Role In B-cell Development Research Articles

SHC014748M, a Novel Selective Inhibitor of PI3Kδ, Demonstrates Promising Pre-Clinical Antitumor Activity in B Cell Lymphomas and CLL

Introduction : PI3Kδ, one of the class I PI3Ks, is found expressed primarily in leukocytes and plays an essential role in B-cell development and function. Here, we comprehensively evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity and the underlying mechanism of SHC014748M, an oral selective inhibitor of PI3Kδ under Phase I clinical evaluation. Methods : Biochemical and cell-based assays were used to measure compound potency and selectivity in lymphoma cell lines as well as primary CLL cells, and PI3K/AKT pathway was measured by Western blot assay, Alphalisa and Elisa. Xenograft model was carried out to validate in-vivo antitumor potency of the compound. Besides, chemokines and cytokines derived from blood samples of patients were also detected. Results: SHC014748M was 125- to 306-fold more selective for PI3Kδ inhibition relative to other class I PI3K enzymes and showed in vitro activity in most of 23 B lymphoma cell lines. We identified that SHC014748M treatment resulted in a 3.1- to 5.5-fold increase in annexin V/7-ADD staining, indicating a significant apoptosis induction. SHC014748M inhibited phosphorylation of AKT, targets downstream of PI3Kδ, in lymphoma cells. Among the 15 primary CLL cells, the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of SHC014748M varies from 850 nM to 37040 nM respectively and expression of phosphorylation AKT decreased to the normal levels in the presence of SHC014748M or positive control, Idelalisib. In-vivo study revealed that SHC014748M significantly reduced lymphoma cell growth in the treatment group compared with control mice. CCL4, CCL17, CCL22 and CXCL13 derived from patients decreased sharply after SHC014748M treatment. Conclusion: According to the results, SHC014748M appeared to be a novel promising compound in the treatment of B cell lymphomas and CLL. Disclosures Wang: Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Employment. Wang:Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Employment. Zhang:Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Employment.

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch is required for B-cell development

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch interacts with Foxo1 and targets it for ubiquitination and degradation during follicular helper T-cell differentiation, whereas the transcription factor Foxo1 plays a critical role in B-cell development. Thus, we proposed that Itch mediates B-cell differentiation. Unexpectedly, we found that Itch deficiency downregulated Foxo1 expression in B cells. Itch cKO (conditional knock out in B cells) mice had fewer pro-B cells in the bone marrow, more small resting IgM−IgD−B cells in the periphery, and lower B-cell numbers in the lymph nodes through decreased Foxo1-mediated IL-7Rα, RAG, and CD62L expression, respectively. Importantly, Itch deficiency reduced Foxo1 mRNA expression by up-regulating JunB-mediated miR-182. Finally, Foxo1 negatively regulated JunB expression by up-regulating Itch. Thus, we have identified a novel regulatory axis between Itch and Foxo1 in B cells, suggesting that Itch is essential for B-cell development.

CRISPR/Cas9 Screens Reveal Multiple Layers of B Cell CD40 Regulation

CD40 has major roles in B-cell development, activation and germinal center responses. CD40 hypoactivity causes immunodeficiency, whereas its overexpression causes autoimmunity and lymphomagenesis. To systematically identify B-cell autonomous CD40 regulators, we performed CRISPR/Cas9 genome-wide screens. These found CD40 pathway components and revealed mechanisms strongly influencing CD40 responses. At the transcriptional level, the ubiquitin ligase FBXO11 supported CD40 abundance by targeting the repressor CTBP1. FBXO11 knockout decreased primary B-cell CD40 expression and impaired class-switch recombination. Frequent lymphoma monoallelic FBXO11 mutations may therefore balance BCL6 increase with CD40 loss. At the mRNA level, CELF1 controlled exon splicing critical for CD40 protein expression, while the N6-adenosine methyltransferase WTAP controlled CD40 message abundance. At the protein level, ESCRT negatively-regulated activated CD40 levels while the negative feedback phosphatase DUSP10 downmodulated MAPK. These results reveal multiple layers of CD40 regulation, serve as a resource for future studies of this key co-receptor, and highlight potential therapeutic targets. CD40 has major roles in B-cell development, activation and germinal center responses. CD40 hypoactivity causes immunodeficiency, whereas its overexpression causes autoimmunity and lymphomagenesis. To systematically identify B-cell autonomous CD40 regulators, we performed CRISPR/Cas9 genome-wide screens. These found CD40 pathway components and revealed mechanisms strongly influencing CD40 responses. At the transcriptional level, the ubiquitin ligase FBXO11 supported CD40 abundance by targeting the repressor CTBP1. FBXO11 knockout decreased primary B-cell CD40 expression and impaired class-switch recombination. Frequent lymphoma monoallelic FBXO11 mutations may therefore balance BCL6 increase with CD40 loss. At the mRNA level, CELF1 controlled exon splicing critical for CD40 protein expression, while the N6-adenosine methyltransferase WTAP controlled CD40 message abundance. At the protein level, ESCRT negatively-regulated activated CD40 levels while the negative feedback phosphatase DUSP10 downmodulated MAPK. These results reveal multiple layers of CD40 regulation, serve as a resource for future studies of this key co-receptor, and highlight potential therapeutic targets.

