1.
Ahlgren, Sara, 1979-
(author)
Molecular Radionuclide Imaging Using Site-specifically Labelled Recombinant Affibody Molecules : Preparation and Preclinical Evaluation
2010
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic) abstract
Radionuclide molecular imaging is an emerging multidisciplinary technique that is used in modern medicine to visualise diseases at cellular and molecular levels. This thesis is based on five papers (I-V) and focuses on the development of site-specific radiolabelled recombinant anti-HER2 Affibody molecules and preclinical evaluations in vitro and in vivo of the labelled conjugates. This work is part of a preclinical development of an Affibody molecule-based tracer for molecular imaging of HER2 expressing tumours. Papers I and II report the evaluation of the Affibody molecule ZHER2:2395-C, site-specifically labelled with the radiometals 111In (for SPECT) and 57Co (as a surrogate for 55Co, suitable for PET applications) using a thiol reactive DOTA derivative as a chelator. Both conjugates demonstrated very suitable biodistribution properties, enabling high contrast imaging just a few hours after injection. Papers III and IV report the development and optimization of a technique for site-specific labelling of ZHER2:2395-C with 99mTc using an N3S chelating peptide sequence. 99mTc-ZHER2:2395-C demonstrated high and specific tumour uptake and rapid clearance of non-bound tracer from the blood, resulting in high tumour-to-non-tumour ratios shortly after injection, enabling high contrast imaging. In addition, in the study described in paper IV, freeze-dried kits previously developed for 99mTc-labelling were optimised, resulting in the development of a kit in which all the reagents and protein needed for labelling of ZHER2:2395-C with 99mTc were contained in a single vial. Paper V reports the evaluation of an anti-HER2 Affibody molecule, ABY-025, with a fundamentally re-engineered scaffold. Despite the profound re-engineering, the biodistribution pattern of 111In-ABY-025 was very similar to that of two variants of the parental molecule. It seems reasonable to believe that these results will also be applicable to Affibody molecules towards other targets. Hopefully, this work will also be helpful in the development of other small proteinaceous tracers.
2.
Altai, Mohamed, et al.
(author)
188Re-ZHER2:V2, a promising affibody-based targeting agent against HER2-expressing tumors : preclinical assessment
2014
In: Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 55:11, s. 8-1842
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
UNLABELLED: Affibody molecules are small (7 kDa) nonimmunoglobulin scaffold proteins with favorable tumor-targeting properties. Studies concerning the influence of chelators on biodistribution of (99m)Tc-labeled Affibody molecules demonstrated that the variant with a C-terminal glycyl-glycyl-glycyl-cysteine peptide-based chelator (designated ZHER2:V2) has the best biodistribution profile in vivo and the lowest renal retention of radioactivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate (188)Re-ZHER2:V2 as a potential candidate for radionuclide therapy of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2)-expressing tumors.METHODS: ZHER2:V2 was labeled with (188)Re using a gluconate-containing kit. Targeting of HER2-overexpressing SKOV-3 ovarian carcinoma xenografts in nude mice was studied for a dosimetry assessment.RESULTS: Binding of (188)Re-ZHER2:V2 to living SKOV-3 cells was demonstrated to be specific, with an affinity of 6.4 ± 0.4 pM. The biodistribution study showed a rapid blood clearance (1.4 ± 0.1 percentage injected activity per gram [%ID/g] at 1 h after injection). The tumor uptake was 14 ± 2, 12 ± 2, 5 ± 2, and 1.8 ± 0.5 %IA/g at 1, 4, 24, and 48 h after injection, respectively. The in vivo targeting of HER2-expressing xenografts was specific. Already at 4 h after injection, tumor uptake exceeded kidney uptake (2.1 ± 0.2 %IA/g). Scintillation-camera imaging showed that tumor xenografts were the only sites with prominent accumulation of radioactivity at 4 h after injection. Based on the biokinetics, a dosimetry evaluation for humans suggests that (188)Re-ZHER2:V2 would provide an absorbed dose to tumor of 79 Gy without exceeding absorbed doses of 23 Gy to kidneys and 2 Gy to bone marrow. This indicates that future human radiotherapy studies may be feasible.CONCLUSION: (188)Re-ZHER2:V2 can deliver high absorbed doses to tumors without exceeding kidney and bone marrow toxicity limits.
