CEACAM1 Research Articles

Selecting Targets for Molecular Imaging of Gastric Cancer: An Immunohistochemical Evaluation.

Tumor-targeted positron emission tomography (PET) and fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) could address current challenges in pre- and intraoperative imaging of gastric cancer. Adequate selection of molecular imaging targets remains crucial for successful tumor visualization. This study evaluated the potential of integrin αvβ6, carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) for molecular imaging of primary gastric cancer, as well as lymph node and distant metastases. Expression of αvβ6, CEACAM5, EGFR, EpCAM and HER2 was determined using immunohistochemistry in human tissue specimens of primary gastric adenocarcinoma, healthy surrounding stomach, esophageal and duodenal tissue, tumor-positive and tumor-negative lymph nodes, and distant metastases, followed by quantification using the total immunostaining score (TIS). Positive biomarker expression in primary gastric tumors was observed in 86% for αvβ6, 72% for CEACAM5, 77% for EGFR, 93% for EpCAM and 71% for HER2. Tumor expression of CEACAM5, EGFR and EpCAM was higher compared to healthy stomach tissue expression, while this was not the case for αvβ6 and HER2. Tumor-positive lymph nodes could be distinguished from tumor-negative lymph nodes, with accuracy ranging from 82 to 93% between biomarkers. CEACAM5, EGFR and EpCAM were abundantly expressed on distant metastases, with expression in 88-95% of tissue specimens. Our findings show that CEACAM5, EGFR and EpCAM are promising targets for molecular imaging of primary gastric cancer, as well as visualization of both lymph node and distant metastases. Further clinical evaluation of PET and FGS tracers targeting these antigens is warranted.

Structural insights into epitope-paratope interactions of a monoclonal antibody targeting CEACAM5-expressing tumors

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecules (CEACAMs) are overexpressed in some tumor types. The antibody-drug conjugate tusamitamab ravtansine specifically recognizes the A3-B3 domains of human CEACAM5 (hCEACAM5). To understand this specificity, here we map the epitope-paratope interface between the A3-B3 domains of hCEACAM5 (hCEACAM5A3-B3) and the antigen-binding fragment of tusamitamab (tusa Fab). We use hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to identify the tusa Fab paratope, which involves heavy chain (HC) residues 101–109 and light chain residues 48–54 and 88–104. Using surface plasmon resonance, we demonstrate that alanine variants of HC residues 96–108 abolish binding to hCEACAM5, suggesting that these residues are critical for tusa-Fab–antigen complex formation. The cryogenic electron microscopy structure of the hCEACAM5A3-B3- tusa Fab complex (3.11 Å overall resolution) reveals a discontinuous epitope involving residues in the A3-B3 domains and an N-linked mannose at residue Asn612. Conformational constraints on the epitope-paratope interface enable tusamitamab to target hCEACAM5A3-B3 and distinguish CEACAM5 from other CEACAMs.

Proteomic profiling reveals CEACAM6 function in driving gallbladder cancer aggressiveness through integrin receptor, PRKCD and AKT/ERK signaling

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) presents as an aggressive malignancy with poor patient outcome. Like other epithelial cancers, the mechanisms of GBC cancer progression remain vague and efforts in finding targeted therapies fall below expectations. This study combined proteomic analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) GBC samples, functional and molecular characterization of potential oncogenes and identification of potential therapeutic strategies for GBC. We identified Carcinoembryonic Antigen-related Cell Adhesion Molecule 6 (CEACAM6) as one of the significantly most upregulated proteins in GBC. CEACAM6 overexpression has been observed in other cancer entities but the molecular function remains unclear. Our functional analyses in vitro and in vivo mouse models revealed that CEACAM6 supported the initial steps of cancer progression and metastasis by decreasing cell adhesion and promoting migration and invasion of GBC cells. Conversely, CEACAM6 knockdown abolished GBC aggressiveness by increasing cell adhesion while reducing cell migration, cell proliferation, and colony formation. BirA-BioID followed by mass-spectrometry revealed Integrin Beta-1 (ITGB1) and Protein Kinase C Delta (PRKCD) as direct molecular and functional partners of CEACAM6 supporting GBC cell migration. ERK and AKT signaling and their downstream target genes were regulated by CEACAM6 and thus the treatment with AKT inhibitor capivasertib or ERK inhibitor ulixertinib mitigated the CEACAM6-induced migration. These findings demonstrate that CEACAM6 is crucially involved in gallbladder cancer progression by promoting migration and inhibiting cell adhesion through ERK and AKT signaling providing specific options for treatment of CEACAM6-positive cancers.

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 in cancer: Blessing or curse?

The Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1, also CD66a), a transmembrane glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily, is a pivotal mediator of various physiological and pathological processes, including oncologic disorders. However, its precise role in tumorigenicity is contradictory discussed by several clinical studies. This review aims to elucidate the clinical significance of CEACAM1 in different cancer entities focusing on tumour formation, progression and metastasis as well as on CEACAM1-mediated treatment resistance. Furthermore, we discuss the contribution of CEACAM1 to cancer immunity and modulation of the inflammatory microenvironment and finally provide a comprehensive review of treatment regimens targeting this molecule.

Vascular inflammaging: Endothelial CEACAM1 expression is upregulated by TNF-α via independent activation of NF-κB and β-catenin signaling.

Chronic inflammation with progressive age, called inflammaging, contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Previously, we have shown increased vascular expression of the Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) in aged mice and humans, presumably via mutual upregulation with the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. CEACAM1 is critical for aging-associated vascular alterations like endothelial dysfunction, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and sustained inflammation and can be regarded as a main contributor to vascular inflammaging. This study was conducted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying endothelial CEACAM1 upregulation by TNF-α in detail. Using wildtype (WT) and TNF-α knockout (Tnf-/-) mice, we confirmed that the aging-related upregulation of endothelial CEACAM1 critically depends on TNF-α. The underlying mechanisms were analyzed in an endothelial cell culture model. TNF-α time-dependently upregulated CEACAM1 invitro. In pharmacological experiments, we identified an early NF-κB- and a delayed β-catenin-mediated response. Involvement of β-catenin was further substantiated by siRNA-mediated knockdown of the β-catenin-targeted transcription factor TCF4. Both signaling pathways acted independent from each other. Elucidating the delayed response, co-immunoprecipitation analysis revealed release of β-catenin from adherens junctions by TNF-α. Finally, TNF-α activated Akt kinase by increasing its Ser473 phosphorylation. Consequently, Akt kinase facilitated β-catenin signaling by inhibiting its degradation via phosphorylation of GSK3β at Ser9 and by increased phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser552 that augments its transcriptional activity. Taken together, our study provides novel mechanistic insights into the aging-related, inflammation-mediated endothelial upregulation of CEACAM1. Beyond the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, these findings may be significant to all fields of inflammaging.

CEACAM1 increased the lymphangiogenesis through miR-423-5p and NF- kB in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

BackgroundLung cancer causes significant mortality, with invasion and metastasis being the main features that cause most cancer deaths. Lymph node metastasis is the primary metastatic route in non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC) and influences the staging and prognosis of NSCLC. Cumulative studies have reported that Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is involved in the progression of various cancers. However, few studies have discussed the function of CEACAM1 in lymphangiogenesis in NSCLC. Here, we examined how CEACAM1 influences lymphangiogenesis in NSCLC. MethodsA total of 30 primary squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) patients diagnosed with LN metastasis were prospectively selected. LUSC tumor tissues, para-cancerous tissues, and positive lymph node tissues were harvested. The expression and subcellular location of CEACAM1, CD31, and LVYE1 in clinical samples were detected by immunohistochemistry. Next, the CEACAM1 and hsa-miR-423-5p expressions were detected by qPCR. The protein expression of lymphangiogenesis-associated proteins and critical cytokines of the NF–κB pathway in HDLECs was detected by Western blot. A tube formation assay was performed to detect the lymphangiogenesis in different groups. The interaction between CEACAM1 and hsa-miR-423-5p was verified using a dual luciferase assay. ResultsCEACAM1 was found to be a potential gene associated with lung cancer prognosis. It was positively correlated with angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Then, we detected the function of CEACAM1 in lymphangiogenesis and found that CEACAM1 promoted lymphangiogenesis. hsa-miR-423-5p overexpression inhibited lymphangiogenesis via targeting CEACAM1. Finally, we observed that CEACAM1 can activate the NF–κB pathway and, therefore, promote lymphangiogenesis. ConclusionWe found that CEACAM1 enhanced lymphangiogenesis in NSCLC via NF-kB activation and was repressed by miR-423-5p. This suggests the value of CEACAM1 as a new therapeutic marker in NSCLC.

