1. |
- Bastard, Paul, et al.
(author)
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Preexisting autoantibodies to type I IFNs underlie critical COVID-19 pneumonia in patients with APS-1.
- 2021
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In: The Journal of experimental medicine. - 1540-9538. ; 218:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Patients with biallelic loss-of-function variants of AIRE suffer from autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type-1 (APS-1) and produce a broad range of autoantibodies (auto-Abs), including circulating auto-Abs neutralizing most type I interferons (IFNs). These auto-Abs were recently reported to account for at least 10% of cases of life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia in the general population. We report 22 APS-1 patients from 21 kindreds in seven countries, aged between 8 and 48 yr and infected with SARS-CoV-2 since February 2020. The 21 patients tested had auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-α subtypes and/or IFN-ω; one had anti-IFN-β and another anti-IFN-ε, but none had anti-IFN-κ. Strikingly, 19 patients (86%) were hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia, including 15 (68%) admitted to an intensive care unit, 11 (50%) who required mechanical ventilation, and four (18%) who died. Ambulatory disease in three patients (14%) was possibly accounted for by prior or early specific interventions. Preexisting auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs in APS-1 patients confer a very high risk of life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia at any age.
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2. |
- Ahlgren, Sara, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of maleimide derivative of DOTA for site-specific labeling of recombinant affibody molecules
- 2008
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In: Bioconjugate chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1043-1802 .- 1520-4812. ; 19:1, s. 235-243
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Affibody molecules are a new class of small (7 kDa) scaffold affinity proteins, which demonstrate promising properties as agents for in vivo radionuclide targeting. The Affibody scaffold is cysteine-free and therefore independent of disulfide bonds. Thus, a single thiol group can be engineered into the protein by introduction of one cysteine. Coupling of thiol-reactive bifunctional chelators can enable site-specific labeling of recombinantly produced Affibody molecules. In this study, the use of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-tris-acetic acid-10-maleimidoethylacetamide (MMA-DOTA) for 111 In-labeling of anti-HER2 Affibody molecules His 6-Z HER2:342-Cys and Z HER2:2395-Cys has been evaluated. The introduction of a cysteine residue did not affect the affinity of the proteins, which was 29 pM for His 6-Z HER2:342-Cys and 27 pM for Z HER2:2395-Cys, comparable with 22 pM for the parental Z HER2:342. MMA-DOTA was conjugated to DTT-reduced Affibody molecules with a coupling efficiency of 93% using a 1:1 molar ratio of chelator to protein. The conjugates were labeled with 111 In to a specific radioactivity of up to 7 GBq/mmol, with preserved binding for the target HER2. In vivo, the non-His-tagged variant 111 In-[MMA-DOTA-Cys61]-Z HER2:2395-Cys demonstrated appreciably lower liver uptake than its His-tag-containing counterpart. In mice bearing HER2-expressing LS174T xenografts, 111 In-[MMA-DOTA-Cys61]-Z HER2:2395-Cys showed specific and rapid tumor localization, and rapid clearance from blood and nonspecific compartments, leading to a tumor-to-blood-ratio of 18 +/- 8 already 1 h p.i. Four hours p.i., the tumor-to-blood ratio was 138 +/- 8. Xenografts were clearly visualized already 1 h p.i.
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3. |
- Almqvist, Ylva, et al.
(author)
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In vitro characterization of 211 At-labeled antibody A33 : a potential therapeutic agent against metastatic colorectal carcinoma
- 2005
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In: Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals. - : Mary Ann Liebert Inc. - 1084-9785 .- 1557-8852. ; 20:5, s. 514-523
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The humanized antibody A33 binds to the A33 antigen, expressed in 95% of primary and metastatic colorectal carcinomas. The restricted pattern of expression in normal tissue makes this antigen a possible target for radioimmunotherapy of colorectal micrometastases. In this study, the A33 antibody was labeled with the therapeutic nuclide 211At using N-succinimidyl para-(tri-methylstannyl)benzoate (SPMB). The in vitro characteristics of the 211At-benzoate-A33 conjugate (211At-A33) were investigated and found to be similar to those of 125I-benzoate-A33 (125I-A33) in different assays. Both conjugates bound with high affinity to SW1222 cells (Kd = 1.7 ± 0.2 nM, and 1.8 ± 0.1 nM for 211At-A33 and 125I-A33, respectively), and both showed good intracellular retention (70% of the radioactivity was still cell associated after 20 hours). The cytotoxic effect of 211At-A33 was also confirmed. After incubation with 211At-A33, SW1222 cells had a survival of approximately 0.3% when exposed to some 150 decays per cell (DPC). The cytotoxic effect was found to be dose-dependent, as cells exposed to only 56 DPC had a survival of approximately 5%. The 211At-A33 conjugate shows promise as a potential radioimmunotherapy agent for treatment of micrometastases originating from colorectal carcinoma.
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4. |
- Altai, Mohamed, et al.
(author)
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Feasibility of Affibody-Based Bioorthogonal Chemistry Mediated Radionuclide Pretargeting
- 2016
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In: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : SOC NUCLEAR MEDICINE. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 57:3, s. 431-436
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Affibody molecules constitute a new class of probes for radionuclide tumor targeting. The small size of Affibody molecules is favorable for rapid localization in tumors and clearance from circulation. However, high renal reabsorption of Affibody molecules prevents the use of residualizing radiometals, including several promising low-energy (beta- and alpha-emitters, for radionuclide therapy. We tested a hypothesis that Affibody-based pretargeting mediated by a bioorthogonal interaction between trans-cyclooctene (TCO) and tetrazine would provide higher accumulation of radiometals in tumor xenografts than in the kidneys. Methods: TCO was conjugated to the anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) Affibody molecule Z(2395). DOTA-tetrazine was labeled with In-111 and Lu-177. In vitro pretargeting was studied in HER2-expressing SKOV-3 and BT474 cell lines. In vivo studies were performed on BALB/C nu/nu mice bearing SKOV-3 xenografts. Results: I-125-Z(2395)-TCO bound specifically to HER2-expressing cells in vitro with an affinity of 45 +/- 16 pM. In-111-tetrazine bound specifically and selectively to Z(2325)-TCO pretreated cells. In vivo studies demonstrated HER2-specific I-125-Z(2395)-TCO accumulation in xenografts. TCO-mediated In-111-tetrazine localization was shown in tumors, when the radiolabeled tracer was injected 4 h after an injection of Z(2395)-TCO. At 1 h after injection, the tumor uptake of In-111-tetrazine and Lu-177-tetrazine was approximately 2-fold higher than the renal uptake. Pretargeting provided more than a 56-fold reduction of renal uptake of In-111 in comparison with direct targeting. Conclusion: The feasibility of Affibody-based bioorthogonal chemistry-mediated pretargeting was demonstrated. The use of pre-targeting provides a substantial reduction of radiometal accumulation in kidneys, creating preconditions for palliative radionuclide therapy.
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5. |
- Altai, Mohamed, et al.
(author)
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Preclinical evaluation of anti-HER2 Affibody molecules site-specifically labeled with In-111 using a maleimido derivative of NODAGA
- 2012
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In: Nuclear Medicine and Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0969-8051 .- 1872-9614. ; 39:4, s. 518-529
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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.
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6. |
- Bragina, Olga, et al.
(author)
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Phase I study of 99mTc-ADAPT6, a scaffold protein-based probe for visualization of HER2 expression in breast cancer
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Radionuclide molecular imaging of human epidermal growth factor (HER2) expression may be helpful to stratify breast and gastroesophageal cancer patients for HER2-targeting therapies. ADAPTs (albumin-binding domain derived affinity proteins) are a new type of small (46-59 amino acids) proteins useful as probes for molecular imaging. The aim of this first in-human study was to evaluate biodistribution, dosimetry, and safety of HER2-specific 99mTc-ADAPT6.METHODS. Twenty-two patients with HER2-positive (n=11) or HER2-negative (n=11) primary breast cancer were intravenously injected with 385125 MBq. The injected amount of protein was either 500 μg (n=11) or 1000 μg (n=11). Planar scintigraphy followed by SPECT imaging was performed after 2, 4, 6 and 24 h. An additional cohort received a dose of 250 μg, and the planar scintigraphy followed by SPECT imaging was performed after 2 h only.RESULTS. Injection of 99mTc-ADAPT6 was well tolerated for all doses evaluated in the study, and was not associated with any adverse effects. 99mTc-ADAPT6 cleared rapidly from the blood and the majority of tissues. The normal organs with the highest accumulation were kidney, liver and lung. The effective doses were determined to 0.0090.002 and 0.0100.003 mSv/MBq when injecting protein amounts of 500 and 1000 μg, respectively. Injection of 500 μg resulted in excellent discrimination between HER2-positive and HER2-negative tumors already 2 h after injection (tumor-to-contralateral breast ratio was 3719 vs 52, p < 0.01). The tumor-to-contralateral breast ratios for HER2-positive tumors were significantly (p < 0.5) higher for the injected mass of 500 μg than for both 250 and 1000 μg. In one patient, the imaging using 99mTc-ADAPT6 revealed three bone metastases, which were not found at the time of diagnosis by CT or 99mTcpyrophosphate bone scan. MRI imaging confirmed this finding.CONCLUSION. Injections of 99mTc-ADAPT6 are safe and associated with low absorbed and effective doses. A protein dose of 500 μg is preferable for discrimination between tumors with high and low expression of HER2. 99mTc-ADAPT6 is a promising imaging probe for the stratification of patients for HER2-targeting therapy.