3.
Varasteh, Zohreh, et al.
(author)
The Effect of Mini-PEG-Based Spacer Length on Binding and Pharmacokinetic Properties of a Ga-68-Labeled NOTA-Conjugated Antagonistic Analog of Bombesin
2014
In: Molecules. - : MDPI AG. - 1431-5157 .- 1420-3049. ; 19:7, s. 10455-10472
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
The overexpression of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in cancer can be used for peptide-receptor mediated radionuclide imaging and therapy. We have previously shown that an antagonist analog of bombesin RM26 conjugated to 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N, N', N ''-triacetic acid (NOTA) via a diethyleneglycol (PEG(2)) spacer (NOTA-PEG(2)-RM26) and labeled with Ga-68 can be used for imaging of GRPR-expressing tumors. In this study, we evaluated if a variation of mini-PEG spacer length can be used for optimization of targeting properties of the NOTA-conjugated RM26. A series of analogs with different PEG-length (n = 2, 3, 4, 6) was synthesized, radiolabeled and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The IC50 values of Ga-nat-NOTA-PEG(n)-RM26 (n = 2, 3, 4, 6) were 3.1 +/- 0.2, 3.9 +/- 0.3, 5.4 +/- 0.4 and 5.8 +/- 0.3 nM, respectively. In normal mice all conjugates demonstrated similar biodistribution pattern, however Ga-68-NOTA-PEG(3)-RM26 showed lower liver uptake. Biodistribution of Ga-68-NOTA-PEG(3)-RM26 was evaluated in nude mice bearing PC-3 (prostate cancer) and BT-474 (breast cancer) xenografts. High uptake in tumors (4.6 +/- 0.6% ID/g and 2.8 +/- 0.4% ID/g for PC-3 and BT-474 xenografts, respectively) and high tumor-to-background ratios (tumor/ blood of 44 +/- 12 and 42 +/- 5 for PC-3 and BT-474 xenografts, respectively) were found already at 2 h p.i. of Ga-68-NOTA-PEG(3)-RM26. Results of this study suggest that variation in the length of the PEG spacer can be used for optimization of targeting properties of peptide-chelator conjugates. However, the influence of the mini-PEG length on biodistribution is minor when di-, tri-, tetra- and hexaethylene glycol are compared.
4.
5.
Altai, Mohamed, et al.
(author)
Preclinical evaluation of anti-HER2 Affibody molecules site-specifically labeled with In-111 using a maleimido derivative of NODAGA
2012
In: Nuclear Medicine and Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0969-8051 .- 1872-9614. ; 39:4, s. 518-529
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
Introduction: Affibody molecules have demonstrated potential for radionuclide molecular imaging. The aim of this study was to synthesize and evaluate a maleimido derivative of the 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-l-glutaric acid-4,7-diacetic acid (NODAGA) for site-specific labeling of anti-HER2 Affibody molecule. Methods: The maleimidoethylmonoamide NODAGA (MMA-NODAGA) was synthesized and conjugated to Z(HER2:2395) Affibody molecule having a C-terminal cysteine. Labeling efficiency, binding specificity to and cell internalization by HER2-expressing cells of [In-111-MMA-NODAGA-Cys(61)]-Z(HER2:2395) were studied. Biodistribution of [In-111-MMA-NODAGA-Cys(61)]-Z(HER2:2395) and [In-111-MMA-DOTA-Cys(61)]-Z(HER2:2395) was compared in mice. Results: The affinity of [MMA-NODAGA-Cys(61)]-Z(HER2:2395) binding to HER2 was 67 pM. The In-1111-labeling yield was 99.6%+/- 0.5% after 30 min at 60 degrees C. [In-111-MMA-NODAGA-Cys(61)]-Z(HER2:2395) bound specifically to HER2-expressing cells in vitro and in vivo. Tumor uptake of [In-111-MMA-NODAGA-Cys(61)]-ZHER(2:2395) in mice bearing DU-145 xenografts (4.7%+/- 0.8% ID/g) was lower than uptake of [In-111-MMA-DOTA-Cys(61)]-Z(HER2:2395) (7.5%+/- 1.6% ID/g). However, tumor-to-organ ratios were higher for [In-111-MMA-NODAGA-Cys(61)]-Z(HER2:2395) due to higher clearance rate from normal tissues. Conclusions: MMA-NODAGA is a promising chelator for site-specific labeling of targeting proteins containing unpaired cysteine. Appreciable influence of chelators on targeting properties of Affibody molecules was demonstrated.
