scFv Format Research Articles

Bispecific Tau Antibodies with Additional Binding to C1q or Alpha-Synuclein.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by cellular accumulation of aggregated tau protein. Tau pathology within these disorders is accompanied by chronic neuroinflammation, such as activation of the classical complement pathway by complement initiation factor C1q. Additionally, about half of the AD cases present with inclusions composed of aggregated alpha-synuclein called Lewy bodies. Lewy bodies in disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia also frequently occur together with tau pathology. Immunotherapy is currently the most promising treatment strategy for tauopathies. However, the presence of multiple pathological processes within tauopathies makes it desirable to simultaneously target more than one disease pathway. Herein, we have developed three bispecific antibodies based on published antibody binding region sequences. One bispecific antibody binds to tau plus alpha-synuclein and two bispecific antibodies bind to tau plus C1q. Affinity of the bispecific antibodies to their targets compared to their monospecific counterparts ranged from nearly identical to one order of magnitude lower. All bispecific antibodies retained binding to aggregated protein in patient-derived brain sections. The bispecific antibodies also retained their ability to inhibit aggregation of recombinant tau, regardless of whether the tau binding sites were in IgG or scFv format. Mono- and bispecific antibodies inhibited cellular seeding induced by AD-derived pathological tau with similar efficacy. Finally, both Tau-C1q bispecific antibodies completely inhibited the classical complement pathway. Bispecific antibodies that bind to multiple pathological targets may therefore present a promising approach to treat tauopathies and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Generation and functional characterization of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) of the anti-FGF2 3F12E7 monoclonal antibody

Single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) are small-sized artificial constructs composed of the immunoglobulin heavy and light chain variable regions connected by a peptide linker. We have previously described an anti-fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) monoclonal antibody (mAb), named 3F12E7, with notable antitumor potential revealed by preclinical assays. FGF2 is a known angiogenesis-associated molecule implicated in tumor progression. In this report, we describe a recombinant scFv format for the 3F12E7 mAb. The results demonstrate that the generated 3F12E7 scFv, although prone to aggregation, comprises an active anti-FGF2 product that contains monomers and small oligomers. Functionally, the 3F12E7 scFv preparations specifically recognize FGF2 and inhibit tumor growth similar to the corresponding full-length IgG counterpart in an experimental model. In silico molecular analysis provided insights into the aggregation propensity and the antigen-recognition by scFv units. Antigen-binding determinants were predicted outside the most aggregation-prone hotspots. Overall, our experimental and prediction dataset describes an scFv scaffold for the 3F12E7 mAb and also provides insights to further engineer non-aggregated anti-FGF2 scFv-based tools for therapeutic and research purposes.

Humanization of Chicken‐Derived scFv Using Yeast Surface Display and NGS Data Mining

Generation of high-affinity monoclonal antibodies by immunization of chickens is a valuable strategy, particularly for obtaining antibodies directed against epitopes that are conserved in mammals. A generic procedure is established for the humanization of chicken-derived antibodies. To this end, high-affinity binders of the epidermal growth factor receptor extracellular domain are isolated from immunized chickens using yeast surface display. Complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of two high-affinity binders are grafted onto a human acceptor framework. Simultaneously, Vernier zone residues, responsible for spatial CDR arrangement, are partially randomized. A yeast surface display library comprising ≈300 000 variants is screened for high-affinity binders in the scFv and Fab formats. Next-generation sequencing discloses humanized antibody variants with restored affinity and improved protein characteristics compared to the parental chicken antibodies. Furthermore, the sequencing data give new insights into the importance of antibody format, used during the humanization process. Starting from the antibody repertoire of immunized chickens, this work features an effective and fast high-throughput approach for the generation of multiple humanized antibodies with potential therapeutic relevance.

Overcoming leukemia heterogeneity by combining T cell engaging bispecific antibodies

BackgroundLeukemia represents about 5% of all human cancers. Despite advances in therapeutics, a substantial number of patients succumb to the disease. Several subtypes of leukemia are inherently more resistant to...

Abstract 5653: Discovery of Anti-NKG2A antibody from immunized phage display approach

Abstract The inhibitory receptor NKG2A-CD94 is mainly expressed on NK cells and some T cell and mediates an inhibitory signal through association with a non-classical MHC class I molecule HLA-E, which is commonly over-expressed in human cancers. Targeting NKG2A with monoclonal antibody holds potentials in immunotherapy of cancer. However, proteins with homologous sequences such as NKG2C/CD94 or NKG2E/CD94 complexes generally deliver an activating signal upon ligand binding. NKG2A-specific antagonizing antibodies would be needed to further explore therapeutic potentials of targeting NKG2A for immunotherapy of cancer. We have developed and characterized panels of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that specifically recognize NKG2A. Balb/c and SJL mice had been immunized with recombinant NKG2A/CD94 protein, recombinant plasmids encoding hNKG2A or stable cell line with ectopic expression of hNKG2A. Splenocytes from such immunized animals were collected for construction of phage-displayed antibody library in a single chain variable fragment (scFv) format. The NKG2A-specific antibodies, that had no detectable binding to NKG2C, NKG2E or CD94, were isolated through multiple rounds of phage panning and ELISA-based screening. Such antibodies also block HLA-E ligand binding and enhanced cytotoxicity of NK cell lines and primary NK cells on cancer cells. The final lead is a humanized antibody which behaves well in stability test. Lab scale processes are successfully developed and confirmed. The safety and efficacy will be further validated. Citation Format: Teddy Yang, Jing Gao, Jingyun Yao, Dongxu Wang, Ken Dai. Discovery of Anti-NKG2A antibody from immunized phage display approach [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 5653.