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7. |
- Bragina, Olga, et al.
(author)
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Phase I study of 99mTc-ADAPT6, a scaffold protein-based probe for visualization of HER2 expression in breast cancer
- 2021
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In: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 62:4, s. 493-499
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Radionuclide molecular imaging of human epidermal growth factor (HER2) expression may be helpful to stratify breast and gastroesophageal cancer patients for HER2-targeting therapies. ADAPTs (albumin-binding domain derived affinity proteins) are a new type of small (46-59 amino acids) proteins useful as probes for molecular imaging. The aim of this first-in-human study was to evaluate biodistribution, dosimetry, and safety of the HER2-specific 99mTc-ADAPT6.METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with primary breast cancerwere included. In 22 patients with HER2-positive (n = 11) or HER2-negative (n = 11) histopathology an intravenous injection with 385±125 MBq 99mTc-ADAPT6 was performed, randomized to an injected protein mass of either 500 µg (n = 11) or 1000 µg (n = 11). Planar scintigraphy followed by SPECT imaging was performed after 2, 4, 6 and 24 h. An additional cohort (n = 7) was injected with 165±29 MBq (injected protein mass 250 µg) and imaging was performed after 2 h only.RESULTS: Injections of 99mTc-ADAPT6 at all injected mass levels were well tolerated and not associated with adverse effects. 99mTc-ADAPT6 cleared rapidly from blood and most other tissues. The normal organs with the highest accumulation were kidney, liver and lung. Effective doses were 0.009±0.002 and 0.010±0.003 mSv/MBq for injected protein masses of 500 and 1000 µg, respectively. Injection of 500 µg resulted in excellent discrimination between HER2-positive and HER2-negative tumors already 2 h after injection (tumor-to-contralateral breast ratio was 37±19 vs 5±2, p<0.01). The tumor-to-contralateral breast ratios for HER2-positive tumors were significantly (p<0.05) higher for injected mass of 500 µg than for both 250 and 1000 µg.CONCLUSION: Injections of 99mTc-ADAPT6 are safe and associated with low absorbed and effective doses. Protein dose of 500 µg is preferable for discrimination between tumors with high and low expression of HER2. Further studies are justified to evaluate if 99mTc-ADAPT6 can be used as an imaging probe for stratification of patients for HER2-targeting therapy in the areas where PET imaging is not readily available.
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8. |
- Bragina, Olga, et al.
(author)
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Phase I Trial of 99mTc-(HE)3-G3, a DARPin-Based Probe for Imaging of HER2 Expression in Breast Cancer
- 2022
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In: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 63:4, s. 528-535
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Radionuclide molecular imaging of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) expression may enable a noninvasive discrimination between HER2-positive and HER2-negative breast cancers for stratification of patients for HER2-targeted treatments. DARPin (designed ankyrin repeat proteins) G3 is a small (molecular weight, 14 kDa) scaffold protein with picomolar affinity to HER2. The aim of this first-in-humans study was to evaluate the safety, biodistribution, and dosimetry of 99mTc-(HE)3-G3.Methods: Three cohorts of patients with primary breast cancer (each including at least 4 patients with HER2-negative and 5 patients with HER2-positive tumors) were injected with 1,000, 2,000, or 3,000 μg of 99mTc-(HE)3-G3 (287 ± 170 MBq). Whole-body planar imaging followed by SPECT was performed at 2, 4, 6, and 24 h after injection. Vital signs and possible side effects were monitored during imaging and up to 7 d after injection.Results: All injections were well tolerated. No side effects were observed. The results of blood and urine analyses did not differ before and after studies. 99mTc-(HE)3-G3 cleared rapidly from the blood. The highest uptake was detected in the kidneys and liver followed by the lungs, breasts, and small intestinal content. The hepatic uptake after injection of 2,000 or 3,000 μg was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the uptake after injection of 1,000 μg. Effective doses did not differ significantly between cohorts (average, 0.011 ± 0.004 mSv/MBq). Tumor–to–contralateral site ratios for HER-positive tumors were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than for HER2-negative at 2 and 4 h after injection.Conclusion: Imaging of HER2 expression using 99mTc-(HE)3-G3 is safe and well tolerated and provides a low absorbed dose burden on patients. This imaging enables discernment of HER2-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer. Phase I study data justify further clinical development of 99mTc-(HE)3-G3.
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9. |
- Chernov, Vladimir, et al.
(author)
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Phase I Trial of [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26, a Bombesin Analogue Antagonistic to Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptors (GRPRs), for SPECT Imaging of GRPR Expression in Malignant Tumors
- 2023
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In: Cancers. - : MDPI. - 2072-6694. ; 15:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is overexpressed in prostate cancer (PCa) and in hormone-driven breast cancer (BCa). The aim of this phase I clinical trial was to evaluate safety, biodistribution, and dosimetry after the administration of the recently developed GRPR-targeting antagonistic bombesin analogue [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26 in PCa and BCa patients. Planar and whole-body SPECT/CT imaging was performed in six PCa patients and seven BCa patients 2, 4, 6, and 24 h post the intravenous administration of 40 mu g of [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26 (600-700 MBq). No adverse events or pathological changes were observed. The rapid blood clearance of [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26 was observed with predominantly hepatobiliary excretion. The effective doses were 0.0053 +/- 0.0007 for male patients and 0.008 +/- 0.003 mSv/MBq for female patients. The accumulation of [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26 in tumors was observed in four out of six PCa and in seven out of seven BCa patients. In four BCa patients, a high uptake of the agent into the axillary lymph nodes was detected. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive GRPR expression in 60% of primary PCa, 71.4% of BCa tumors, and 50% of examined BCa lymph nodes. In conclusion, a single administration of [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26 was safe and well tolerated. [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26 SPECT may be useful for tumor detection in PCa and BCa patients, pending further studies.
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10. |
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11. |
- Honarvar, Hadis, et al.
(author)
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Position for site-specific attachment of a DOTA chelator to synthetic affibody molecules has a different influence on the targeting properties of 68Ga-Compared to 111in-labeled conjugates
- 2014
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In: Molecular Imaging. - : SAGE Publications. - 1535-3508 .- 1536-0121. ; 13:10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Affibody molecules, small (7 kDa) scaffold proteins, are a promising class of probes for radionuclide molecular imaging. Radiolabeling of Affibody molecules with the positron-emitting nuclide 68Ga would permit the use of positron emission tomography (PET), providing better resolution, sensitivity, and quantification accuracy than single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The synthetic anti-HER2 ZHER2:S1 Affibody molecule was conjugated with DOTA at the N-terminus, in the middle of helix 3, or at the Cterminus. The biodistribution of 68Ga-and 111In-labeled Affibody molecules was directly compared in NMRI nu/nu mice bearing SKOV3 xenografts. The position of the chelator strongly influenced the biodistribution of the tracers, and the influence was more pronounced for 68Ga-labeled Affibody molecules than for the 111In-labeled counterparts. The best 68Ga-labeled variant was 68Ga-[DOTA-A1]-ZHER2:S1, which provided a tumor uptake of 13 ± 1 %ID/g and a tumor to blood ratio of 39 ± 12 at 2 hours after injection. 111In-[DOTA-A1]-ZHER2:S1 and 111In-[DOTA-K58]-ZHER2:S1 were equally good at this time point, providing a tumor uptake of 15 to 16 %ID/g and a tumor to blood ratio in the range of 60 to 80. In conclusion, the selection of the best position for a chelator in Affibody molecules can be used for optimization of their imaging properties. This may be important for the development of Affibody-based and other protein-based imaging probes.
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12. |
- Leitao, Charles Dahlsson, et al.
(author)
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Conditionally activated affibody-based prodrug targeting EGFR demonstrates improved tumor selectivity
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Safety and efficacy of cancer-targeting treatments can be improved by conditional activation conferred by the distinct milieu of the tumour microenvironment. Proteases are intricately involved in tumorigenesis and commonly dysregulated with elevated expression and activity. Design of prodrug molecules with protease-dependent activation has the potential to increase tumor-selective targeting, while decreasing the exposure to healthy tissues, thus improving safety, allowing for administration of higher doses or use of more aggressive treatment options, leading to higher therapeutic efficacy. We have previously performed in vitro characterizations of an affibody-based prodrug approach for protease-mediated targeting of EGFR. In this study we demonstrate the potential for selective tumor-targeting and shielded uptake in healthy tissues in vivo using tumor-bearing mice for an EGFR-targeting affibody prodrug.
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13. |
- Leitao, Charles Dahlsson, 1992-, et al.
(author)
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Conditionally activated affibody-based prodrug targeting EGFR demonstrates improved tumour selectivity
- 2023
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In: Journal of Controlled Release. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-3659 .- 1873-4995. ; 357, s. 185-195
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Safety and efficacy of cancer-targeting treatments can be improved by conditional activation enabled by the distinct milieu of the tumour microenvironment. Proteases are intricately involved in tumourigenesis and commonly dysregulated with elevated expression and activity. Design of prodrug molecules with protease -dependent activation has the potential to increase tumour-selective targeting while decreasing exposure to healthy tissues, thus improving the safety profile for patients. Higher selectivity could also allow for adminis-tration of higher doses or use of more aggressive treatment options, leading to higher therapeutic efficacy. We have previously developed an affibody-based prodrug with conditional targeting of EGFR conferred by an anti-idiotypic affibody masking domain (ZB05). We could show that binding to endogenous EGFR on cancer cells in vitro was restored following proteolytic removal of ZB05. In this study we evaluate a novel affibody-based pro -drug design, which incorporates a protease substrate sequence recognized by cancer-associated proteases and demonstrate the potential of this approach for selective tumour-targeting and shielded uptake in healthy tissues in vivo using tumour-bearing mice. This may widen the therapeutic index of cytotoxic EGFR-targeted thera-peutics by decreasing side effects, improving selectivity of drug delivery, and enabling the use of more potent cytotoxic drugs.
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14. |
- Liu, Yongsheng, et al.
(author)
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Biologic Evaluation of a Heterodimeric HER2-Albumin Targeted Affibody Molecule Produced by Chemo-Enzymatic Peptide Synthesis
- 2022
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In: Pharmaceutics. - : MDPI. - 1999-4923. ; 14:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Targeted molecular radiation therapy is a promising emerging treatment modality in oncology, and peptide synthesis may shorten the time to reach the clinical stage. In this study, we have explored Chemo-Enzymatic Peptide Synthesis, or CEPS, as a new means of producing a therapeutic HER2 targeted Affibody((R)) molecule, comprising a C-terminal albumin binding domain (ABD) for half-life extension and a total length of 108 amino acids. In addition, a DOTA moiety could be incorporated at N-terminus directly during the synthesis step and subsequently utilized for site-specific radiolabeling with the therapeutic radionuclide Lu-177. Retained thermodynamic stability as well as retained binding to both HER2 and albumin was verified. Furthermore, HER2 binding specificity of the radiolabeled Affibody molecule was confirmed by an in vitro saturation assay showing a significantly higher cell-bound activity of SKOV-3 (high HER2 expression) compared with BxPC3 (low HER2 expression), both in the presence and absence of HSA. In vivo evaluation in mice bearing HER2 expressing xenografts also showed specific tumor targeting as well as extended time in circulation and reduced kidney uptake compared with a HER2 targeted Affibody molecule without the ABD moiety. To conclude, we have demonstrated that CEPS can be used for production of Affibody-fusion molecules with retained in vitro and in vivo functionality.
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15. |
- Malmberg, Jennie, et al.
(author)
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Comparative evaluation of synthetic anti-HER2 Affibody molecules site-specifically labelled with 111In using N-terminal DOTA, NOTA and NODAGA chelators in mice bearing prostate cancer xenografts.
- 2012
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In: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1619-7070 .- 1619-7089. ; 39:3, s. 481-492
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: In disseminated prostate cancer, expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) is one of the pathways to androgen independence. Radionuclide molecular imaging of HER2 expression in disseminated prostate cancer might identify patients for HER2-targeted therapy. Affibody molecules are small (7 kDa) targeting proteins with high potential as tracers for radionuclide imaging. The goal of this study was to develop an optimal Affibody-based tracer for visualization of HER2 expression in prostate cancer. METHODS: A synthetic variant of the anti-HER2 Z(HER2:342) Affibody molecule, Z(HER2:S1), was N-terminally conjugated with the chelators DOTA, NOTA and NODAGA. The conjugated proteins were biophysically characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS), circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensor analysis. After labelling with (111)In, the biodistribution was assessed in normal mice and the two most promising conjugates were further evaluated for tumour targeting in mice bearing DU-145 prostate cancer xenografts. RESULTS: The HER2-binding equilibrium dissociation constants were 130, 140 and 90 pM for DOTA-Z(HER2:S1), NOTA-Z(HER2:S1) and NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1), respectively. A comparative study of (111)In-labelled DOTA-Z(HER2:S1), NOTA-Z(HER2:S1) and NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1) in normal mice demonstrated a substantial influence of the chelators on the biodistribution properties of the conjugates. (111)In-NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1) had the most rapid clearance from blood and healthy tissues. (111)In-NOTA-Z(HER2:S1) showed high hepatic uptake and was excluded from further evaluation. (111)In-DOTA-Z(HER2:S1) and (111)In-NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1) demonstrated specific uptake in DU-145 prostate cancer xenografts in nude mice. The tumour uptake of (111)In-NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1), 5.6 ± 0.4%ID/g, was significantly lower than the uptake of (111)In-DOTA-Z(HER2:S1), 7.4 ± 0.5%ID/g, presumably because of lower bioavailability due to more rapid clearance. (111)In-NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1) provided higher tumour-to-blood ratio, but somewhat lower tumour-to-liver, tumour-to-spleen and tumour-to-bone ratios. CONCLUSION: Since distant prostate cancer metastases are situated in bone or bone marrow, the higher tumour-to-bone ratio is the most important. This renders (111)In-DOTA-Z(HER2:S1) a preferable agent for imaging of HER2 expression in disseminated prostate cancer.
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16. |
- Malmberg, Jennie, et al.
(author)
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Comparative evaluation of synthetic anti-HER2 Affibody molecules site-specifically labelled with In-111 using N-terminal DOTA, NOTA and NODAGA chelators in mice bearing prostate cancer xenografts
- 2012
-
In: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1619-7070 .- 1619-7089. ; 39:3, s. 481-492
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose In disseminated prostate cancer, expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) is one of the pathways to androgen independence. Radionuclide molecular imaging of HER2 expression in disseminated prostate cancer might identify patients for HER2-targeted therapy. Affibody molecules are small (7 kDa) targeting proteins with high potential as tracers for radionuclide imaging. The goal of this study was to develop an optimal Affibody-based tracer for visualization of HER2 expression in prostate cancer. Methods A synthetic variant of the anti-HER2 Z(HER2:342) Affibody molecule, Z(HER2:S1), was N-terminally conjugated with the chelators DOTA, NOTA and NODAGA. The conjugated proteins were biophysically characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS), circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensor analysis. After labelling with In-111, the biodistribution was assessed in normal mice and the two most promising conjugates were further evaluated for tumour targeting in mice bearing DU-145 prostate cancer xenografts. Results The HER2-binding equilibrium dissociation constants were 130, 140 and 90 pM for DOTA-Z(HER2:S1), NOTA-Z(HER2:S1) and NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1), respectively. A comparative study of In-111-labelled DOTA-Z(HER2:S1), NOTA-Z(HER2:S1) and NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1) in normal mice demonstrated a substantial influence of the chelators on the biodistribution properties of the conjugates. In-111-NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1) had the most rapid clearance from blood and healthy tissues. In-111-NOTA-Z(HER2:S1) showed high hepatic uptake and was excluded from further evaluation. In-111-DOTA-Z(HER2:S1) and In-111-NODAGAZHER2: S1 demonstrated specific uptake in DU-145 prostate cancer xenografts in nude mice. The tumour uptake of In-111-NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1), 5.6 +/- 0.4% ID/g, was significantly lower than the uptake of In-111-DOTA-Z(HER2:S1), 7.4 +/- 0.5% ID/g, presumably because of lower bioavailability due to more rapid clearance. In-111-NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1) provided higher tumour-to-blood ratio, but somewhat lower tumour-to-liver, tumour-to-spleen and tumour-to-bone ratios. Conclusion Since distant prostate cancer metastases are situated in bone or bone marrow, the higher tumour-to-bone ratio is the most important. This renders In-111-DOTA-Z(HER2:S1) a preferable agent for imaging of HER2 expression in disseminated prostate cancer.
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17. |
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18. |
- Orlova, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Cellular processing of (125)I- and (111)in-labeled epidermal growth factor(EGF) bound to cultured A431 tumor cells
- 2000
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In: Nuclear Medicine and Biology. - 0969-8051 .- 1872-9614. ; 27:8, s. 827-35
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Low molecular weight of epidermal growth factor (EGF) enables better intratumoral penetration in comparison with larger targeting proteins, but the cellular retention of EGF-associated radioactivity is poor for directly iodinated EGF. An attempt was made to improve intracellular retention by the use of metal-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid or nonphenolic linker (N-succinimidyl-para-iodobenzoate) as labeling agents. The use of nonphenolic linker did not improve retention of the radioactivity in A431 carcinoma cell line. The use of the radiometal label provided an appreciable prolongation of radioactivity residence inside the cell.
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19. |
- Orlova, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Cellular processing of 125I- and 111in-labeled epidermal growth factor (EGF) bound to cultured A431 tumor cells
- 2000
-
In: Nuclear Medicine and Biology. - 0969-8051 .- 1872-9614. ; 27:8, s. 827-835
-
Review (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Low molecular weight of epidermal growth factor (EGF) enables better intratumoral penetration in comparison with larger targeting proteins, but the cellular retention of EGF-associated radioactivity is poor for directly iodinated EGF. An attempt was made to improve intracellular retention by the use of metal-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid or nonphenolic linker (N-succinimidyl-para-iodobenzoate) as labeling agents. The use of nonphenolic linker did not improve retention of the radioactivity in A431 carcinoma cell line. The use of the radiometal label provided an appreciable prolongation of radioactivity residence inside the cell.