CD37 Expression in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Provides New Target for Directed Therapy

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease for which there is an urgent need for therapy that is more effective and less toxic. Antibody based therapy has been of limited success due to both the lack of consistent immunophenotype in AML as well as the overlap with normal hematopoetic stem cells (HSCs). CD37 is a tetraspanin best characterized for its role in B-cell development and immune response (Van Spriel et al., 2004, 2009, 2012), recently shown to be expressed on AML cells but not in normal HSCs (Pereira et al.,2015). Debio 1562 (formerly IMGN529) is a potent antibody drug conjugate (ADC) directed at CD37, comprised of the antibody K7153A linked to the microtubule inhibitor (DM1) and has already demonstrated tolerability and efficacy in early phase clinical trials in lymphoid malignancies. We evaluated the expression of CD37 across primary AML samples as well as the activity of Debio 1562 in both in vitro and in vivo AML model systems.Methods: MTS assays were used to assess relative viability in AML cell lines with (THP1, OCI-AML3) or without (KG-1a) CD37 expression. Cells were treated with either the ADC, the payload conjugated to an isotype antibody (Iso-DM1) or a vehicle control for 72 hours. After determining the IC50 for each cell line, flow cytometry annexin V/PI was performed to assess apoptosis and cell death. THP-1 and OCI-AML3 CD37 knock out cell lines were created using an inducible CRISPR Cas9 system and evaluated by MTS and annexin V/PI following confirmation of knockdown of CD37 expression. Primary AML samples were obtained to assess CD37 expression by flow cytometry using K7153A-PE and separately used to evaluate direct cytotoxicity in an in vitroassay. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from newly diagnosed AML patients were treated with either therapy, cells were harvested after 72 hours and subsequently stained with CD2/CD19/CD45 as well as EdU to assess degree of proliferation and analyzed using flow cytometry with the addition of Countbright beads to measure absolute cell counts. In vivo therapy evaluations were performed in NSG mice were engrafted with the THP1 cell line, and then treated with either the ADC, Iso-DM1 or vehicle. The mice were treated twice weekly with 10mg/kg given IP, for 7 total doses. The mice were monitored for overall survival.Results: Analysis of the TCGA database shows AML patients with higher levels of CD37 transcripts had lower overall survival (p<0.0001). MTS and Annexin V/PI assays on cell lines show selective, dose dependent cytotoxicity on CD37 expressing AML cells (Debio 1562 IC50 range 0.1-1ug/ml), with minimal cytotoxicity observed at doses up to 5ug/ml of Iso-DM1, and lack of cytotoxicity in the respective CD37 knock-out cells. Primary AML samples similarly show a selective decrease in blasts when treated with the ADC for 72 hours in culture supported with human cytokines, particularly in samples that showed a higher degree of proliferation while in culture (p=0.0156). THP1 xenograft studies showed not only a prolonged survival advantage (p<0.0001), but elimination of the disease by histopathology in animals who received treatment with Debio 1562.Conclusions: CD37 is expressed across a wide range of AML subtypes, and higher transcript levels of CD37 expression is associated with decreased survival. Despite the majority of primary samples showing minimal to modest expression of the protein when compared to B lymphocytes, CD37 is an efficient target on AML cells using Debio 1562. Additional studies are ongoing to evaluate the mechanism of CD37 trafficking in myeloid cells as well as the ability to upregulate this important target. This work provides rationale for phase I clinical trials of Debio 1562 in AML patients, as well as demonstrating CD37 as a potential target for other CD37 Immunotherapies. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The Complex Role of KDM6A in B-Cell Development and Function

Loss-of-function mutations in KDM6A, an X-linked H3K27 demethylase, occur recurrently in B-cell lymphoid malignancies, including B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Germline inactivating mutations in KDM6A cause a neurodevelopmental disorder called Kabuki syndrome that is associated with recurrent infections and hypogammaglobulinemia.1 The role of KDM6A in normal B-cell development and function, as well as how the somatic loss of KDM6A contributes to B-cell malignancies, has not been completely defined.To address this issue, we generated a conditional knockout mouse of the KDM6A gene (with LoxP sites flanking the 3rd exon) and crossed these mice with Vav1-Cre transgenic mice to selectively inactivate KDM6A in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. We characterized normal hematopoiesis from young (6 to 8 week old) and aged (50 to 55 week old) male and female KDM6A conditional KO mice. We found a significant shift from lymphoid to myeloid differentiation in the bone marrow and peripheral blood of these mice. Young, female KDM6A-null mice had mild splenomegaly. Their spleens had an increased number of neutrophils (Gr-1+CD11b+ cells) and erythrocyte progenitors (CD71+Ter119+ cells) and a decreased number of B-cells (B220+ cells). These changes became more pronounced with age and were specific to the female, homozygous KDM6A knockout mice. Furthermore, analysis of B-cell maturation showed that the loss of KDM6A was associated with decreased immature (B220+IgM+ cells) and mature, resting B-cells (B220+IgD+ cells) in the spleen. Similar changes were present in the bone marrow (decreased B220+IgM+ cells and B220+CD19+ cells) and peripheral blood (decreased B220+IgM+, B220+IgD+ and B220+CD19+ cells).Early B-cell development is also altered in KDM6A-null mice. Flow cytometry showed a decrease in multipotent progenitor cells (MPPs) with a decrease in both common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) and B cell-biased lymphoid progenitors (BLPs) in young, female KDM6A-null mice bone marrow. Next, we performed flow cytometry to catergorize the Hardy fractions of early B-cell development on bone marrow isolated from young, female KDM6A-null mice. B-cell progenitor analysis (Hardy profiles) showed an increase in Fraction A with a concomitant decrease in Fraction B/C and Fraction D, which was likely indicative of an incomplete block in B-cell differentiation after the Fraction A stage. When bulk bone marrow cells isolated from young, female KDM6A-null mice were plated in methylcellulose supplemented with interleukin-7, we observed a significantly decreased colony formation compared with bone marrow cells isolated from wildtype littermates. This pre-B lymphoid progenitor cell plating phenotype was expected given the flow cytometry results of decreased B-cell progenitors outlined above.We examined the effect of the loss of KDM6A expression on germinal center (GC) formation in the spleen following immunization with NP-CGG (4-Hydroxy-3-nitrophenylacetyl-Chicken Gamma Globulin, Ratio 16). Two weeks after NP-CGG immunization, we observed a significant decrease in follicular B-cells (FO) and a significant increase in GC B-cells as compared to wildtype littermates (Figure 1). The result is significant as GC B-cells are thought to be the cell-of-origin of follicular and DLBCL.To determine if inactivation of KDM6A affected antibody production, we measured IgM, IgG, IgE and IgA levels by ELISA from serum isolated from young, female KDM6A-null mice. Results revealed higher levels of IgM and lower levels of IgG in serum from KDM6A-null mice, which is suggestive of a class switch recombination (CSR) defect. Concordant with this result, we observed that the loss of KDM6A impaired CSR to IgG1 in splenic B cells after in vitro stimulation for three days with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an anti-CD180 antibody and interleukin-4. Moreover, we observed a striking defect in the production of plasma cells from KDM6A-null B-cells after LPS stimulation. Taken together, our data shows that KDM6A plays an important, but complex, role in B-cell development and that loss of KDM6A impedes the B-cell immune response in a specific manner that may contribute to infection and B-cell malignancies.Stagi S, et al. Epigenetic control of the immune system: a lesson from Kabuki syndrome. Immunol Res. 2016; 64(2):345-359. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Triple Degradation of BTK, IKZF1 and IKZF3 in B-Cell Malignancies

Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK), a TEC-family non-receptor tyrosine kinase, plays a critical role in B-cell development and function. Targeting of BTK with covalent inhibitors like ibrutinib has become a standard approach for many B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). Yet, many patients demonstrate intrinsic or acquired resistance to covalent BTK inhibition. The prognosis of patients who relapse after ibrutinib treatment for MCL or CLL is dismal, highlighting the urgent need for new approaches that overcome resistance to current BTK inhibitors. We hypothesized that degradation of BTK could be a better alternative to inhibition alone, as it would both: 1) maintain efficacy in cells harboring the ibrutinib-resistant BTK C418S mutation and 2) target non-catalytic functions of BTK. To address this, we turned to a small molecule-mediated protein degradation platform that utilizes an E3 ligase-targeting moiety linked to the ligand of a target of interest, so that the target can be marked for ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. We previously showed that BTK is one of the most robustly degraded kinase targets using a nonspecific kinase inhibitor linked to a imide-based core followed by agnostic proteomics. We synthesized highly potent and selective degraders of BTK using imides as a base. To do so, the parent BTK inhibitor CGI1746 was linked to thalidomide using either polyethylene glycol (DD-03-007) linkers or saturated hydrocarbon chain (DD-03-171) linkers. After verifying that these degraders induce dimerization of BTK and CRBN and penetrate cells, we explored the pharmacological effects in vitro. Both DD-03-007 and DD-03-171 reduced BTK levels at concentrations as low as 40 nM within 4h of treatment. Furthermore, cellular BTK levels remained low for 24h after washout, showing that these degraders are capable of sustaining depletion of BTK for an extended period of time (Figure). DD-03-007 and DD-03-171 are both ligase and proteasome-dependent, as shown by co-treatment with bortezomib or MLN-4924 as well as competition experiments with lenalidomide or CGI-1746. Moreover, the degraders exhibited strong synergy with the HCK inhibitor A419259, suggesting that it would be possible to recapitulate ibrutinib's previously reported polypharmacology with an HCK inhibitor.We overexpressed wild-type or C481S BTK in TMD-8 cells and ran an antiproliferation assay, which showed that DD-03-007 overcame ibrutinib resistance associated with BTK C481S mutation.Next, we explored the effects of the degraders in MCL specifically. Proteomic analysis showed that DD-03-171 is a triple-degrader, as it degrades BTK but retains degradation activity on IKZF1 and IKZF3. Finally, we performed In vivo efficacy studies in cell line and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of MCL. The latter was obtained from a patient who had progressed on ibrutinib. In both models, DD-03-171 caused a significant reduction in tumor burden at an early timepoint. DD-03-171 also markedly extended survival compared to treatment with ibrutinib or lenalidomide alone (Figure). In conclusion, we developed highly potent and selective BTK degraders with activity in vivo against human MCL that induce the degradation of multiple factors essential for MCL survival. [Display omitted] DisclosuresTreon:Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; Johnson & Johnson: Consultancy; BMS: Research Funding. Weinstock:Novartis, Dragonfly, Travera, DxTerity, Travera: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis, Astra Zeneca, Abbvie, Aileron, Surface Oncology, Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Genentech/Roche, Monsanto: Consultancy; Astra Zeneca, JAX, Samumed, Regeneron, Sun Pharma, Prescient: Patents & Royalties; Travera: Equity Ownership. Gray:Syros, Soltego, Petra, C4 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership.

Resistance Mechanisms to SYK Inhibition in AML

Alterations in signaling pathways are critical to the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and are often driven by aberrant kinases. We previously identified spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), a non-receptor, cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, as a druggable target in AML and a critical regulator of FLT3, the most commonly mutated receptor tyrosine kinase in this disease. SYK was initially described as having an important role in B-cell development. More recent studies showed a broader relevance of SYK in hematopoietic signaling. Multiple orally bioavailable SYK inhibitors, including entospletinib (GS-9973) and TAK-659, are currently in Phase I/II clinical trials in patients with AML, with promising results. Targeted therapy, however, is typically associated with the emergence of resistance, and combination therapy is almost always needed for a durable therapeutic response. The aim of our study, therefore, was to identify resistance mechanisms to SYK inhibition in AML and to identify new synergistic drug combinations to overcome them.We conducted a genome-scale, pooled open reading frame (ORF) library screen to investigate the mechanisms of drug resistance to SYK inhibition. We screened the AML cell lines MV4;11 and MOLM-14, which are both highly sensitive to SYK inhibitors, with entospletinib after transduction with the ORF library. Expression of KRAS and HRAS ORFs, as well as other RAS signaling pathway-related proteins, emerged as conferring the strongest resistance to entospletinib in both cell lines. Upon overexpression of NRAS and KRAS in MV4;11 and MOLM-14 cells, both wildtype for RAS, we observed i) upregulation of phospho ERK 1/2, indicating activated RAS signaling, and ii) we confirmed markedly reduced sensitivity to entospletinib. We next screened 12 AML cell lines for sensitivity to entospletinib and found that the presence of activating mutations of the RAS signaling pathway was associated with innate resistance to entospletinib.To further study the mechanism of resistance to SYK inhibition, we generated entospletinib resistant cell lines by exposing MV4;11 cells to increasing concentrations of the drug for five months. In these cells, the entospletinib IC50 shifted from 500 nM to 5 μM, and these cells were also cross resistant to the SYK inhibitor PRT062607. RNA-sequencing showed increased expression of NRAS, KRAS and related pathway genes in entospletinib resistant compared to sensitive parental cells. Accordingly, gene set enrichment analysis revealed significant upregulation of RAS signaling-related gene sets. These findings were confirmed by qPCR and western blot analysis, supporting that the activation of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway also confers acquired resistance to SYK inhibition in AML.Because RAS mutant AML cells have been reported to be sensitive to MEK inhibition, we next tested whether MEK inhibition using PD0325901 would recapture response to SYK inhibition in RAS/MAPK activated AML cells. Indeed, entospletinib was synergistic with PD0325901 in the MV4;11 entospletinib resistant cells. Moreover, entospletinib was synergistic with PD0325901 in five different AML cell lines, including AML cell lines with RAS pathway mutations. Additionally, this drug combination was synergistic when tested in a patient sample with NRAS G12D, KRAS G12D and PTPN11 G60V mutations.In conclusion, we found that RAS pathway activation results in resistance to entospletinib in AML that may be overcome with the combination of a SYK inhibitor with a MEK inhibitor. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Driver mutations in Janus kinases in a mouse model of B-cell leukemia induced by deletion of PU.1 and Spi-B

AbstractPrecursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is associated with recurrent mutations that occur in cancer-initiating cells. There is a need to understand how driver mutations influence clonal evolution of leukemia. The E26-transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factors PU.1 and Spi-B (encoded by Spi1 and Spib) execute a critical role in B-cell development and serve as complementary tumor suppressors. Here, we used a mouse model to conditionally delete Spi1 and Spib genes in developing B cells. These mice developed B-ALL with a median time to euthanasia of 18 weeks. We performed RNA and whole-exome sequencing (WES) on leukemias isolated from Mb1-CreΔPB mice and identified single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in Jak1, Jak3, and Ikzf3 genes, resulting in amino acid sequence changes. Jak3 mutations resulted in amino acid substitutions located in the pseudo-kinase (R653H, V670A) and in the kinase (T844M) domains. Introduction of Jak3 T844M into Spi1/Spib-deficient precursor B cells was sufficient to promote proliferation in response to low IL-7 concentrations in culture, and to promote proliferation and leukemia-like disease in transplanted mice. We conclude that mutations in Janus kinases represent secondary drivers of leukemogenesis that cooperate with Spi1/Spib deletion. This mouse model represents a useful tool to study clonal evolution in B-ALL.

Inactivation of mTORC1 Signaling in Osterix-Expressing Cells Impairs B-cell Differentiation.

Osteoblasts provide a microenvironmental niche for B-cell commitment and maturation in the bone marrow (BM). Any abnormity of osteoblasts function may result in the defect of B lymphopoiesis. Signaling from mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) has been implicated in regulating the expansion and differentiation of osteoblasts. Thus, we raise a hypothesis that mTORC1 signaling in osteoblasts plays a vital role in B-cell development. Inactivation of mTORC1 in osterix-expressing cells (mainly osteoblast lineage) through Osx-Cre-directed deletion of Raptor (an mTORC1-specific component) resulted in a reduction in the total B-cell population in the BM, which was due to a block in early B-cell development from the pro-B to pre-B cell stage. Further mechanistic studies revealed that this defect was the result of reduction of interleukin-7 (IL-7) expression in osterix-expressing immature osteoblasts, which caused the abnormality of IL-7/Stat5 signaling in early B lymphocytes, leading to an increased apoptosis of pre-B plus immature B cells. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that the addition of exogenous IL-7 partially restored B lymphopoiesis in the BM of Raptor mutant mice. Furthermore, total BM cells cultured in conditioned media from Raptor null immature osteoblasts or media with anti-IL-7 neutralizing antibody failed to differentiate into pre-B and immature B cells, indicating that inactivation of mTORC1 in immature osteoblast cannot fully support normal B-cell development. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a novel role for mTORC1 in the regulation of bone marrow environments that support B-cell differentiation via regulating IL-7 expression. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Abstract 143: Preclinical studies on potential therapeutic combination partners for the potent and selective PI3Kδ inhibitor INCB050465 in DLBCL