Soluble Tim-3 serves as a tumor prognostic marker and therapeutic target for CD8+ T cell exhaustion and anti-PD-1 resistance

Resistance to PD-1 blockade in onco-immunotherapy greatly limits its clinical application. Tcell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing-3 (Tim-3), a promising immune checkpoint target, is cleaved by ADAM10/17 to produce its soluble form (sTim-3) in humans, potentially becoming involved in anti-PD-1 resistance. Herein, serum sTim-3 upregulation was observed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and various digestive tumors. Notably, serum sTim-3 is further upregulated in non-responding patients undergoing anti-PD-1 therapy for NSCLC and anti-PD-1-resistant cholangiocarcinoma patients. Furthermore, sTim-3 overexpression facilitates tumor progression and confers anti-PD-1 resistance in multiple tumor mouse models. Mechanistically, sTim-3 induces terminal Tcell exhaustion and attenuates CD8+ Tcell response to PD-1 blockade through carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM-1). Moreover, the ADAM10 inhibitor GI254023X, which blocks sTim-3 production, reduces tumor progression in Tim-3 humanized mice and reverses anti-PD-1 resistance in human tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Overall, human sTim-3 holds great predictive and therapeutic potential in onco-immunotherapy.

AuNPs/DNAzyme/siRNA three-dimensional nanomotor for CEACAM6 RNA detection in cerebrospinal fluid and gene therapy of NSCLC

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with the most challenging problem of leptomeningeal metastasis (LM), is the most prevalent malignancy worldwide. Our previous research found that carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) serve as a potential biomarker in NSCLC-LM. Which is also a therapeutic target for NSCLC and related to cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Herein, we first constructed a diagnostic and treatment-integrated Au NPs/DNAzyme/siRNA nanoplatform to detect the CEACAM6 RNA in cerebrospinal fluid and living cells, and inhibit tumor growth by gene therapy. The nanoprobe would be triggered by CEACAM6 RNA and the fluorescence signal would be amplified by DNAzyme cyclic reaction for in-situ imaging. The sensitivity and specificity of Au nanoprobe for the detection of CSF samples were 83.33% and 91.67%, respectively. The delivery of siRNA by Au NPs can enhance its uptake and accumulation by tumor cells, leading to a down-regulation of the CEACAM6 protein and ultimately inhibiting the invasion and migration of tumor cells. Furthermore, this nanoprobe have been effectively implemented for in-situ fluorescence imaging and tumor growth inhibition in mice models. It is undoubted that such a combination nanoplatform would be a promising diagnosis and treatment-integrated strategy for potential biomarker detection and cancer therapy.

CT109-SN-38, a Novel Antibody-drug Conjugate with Dual Specificity for CEACAM5 and 6, Elicits Potent Killing of Pancreatic Cancer Cells.

CEACAM5 and CEACAM6 are glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)- linked members of the carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM) family, which are frequently upregulated in epithelial cancers where they contribute to invasion, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to anoikis. CT109 is a novel antibody with dual specificity to both CEACAM5 and 6. In this study, we aimed to perform the preclinical characterization of CT109 and antibody- drug conjugate (ADCs) derivatives of CT109, focusing on CT109-SN-38. CT109's cognate epitope was characterized by scanning mutagenesis. CT109 specificity and internalization kinetics were assessed by immunoblot and flow cytometry, respectively. Cognate antigen expression prevalence in colorectal cancer and normal tissue arrays was determined by immunohistochemistry. CT109 conjugations were generated by the reaction of reduced CT109 cysteines with maleimide-functionalized payload linkers. In vitro cytotoxic activity of CT109 ADCs was characterized on antigen-positive and negative pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell (PDAC) lines using a luminometric viability assay. In vivo efficacy of CT109-SN-38 was assessed on a PDAC tumor xenograft model at 10 and 25 mg/kg concentrations. CT109 was shown to bind a glycoepitope centered on N309. CT109 is internalized in the CEACAM5+/CEACAM6+ double-positive PDAC line, BxPC-3, with a t1/2 of 2.3 hours. CT109 ADCs elicit a dose and antigen-dependent cytotoxic effect, with CT109-SN-38 exhibiting an IC50 value of 21 nM in BxPC-3 cells. In a BxPC-3 tumor xenograft model, CT109-SN-38 reduced tumor growth and induced regression in 3/10 mice at a concentration 25 mg/kg. These data suggest that further preclinical and clinical development of CT109-SN-38 is warranted.

Wilms' Tumor 1-Associating Protein Promotes Nonsmall-Cell Lung Cancer Through the Expression of Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 5.

This study aimed to analyze the functional roles and molecular mechanism of Wilms' tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP) in the tumorigenesis of nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Retrospective analysis was used. Tumor tissues and surrounding nontumor tissues of 150 patients with NSCLS who were surgically resected in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2016 to January 2018 were selected. The expression of WTAP in NSCLC tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. Clinicopathologic parameters were then subjected to univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis in purpose of uncovering the independent risk factors for overall survival time. MTS (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-zyl]-5-[3-carboxymethoxyphenyl]-2-[4-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazoliuzolium, inner salt) assay, colony formation assay, and transwell assays were performed to estimate cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Meanwhile, the relationship between WTAP and the cell migration and invasion marker-related proteins were evaluated by Western blot analysis and RT-qPCR. WTAP expression was knocked-down in cell lines by shRNA, and RNA-Seq was performed to investigate the pathways regulated by WTAP. In NSCLC patients, WTAP was highly expressed in tumor tissues and the higher expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) ( P <0.01). Compared with the control group in vitro, the overexpression of WTAP could significantly promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ( P <0.01), while knock-down WTAP significantly reduces the above effects ( P <0.01). In a mouse orthotopic implantation model, higher WTAP abundance could significantly promote tumor enlargement compared with the control group ( P <0.01). Compared with the control group, the knock-down of WTAP significantly inhibit the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) in cell lines ( P <0.01). Besides, in NSCLC, knocked-down CEACAM5 significantly reduced the impact of WTAP on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion compared with the control group ( P <0.05). This study suggests that high expression of WTAP was associated with poor clinical outcomes. CEACAM5 may play a synergistic role with WTAP to jointly promote NSCLC progression by enhancing cell proliferation, invasion, and migration.

CEACAM1-engineered MSCs have a broad spectrum of immunomodulatory functions and therapeutic potential via cell-to-cell interaction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have garnered attention for their regenerative and immunomodulatory capabilities in clinical trials for various diseases. However, the effectiveness of MSC-based therapies, especially for conditions like graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), remains uncertain. The cytokine interferon (IFN)-γ has been known to enhance the immunosuppressive properties of MSCs through cell-to-cell interactions and soluble factors. In this study, we observed that IFN-γ-treated MSCs upregulated the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1), associated with immune evasion through the inhibition of natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity. To co-opt this immunomodulatory function, we generated MSCs overexpressing CEACAM1 and found that CEACAM1-engineered MSCs significantly reduced NK cell activation and cytotoxicity via cell-to-cell interaction, independent of NKG2D ligand regulation. Furthermore, CEACAM1-engineered MSCs effectively inhibited the proliferation and activation of T cells along with the inflammatory responses of monocytes. In a humanized GvHD mouse model, CEACAM1-MSCs, particularly CEACAM1-4S-MSCs, demonstrated therapeutic potential by improving survival and alleviating symptoms. These findings suggest that CEACAM1 expression on MSCs contributes to MSC-mediated regulation of immune responses and that CEACAM1-engineered MSC could have therapeutic potential in conditions involving immune dysregulation.

An open-label phase 1 study to investigate SGNCEACAM5C/SAR445953 in adults with advanced solid tumors (SGNCEA5C-001).

TPS3160 Background: Patients (pts) with recurrent or metastatic solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), colorectal cancer (CRC), gastric adenocarcinoma (GC), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), have limited treatment options with short PFS and OS despite recent advances (1-3). Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) is highly expressed across multiple solid tumors, such as CRC, GC, PDAC, and NSCLC. Restricted normal tissue expression and efficient lysosomal trafficking of CEACAM5 highlight its potential as an anticancer target. SGN-CEACAM5C is a novel investigational antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) directed to CEACAM5 composed of the humanized immunoglobulin G (IgG1) anti-CEACAM5 monoclonal antibody tusamitamab chemically conjugated to 8 molecules of the topoisomerase 1 inhibitor 7-aminomethyl-10,11-methylenedioxycamptothecin (AMDCPT). SGN-CEACAM5C selectively binds to CEACAM5 present on the cell surface and is internalized via the endo-lysosomal pathway, with subsequent release of the payload through enzymatic cleavage. Release of the cytotoxic payload induces DNA damage, cell cycle arrest in S phase, and apoptosis in tumor cells. In vitro bystander activity was observed against tumor cells without CEACAM5 surface expression. SGN-CEACAM5C is highly active in multiple patient-derived xenograft models, including CRC, GC, and NSCLC, across various levels of CEACAM5 expression (4,5). These preclinical findings justify evaluation of SGN-CEACAM5C in a clinical trial setting. Methods: SGNCEA5C-001 (NCT06131840) is a phase 1, open-label, multicenter study designed to characterize the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and preliminary antitumor activity of SGN-CEACAM5C in adults with select advanced solid tumors. This study consists of dose escalation (Part A), dose and schedule optimization (Part B), and dose expansion (Part C). Eligible pts are adults ≥18 years of age with confirmed metastatic or unresectable solid tumor malignancy, measurable disease per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1, an ECOG PS of 0-1, and 1 of the following tumor types: CRC, GC/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJ), PDAC, NSCLC (squamous/non-squamous), or SCLC. Primary endpoints include incidence of AEs, laboratory abnormalities, dose modifications due to AEs, dose-limiting toxicities, and cumulative safety. Secondary endpoints include estimates of PK parameters, incidence of antidrug antibodies, objective response rate and best response per RECIST v1.1 by investigator, duration of response, PFS, and OS. Safety and antitumor activity endpoints will be summarized using descriptive statistics. Recruitment is ongoing for Part A in North America. 1. Bordry 2021. 2. Chakrabarti 2022. 3. Merle 2022. 4. Baudat 2023. 5. Baudat 2024. Clinical trial information: NCT06131840 .

Assessment of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 expression by immunohistochemistry in real-world clinical samples of non-small cell lung cancer.

e20013 Background: Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) is an emerging target of antibody-drug conjugate therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). High expression of CEACAM5 has been reported in approximately 25% of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (Lefebvre AM, et al. Lung Cancer. 2023; 184:107356). However, CEACAM5 expression has not been systematically examined in a real-world patient population with NSCLC. In this study, we evaluated our experience in the assessment of CEACAM5 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in routinely diagnosed clinical samples. Methods: We assessed the expression of CEACAM5 by IHC on clinical biopsy/resection samples of consecutively diagnosed NSCLC from September 2022 to June 2023 at our institution, using the anti-CEACAM5 clone 769 antibody assay protocol developed for tusamitamab ravtansine clinical trials. Only cases adequate for PD-L1 22C3 and Oncomine Comprehensive Assay v3 NGS assay were included. CEACAM5 expression was scored independently by three pathologists based on the method proposed by Lefebvre et al. Expression levels were categorized as high (≥ 50% tumor cells at ≥ 2+ intensity), moderate (1–49% tumor cells at ≥ 2+ intensity), and negative (0 or 1+ intensity). Interrater reliability was assessed by Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (KCC) and Fleiss’ Kappa. Discordant classification was reviewed with the final classification achieved by consensus. Association with PD-L1 TPS and NGS results was determined by Chi-squared test. Results: This study cohort consisted of 150 consecutively diagnosed NSCLC, including 133 adenocarcinomas and 17 squamous cell carcinomas. The samples were derived from both primary (n = 138) and metastatic sites (n = 12). Both membranous and cytoplasmic CEACAM5 expression was observed in neoplastic cells, but was consistently absent in nonneoplastic cells. The prevalence of consensus high CEACAM5 membranous expression was 21% (n = 32) overall, 20% in primary (n = 28) and 33% (n = 4) in metastatic sites. The level of interrater agreement across all categories was moderate (KCC = 0.77). Interrater agreement between high CEACAM5 expression versus moderate/negative categories combined was also moderate (Kappa = 0.60). Challenging features included the determination of staining intensity and mixed membranous and cytoplasmic staining pattern, and cases near the cut-offs of the defined categories. CEACAM5 expression was not associated with PD-L1 TPS (p = 0.42) or EGFR mutations (p = 0.44). Conclusions: Our data showed that approximately 20% of routinely diagnosed clinical NSCLC samples had high CEACAM5 expression by IHC. The interrater reliability on the determination of high CEACAM5 expression was moderate among the three pathologists. We highlighted the challenging aspects in the evaluation of this biomarker.

Mechanisms of vascular inflammaging: TNF-alpha mediates endothelial CEACAM1 expression by NF-KB and beta-Catenin in a biphasic manner

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): German Research Foundation Introduction Chronic inflammation with progressive age, also called inflammaging, is a hallmark of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Previously we have shown increased expression of the Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) with progressive age in the vasculature of mice and humans that leads to a chronic pro-inflammatory milieu via mutual upregulation with TNF-α. Furthermore, CEACAM1 critically promotes vascular aging processes like collagen deposition, endothelial permeability as well as enhanced oxidative stress. Therefore, CEACAM1 is a main mediator of vascular inflammaging that may facilitate progress into cardiovascular diseases. In this study we identified the mechanisms that underly the upregulation of endothelial CEACAM1 expression by TNF-α in detail. Methods Wildtype (WT) and TNF-α knockout (Tnf-/-) mice of different age were used to determine the impact of TNF-α on age-dependent CEACAM1 expression in vivo. Underlying mechanisms of TNF-α-dependent CEACAM1 upregulation were further analyzed in an endothelial cell culture model using pharmacological inhibition and siRNA-mediated knockdown of signaling pathways. Activation of signaling pathways was confirmed by determining the phosphorylation status of signaling components via Western Blot and analysis of nuclear translocation of NF-κB and β-Catenin using subcellular fractionation. Results Immunohistochemical analyses of aortic sections from WT and Tnf-/- mice of different age reveal that TNF-α critically contributes to the aging-related upregulation of endothelial CEACAM1 expression in vivo. Mechanistic analyses in vitro showed that TNF-α upregulated CEACAM1 expression in a time-dependent manner. In pharmacological experiments we identified an early NF-κB- and a delayed β-Catenin-mediated response. This finding was supported by time-matched nuclear translocation of NF-κB and β-Catenin. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated knockdown of the β-Catenin-targeted transcription factor TCF4 reduced TNF-α-mediated CEACAM1 upregulation. Co-immunoprecipitation analyses show that β-Catenin is released by TNF-α-mediated adherens junctions disassembly. Furthermore, TNF-α enhanced activating phosphorylation of Akt kinase at Ser473. Akt kinase in turn increased phosphorylation of β-Catenin at Ser552, a modification reported to augment its transcriptional activity. Additionally, Akt kinase facilitated β-Catenin signaling by inhibition of its degradation via phosphorylation of GSK3β at Ser9. Conclusion Taken together, this study identified the signaling mechanisms that underly the vascular upregulation of CEACAM1 with age. Our results directly link endothelial barrier impairment, an initial step in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, to CEACAM1 expression. Since CEACAM1 critically promotes vascular inflammaging and age-dependent vascular alterations this further emphasizes the potential of CEACAM1 as a novel target to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Camelid-derived Tcell engagers harnessing human γδ Tcells as promising antitumor immunotherapeutic agents.