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20. |
- Orlova, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Cellular processing of indirectly astatinated and iodinated mAb A33 in SW1222 cultured cells
- 2001
-
In: Journal of labelled compounds & radiopharmaceuticals. - : Wiley. - 0362-4803 .- 1099-1344. ; 44:suppl 1, s. S715-S717
-
Review (other academic/artistic)abstract
- In principle, alpha-emitting radionuclides, such as 211At, are more efficient than beta-emitters to inactive single disseminated cancer cells. However, cellular processing of astatinated proteins has not yet been studied in detail. In this study an anti-colorectal cancer monoclonal antibody (mAb) A33 was indirectly labeled with 211At and for comparison with 125I. Binding and retention of radioactivity was studied in the colorectal cancer cell-line SW1222. A similar pattern of binding and retention of the two radiohalogens was seen. The main difference found, that the retention time of astatinated mAb in SW1222 was almost two times longer, might be of advantage in radionuclide therapy.
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21. |
- Orlova, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Targeting against epidermal growth factor receptors : Cellular processing of astatinated EGF after binding to cultured carcinoma cells
- 2004
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In: Anticancer Research. - 0250-7005 .- 1791-7530. ; 24:6, s. 4035-4042
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND:The alpha-emitting nuclide 211At is of great interest for radionuclide therapy when coupled to a tumor-targeting biomolecule, e.g. epidermal growth factor (EGF) the receptors of which are overexpressed in many malignancies. However, almost no information concerning the cellular processing of astatinated targeting agents is available.MATERIALS AND METHODS:We indirectly astatinated EGF ([211At]-benzoate-EGF) and studied its cellular processing in A-431 carcinoma cells in comparison with data concerning [125I]-benzoate-EGF.RESULTS: The biological half-life of astatine (3.5 h) was longer than the half-life of the iodine label (1.5 h). The increase of the half-life was due to longer retention of the internalised astatine radioactivity. The maximum accumulation for the astatine label occurred later (4-6h) than that for the iodine label (2-4h), indicating a slower excretion of astatine that was confirmed in experiment with 211At/1251-benzoate-EGF.CONCLUSION:The long retention of astatine might be advantageous for radionuclide therapy.
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22. |
- Perols, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Influence of DOTA Chelator Position on Biodistribution and Targeting Properties of In-111-Labeled Synthetic Anti-HER2 Affibody Molecules
- 2012
-
In: Bioconjugate chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1043-1802 .- 1520-4812. ; 23:8, s. 1661-1670
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Affibody molecules are a class of affinity proteins. Their small size (7 kDa) in combination with the high (subnanomolar) affinity for a number of cancer-associated molecular targets makes them suitable for molecular imaging. Earlier studies demonstrated that the selection of radionuclide and chelator may substantially influence the tumor-targeting properties of affibody molecules. Moreover, the placement of chelators for labeling of affibody molecules with Tc-99m at different positions in affibody molecules influenced both blood clearance rate and uptake in healthy tissues. This introduces an opportunity to improve the contrast of affibody-mediated imaging. In this comparative study, 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) was conjugated to the synthetic affibody molecule Z(HER2:S1) at three different positions: DOTA-A1-Z(HER2:S1) (N-terminus), DOTA-K58-Z(HER2:S1) (C-terminus), and DOTA-K50-Z(HER2:S1) (middle of helix 3). The affinity for HER2 differed slightly among the variants and the K-D values were determined to be 133 pM, 107 pM and 94 pM for DOTA-A1-Z(HER2:S1), DOTA-K50-Z(HER2:S1), and DOTA-K58-Z(HER2:S1), respectively. Z(HER2:S1) K50-DOTA showed a slightly lower melting point (57 degrees C) compared to DOTA-A1-Z(HER2:S1) (64 degrees C) and DOTA-K5S-Z(HER2:S1) (62 degrees C), but all variants showed good refolding properties after heat treatment All conjugates were successfully labeled with In-III resulting in a radiochemical yield of 99% with preserved binding capacity. In vitro specificity studies using SKOV-3 and LS174T cell lines showed that the binding of the radiolabeled compounds was HER2 receptor mediated, which also was verified in vivo using BALB/C nu/nu mice with LS174T and Ramos lymphoma xenografts. The three conjugates all showed specific uptake in L5174T xenografts in nude mice, where DOTA-A1-Z(HER2:S1) and DOTA-K58-Z(HER2:S1) showed the highest uptake. Overall, DOTA-K58-Z(HER2:S1) provided the highest tumor-to-blood ratio, which is important for a high contrast imaging. In conclusion, the positioning of the DOTA chelator influences the cellular processing and the biodistribution pattern of radiolabeled affibody molecules, creating preconditions for imaging optimization.
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23. |
- Rinne, Sara S., et al.
(author)
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Targeting Tumor Cells Overexpressing the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 3 with Potent Drug Conjugates Based on Affibody Molecules
- 2022
-
In: Biomedicines. - : MDPI AG. - 2227-9059. ; 10:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Increasing evidence suggests that therapy targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) could be a viable route for targeted cancer therapy. Here, we studied a novel drug conjugate, ZHER3-ABD-mcDM1, consisting of a HER3-targeting affibody molecule, coupled to the cytotoxic tubulin polymerization inhibitor DM1, and an albumin-binding domain for in vivo half-life extension. ZHER3-ABD-mcDM1 showed a strong affinity to the extracellular domain of HER3 (K-D 6 nM), and an even stronger affinity (KD 0.2 nM) to the HER3-overexpressing pancreatic carcinoma cell line, BxPC-3. The drug conjugate showed a potent cytotoxic effect on BxPC-3 cells with an IC50 value of 7 nM. Evaluation of a radiolabeled version, [99mTc]Tc-ZHER3-ABD-mcDM1, showed a relatively high rate of internalization, with a 27% internalized fraction after 8 h. Further in vivo evaluation showed that it could target BxPC-3 (pancreatic carcinoma) and DU145 (prostate carcinoma) xenografts in mice, with an uptake peaking at 6.3 +/- 0.4% IA/g at 6 h post-injection for the BxPC-3 xenografts. The general biodistribution showed uptake in the liver, lung, salivary gland, stomach, and small intestine, organs known to express murine ErbB3 naturally. The results from the study show that ZHER3-ABD-mcDM1 is a highly potent and selective drug conjugate with the ability to specifically target HER3 overexpressing cells. Further pre-clinical and clinical development is discussed.
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24. |
- Rinne, Sara, et al.
(author)
-
Targeting tumor cells overexpressing the human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 with potent drug conjugates based on affibody molecules
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Increasing evidence suggests that therapy targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) could be a viable route for targeted cancer therapy. Here, we have studied a novel drug conjugate, ZHER3-ABD-mcDM1, consisting of a HER3-targeting affibody molecule, coupled to the cytotoxic tubulin polymerization inhibitor DM1, and an albumin- binding domain for in vivo half-life extension. ZHER3-ABD-mcDM1 showed strong affinity to the extracellular domain of HER3 (KD 6 nM), and an even stronger affinity (KD 0.2 nM) to the HER3-overexpressing pancreatic cancer cell line, BxPC3. The drug conjugate showed a potent cytotoxic effect on BxPC3 cells with an IC50 value of 7 nM. Further in vitro evaluation of a radiolabeled version [99mTc]Tc-ZHER3-ABD-mcDM1, showed that it had a relatively high rate of internalization into HER3-expressing BxPC-3 as well as DU145 (prostate cancer) cells, with a 27% internalized fraction after 8 h. Further in vivo evaluation showed that it could specifically target BxPC-3 and DU145-derived xenografts in mice, with an uptake peaking at 6.3 ± 0.4 %ID/g at 6 h post-injection for the BxPC-3-derived xenografts. The general biodistribution showed uptake in liver, lung, salivary gland, stomach, and small intestine, organs known to express HER3 naturally. The results from the study show that ZHER3-ABD- mcDM1 is a highly potent and specific drug conjugate, that may be further developed towards HER3-targeted cancer therapy.
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25. |
- Strand, Joanna, et al.