Abstract The delta isoform of PI3K (PI3Kδ) plays an essential role in B-cell development and function by mediating the signaling of key receptors on B cells. Increased malignant B cell proliferation and survival has also been associated with aberrant activation of PI3Kδ, making selective inhibition of this isoform an attractive therapeutic approach for the treatment of B cell malignancies. INCB050465 is a potent inhibitor of PI3Kδ, with a &amp;gt;20,000 fold selectivity over other PI3K isoforms. Emerging clinical data indicate that INCB050465 monotherapy is well tolerated and results in promising clinical responses in patients with various lymphoma histologies, including those with DLBCL. We therefore sought to explore rational combination strategies for INCB050465 using mouse xenograft models of ABC-subtype (HBL-1), GCB-subtype (Pfeiffer), and GCB/double-hit (WILL-2) human DLBCL, evaluating standard of care agents such as bendamustine and rituximab, as well as with targeted agents. PIM inhibition is a logical addition to PI3Kδ inhibition as a therapeutic approach as both kinases play a critical role in the AKT signaling pathway, having overlapping substrates. Likewise BET inhibition is a rational addition to PI3Kδ inhibition in “double-hit” DLBCL due to de-regulation of MYC transcriptional activity. In vivo studies performed in the Pfeiffer xenograft model demonstrate that INCB050465 combined with the pan-PIM inhibitor INCB053914 yielded complete tumor regressions. This profound decrease in tumor cell survival was due in part to the significant reduction in pBAD levels resulting from dual PIM and PI3Kδ inhibition. Despite modest single agent activity in vivo, the combination of INCB050465 with BET inhibitors, INCB054329 or INCB057643, resulted in significant anti-tumor efficacy in all of the DLBCL models studied, and caused a marked repression in tumor MYC expression. To study the transcriptional effects of combining PI3Kδ and BET inhibitors in this lymphoma model, WILL-2 xenograft tumors from mice treated with single dose INCB050465, INCB054329, the combination, or vehicle control were analyzed by RNAseq. INCB050465 enhanced the ability of INCB054329 to repress a MYC-driven transcriptional program, and the combination also regulated multiple developmental and inflammatory pathways. Together, these data support the clinical evaluation of the PI3Kδ inhibitor INCB050465 as part of a combination regimen with PIM or BET inhibitors for the treatment of DLBCL. Citation Format: Matthew C. Stubbs, Robert Collins, Leslie Hall, Alla Volgina, Holly Koblish, Sang Hyun Lee, Timothy Burn, Phillip C. Liu, Jin Lu, Eddy Yue, Yun-Long Li, Andrew P. Combs, Wenqing Yao, Gregory Hollis, Reid Huber, Bruce Ruggeri, Peggy Scherle. Preclinical studies on potential therapeutic combination partners for the potent and selective PI3Kδ inhibitor INCB050465 in DLBCL [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 143. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-143

Receptor-guided 3D-QSAR studies, molecular dynamics simulation and free energy calculations of Btk kinase inhibitors

BackgroundBruton tyrosine kinase (Btk) plays an important role in B-cell development, differentiation, and signaling. It is also found be in involved in male immunodeficiency disease such as X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA). Btk is considered as a potential therapeutic target for treating autoimmune diseases and hematological malignancies.ResultsIn this work, a combined molecular modeling study was performed on a series of thieno [3,2-c] pyridine-4-amine derivatives as Btk inhibitors. Receptor-guided COMFA (q2 = 0.574, NOC = 3, r2 = 0.924) and COMSIA (q2 = 0.646, NOC = 6, r2 = 0.971) models were generated based on the docked conformation of the most active compound 26. All the developed models were tested for robustness using various validation techniques. Furthermore, a 5-ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and binding free energy calculations were carried out to determine the binding modes of the inhibitors and to identify crucial interacting residues. The rationality and stability of molecular docking and 3D-QSAR results were validated by MD simulation. The binding free energies calculated by the MM/PBSA method showed the importance of the van der Waals interaction.ConclusionsA good correlation between the MD results, docking studies, and the contour map analysis were observed. The study has identified the key amino acid residues in Btk binding pocket. The results from this study can provide some insights into the development of potent, novel Btk inhibitors.

Discovery of Potent Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Using Ligand Based Modeling.

Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) is a one of the Tec tyrosine kinase family. It has an essential role in B-cell development and function. Activation of BTK has been associated with the pathogenesis of many types of lymphomas and leukemia, and involved in non-life threatening autoimmune diseases. In this study, exhaustive pharmacophore modeling was combined with QSAR analyses to examine the structural requirements for anti-BTK activities. Genetic function algorithm (GFA) was coupled with multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis to select the best combinations of physicochemical descriptors and pharmacophoric hypothesis capable of generating predictive and self-consistent QSAR models. The optimum pharmacophores were decorated with exclusion volumes to improve their receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve properties. The best predictive QSAR model and its corresponding pharmacophore models were validated by discovering of novel promising BTK inhibitors retrieved from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) database. Several potent hits exhibited anti-proliferative activities on U-937 cell-line in low micromolar IC50, and one active compound showed nontoxic activities on normal fibroblast cell line. Our efforts culminated in the identification of potent BTK ligands having desired inhibitory activities and structurally distinct from known active reference compounds (i.e., training compounds) and represent new chemotypes.