In the last decade, there has been a surge in developing immunotherapies to enhance the immune system's ability to eliminate tumor cells. Bispecific antibodies known as Tcell engagers (TCEs) present an attractive strategy in this pursuit. TCEs aim to guide cytotoxic Tcells toward tumor cells, thereby inducing a strong activation and subsequent tumor cell lysis. In this study, we investigated the activity of different TCEs on both conventional alpha-beta (αβ) Tcells and unconventional gamma delta (γδ) Tcells. TCEs were built using camelid single-domain antibodies (VHHs) targeting the tumor-associated antigen CEACAM5 (CEA), together with Tcell receptor chains or a CD3 domain. We show that Vγ9Vδ2 Tcells display stronger in vitro antitumor activity than αβ Tcells when stimulated with a CD3xCEA TCE. Furthermore, restricting the activation of fresh human peripheral Tcells to Vγ9Vδ2 Tcells limited the production of protumor factors and proinflammatory cytokines, commonly associated with toxicity in patients. Taken together, our findings provide further insights that γδ Tcell-specific TCEs hold promise as specific, effective, and potentially safe molecules to improve antitumor immunotherapies.

SPIKENET: An Evidence-Based Therapy for Long COVID.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most impactful events in our lifetime, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants were reported globally, and a wide range of symptoms existed. Individuals who contract COVID-19 continue to suffer for a long time, known as long COVID or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). While COVID-19 vaccines were widely deployed, both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals experienced long-term complications. To date, there are no treatments to eradicate long COVID. We recently conceived a new approach to treat COVID in which a 15-amino-acid synthetic peptide (SPIKENET, SPK) is targeted to the ACE2 receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2, which prevents the virus from attaching to the host. We also found that SPK precludes the binding of spike glycoproteins with the receptor carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) of a coronavirus, murine hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1), and with all SARS-CoV-2 variants. Further, SPK reversed the development of severe inflammation, oxidative stress, tissue edema, and animal death post-MHV-1 infection in mice. SPK also protects against multiple organ damage in acute and long-term post-MHV-1 infection. Our findings collectively suggest a potential therapeutic benefit of SPK for treating COVID-19.

CEACAM5-Targeted Immuno-PET in Androgen Receptor-Negative Prostate Cancer.

The incidence of androgen receptor (AR)-negative (AR-) prostate cancer, including aggressive neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), has more than doubled in the last decade, but its timely diagnosis is difficult as it lacks typical prostate cancer hallmarks. The carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) has recently been identified as an upregulated surface antigen in NEPC. We developed an immuno-PET agent targeting CEACAM5 and evaluated its ability to delineate AR- prostate cancer invivo. Methods: CEACAM5 expression was evaluated in a panel of prostate cancer cell lines by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The CEACAM5-targeting antibody labetuzumab was conjugated with the chelator desferrioxamine (DFO) and radiolabeled with 89Zr. The invivo distribution of the radiolabeled antibody was evaluated in xenograft prostate cancer models by PET imaging and ex vivo organ distribution. Results: The NEPC cell line H660 exhibited strong CEACAM5 expression, whereas expression was limited in the AR- cell lines PC3 and DU145 and absent in the AR-positive cell line LNCaP. [89Zr]Zr-DFO-labetuzumab imaging was able to clearly delineate both neuroendocrine H660 xenografts and AR- DU145 invivo but could not detect the AR-positive xenograft LNCaP. Conclusion: Immuno-PET imaging with [89Zr]Zr-DFO-labetuzumab is a promising diagnostic tool for AR- prostate cancer.

Assessment of TROP2, CEACAM5 and DLL3 in metastatic prostate cancer: Expression landscape and molecular correlates

Therapeutic approaches targeting proteins on the surface of cancer cells have emerged as an important strategy for precision oncology. To capitalize on the potential impact of drugs targeting surface proteins, detailed knowledge about the expression patterns of the target proteins in tumor tissues is required. In castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), agents targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) have demonstrated clinical activity. However, PSMA expression is lost in a significant number of CRPC tumors. The identification of additional cell surface targets is necessary to develop new therapeutic approaches. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the expression heterogeneity and co-expression patterns of trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2), delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3), and carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) in CRPC samples from a rapid autopsy cohort. We show that DLL3 and CEACAM5 exhibit the highest expression in neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), while TROP2 is expressed across different CRPC molecular subtypes, except for NEPC. We further demonstrated that AR alterations were associated with higher expression of PSMA and TROP2. Conversely, PSMA and TROP2 expression was lower in RB1-altered tumors. In addition to genomic alterations, we show a tight correlation between epigenetic states, particularly histone H3 lysine 27 methylation (H3K27me3) at the transcriptional start site and gene body of TACSTD2 (encoding TROP2), DLL3, and CEACAM5, and their respective protein expression in CRPC patient-derived xenografts. Collectively, these findings provide insights into patterns and determinants of expression of TROP2, DLL3, and CEACAM5 with implications for the clinical development of cell surface targeting agents in CRPC.

