CRISPR-Cas9 screens identify regulators of antibody-drug conjugate toxicity

Nat Chem Biol. 2019 Oct;15(10):949-958. doi: 10.1038/s41589-019-0342-2. Epub 2019 Aug 26.

Abstract

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) selectively deliver chemotherapeutic agents to target cells and are important cancer therapeutics. However, the mechanisms by which ADCs are internalized and activated remain unclear. Using CRISPR-Cas9 screens, we uncover many known and novel endolysosomal regulators as modulators of ADC toxicity. We identify and characterize C18ORF8/RMC1 as a regulator of ADC toxicity through its role in endosomal maturation. Through comparative analysis of screens with ADCs bearing different linkers, we show that a subset of late endolysosomal regulators selectively influence toxicity of noncleavable linker ADCs. Surprisingly, we find cleavable valine-citrulline linkers can be processed rapidly after internalization without lysosomal delivery. Lastly, we show that sialic acid depletion enhances ADC lysosomal delivery and killing in diverse cancer cell types, including with FDA (US Food and Drug Administration)-approved trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in Her2-positive breast cancer cells. Together, these results reveal new regulators of endolysosomal trafficking, provide important insights for ADC design and identify candidate combination therapy targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / pharmacology
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems*
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Gene Knockout Techniques
  • Genome-Wide Association Study*
  • Humans
  • Immunoconjugates / toxicity*
  • Lysosomes
  • Maytansine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Maytansine / pharmacology
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Trastuzumab / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Immunoconjugates
  • Maytansine
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid
  • Trastuzumab
  • Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine