Enhanced SLAMF7 Homotypic Interactions by Elotuzumab Improves NK Cell Killing of Multiple Myeloma

Cancer Immunol Res. 2019 Oct;7(10):1633-1646. doi: 10.1158/2326-6066.CIR-18-0579. Epub 2019 Aug 20.

Abstract

Elotuzumab (Elo) is an IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting SLAMF7 (CS1, CRACC, and CD319), which is highly expressed on multiple myeloma (MM) cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and subsets of other leukocytes. By engaging with FcγRIIIA (CD16), Elo promotes potent NK cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and macrophage-mediated antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) toward SLAMF7+ MM tumor cells. Relapsed/refractory MM patients treated with the combination of Elo, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone have improved progression-free survival. We previously showed that Elo enhances NK cell activity via a costimulation mechanism, independent of CD16 binding. Here, we further studied the effect of Elo on cytotoxicity of CD16-negative NK-92 cells. Elo, but not other SLAMF7 antibodies, uniquely enhanced cytotoxicity mediated by CD16-negative NK-92 cells toward SLAMF7+ target cells. Furthermore, this CD16-independent enhancement of cytotoxicity required expression of SLAMF7 containing the full cytoplasmic domain in the NK cells, implicating costimulatory signaling. The CD16-independent costimulation by Elo was associated with increased expression of NKG2D, ICAM-1, and activated LFA-1 on NK cells, and enhanced cytotoxicity was partially reduced by NKG2D blocking antibodies. In addition, an Fc mutant form of Elo that cannot bind CD16 promoted cytotoxicity of SLAMF7+ target cells by NK cells from most healthy donors, especially if previously cultured in IL2. We conclude that in addition to promoting NK cell-mediated ADCC (CD16-dependent) responses, Elo promoted SLAMF7-SLAMF7 interactions in a CD16-independent manner to enhance NK cytotoxicity toward MM cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / pharmacology*
  • Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / drug effects
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Myeloma / immunology
  • Multiple Myeloma / metabolism
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family / immunology
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • SLAMF7 protein, human
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family
  • elotuzumab