(author)
-
Influence of Macrocyclic Chelators on the Targeting Properties of Ga-68-Labeled Synthetic Affibody Molecules : Comparison with In-111-Labeled Counterparts
- 2013
-
In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 8:8, s. e70028-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Affibody molecules are a class of small (7 kDa) non-immunoglobulin scaffold-based affinity proteins, which have demonstrated substantial potential as probes for radionuclide molecular imaging. The use of positron emission tomography (PET) would further increase the resolution and quantification accuracy of Affibody-based imaging. The rapid in vivo kinetics of Affibody molecules permit the use of the generator-produced radionuclide Ga-68 (T-1/2 = 67.6 min). Earlier studies have demonstrated that the chemical nature of chelators has a substantial influence on the biodistribution properties of Affibody molecules. To determine an optimal labeling approach, the macrocyclic chelators 1,4,7,10-tetraazacylododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA), 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N,N,N-triacetic acid (NOTA) and 1-(1,3-carboxypropyl)-1,4,7- triazacyclononane-4,7-diacetic acid (NODAGA) were conjugated to the N-terminus of the synthetic Affibody molecule Z(HER2:S1) targeting HER2. Affibody molecules were labeled with Ga-68, and their binding specificity and cellular processing were evaluated. The biodistribution of Ga-68-DOTA-Z(HER2:S1), Ga-68-NOTA-Z(HER2:S1) and Ga-68-NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1), as well as that of their In-111-labeled counterparts, was evaluated in BALB/C nu/nu mice bearing HER2-expressing SKOV3 xenografts. The tumor uptake for Ga-68-DOTA-Z(HER2:S1) (17.9 +/- 0.7%IA/g) was significantly higher than for both Ga-68-NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1) (16.13 +/- 0.67%IA/g) and Ga-68-NOTA-Z(HER2:S1) (13 +/- 3%IA/g) at 2 h after injection. Ga-68-NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1) had the highest tumor-to-blood ratio (60 +/- 10) in comparison with both Ga-68-DOTA-Z(HER2:S1) (28 +/- 4) and Ga-68-NOTA-Z(HER2:S1) (42 +/- 11). The tumor-to-liver ratio was also higher for Ga-68-NODAGA-Z(HER2:S1) (7 +/- 2) than the DOTA and NOTA conjugates (5.5 +/- 0.6 vs. 3.3 +/- 0.6). The influence of chelator on the biodistribution and targeting properties was less pronounced for Ga-68 than for In-111. The results of this study demonstrate that macrocyclic chelators conjugated to the N-terminus have a substantial influence on the biodistribution of HER2-targeting Affibody molecules labeled with Ga-68. This can be utilized to enhance the imaging contrast of PET imaging using Affibody molecules and improve the sensitivity of molecular imaging. The study demonstrated an appreciable difference of chelator influence for Ga-68 and In-111.
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26. |
- Tolmachev, Vladimir, et al.
(author)
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Comparative Evaluation of Anti-HER2 Affibody Molecules Labeled with Cu-64 Using NOTA and NODAGA
- 2017
-
In: Contrast Media & Molecular Imaging. - : WILEY-HINDAWI. - 1555-4309 .- 1555-4317. ; , s. 1-12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Imaging using affi body molecules enables discrimination between breast cancer metastases with high and low expression of HER2, making appropriate therapy selection possible. This study aimed to evaluate if the longer half-life of Cu-64 (T-1/2 = 12.7h) would make Cu-64 a superior nuclide compared to Ga-68 for PET imaging of HER2 expression using affibody molecules. The synthetic ZHER2: S1 affibody molecule was conjugated with the chelators NOTA or NODAGA and labeled with Cu-64. The tumor-targeting properties of Cu-64-NOTA-ZHER2: S1 and Cu-64-NODAGA-ZHER2: S1 were evaluated and compared with the targeting properties of Ga-68-NODAGA-ZHER2: S1 in mice. Both 64 Cu-NOTA-ZHER2: S1 and Cu-64-NODAGA-ZHER2: S1 demonstrated specific targeting of HER2-expressing xenografts. At 2 h after injection of Cu-64-NOTA-ZHER2: S1, Cu-64-NODAGA-ZHER2: S1, and Ga-68-NODAGAZHER2: S1, tumor uptakes did not differ significantly. Renal uptake of Cu-64-labeled conjugateswas dramatically reduced at 6 and 24 h after injection. Notably, radioactivity uptake concomitantly increased in blood, lung, liver, spleen, and intestines, which resulted in decreased tumor-to-organ ratios compared to 2 h postinjection. Organ uptake was lower for Cu-64-NODAGA-ZHER2: S1. The most probable explanation for this biodistribution pattern was the release and redistribution of renal radiometabolites. In conclusion, monoamide derivatives of NOTA and NODAGA may be suboptimal chelators for radiocopper labeling of anti-HER2 affibody molecules and, possibly, other scaffold proteins with high renal uptake.
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27. |
- Tolmachev, Vladimir, et al.
(author)
-
Evaluation of a maleimido derivative of CHX-A'' DTPA for site-specific labeling of affibody molecules
- 2008
-
In: Bioconjugate chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1043-1802 .- 1520-4812. ; 19:8, s. 1579-1587
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Affibody molecules are a new class of small targeting proteins based on a common three-helix bundle structure. Affibody molecules binding a desired target may be selected using phage-display technology. An Affibody molecule Z HER2:342 binding with subnanomolar affinity to the tumor antigen HER2 has recently been developed for radionuclide imaging in vivo. Introduction of a single cysteine into the cysteine-free Affibody scaffold provides a unique thiol group for site-specific labeling of recombinant Affibody molecules. The recently developed maleimido-CHX-A'' DTPA was site-specifically conjugated at the C-terminal cysteine of Z HER2:2395-C, a variant of Z HER2:342, providing a homogeneous conjugate with a dissociation constant of 56 pM. The yield of labeling with (111)In was >99% after 10 min at room temperature. In vitro cell tests demonstrated specific binding of (111)In-CHX-A'' DTPA-Z 2395-C to HER2-expressing cell-line SKOV-3 and good cellular retention of radioactivity. In normal mice, the conjugate demonstrated rapid clearance from all nonspecific organs except kidney. In mice bearing SKOV-3 xenografts, the tumor uptake of (111)In-CHX-A'' DTPA-Z 2395-C was 17.3 +/- 4.8% IA/g and the tumor-to-blood ratio 86 +/- 46 (4 h postinjection). HER2-expressing xenografts were clearly visualized 1 h postinjection. In conclusion, coupling of maleimido-CHX-A'' DTPA to cysteine-containing Affibody molecules provides a well-defined uniform conjugate, which can be rapidly labeled at room temperature and provides high-contrast imaging of molecular targets in vivo.
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28. |
- Tolmachev, Vladimir, et al.
(author)
-
Evaluation of a Maleimido Derivative of NOTA for Site-Specific Labeling of Affibody Molecules
- 2011
-
In: Bioconjugate chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1043-1802 .- 1520-4812. ; 22:5, s. 894-902
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Radionuclide molecular imaging has the potential to improve cancer treatment by selection of patients for targeted therapy. Affibody molecules are a class of small (7 kDa) high-affinity targeting proteins with appreciable potential as molecular imaging probes. The NOTA chelator forms stable complexes with a number of radionuclides suitable for SPECT or PET imaging. A maleimidoethylmonoamide NOTA (MMA-NOTA) has been prepared for site-specific labeling of Affibody molecules having a unique C-terminal cysteine. Coupling of the MMA-NOTA to the anti-HER2 Affibody molecule Z(HER2:239S) resulted in a conjugate with an affinity (dissociation constant) to HER2 of 72 pM. Labeling of [MMA-NOTA-Cys(61)]-Z(HER2:239S) with In-111 gave a yield of >95% after 20 min at 60 degrees C. In vitro cell tests demonstrated specific binding of [In-111-MMA-NOTA-Cys(61)]-Z(HER2:239S) to HER2-expressing cell lines. In mice bearing prostate cancer DU-145 xenografts, the tumor uptake of [In-111-MMA-NOTA-Cys(61)]-Z(HER2:239S) was 8.2 +/- 0.9% IA/g and the tumor-to-blood ratio was 31 +/- 1 (4 h postinjection). DU-145 xenografts were clearly visualized by a gamma camera. Direct in vivo comparison of [In-111-MMA-NOTA-Cys(61)]-Z(HER2:239S) and [In-111-MMA-DOTA-Cys(61)]-Z(HER2:239S) demonstrated that both conjugates provided equal radioactivity uptake in tumors, but the tumor-to-organ ratios were better for [In-111-MMA-NOTA-Cys(61)]-Z(HER2:239S) due to more efficient clearance from normal tissues. In conclusion, coupling of MMA-NOTA to a cysteine-containing Affibody molecule resulted in a site-specifically labeled conjugate, which retains high affinity, can be efficiently labeled, and allows for high-contrast imaging.
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29. |
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30. |
- Tolmachev, Vladimir, et al.
(author)
-
Imaging of EGFR expression in murine xenografts using site-specifically labelled anti-EGFR In-111-DOTA-Z(EGFR:2377) Affibody molecule : aspect of the injected tracer amount
- 2010
-
In: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1619-7070 .- 1619-7089. ; 37:3, s. 613-622
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a prognostic and predictive biomarker in a number of malignant tumours. Radionuclide molecular imaging of EGFR expression in cancer could influence patient management. However, EGFR expression in normal tissues might complicate in vivo imaging. The aim of this study was to evaluate if optimization of the injected protein dose might improve imaging of EGFR expression in tumours using a novel EGFR-targeting protein, the DOTA-Z(EGFR:2377) Affibody molecule. An anti-EGFR Affibody molecule, Z(EGFR:2377), was labelled with In-111 via the DOTA chelator site-specifically conjugated to a C-terminal cysteine. The affinity of DOTA-Z(EGFR:2377) for murine and human EGFR was measured by surface plasmon resonance. The cellular processing of In-111-DOTA-Z(EGFR:2377) was evaluated in vitro. The biodistribution of radiolabelled Affibody molecules injected in a broad range of injected Affibody protein doses was evaluated in mice bearing EGFR-expressing A431 xenografts. Site-specific coupling of DOTA provided a uniform conjugate possessing equal affinity for human and murine EGFR. The internalization of In-111-DOTA-Z(EGFR:2377) by A431 cells was slow. In vivo, the conjugate accumulated specifically in xenografts and in EGFR-expressing tissues. The curve representing the dependence of tumour uptake on the injected Affibody protein dose was bell-shaped. The highest specific radioactivity (lowest injected protein dose) provided a suboptimal tumour-to-blood ratio. The results of the biodistribution study were confirmed by gamma-camera imaging. The In-111-DOTA-Z(EGFR:2377) Affibody molecule is a promising tracer for radionuclide molecular imaging of EGFR expression in malignant tumours. Careful optimization of protein dose is required for high-contrast imaging of EGFR expression in vivo.
