Combination of a bispecific antibody and costimulatory antibody-ligand fusion proteins for targeted cancer immunotherapy

J Immunother. 2012 Jun;35(5):418-29. doi: 10.1097/CJI.0b013e3182594387.

Abstract

Initiation of a tumor-directed immune response and appropriate modulation of its progress are key issues in cancer immunotherapy. Combinatorial strategies addressing both aspects might therefore be especially suitable. Here, we report a targeted approach combining a bispecific antibody with 2 costimulatory antibody-ligand fusion proteins. According to the concept, the bispecific antibody (scDbFAP×CD3) retargets T cells in a MHC-independent manner to tumor cells, providing an artificial first signal that allows the costimulatory antibody-ligand fusion proteins (B7.2-Db and scFv-4-1BBL) likewise targeted to the tumor cells to modulate the T-cell response. In our model system, the target cells coexpress the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and endoglin as antigens. ScDbFAPCD3 and B7.2-Db are targeted to FAP although by different antibody moieties, whereas scFv-4-1BBL is directed against endoglin. ScDbFAPCD3-induced T-cell stimulation could be enhanced by the addition of either B7.2-Db or scFv-4-1BBL and even further by the combination of both as shown in terms of cytokine release (interleukin-2/interferon γ), proliferation and activation marker expression (CD25). By combined costimulation, overall T-cell population strongly increased in activation-experienced memory phenotype accompanied by a decrease in naive phenotype. ScFv-4-1BBL-mediated costimulation of naive CD8+ T cells promoted the expansion and development of cytotoxic T cells with strong effector potential. Thus, combining a bispecific antibody with antibody-ligand fusion protein-mediated CD28 and 4-1BB costimulation in a targeted approach shows great potential to generate and shape an immune response at the tumor site. Therefore, the adaptation of this approach to other immune modulatory ligands and tumor-relevant targets seems to be promising.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Bispecific / immunology
  • Antibodies, Bispecific / pharmacology*
  • Antigens, CD / genetics
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endoglin
  • Endopeptidases
  • Gelatinases / genetics
  • Gelatinases / immunology
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Interleukin-2 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-2 / immunology
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / immunology
  • Ligands
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / immunology
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / immunology
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / immunology
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Serine Endopeptidases / genetics
  • Serine Endopeptidases / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bispecific
  • Antigens, CD
  • ENG protein, human
  • Endoglin
  • Interleukin-2
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit
  • Ligands
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Endopeptidases
  • Serine Endopeptidases
  • fibroblast activation protein alpha
  • Gelatinases