Germinal Center-Derived Lymphomas and Plasmacytomas in Mice with Targeted Deletion of MiR-15a/16-1 in Activated B Cells

MicroRNA (miR)-mediated gene regulation plays critical roles in B-cell development and dysregulated expression of miRs has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various types of B-cell malignancies. Somatic deletions of chromosome 13q14, harboring miR-15a/16-1, occurs frequently in B-cell lymphomas suggesting that members of this miR family are tumor suppressors. Consistently, mice with CD19-Cre-induced deletion of miR-15a/16-1 in early B-cells and follicular B-cells develop chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Since the 13q14 deletion is observed in a broader range of B-cell malignancies, we hypothesized that the type of B-cell malignancy resulting from miR-15a/16-1 down-regulation may depend on the stage of B-cell development at which this deletion occurs. Therefore, we generated a transgenic mouse model in which conditional deletion of miR-15a/16-1 takes place at later stages of B-cell development. To delete miR-15a/16-1 in activated B-cells, miR-15a/16-1fl/fl mice were mated with AID-Cre+/+ mice to obtain AID-Cre+/-; miR-15a/16-1fl/fl compound mice that expressed Cre recombinase from the Activation-induced Cytidine Deaminase (AID promoter) gene - a gene needed for generation of somatic hypermutations in the immunoglobulin (Ig) variable region (V) genes that is highly expressed in activated B-cells and is a well-known marker for germinal center (GC) B-cells. Expression levels of both miR-15a and miR-16-1, but not miR-15b were decreased in GC B-cells of AID-Cre+/-; miR-15a/16-1fl/fl mice as compared with control AID-Cre+/- mice when evaluated by In Situ Hybridization (ISH) analysis. Given that in humans miR-15a, b and 16 are also expressed in GC B-cells, these results demonstrate the validity of this mouse model in which the biological consequences of miR-15a/16-1 deletion can be studied. Next we assessed whether miR-15a/16-1 deletion could affect proliferation and/or survival of GC B-cells. GCs in the spleens of AID-Cre+/-; miR-15a/16-1fl/fl mice at 10 weeks of age were significantly increased in both number and size, and contained a larger number of Ki-67-positive B-cells as compared with spleens of AID-Cre+/- mice. No significant differences in the number of apoptotic cells, neither in the expression of the miR-15a/16-1 putative target BCL2 were detected, indicating that miR-15a/16-1 may play important roles in the proliferation, but not survival of GC B-cells. Apart from mild splenic enlargement and increased number and size of GCs, AID-Cre+/-, miR-15a/16-1fl/fl mice where indistinguishable from AID-Cre+/- mice between 8 and 40 weeks of age as assessed by weight and posture. However, after 48 weeks of age and at variable times thereafter, 80% (32/40) of AID-Cre+/-, miR-15a/16-1fl/fl mice but none from control cohorts (0/30) showed signs of disease. Gross pathologic examination of euthanized AID-Cre+/-; miR-15a/16-1fl/fl mice revealed enlargement of the spleen and lymph nodes. Detailed histological examination revealed in most instances an effacement of normal tissue architecture by a nodular or diffuse population of atypical lymphoid cells, or less commonly by sheets of plasma cells in interfollicular areas. Two distinct patterns of B220+BCL6+BCL2- B-cell lymphomas were identified after detailed analysis. The most common (47%) resembled human follicular lymphoma (FL) and the next in frequency (28%) resembled human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The other group of tumors (25%) resembled human plasmacytoma (PC). All three tumor subtypes were clonal, hypermutated and associated with different degrees of preservation of the dendritic meshwork in the lymph nodes. The comparison of lymphomas arising in AID-Cre+/-; miR-15a/16-1fl/fl mice and CD19-Cre+/-; miR-15a/16-1fl/fl mice corroborated that deletion of miR-15a/16-1 at different stages of B-cell development leads to distinct subtypes of B-cell malignancies. Finally, we investigated miR-15a/16-1 expression in human FL and PC and showed that miR-15a/16-1 abundance is significantly decreased in those malignancies when compared with nodal B-cells in reactive GCs and normal plasma cells in interfollicular areas respectively, suggesting that miR-15a/16-1 may play important roles in normal GC B-cell development as well as in the pathogenesis of FL and PC in humans. DisclosuresGhobrial:BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria; Noxxon: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria. Anderson:Oncoprep: Equity Ownership; Acetylon: Equity Ownership; Oncoprep: Equity Ownership; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Acetylon: Equity Ownership; Millennuim: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennuim: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; C4 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; C4 Therapeutics: Equity Ownership; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Biochemical Characterization of GS-4059 As a Potent and Selective Covalent Irreversible Inhibitor of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase

Introduction:Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) plays a crucial role in B-cell development, differentiation, and signaling in the B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway, and is a validated target for aberrant B-cell activity in malignancy and autoimmune diseases. GS-4059 (ONO-4059) is a selective, once-daily, oral inhibitor of BTK with clinical activity against a number of relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies. GS-4059 was designed to specifically form a covalent bond with a cysteine residue in the BTK active site. The studies presented here confirmed the biochemical mechanism of action of GS-4059, assessed the inactivation kinetics of BTK by GS-4059 and comparator compounds, and measured the selectivity of GS-4059 for BTK over other related kinases. These studies will help to establish pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic models to guide clinical studies, and the evaluation of potential for inhibition of other kinases will assist in understanding the safety of the molecule.Methods: The binding of GS-4059 to BTK was characterized using mass spectrometry to detect covalent adduct formation. Ibrutinib, a known irreversible covalent inhibitor, and staurosporine, a known reversible noncovalent inhibitor, were used as positive controls. The covalent nature of GS-4059 was further tested by chasing with excess amount of ibrutinib. GS-4059 and other covalent, irreversible inhibitors of BTK including CC-292, acalabrutinib, and ibrutinib were studied to determine the inactivation kinetics of BTK and related kinases, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and IL2-inducible T-cell kinase (ITK), for these compounds. The rate of enzyme inactivation was studied as a function of inhibitor concentration using a Sox-based fluorescence assay that allows real-time measurement of enzyme activity.Results: Mass spectrometry studies showed that GS-4059 is a covalent inhibitor of BTK, based on an observed mass shift of BTK following preincubation with GS-4059 (Figure 1). This mass shift was consistent with the molecular weight of GS-4059. The irreversibility of GS-4059 binding was further demonstrated by the observation that GS-4059 could not be displaced from BTK by chasing with ibrutinib, as measured by mass spectrometry. GS-4059 efficiently inactivated BTK with a rate constant kinact/Ki of 2.4 ± 0.6 ´ 104 M-1s-1, similar to that of the covalent BTK inhibitors CC-292 and acalabrutinib, but >10 times lower than that of ibrutinib (Figure 2, Figure 3, and Table 1). In addition, GS-4059 is a poor inhibitor of the related kinases EGFR and ITK, supporting the clinical observation of a favorable safety profile for GS-4059 (Table 1).Conclusions: In summary, GS-4059 is a potent and selective covalent irreversible inhibitor of BTK with a different selectivity profile than other BTK inhibitors, and warrants further studies against B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresLiclican:Gilead Sciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Xing:Gilead Sciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Serafini:Gilead Sciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Wang:Gilead Sciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Brendza:Gilead Sciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Lutz:Gilead Sciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ray:Gilead Sciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Schultz:Gilead Sciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sakowicz:Gilead Sciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Feng:Gilead Sciences: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Perturbed hematopoiesis in mice lacking ATMIN

AbstractThe ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-interacting protein ATMIN mediates noncanonical ATM signaling in response to oxidative and replicative stress conditions. Like ATM, ATMIN can function as a tumor suppressor in the hematopoietic system: deletion of Atmin under the control of CD19-Cre results in B-cell lymphomas in aging mice. ATM signaling is essential for lymphopoiesis and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function; however, little is known about the role of ATMIN in hematopoiesis. We thus sought to investigate whether the absence of ATMIN would affect primitive hematopoietic cells in an ATM-dependent or -independent manner. Apart from its role in B-cell development, we show that ATMIN has an ATM-independent function in the common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) by deletion of Atmin in the entire hematopoietic system using Vav-Cre. Despite the lack of lymphoma formation, ATMIN-deficient mice developed chronic leukopenia as a result of high levels of apoptosis in B cells and CMPs and induced a compensatory mechanism in which HSCs displayed enhanced cycling. Consequently, ATMIN-deficient HSCs showed impaired regeneration ability with the induction of the DNA oxidative stress response, especially when aged. ATMIN, therefore, has multiple roles in different cell types, and its absence results in perturbed hematopoiesis, especially during stress conditions and aging.

Abstract 4391: Overcoming primary ibrutinib resistance in mantle cell lymphoma

Abstract Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare and incurable subtype of B-cell lymphoma. In a phase II study of ibrutinib in MCL patients, most of the patients responded and had long durable remissions; however, 22.7% of patients were considered to be non-responsive to ibrutinib, and an additional 22/110 patients displayed initial positive responses to ibrutinib but also experienced disease progression within 12 months of treatment, with both responses classified as primary ibrutinib resistant. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms mediating primary ibrutinib resistance may identify new prognostic and predictive markers and potential therapeutic targets. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) plays an important role in B-cell development, activation, and differentiation. Upon B-cell receptor (BCR) activation, BTK is phosphorylated and activated by SYK. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is recruited to the BCR, and the induction of these signaling activities leads to the downstream activation of multiple effector proteins, including nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), AKT, RAS, mTOR and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). BTK and PI3K have been shown to function independently to mediate BCR signaling, suggesting that PI3K signaling activities may underlie ibrutinib resistance independently of BTK. PI3K has also been associated with primary ibrutinib resistance. To further elucidate the mechanisms underlying ibrutinib resistance, we conferred primary ibrutinib resistance using both MCL cell lines and MCL-bearing patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models and used whole exome sequencing (WES) and reverse phase protein analysis (RPPA) to identify any genetic and expression changes associated with primary ibrutinib resistance. WES did not reveal any mutations in BTK or within the proximal BCR pathway, consistent with WES data on primary ibrutinib resistant MCL cases. RPPA analysis showed a significant increase in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/MCL-1 compensatory pathway component levels in ibrutinib-resistant cell lines when compared with their parental cells as well as ibrutinib-resistant PDXs. To determine whether inhibiting these pathways would overcome primary ibrutinib resistance, we tested various therapeutic combinations targeting these pathways. Ibrutinib plus the PI3K inhibitor idelalisib, the AKT inhibitor ACP-319, the mTOR inhibitors AZD8055 or BEZ235 as well as the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib inhibited tumor growth in vitro and in vivo in the PDX mouse models, demonstrating that targeting these alternative pathways may overcome ibrutinib resistance. This work strongly suggests that targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/MCL-1 compensatory pathway successfully inhibits the viability of ibrutinib-resistant MCL tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo and identified potential therapies that can be used to treat ibrutinib-resistant patients in clinical practice. Citation Format: Leo Zhang, Lan Pham, Hui Zhang, Jingmeng Xie, Wenjing Tao, Taylor Bell, Zhihong Chen, Krystle Nomie, Bingliang Fang, Michael Wang. Overcoming primary ibrutinib resistance in mantle cell lymphoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4391.