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31. |
- Tolmachev, Vladimir, et al.
(author)
-
Imaging of Insulinlike Growth Factor Type 1 Receptor in Prostate Cancer Xenografts Using the Affibody Molecule (111)In-DOTA-Z(IGF1R:4551)
- 2012
-
In: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 53:1, s. 90-97
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- One of the pathways leading to androgen independence in prostate cancer involves upregulation of insulinlike growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF-1R). Radionuclide imaging of IGF-1R in tumors might be used for selection of patients who would most likely benefit from IGF-1R-targeted therapy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of in vivo radionuclide imaging of IGF-1R expression in prostate cancer xenografts using a small nonimmunoglobulin-derived binding protein called an Affibody molecule. Methods: The IGF-1R-binding Z(IGF1R:4551) Affibody molecule was site-specifically conjugated with a maleimido derivative of DOTA and labeled with (111)In. The binding of radiolabeled Z(IGF1R:4551) to IGF-1R-expressing cells was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Results: DOTA-Z(IGF1R:4551) can be stably labeled with (111)In with preserved specific binding to IGF-1R-expressing cells in vitro. In mice, (111)In-DOTAZ(IGF1R):(4551) accumulated in IGF-1R-expressing organs (pancreas, stomach, lung, and salivary gland). Receptor saturation experiments demonstrated that targeting of DU-145 prostate cancer xenografts in NMRI nu/nu mice was IGF-1R-specific. The tumor uptake was 1.1 +/- 0.3 percentage injected dose per gram, and the tumor-to-blood ratio was 3.2 +/- 0.2 at 8 h after injection. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of in vivo targeting of IGF-1R-expressing prostate cancer xenografts using an Affibody molecule. Further development of radiolabeled Affibody molecules might provide a useful clinical tool for stratification of patients with prostate cancer for IGF-1R-targeting therapy.
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32. |
- Tolmachev, Vladimir, et al.
(author)
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Molecular design of radiocopper-labelled Affibody molecules
- 2018
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 8:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cu-CB-TE2A-GEEE-ZHER2:342 was 16 ± 6%ID/g and tumor-to-blood ratio was 181 ± 52. In conclusion, a combination of the cross-bridged CB-TE2A chelator and Gly-Glu-Glu-Glu spacer is preferable for radiocopper labelling of Affibody molecules and, possibly, other scaffold proteins having high renal re-absorption.
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33. |
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34. |
- Tolmachev, Vladimir, et al.
(author)
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Tumor Targeting Using Affibody Molecules : Interplay of Affinity, Target Expression Level, and Binding Site Composition
- 2012
-
In: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 53:6, s. 953-960
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Radionuclide imaging of cancer-associated molecular alterations may contribute to patient stratification for targeting therapy. Scaffold high-affinity proteins, such as Affibody molecules, are a new, promising class of probes for in vivo imaging. Methods. The effects of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) affinity and binding site composition of HER2-binding Affibody molecules, and of the HER2 density on the tumor targeting, were studied in vivo. The tumor uptake and tumor-to-organ ratios of Affibody molecules with moderate (dissociation constant [K-D)] 10(-9) M) or high (K-D = 10(-10) M) affinity were compared between tumor xenografts with a high (SKOV-3) and low (LS174T) HER2 expression level in BALB/C nu/nu mice. Two Affibody molecules with similar affinity (K-D = 10(-10) M) but having alternative amino acids in the binding site were compared. Results. In SKOV-3 xenografts, uptake was independent of affinity at 4 h after injection, but high-affinity binders provided 2-fold-higher tumor radioactivity retention at 24 h. In LS174T xenografts, uptake of high-affinity probes was already severalfold higher at 4 h after injection, and the difference was increased at 24 h. The clearance rate and tumor-to-organ ratios were influenced by the amino acid composition of the binding surface of the tracer protein. Conclusion. The optimal affinity of HER2-binding Affibody molecules depends on the expression of a molecular target. At a high expression level (>10(6) receptors per cell), an affinity in the low-nanomolar range is sufficient. At moderate expression, subnanomolar affinity is desirable. The binding site composition can influence the imaging contrast. This information may be useful for development of imaging agents based on scaffold affinity proteins.
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35. |
- Tran, Thuy A., 1980-, et al.
(author)
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Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a multifunctional HER2-specific Affibody molecule for molecular imaging
- 2009
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In: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1619-7070 .- 1619-7089. ; 36:11, s. 1864-1873
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: The purpose of this study was to design and evaluate a novel platform for labelling of Affibody molecules, enabling for both recombinant and synthetic production and for site-specific labelling with 99mTc or trivalent radiometals. Methods: The HER2-specific Affibody molecule PEP05352 was made by peptide synthesis. The chelator sequence SECG (serine-glutamic acid-cysteine-glycine) was anchored on the C-terminal to allow 99mTc-labelling. The cysteine can alternatively serve as a conjugation site of the chelator DOTA for indium-labelling. The resulting 99mTc- and 111In-labelled Affibody molecules were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Results: Both conjugates retained their capacity to bind to HER2 receptors in vitro and in vivo. The tumour-to-blood ratio in LS174T xenografts was 30 at 4 h p.i. for both conjugates. Biodistribution data showed that 99mTc-labelled Affibody molecule had 4-fold lower kidney accumulation compared with 111In-labelled Affibody molecule while the accumulation in other organs was similar. Gamma-camera imaging of the conjugates could clearly visualise the tumours 4 h after injection. Conclusions: Incorporation of C-terminal SECG sequence in Affibody molecules provides a general multifunctional platform for site-specific labelling with different nuclides (technetium, indium, gallium, cobalt, or yttrium) and for a flexible production (chemical synthesis or recombinant).
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36. |
- Abouzayed, Ayman, et al.
(author)
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177Lu-labeled PSMA targeting therapeutic with optimized linker for treatment of disseminated prostate cancer; evaluation of biodistribution and dosimetry
- 2023
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In: Frontiers in Oncology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2234-943X. ; 13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), highly expressed in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), is an established therapeutic target. Theranostic PSMA-targeting agents are widely used in patient management and has shown improved outcomes for mCRPC patients. Earlier, we optimized a urea-based probe for radionuclide visualization of PSMA-expression in vivo using computer modeling. With the purpose to develop a targeting agent equally suitable for radionuclide imaging and therapy, the agent containing DOTA chelator was designed (BQ7876). The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that Lu-177-labeled BQ7876 possesses target binding and biodistribution properties potentially enabling its use for radiotherapy.Methods: BQ7876 was synthesized and labeled with Lu-177. Specificity and affinity of [Lu-177]Lu-BQ7876 to PSMA-expressing PC3-pip cells was evaluated and its processing after binding to cells was studied. Animal studies in mice were performed to assess its biodistribution in vivo, target specificity and dosimetry. [Lu-177]Lu-PSMA-617 was simultaneously evaluated for comparison.Results: BQ7876 was labeled with Lu-177 with radiochemical yield >99%. Its binding to PSMA was specific in vitro and in vivo when tested in antigen saturation conditions as well as in PSMA-negative PC-3 tumors. The binding of [Lu-177]Lu-BQ7876 to living cells was characterized by rapid association, while the dissociation included a rapid and a slow phase with affinities K-D1 = 3.8 nM and K-D2 = 25 nM. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration for Lu-nat-BQ7876 was 59 nM that is equal to 61 nM for Lu-nat-PSMA-617. Cellular processing of [Lu-177]Lu-BQ7876 was accompanied by slow internalization. [Lu-177]Lu-BQ7876 was cleared from blood and normal tissues rapidly. Initial elevated uptake in kidneys decreased rapidly, and by 3 h post injection, the renal uptake (13 +/- 3%ID/g) did not differ significantly from tumor uptake (9 +/- 3%ID/g). Tumor uptake was stable between 1 and 3 h followed by a slow decline. The highest absorbed dose was in kidneys, followed by organs and tissues in abdomen.Discussion: Biodistribution studies in mice demonstrated that targeting properties of [Lu-177]Lu-BQ7876 are not inferior to properties of [Lu-177]Lu-PSMA-617, but do not offer any decisive advantages.
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37. |
- Abouzayed, Ayman, et al.