6.
Altai, Mohamed, et al.
(author)
Selection of an optimal cysteine-containing peptide-based chelator for labeling of Affibody molecules with 188-Re
2013
In: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1619-7070 .- 1619-7089. ; 40:Suppl. 2, s. S219-S220
Journal article (other academic/artistic) abstract
Affibody molecules constitute a class of small (7 kDa) scaffold proteins that can be engineered to have excellent tumor targeting properties. High reabsorption in kidneys complicates development of affibody molecules for radionuclide therapy. In this study, we evaluated the influence of the composition of cysteine-containing C-terminal peptide-based chelators on the biodistribution and renal retention of 188Re-labeled anti-HER2 affibody molecules. Biodistribution of affibody molecules containing GGXC or GXGC peptide chelators (where X is G, S, E or K) was compared with biodistribution of a parental affibody molecule ZHER2:2395 having a KVDC peptide chelator. All constructs retained low picomolar affinity to HER2-expressing cells after labeling. The biodistribution of all 188Re-labeled affibody molecules was in general comparable, with the main observed difference found in the uptake and retention of radioactivity in excretory organs. The 188Re-ZHER2:V2 affibody molecule with a GGGC chelator provided the lowest uptake in all organs and tissues. The renal retention of 188Re-ZHER2:V2 (3.1±0.5 %ID/g at 4 h after injection) was 55-fold lower than retention of the parental 188Re-ZHER2:2395 (172±32 %ID/g). We show that engineering of cysteine-containing peptide-based chelators can be used for significant improvement of biodistribution of 188Re-labeled scaffold proteins, particularly reduction of their uptake in excretory organs.
7.
8.
9.
Heskamp, Sandra, et al.
(author)
Imaging of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Type 2 Expression with (18)F-Labeled Affibody Molecule Z(HER2:2395) in a Mouse Model for Ovarian Cancer
2012
In: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 53:1, s. 146-153
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
Affibody molecules are small (7 kDa) proteins with subnanomolar targeting affinity. Previous SPECT studies in xenografts have shown that the Affibody molecule (111)In-DOTA-Z(HER2:2395) can discriminate between high and low human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2)-expressing tumors, indicating that radiolabeled Affibody molecules have potential for patient selection for HER2-targeted therapy. Compared with SPECT, PET with positron-emitting radionuclides, such as (18)F, may improve imaging of HER2 expression because of higher sensitivity and improved quantification of PET. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the (18)F-labeled NOTA-conjugated Affibody molecule Z(HER2:2395) is a suitable agent for imaging of HER2 expression. The tumor-targeting properties of (18)F-labeled Z(HER2:2395) were compared with (111)In- and (68)Ga-labeled Z(HER2:2395) in mice with HER2-expressing SK-OV-3 xenografts. Methods: Z(HER2:2395) was conjugated with NOTA and radiolabeled with (18)F, (68)Ga, and (111)In. Radiolabeling with (18)F was based on the complexation of Al(18)F by NOTA. The 50% inhibitory concentration values for NOTA-Z(HER2:2395) labeled with (19)F, (69)Ga, and (115)In were determined in a competitive cell-binding assay using SK-OV-3 cells. Mice bearing subcutaneous SK-OV-3 xenografts were injected intravenously with radiolabeled