Serum-soluble APRIL influences survival in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Background A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor family. APRIL plays an important role in B-cell development; it activates chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells by reacting with its receptors, enhancing immune recognition, proliferation, and survival of the leukemia cells. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the impact of serum-soluble APRIL levels detected at diagnosis in B-CLL patients, and their relationship with disease parameters and patient outcomes. Patients and methods Serum APRIL levels were estimated in 40 untreated B-CLL patients and 40 apparently healthy controls. Serum was withdrawn at diagnosis of untreated CLL disease and was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results APRIL levels in peripheral blood samples were significantly higher in B-CLL patients than in normal participants. There were positive correlations between serum-soluble APRIL level, age, white blood cell count, peripheral blood lymphocyte count, CD38%, ZAP-70, and modified RAI staging. There were negative correlations between serum-soluble APRIL, hemoglobin level, and platelet count. During a 2-year follow-up, APRIL levels correlated with overall survival and disease-free survival. Conclusion APRIL is a powerful prognostic marker related to parameters of disease activity and staging and, more importantly, to overall survival and disease-free survival.

PAX5 interacts with RIP2 to promote NF-κB activation and drug-resistance in B-lymphoproliferative disorders.

Paired box protein 5 (PAX5) plays a lineage determination role in B-cell development. However, high expression of PAX5 has been also found in various malignant diseases, including B-lymphoproliferative disorders (B-LPDs), but its functions and mechanisms in these diseases are still unclear. Here, we show that PAX5 induces drug resistance through association and activation of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 2 (RIP2; also known as RIPK2), and subsequent activation of NF-κB signaling and anti-apoptosis gene expression in B-lymphoproliferative cells. Furthermore, PAX5 is able to interact with RIP1 and RIP3, modulating both RIP1-mediated TNFR and RIP2-mediated NOD1 and NOD2 pathways. Our findings describe a new function of PAX5 in regulating RIP1 and RIP2 activation, which is at least involved in chemotherapeutic drug resistance in B-LPDs.

Protein kinase C in cellular transformation: a valid target for therapy?

The protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine/threonine protein kinases share structural homology, while exhibiting substantial functional diversity. PKC isoforms are ubiquitously expressed in tissues which makes it difficult to define roles for individual isoforms, with complexity compounded by the finding that PKC isoforms can co-operate with or antagonize other PKC family members. A number of studies suggest the involvement of PKC family members in regulating leukaemic cell survival and proliferation. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), the most common leukaemia in the Western world, exhibits dysregulated expression of PKC isoforms, with recent reports indicating that PKCβ and δ play a critical role in B-cell development, due to their ability to link the B-cell receptor (BCR) with downstream signalling pathways. Given the prognostic significance of the BCR in CLL, inhibition of these BCR/PKC-mediated signalling pathways is of therapeutic relevance. The present review discusses the emerging role of PKC isoforms in the pathophysiology of CLL and assesses approaches that have been undertaken to modulate PKC activity.

Abstract 4531: INCB40093 is a selective PI3Kδ inhibitor with potent antiproliferative activity against human B-cell tumors

Abstract Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) belong to a family of lipid signaling kinases that phosphorylate phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate, giving rise to phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). PIP3 functions as a second messenger that controls a number of cellular processes, including growth, survival, adhesion and migration. The delta isoform of PI3K (PI3Kδ) plays an essential role in B-cell development and functions by mediating the signaling of key receptors on B cells including BCR, BAFF-R, IL-4R, CD40 and TLRs. In addition, increased malignant B cell proliferation and survival has been associated with aberrant activation of PI3Kδ, and data from recent clinical studies using idelalisib, a PI3Kδ specific inhibitor, indicate that the enzyme is a therapeutic target for the treatment of B cell lymphomas. INCB40093 is a novel, potent small molecule inhibitor of PI3Kδ with 74 to &amp;gt; 900-fold selectivity over the other PI3K family members. It also does not inhibit (&amp;lt; 30% inhibition) a broad panel of 196 other kinases when tested at a concentration of 1 μM. INCB40093 blocks the proliferation of primary B cells induced by the activation of PI3Kδ-mediated signaling through several key receptors (e.g. BCR, CD40). More importantly, INCB40093 is potent (IC50 values of ∼10-100 nM) in cell-based assays relevant to the pathogenesis of B cell malignancies, such as PI3Kδ-mediated signaling and growth of human B cell lines. This effect is not due to general cytotoxicity because 10 μM INCB40093 had no significant effect on the growth of non-lymphoid cell lines. Compared to the inhibition of primary B cell proliferation, INCB40093 is at least 50 times less potent in assays that measure human T cell or NK cell proliferation, and neutrophil and macrophage function, suggesting that the impact of INCB40093 on the human immune system will likely be restricted to B cells. In vivo, the effects of INCB40093 were evaluated in two human hematological cancer xenograft models. In the Pfeiffer model of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, oral administration of INCB40093 inhibited tumor growth as a single agent. INCB40093 also potentiated the anti-tumor effects of the clinically relevant chemotherapeutic agent, bendamustine. The tumor growth inhibitory effects of INCB40093 were also demonstrated in a myeloma tumor xenograft model, INA-6.Tu1. Taken together, pharmacological data obtained in both in vitro and in vivo model systems support the potential utility of orally administered INCB40093 in the treatment of B cell malignancies. Citation Format: Niu Shin, Kathy Wang, Leslie Hall, Qian Wang, Gengjie Yang, Yanlong Li, Yun-Long Li, Maryanne Covington, Jordan Fridman, Robert Newton, Peggy Scherle. INCB40093 is a selective PI3Kδ inhibitor with potent antiproliferative activity against human B-cell tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4531. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4531