(author)
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Preclinical Characterization of a Stabilized Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor Antagonist for Targeted Cancer Theranostics
- 2023
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In: Biomolecules. - : MDPI. - 2218-273X. ; 13:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Radiolabeled gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) antagonists have shown great promise for the theranostics of prostate cancer; however, their suboptimal metabolic stability leaves room for improvements. It was recently shown that the replacement of Gly(11) with Sar(11) in the peptidic [D-Phe(6),Leu(13)-NHEt,des-Met(14)]BBN(6-14) chain stabilized the [Tc-99m]Tc-DB15 radiotracer against neprilysin (NEP). We herein present DOTAGA-PEG(2)-(Sar(11))RM26 (AU-RM26-M1), after Gly(11) to Sar(11)-replacement. The impact of this replacement on the metabolic stability and overall biological performance of [In-111]In-AU-RM26-M1 was studied using a head-to-head comparison with the unmodified reference [In-111]In-DOTAGA-PEG(2)-RM26. In vitro, the cell uptake of [In-111]In-AU-RM26-M1 could be significantly reduced in the presence of a high-excess GRPR-blocker that demonstrated its specificity. The cell uptake of both radiolabeled GRPR antagonists increased with time and was superior for [In-111]In-AU-RM26-M1. The dissociation constant reflected strong affinities for GRPR (500 pM for [In-111]In-AU-RM26-M1). [In-111]In-AU-RM26-M1 showed significantly higher stability in peripheral mice blood at 5 min pi (88 & PLUSMN; 8% intact) than unmodified [In-111]In-DOTAGA-PEG(2)-RM26 (69 & PLUSMN; 2% intact; p < 0.0001). The administration of a NEP inhibitor had no significant impact on the Sar(11)-compound (91 & PLUSMN; 2% intact; p > 0.05). In vivo, [In-111]In-AU-RM26-M1 showed high and GRPR-mediated uptake in the PC-3 tumors (7.0 & PLUSMN; 0.7%IA/g vs. 0.9 & PLUSMN; 0.6%IA/g in blocked mice) and pancreas (2.2 & PLUSMN; 0.6%IA/g vs. 0.3 & PLUSMN; 0.2%IA/g in blocked mice) at 1 h pi, with rapid clearance from healthy tissues. The tumor uptake of [In-111]In-AU-RM26-M1 was higher than for [In-111]In-DOTAGA-PEG(2)-RM26 (at 4 h pi, 5.7 & PLUSMN; 1.8%IA/g vs. 3 & PLUSMN; 1%IA/g), concordant with its higher stability. The implanted PC-3 tumors were visualized with high contrast in mice using [In-111]In-AU-RM26-M1 SPECT/CT. The Gly(11) to Sar(11)-substitution stabilized [In-111]In-DOTAGA-PEG(2)-(Sar(11))RM26 against NEP without negatively affecting other important biological features. These results support the further evaluation of AU-RM26-M1 for prostate cancer theranostics after labeling with clinically relevant radionuclides.
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38. |
- Abouzayed, Ayman, et al.
(author)
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Preclinical Evaluation of 99mTc-Labeled GRPR Antagonists maSSS/SES-PEG2-RM26 for Imaging of Prostate Cancer
- 2021
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In: Pharmaceutics. - : MDPI. - 1999-4923. ; 13:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is an important target for imaging of prostate cancer. The wide availability of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and the generator-produced 99mTc can be utilized to facilitate the use of GRPR-targeting radiotracers for diagnostics of prostate cancers.Methods: Synthetically produced mercaptoacetyl-Ser-Ser-Ser (maSSS)-PEG2-RM26 and mercaptoacetyl-Ser-Glu-Ser (maSES)-PEG2-RM26 (RM26 = d-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH2) were radiolabeled with 99mTc and characterized in vitro using PC-3 cells and in vivo, using NMRI or PC-3 tumor bearing mice. SPECT/CT imaging and dosimetry calculations were performed for [99mTc]Tc-maSSS-PEG2-RM26.Results: Peptides were radiolabeled with high yields (>98%), demonstrating GRPR specific binding and slow internalization in PC-3 cells. [99mTc]Tc-maSSS-PEG2-RM26 outperformed [99mTc]Tc-maSES-PEG2-RM26 in terms of GRPR affinity, with a lower dissociation constant (61 pM vs 849 pM) and demonstrating higher tumor uptake. [99mTc]Tc-maSSS-PEG2-RM26 had tumor-to-blood, tumor-to-muscle, and tumor-to-bone ratios of 97 ± 56, 188 ± 32, and 177 ± 79, respectively. SPECT/CT images of [99mTc]Tc-maSSS-PEG2-RM26 clearly visualized the GRPR-overexpressing tumors. The dosimetry estimated for [99mTc]Tc-maSSS-PEG2-RM26 showed the highest absorbed dose in the small intestine (1.65 × 10−3 mGy/MBq), and the effective dose is 3.49 × 10−3 mSv/MBq.Conclusion: The GRPR antagonist maSSS-PEG2-RM26 is a promising GRPR-targeting agent that can be radiolabeled through a single-step with the generator-produced 99mTc and used for imaging of GRPR-expressing prostate cancer.
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39. |
- Abouzayed, Ayman, et al.
(author)
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Preclinical Evaluation of the GRPR-Targeting Antagonist RM26 Conjugated to the Albumin-Binding Domain for GRPR-Targeting Therapy of Cancer
- 2020
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In: Pharmaceutics. - : MDPI. - 1999-4923. ; 12:10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The targeting of gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPR) was recently proposed for targeted therapy, e.g., radiotherapy. Multiple and frequent injections of peptide-based therapeutic agents would be required due to rapid blood clearance. By conjugation of the GRPR antagonist RM26 (D-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH2) to an ABD (albumin-binding domain), we aimed to extend the blood circulation of peptides. The synthesized conjugate DOTA-ABD-RM26 was labelled with indium-111 and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The labelled conjugate was stable in PBS and retained specificity and its antagonistic function against GRPR. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of In-nat-DOTA-ABD-RM26 in the presence of human serum albumin was 49 +/- 5 nM. [In-111]In-DOTA-ABD-RM26 had a significantly longer residence time in blood and in tumors (without a significant decrease of up to 144 h pi) than the parental RM26 peptide. We conclude that the ABD-RM26 conjugate can be used for GRPR-targeted therapy and delivery of cytotoxic drugs. However, the undesirable elevated activity uptake in kidneys abolishes its use for radionuclide therapy. This proof-of-principle study justified further optimization of the molecular design of the ABD-RM26 conjugate.
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40. |
- Abouzayed, Ayman, et al.
(author)
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Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of Radio-Iodinated GRPR/PSMA Bispecific Heterodimers for the Theranostics Application in Prostate Cancer
- 2019
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In: Pharmaceutics. - : MDPI AG. - 1999-4923. ; 11:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) are overexpressed in most prostate cancers. GRPR expression is higher in early stages while PSMA expression increases with progression. The possibility of targeting both markers with a single theranostics radiotracer could improve patient management. Three GRPR/PSMA-targeting bispecific heterodimers (urea derivative PSMA-617 and bombesin-based antagonist RM26 linked via X-triazolyl-Tyr-PEG2, X = PEG2 (BO530), (CH2)(8) (BO535), none (BO536)) were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis. Peptides were radio-iodinated and evaluated in vitro for binding specificity, cellular retention, and affinity. In vivo specificity for all heterodimers was studied in PC-3 (GRPR-positive) and LNCaP (PSMA-positive) xenografts. [I-125]I-BO530 was evaluated in PC-3pip (GRPR/PSMA-positive) xenografts. Micro single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (microSPECT/CT) scans were acquired. The heterodimers were radiolabeled with high radiochemical yields, bound specifically to both targets, and demonstrated high degree of activity retention in PC-3pip cells. Only [I-125]I-BO530 demonstrated in vivo specificity to both targets. A biodistribution study of [I-125]I-BO530 in PC-3pip xenografted mice showed high tumor activity uptake (30%-35%ID/g at 3 h post injection (pi)). Activity uptake in tumors was stable and exceeded all other organs 24 h pi. Activity uptake decreased only two-fold 72 h pi. The GRPR/PSMA-targeting heterodimer [I-125]I-BO530 is a promising agent for theranostics application in prostate cancer.
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41. |
- Abouzayed, Ayman, et al.
(author)
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The GRPR Antagonist [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26 towards Phase I Clinical Trial : Kit Preparation, Characterization and Toxicity
- 2023
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In: Diagnostics. - : MDPI AG. - 2075-4418. ; 13:9, s. 1611-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPRs) are overexpressed in the majority of primary prostate tumors and in prostatic lymph node and bone metastases. Several GRPR antagonists were developed for SPECT and PET imaging of prostate cancer. We previously reported a preclinical evaluation of the GRPR antagonist [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG2-RM26 (based on [D-Phe(6), Sta(13), Leu(14)-NH2]BBN(6-14)) which bound to GRPR with high affinity and had a favorable biodistribution profile in tumor-bearing animal models. In this study, we aimed to prepare and test kits for prospective use in an early-phase clinical study. The kits were prepared to allow for a one-pot single-step radiolabeling with technetium-99m pertechnetate. The kit vials were tested for sterility and labeling efficacy. The radiolabeled by using the kit GRPR antagonist was evaluated in vitro for binding specificity to GRPR on PC-3 cells (GRPR-positive). In vivo, the toxicity of the kit constituents was evaluated in rats. The labeling efficacy of the kits stored at 4 degrees C was monitored for 18 months. The biological properties of [Tc-99m]Tc-maSSS-PEG2-RM26, which were obtained after this period, were examined both in vitro and in vivo. The one-pot (gluconic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, stannous chloride, and maSSS-PEG(2)-RM26) single-step radiolabeling with technetium-99m was successful with high radiochemical yields (>97%) and high molar activities (16-24 MBq/nmol). The radiolabeled peptide maintained its binding properties to GRPR. The kit constituents were sterile and non-toxic when tested in living subjects. In conclusion, the prepared kit is considered safe in animal models and can be further evaluated for use in clinics.
