anti-tumor efficacies were detected in the Ramos subcutaneous tumor model. Here, the combination resulted in a significant delay in tumor growth compared with the tafasitamab or anti-CD47 mAb monotherapies (ILS >175% tafasitamab and ILS >72% anti-CD47 mAb vs tafasitamab + B6H12) (Figure 1B). Conclusions The ADCP activity of primary macrophages was increased by combining tafasitamab with an anti-CD47 mAb in vitro, resulting in enhanced anti-tumor activity compared with tafasitamab or anti-CD47 mAb monotherapies in vivo. Overall, results indicate the combination of tafasitamab with a CD47/SIRPα checkpoint blockade may be a promising novel combination approach for lymphoma therapy. Disclosures Mangelberger: MorphoSys AG: Current Employment. Augsberger:MorphoSys AG: Current Employment. Landgraf:MorphoSys AG: Current Employment. Heitmüller:MorphoSys AG: Current Employment. Steidl:MorphoSys AG: Current Employment.

Imatinib Mesylate Reduces Rituximab-Induced Tumor Growth Inhibition In Vivo on EBV-Associated Human B-Cell Lymphoma.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 2360-2360
Author(s):  
Fariba Némati ◽  
Claire Mathiot ◽  
Isabelle Grandjean ◽  
Olivier Lantz ◽  
Vincent Bordier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Growth Inhibition ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Imatinib Mesylate ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Tumor Growth Inhibition ◽  
Immunodeficient Mice

Abstract We previously reported an increase of tumor growth inhibition following chemotherapy combined with concomitantly administration of imatinib mesylate [Decaudin D, et al. Int J Cancer2005;113:849–856; Decaudin D, et al. Anti-Cancer drugs2006;17:685–696; Decaudin D, et al. Impact of STI571 on the pharmacokinetics of etoposide and / or ifosfamide in mice. Cancer Res (AACR Annual Meeting) 2006;abstr:5154]. Inversely, combination of imatinib and rituximab was reported in very few cases of patients and remains controversial. In order to explore this particular combination of targeted therapies, we therefore investigated the in vivo impact of rituximab plus imatinib on a B-cell lymphoproliferation. Combination of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate (STI571) and the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab was evaluated on an EBV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder xenografted into SCID or Rag2/gc −/− (B-, T-, and NK-) mice. Using SCID mice, we found that STI571 diminished the efficacy of rituximab to inhibit tumor growth in vivo (Figure 1A). Using alymphoid Rag2/gc −/− mice, we showed that the effect of STI571 was not dependent on the presence of NK cells (Figure 1B). In contrast, serum complement administered after STI571 treatment reversed this inhibitory effect. Finally, using non immunodeficient mice, we observed an in vivo decrease of CD4-positive T-cells and mature B-cell lymphocytes after imatinib administration. We found that STI571 decreased the in vivo efficacy of rituximab via serum protein components that could influence complement-dependent cytotoxicity. In contrast, this effect was not dependent on the presence of NK cells. Figure Figure

TSP-A74, a Novel Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody Against TfR1 for Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 5214-5214
Author(s):  
Lilin Zhang ◽  
Fumiko Nomura ◽  
Youichi Aikawa ◽  
Yukio Sudo ◽  
Kazuhiro Morishita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Hematologic Malignancies ◽  
Tumor Growth Inhibition ◽  
Xenograft Models ◽  
Complete Tumor

Abstract Transferrin receptor 1(TfR1) is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein regulating the intracellular uptake of iron and is involved in cell growth, proliferation and survival. TfR1 is highly expressed on malignant cells, including those of hematologic malignancies. Therefore, TfR1 may be an attractive target for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. We generated a panel of fully-human, anti-TfR1 monoclonal antibodies and evaluated the anti-tumor effects of these antibodies both in vitro and in vivo. The results led to the selection of TSP-A74, an antibody with potent in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity, for further evaluation in several hematologic malignancy models. First, the efficacy of TSP-A74 was evaluated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) models. Two AML cell lines, Kasumi-1 and HL-60, were subcutaneously inoculated in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. After the tumors were grown to a size of 150 mm3, TSP-A74 was administrated intravenously (IV) once weekly for 4 weeks at doses of 0.4, 2 and 10 mg/kg and 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg for the Kasumi and HL60 xenograft models, respectively. TSP-A74 demonstrated complete tumor regression in these two xenograft models at 10 mg/kg and complete tumor growth suppression in the Kasumi model at 2 mg/kg. Even at the low dose of 1 mg/kg, TSP-A74 demonstrated tumor growth inhibition (TGI) of 60% in the HL60 model. Next, the anti-tumor efficacy of TSP-A74 was assessed in an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) model. The ALL cell line, CCRF-CEM, was engrafted into SCID mice intravenously. After 3 days, TSP-A74 was administrated IV at a dose of 10 mg/kg once weekly for 4 weeks. The control mice (n=10) rapidly developed leukemia and none survived at 42 days after leukemia cell engraftment. However, 7 of 10 (70%) mice treated with TSP-A74 survived to 179 days after engraftment when the study was terminated. Finally, the efficacy of TSP-A74 was evaluated in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma subcutaneous xenograft models. TSP-A74 produced complete regression of established tumors in the SU-DHL-2 (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) xenograft model at a dose of 3 mg/kg and tumor growth inhibition of 100 % in the HH (cutaneous T cell lymphoma) xenograft model at a dose of 10 mg/kg. These results indicate that the human anti-TfR1 monoclonal antibody, TSP-A74, could be a new therapeutic candidate for hematologic malignancies. Disclosures Zhang: Perseus Proteomics Inc.: Employment. Nomura:Perseus Proteomics Inc.: Employment. Aikawa:Perseus Proteomics Inc.: Employment. Sudo:Perseus Proteomics Inc.: Employment. Morishita:Perseus Proteomics Inc.: Research Funding.