NOTA-Z(HER2:2395). One and 4 h after injection, PET/CT or SPECT/CT images were acquired, and the biodistribution was determined by ex vivo measurement. Results: The 50% inhibitory concentration values for (19)F-, (69)Ga-, and (115)In-NOTA-Z(HER2:2395) were 5.0, 6.3, and 5.3 nM, respectively. One hour after injection, tumor uptake was 4.4 +/- 0.8 percentage injected dose per gram (% ID/g), 5.6 +/- 1.6 % ID/g, and 7.1 +/- 1.4 % ID/g for (18)F-, (68)Ga-, and (111)In-NOTA-Z(HER2:2395), respectively, and the respective tumor-to-blood ratios were 7.4 +/- 1.8, 8.0 +/- 1.3, and 4.8 +/- 1.3. Tumor uptake was specific, because uptake could be blocked efficiently by coinjection of an excess of unlabeled Z(HER2:2395). PET/CT and SPECT/CT images clearly visualized HER2-expressing SK-OV-3 xenografts. Conclusion: This study showed that (18)F-NOTA-Z(HER2:2395) is a promising new imaging agent for HER2 expression in tumors. Affibody molecules were successfully labeled with (18)F within 30 min, based on the complexation of Al(18)F by NOTA. Further research is needed to determine whether this technique can be used for patient selection for HER2-targeted therapy.
10.
Honarvar, Hadis, et al.
(author)
Evaluation of backbone-cyclized HER2-binding 2-helix Affibody molecule for In Vivo molecular imaging
2013
In: Nuclear Medicine and Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0969-8051 .- 1872-9614. ; 40:3, s. 378-386
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
Introduction: Affibody molecules, small scaffold proteins, have demonstrated an appreciable potential as imaging probes. Affibody molecules are composed of three alpha-helices. Helices 1 and 2 are involved in molecular recognition, while helix 3 provides stability. The size of Affibody molecules can be reduced by omitting the third alpha-helix and cross-linking the two remaining, providing a smaller molecule with better extravasation and quicker clearance of unbound tracer. The goal of this study was to develop a novel 2-helix Affibody molecule based on backbone cyclization by native chemical ligation (NCL). Methods: The HER2-targeting NCL-cyclized Affibody molecule Z(HER2:342min) has been designed, synthesized and site-specifically conjugated with a DOTA chelator. DOTA-Z(HER2:342min) was labeled with In-111 and (68) Ga. The binding affinity of DOTA-Z(HER2:342min) was evaluated in vitro. The targeting properties of In-111- and (68) Ga-DOTA-Z(HER2:342min) were evaluated in mice bearing SKOV-3 xenografts and compared with the properties of In-111- and (68) Ga-labeled PEP09239, a DOTA-conjugated 2-helix Affibody analogue cyclized by a homocysteine disulfide bridge. Results: The dissociation constant (K-D) for DOTA-Z(HER2:342min) binding to HER2 was 18 nM according to SPR measurements. DOTA-Z(HER2:342min) was labeled with In-111 and (68) Ga. Both conjugates demonstrated bi-phasic binding kinetics to HER2-expressing cells, with K-D1 in low nanbmolar range. Both variants demonstrated specific uptake in HER2-expressing xenografts. Tumor-to-blood ratios at 2 h p.i. were 6.1 +/- 1.3 for In-111-DOTA-Z(HER2:342min) and 4.6 +/- 0.7 for (68) Ga-DOTA-Z(HER2:342min). However, the uptake of DOTA-Z(HER2:342min) in lung, liver and spleen was appreciably higher than the uptake of PEP09239-based counterparts. Conclusions: Native chemical ligation enables production of a backbone-cyclized HER2-binding 2-helix Affibody molecule (Z(HER2:342min)) with low nanomolar target affinity and specific tumor uptake.