MiR-449a disturbs atherosclerotic plaque stability in streptozotocin and high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice by targeting CEACAM1

BackgroundEmerging evidence indicates carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is involved in the development of atherosclerosis (AS). However, the roles and functions of CEACAM1 in AS remain unknown. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the roles and molecular functions of CEACAM1 in AS.MethodsWe constructed a diabetes mellitus (DM) + high-fat diet (HFD) mouse model based on the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced apolipoprotein E-knockdown (ApopE−/−) mouse to investigate the roles and regulatory mechanism of miR-449a/CEACAM1 axis. The mRNA expression and protein levels in this study were examined using quantity PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence (IF), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. And the lipid deposition and collagen content were detected using Oil Red O and Sirius Red staining. Cell apoptosis, migration, invasion, and tuber formation were detected by Annexin-V FITC/PI, wound healing, transwell, and tuber formation assays, respectively. The relationship between miR-449a and CEACAM1 was determined by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay.ResultsmiR-449a and MMP-9 were upregulated, and CEACAM1 was downregulated in the DM + HFD MOUSE model. Upregulation of CEACAM1 promoted atherosclerotic plaque stability and inhibited inflammation in the DM + HFD mouse model. And miR-449a directly targeted CEACAM1. Besides, miR-449a interacted with CEACAM1 to regulate atherosclerotic plaque stability and inflammation in DM-associated AS mice. In vitro, the rescue experiments showed miR-449a interacted with CEACAM1 to affect apoptosis, migration, invasion, and tuber formation ability in high glucose (HG)-induced HUVECs.ConclusionThese results demonstrated that miR-449a promoted plaque instability and inflammation in DM and HFD-induced mice by targeting CEACAM1.

SARS-Cov-2 spike induces intestinal barrier dysfunction through the interaction between CEACAM5 and Galectin-9.

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5), as a typical tumor marker, has been found to exert immunomodulatory effects in many diseases. We previously reported the clinical and molecular evidences supporting that SARS-Cov-2 infected the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and found a reduction of CEACAM5 in COVID-19 patients' feces which associated with gut dysbiosis. Yet the role of CEACAM5 in GI infection is ill-defined. Mice models were established through intraperitoneally injecting with recombinant viral spike-Fc to mimic the intestinal inflammation. We collected duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon samples after 6h, 2 days, 4 days and 7 days of spike-Fc or control-Fc injection to perform proteomic analysis. Blood was collected from healthy donors and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were separated by density gradient centrifugation, then CD4+ T cells were isolated with magnetic beads and co-cultured with Caco-2 cells. In addition to intestinal CEACAM5, the expression of tight junction and the percent of CD4+ T lymphocytes were significantly decreased in spike-Fc group compared to control (p < 0.05), accompanied with increased level of inflammatory factors. The KEGG analysis revealed differentially expressed proteins were mainly enriched in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), tight junction, focal adhesion, adherens junction and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified the interaction between CEACAM5 and Galectin-9 that was also verified by molecular docking and co-IP assay. We further confirmed a reduction of CEACAM5 in SARS-CoV-2 spike stimulated enterocytes could promote the expression of Galectin-9 protein in CD4+T cells. Then it gave rise to the increasing release of inflammatory factors and increased apoptosis of CD4+T cells by inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Ultimately intestinal barrier dysfunction happened. Our results indicated that CEACAM5 overexpression and Galectin-9 knockdown played a protective role in intestinal barrier injury upon spike-Fc stimulation. Collectively, our findings identified firstly that SARS-CoV-2 spike induced intestinal barrier dysfunction through the interaction between CEACAM5 and Galectin-9. The result provides potential therapeutic targets in intestinal barrier dysfunction for treating severe COVID patients.