1. Novel immunotherapeutics against LGR5 to target multiple cancer types.
- Author
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Chen, Hung-Chang, Mueller, Nico, Stott, Katherine, Kapeni, Chrysa, Rivers, Eilidh, Sauer, Carolin M, Beke, Flavio, Walsh, Stephen J, Ashman, Nicola, O'Brien, Louise, Rafati Fard, Amir, Godsinia, Arman, Li, Changtai, Joud, Fadwa, Giger, Olivier, Zlobec, Inti, Olan, Ioana, Aitken, Sarah J, Hoare, Matthew, and Mair, Richard
- Abstract
We have developed and validated a highly specific, versatile antibody to the extracellular domain of human LGR5 (α-LGR5). α-LGR5 detects LGR5 overexpression in >90% of colorectal cancer (CRC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pre-B-ALL tumour cells and was used to generate an Antibody-Drug Conjugate (α-LGR5-ADC), Bispecific T-cell Engager (α-LGR5-BiTE) and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (α-LGR5-CAR). α-LGR5-ADC was the most effective modality for targeting LGR5
+ cancer cells in vitro and demonstrated potent anti-tumour efficacy in a murine model of human NALM6 pre-B-ALL driving tumour attrition to less than 1% of control treatment. α-LGR5-BiTE treatment was less effective in the pre-B-ALL cancer model yet promoted a twofold reduction in tumour burden. α-LGR5-CAR-T cells also showed specific and potent LGR5+ cancer cell killing in vitro and effective tumour targeting with a fourfold decrease in pre-B-ALL tumour burden relative to controls. Taken together, we show that α-LGR5 can not only be used as a research tool and a biomarker but also provides a versatile building block for a highly effective immune therapeutic portfolio targeting a range of LGR5-expressing cancer cells. Synopsis: Highly specific antibodies against the extracellular domain of LGR5 were developed as (i) a research tool to study LGR5 biology, (ii) for diagnostic use in multiple cancer types and (iii) as novel immunotherapeutics. A unique antibody toolkit has been validated for high affinity and specific detection of human LGR5. α-LGR5 was established as a diagnostic for discriminating high LGR5 expressing colorectal cancer (CRC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pre-B-ALL tumours relative to low expression in healthy human tissues. α-LGR5-derived Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), Bispecific T cell Engagers (BiTEs) and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells were developed and displayed in vivo efficacy in a pre-B-ALL murine tumour model. Highly specific antibodies against the extracellular domain of LGR5 were developed as (i) a research tool to study LGR5 biology, (ii) for diagnostic use in multiple cancer types and (iii) as novel immunotherapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
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