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42. |
- Abouzayed, Ayman, 1992-
(author)
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Theranostic Targeting of GRPR and PSMA in Prostate Cancer
- 2023
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This thesis is based on five original articles that investigated the theranostics of prostate cancer by gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeting. GRPR and PSMA are two extensively evaluated prostate cancer cell markers due to their overexpression in the majority of prostate cancer samples. Theranostic targeting of GRPR and PSMA is an attractive strategy to improve the management of prostate cancer patients.Papers I and II focused on the dual targeting of GRPR and PSMA. The effect of linker modification on the affinity for GRPR and PSMA and the pharmacokinetic profile was evaluated. In Paper III, the effect of the GRPR antagonist RM26 conjugation to an albumin-binding domain on the pharmacokinetic profile and its potential use in therapy was investigated. Paper IV focused on developing a GRPR antagonist that was suitable for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using technetium-99m. In Paper V, the GRPR antagonist developed in Paper IV was translated into a phase I clinical trial to assess safety and dosimetry.Modifying the linkers in GRPR and PSMA heterodimers can largely impact the affinity for both targets. This modification influenced the in vivo targeting specificity and biodistribution, with [125I]I-BO530 in Paper I and [111In]In-BQ7812 in Paper II outperforming other analogues. Our findings in Paper III indicated that the conjugation of an albumin-binding domain to RM26 increased the blood concentration of the radiotracer. This increase led to elevated and stable tumour uptake of [111In]In-DOTA-ABD-RM26 after several days of injection. However, [111In]In-DOTA-ABD-RM26 was also increasingly taken up by various healthy organs. The GRPR antagonist [99mTc]Tc-maSSS-PEG2-RM26, studied in Paper IV, showed high specificity and affinity for GRPR. This resulted in elevated GRPR-mediated uptake. Additionally, maSSS-PEG2-RM26 could be radiolabelled via a straightforward radiolabelling protocol. Clinical evaluation of [99mTc]Tc-maSSS-PEG2-RM26 in prostate and breast cancer patients (Paper V) demonstrated the safety and tolerability of the radiotracer, with favourable dosimetry and no side effects.In conclusion, this thesis evaluated different tools for the theranostic targeting of GRPR and PSMA. The findings warrant further investigation to optimise the reported radiotracers.
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43. |
- Ahlgren, Sara, 1979-
(author)
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Molecular Radionuclide Imaging Using Site-specifically Labelled Recombinant Affibody Molecules : Preparation and Preclinical Evaluation
- 2010
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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.
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44. |
- Ahlgren, Sara, et al.
(author)
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Targeting of HER2-Expressing Tumors Using 111In-ABY-025, a Second-Generation Affibody Molecule with a Fundamentally Reengineered Scaffold
- 2010
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In: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 51:7, s. 1131-1138
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Overexpression of HER2 in breast carcinomas predicts response to trastuzumab therapy. Affibody molecules based on a non-immunoglobulin scaffold have demon-strated high potential for in vivo molecular imaging of HER2-expressing tumors. Re-engineering of the molecular scaffold has led to a second generation of optimized Affibody molecules, having a surface distinctly different from the parental protein domain from staphylococcal protein A. The new tracer showed further increased melting point, stability and overall hydrophilicity compared to the parental molecule, and was shown to be more amenable for chemical peptide synthesis. The goal of this study was to assess potential effects of this extensive re-engineering on HER2 targeting, using ABY-025, a DOTA conjugated variant of the novel tracer. Methods: 111In-ABY-025 was compared with previously evaluated parent HER2-binding Affibody tracers in vitro and in vivo. The in vivo behavior was further evaluated in mice bearing SKOV-3 xenografts, in rats and in cynomolgus macaques. Results: 111In-ABY-025 bound specifically to HER2 in vitro and in vivo. Direct comparison with the previous generation of HER2-binding tracers showed that ABY-025 retained excellent targeting properties. Rapid blood clearance was shown in mice, rats and macaques. A highly specific tumor uptake of 16.7 ± 2.5 %IA/g was seen at 4 h after injection. The tumor-to-blood ratio was 6.3 at 0.5 h, 88 at 4 h, and increased up to 3 days after injection. Gamma camera imaging of tumors was already possible 0.5 h after injection. Furthermore, repeated i.v. administration of ABY-025 did not induce antibody formation in rats. Conclusions: The biodistribution of 111In-ABY-025 was in remarkably good agreement with the parent tracers, despite profound re-engineering of the non-binding surface. The molecule displayed rapid blood clearance in all species investigated and excellent targeting capacity in tumor bearing mice, leading to high tumor-to-organ-ratios and high contrast imaging shortly after injection.
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45. |
- Ahlgren, Sara, et al.
(author)
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Targeting of HER2-expressing tumors with a site-specifically 99mTc-labeled recombinant affibody molecule, ZHER2:2395, with C-terminally engineered cysteine
- 2009
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In: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 50:5, s. 781-789
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The detection of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) expression in malignant tumors provides important information influencing patient management. Radionuclide in vivo imaging of HER2 may permit the detection of HER2 in both primary tumors and metastases by a single noninvasive procedure. Small (7 kDa) high-affinity anti-HER2 Affibody molecules may be suitable tracers for SPECT visualization of HER2-expressing tumors. The use of generator-produced (99m)Tc as a label would facilitate the prompt translation of anti-HER2 Affibody molecules into use in clinics. METHODS: A C-terminal cysteine was introduced into the Affibody molecule Z(HER2:342) to enable site-specific labeling with (99m)Tc. Two recombinant variants, His(6)-Z(HER2:342)-Cys (dissociation constant [K(D)], 29 pM) and Z(HER2:2395)-Cys, lacking a His tag (K(D), 27 pM), were labeled with (99m)Tc in yields exceeding 90%. The binding specificity and the cellular processing of Affibody molecules were studied in vitro. Biodistribution and gamma-camera imaging studies were performed in mice bearing HER2-expressing xenografts. RESULTS: (99m)Tc-His(6)-Z(HER2:342)-Cys was capable of targeting HER2-expressing SKOV-3 xenografts in SCID mice, but the liver radioactivity uptake was high. A series of comparative biodistribution experiments indicated that the presence of the His tag caused elevated accumulation in the liver. (99m)Tc-Z(HER2:2395)-Cys, not containing a His tag, showed low uptake in the liver and high and specific uptake in HER2-expressing xenografts. Four hours after injection, the radioactivity uptake values (percentage of injected activity per gram of tissue [%IA/g]) were 6.9 +/- 2.5 (mean +/- SD) %IA/g in LS174T xenografts (moderate level of HER2 expression) and 15 +/- 3 %IA/g in SKOV-3 xenografts (high level of HER2 expression). The corresponding tumor-to-blood ratios were 88 +/- 24 and 121 +/- 24, respectively. Both LS174T and SKOV-3 xenografts were clearly visualized with a clinical gamma-camera 1 h after injection of (99m)Tc-Z(HER2:2395)-Cys. CONCLUSION: The Affibody molecule (99m)Tc-Z(HER2:2395)-Cys is a promising tracer for SPECT visualization of HER2-expressing tumors.
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46. |
- Altai, Mohamed, et al.
(author)
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188Re-ZHER2:V2, a promising affibody-based targeting agent against HER2-expressing tumors : preclinical assessment
- 2014
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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.
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47. |
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48. |
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49. |
- Altai, Mohamed, et al.
(author)
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Affibody-derived drug conjugates : Potent cytotoxic molecules for treatment of HER2 over-expressing tumors
- 2018
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In: Journal of Controlled Release. - : Elsevier B.V.. - 0168-3659 .- 1873-4995. ; 288, s. 84-95
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Patients with HER2-positive tumors often suffer resistance to therapy, warranting development of novel treatment modalities. Affibody molecules are small affinity proteins which can be engineered to bind to desired targets. They have in recent years been found to allow precise targeting of cancer specific molecular signatures such as the HER2 receptor. In this study, we have investigated the potential of an affibody molecule targeting HER2, ZHER2:2891, conjugated with the cytotoxic maytansine derivate MC-DM1, for targeted cancer therapy. ZHER2:2891 was expressed as a monomer (ZHER2:2891), dimer ((ZHER2:2891)2) and dimer with an albumin binding domain (ABD) for half-life extension ((ZHER2:2891)2-ABD). All proteins had a unique C-terminal cysteine that could be used for efficient and site-specific conjugation with MC-DM1. The resulting affibody drug conjugates were potent cytotoxic molecules for human cells over-expressing HER2, with sub-nanomolar IC50-values similar to trastuzumab emtansine, and did not affect cells with low HER2 expression. A biodistribution study of a radiolabeled version of (ZHER2:2891)2-ABD-MC-DM1, showed that it was taken up by the tumor. The major site of off-target uptake was the kidneys and to some extent the liver. (ZHER2:2891)2-ABD-MC-DM1 was found to have a half-life in circulation of 14 h. The compound was tolerated well by mice at 8.5 mg/kg and was shown to extend survival of mice bearing HER2 over-expressing tumors. The findings in this study show that affibody molecules are a promising class of engineered affinity proteins to specifically deliver small molecular drugs to cancer cells and that such conjugates are potential candidates for clinical evaluation on HER2-overexpressing cancers.
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50. |
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