scholarly journals A Novel Monoclonal Antibody Targeting Cancer-Specific Plectin Has Potent Antitumor Activity in Ovarian Cancer

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha M. Perez ◽  
Julien Dimastromatteo ◽  
Charles N. Landen ◽  
Kimberly A. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Growth Inhibition ◽  
Therapeutic Efficacy ◽  
Tumor Growth Inhibition ◽  
G1 Arrest ◽  
Anticancer Effects

Cancer-specific plectin (CSP) is a pro-tumorigenic protein selectively expressed on the cell surface of major cancers, including ovarian cancer (OC). Despite its assessable localization, abundance, and functional significance, the therapeutic efficacy of targeting CSP remains unexplored. Here, we generated and investigated the anticancer effects of a novel CSP-targeting monoclonal antibody, 1H11, in OC models. Its therapeutic efficacy as a monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy was evaluated in vitro using two OC cell lines and in vivo by a subcutaneous ovarian cancer model. 1H11 demonstrated rapid internalization and high affinity and specificity for both human and murine CSP. Moreover, 1H11 induced significant and selective cytotoxicity (EC50 = 260 nM), G0/G1 arrest, and decreased OC cell migration. Mechanistically, these results are associated with increased ROS levels and reduced activation of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway. In vivo, 1H11 decreased Ki67 expression, induced 65% tumor growth inhibition, and resulted in 30% tumor necrosis. Moreover, 1H11 increased chemosensitivity to cisplatin resulting in 60% greater tumor growth inhibition compared to cisplatin alone. Taken together, CSP-targeting with 1H11 exhibits potent anticancer activity against ovarian cancer and is deserving of future clinical development.

scholarly journals The Anti-Tumor Effect of the Ubiquitin-Activating Enzyme (UAE) Inhibitor TAK-243 on Pre-Clinical Models of Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 3296-3296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junling Zhuang ◽  
Hans Lee ◽  
Isere Kuiatse ◽  
Hua Wang ◽  
Fazal Shirazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Growth Inhibition ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Tumor Growth Inhibition ◽  
Xenograft Models

Abstract Background: The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) has been validated as a target in multiple myeloma (MM) through the success of proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib, but drug resistance is an emerging challenge. Targeting some of the upstream components of the UPS, such as the E1 ubiquitin activating enzyme (UAE), could therefore be a promising alternative. TAK-243 (MLN7243) specifically blocks the ubiquitin conjugation cascade through the formation of a TAK-243-ubiquitin adduct, thereby inhibiting the UAE. Our aim was to explore the effectiveness of TAK-243 against pre-clinical myeloma models, and to understand some its mechanisms of action. Methods: We performed pre-clinical studies in myeloma cell lines and mouse models using TAK-243. Downstream effects were evaluated using viability, apoptosis assays, western blotting, gene expression profiling (GEP), and Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA) techniques. Results: MM1.S and MOLP-8 TP53 wild-type cell lines were sensitive to TAK-243, with median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 25 nM at 24 hours based on viability assays. In otherwise isogenic cell lines in which TP53 was suppressed using genome editing techniques, the IC50 was ~40 nM, but higher TAK-243 concentrations of 100 nM overcame resistance due to TP53 inactivation. Similarly, TAK-243 was able to overcome resistance to both conventional (dexamethasone) and novel (bortezomib, lenalidomide) drugs in paired sensitive and resistant cell line models. After treatment with TAK-243, Annexin V and TO-PRO3 staining determined that viable MM1.S cells were induced into early or late apoptosis. This was accompanied by a significant increase in cleaved caspase-3, -8, and -9 as detected by flow cytometry, and in cleaved caspase-7 detected by RPPA and western blot. Exposure to TAK-243 reduced the cellular content of ubiquitin-protein conjugates, and did not enhance expression levels of a fusion protein degraded by the proteasome in a ubiquitin-independent manner, indicating the lack of direct proteasome inhibition. GEP analysis and RPPA detected enhanced expression of p53-pathway related proteins, including MDM2, TP53, and p21 in TAK-243 treated MM1.S cells. Several mRNAs and proteins in the ER stress pathway, including ATF6, ATF4, IRE1a and XBP1 were also elevated, as were many non-coding RNAs and DNA-damage related genes. Combination experiments in MM cell lines demonstrated synergy between TAK-243 and lenalidomide, pomalidomide, panobinostat, melphalan and doxorubicin. Finally, TAK-243 demonstrated in vivo antitumor activity against MM1.S and MOLP-8 xenograft models when dosed at 12.5 mg/kg IV twice-weekly for 2 weeks (tumor growth inhibition of 60% and 73%, respectively). Elevation of BiP, ATF4, XBP1s and cleaved-caspase 3 was detected within the first 24 hrs after dosing in the sensitive MM1.S xenografts. In contrast, RPMI 8226 cells, which showed a 2000 nM IC50 in cell culture, were also resistant to TAK-243 in vivo, with no tumor growth inhibition detected. Conclusions: TAK-243 is a UAE inhibitor that is active against myeloma cells in vitro and in xenograft models in vivo, overcomes conventional and novel drug resistance, and its action is associated with stimulation of the TP53 and ER stress pathways. Thus, it may deserve further evaluation as an anti-myeloma agent. Disclosures Berger: Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Hyer:Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Chattopadhyay:Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Syed:Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Shi:Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Yu:Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co, Cambridge, MA: Employment. Shinde:Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Kreshock:Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Tirrell:Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Menon:Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Orlowski:Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document