A Humanized Lym-1 CAR with Novel DAP10/DAP12 Signaling Domains Demonstrates Reduced Tonic Signaling and Increased Antitumor Activity in B-Cell Lymphoma Models.

The murine Lym-1 mAb targets a discontinuous epitope (Lym-1 epitope) on several subtypes of HLA-DR, which is upregulated in a majority of human B-cell lymphomas and leukemias. Unlike CD19, the Lym-1 epitope does not downregulate upon crosslinking, which may provide an advantage as a target for CAR T-cell therapy. Lym-1 CAR T cells with a conventional 4-1BB and CD3ζ (BB3z) signaling domain exhibited impaired ex vivo expansion. This study aimed to identify the underlying mechanisms and develop strategies to overcome this effect. A functional humanized Lym-1 antibody (huLym-1-B) was identified and its scFv form was used for CAR design. To overcome observed impaired expansion in vitro, a huLym-1-B CAR using DAP10 and DAP12 (DAP) signaling domains was evaluated for ex vivo expansion and in vivo function. Impaired expansion in huLym-1-B-BB3z CAR T cells was shown to be due to ligand-dependent suboptimal CAR signaling caused by interaction of the CAR binding domain and the surface of human T cells. Using the novel DAP signaling domain construct, the effects of suboptimal CAR signaling were overcome to produce huLym-1-B CAR T cells with improved expansion ex vivo and function in vivo. In addition, the Lym-1 epitope does not significantly downregulate in response to huLym-1-B-DAP CAR T cells both ex vivo and in vivo. DAP intracellular domains can serve as signaling motifs for CAR, and this new construct enables nonimpaired production of huLym-1-B CAR T cells with potent in vivo antitumor efficacy.

Simulation-Based Engineering of Humanized Scfv Antibody against hTNF-α

Background : Uncontrolled activity of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) as pro-inflammatory cytokine has been linked with pathogenesis of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. Therefore, modulating of TNF-α associated biological pathways is a promising strategy for alleviating of such diseases. In view of this, the use of antibody fragments such as single-chain variable fragments (scFv) in therapeutic applications has been gained much attention in terms of pharmacokinetic as well as production and therapeutic costs. Methods: In the current investigation, the previously designed and humanized hD2 antibody was modeled and docked onto the TNF-α structure. The binding free energy was predicted for the complex of hD2-TNF-α using molecular dynamics calculation followed by per-residue energy decomposition for residues of hD2. In addition in silico mutations of important amino acids at the binding site of enzyme were performed and the binding free energy was calculated for mutant forms of scFv in complex with TNF-α. Results: The analyses of the results proposed Y27F mutation in heavy chain CDR1 of hD2 scFv antibody may be considered as a promising substitution. Conclusion: The results may be used for designing new anti-TNF-α antibody with improved activity.

The improvement of anti-HER2 scFv soluble expression in Escherichia coli

The relationship between the expression of HER2 and malignity of breast tumors has led to the generation of antibodies targeting HER2+ tumors. In addition, the expression of scFvs, as the smallest antigen-binding region of antibody containing two disulfide bonds in Escherichia coli often results in accumulating non-functional protein in the cytoplasm. A redox-modified strain of E. coli such as Origami (DE3) may facilitate the formation of proper disulfide bond in cytoplasm. The present study aimed to optimize the expression of anti-HER2 scFv in Origami and evaluate the influence of induction temperature, and host strain on the solubility of the protein. To this aim, chemicallysynthesized anti-HER2 scFv of Trastuzumab was cloned in pET-22b (+). The results demonstrated that anti-HER2 scFv is expressed in Origami, purified by using Ni-NTA column, and detected by anti-His antibody in Western blot analysis. The highest anti-HER2 scFv expression in Origami was achieved 24 h after IPTG induction (1 mM) at 37 oC. Further, the total anti-HER2 scFv expression level was higher in BL21, compared to Origami strain. However, the ratio of soluble/insoluble forms of anti-HER2 scFv increased in Origami strain. Furthermore, higher soluble expression was achieved when the culture of recombinant Origami was conducted at lower temperature (25 oC).

A Novel Fully-Human Potency-Matched Dual Cytokine-Antibody Fusion Protein Targets Carbonic Anhydrase IX in Renal Cell Carcinomas.

Certain cytokines synergize in activating anti-cancer immunity at the site of disease and it may be desirable to generate biopharmaceutical agents, capable of simultaneous delivery of cytokine pairs to the tumor. In this article, we have described the cloning, expression and characterization of IL2-XE114-TNFmut, a dual-cytokine biopharmaceutical featuring the sequential fusion of interleukin-2 (IL2) with the XE114 antibody in scFv format and a tumor necrosis factor mutant (TNFmut). The fusion protein recognized the cognate antigen (carbonic anhydrase IX, a marker of hypoxia and of renal cell carcinoma) with high affinity and specificity. IL2-XE114-TNFmut formed a stable non-covalent homotrimeric structure, displayed cytokine activity in in vitro tests and preferentially localized to solid tumors in vivo. The product exhibited a partial growth inhibition of murine CT26 tumors transfected for carbonic anhydrase IX. When administered to Cynomolgus monkey as intravenous injection, IL2-XE114-TNFmut showed the expected plasma concentration of ~1,500 ng/ml at early time points, indicating the absence of any in vivo trapping events, and a half-life of ~2 h. IL2-XE114-TNFmut may thus be considered as a promising biopharmaceutical for the treatment of metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, since these tumors are known to be sensitive to IL2 and to TNF.

PD-L1 Checkpoint Blockade Augments Anti-Tumor Immune Response of GD2 or HER2-Bsab Ex Vivo Armed T-Cells (EVAT) Therapy in Osteosarcoma

Background Ex Vivo Armed T-cells (EVAT) carrying zeptomoles (10-21M) of T-cell engaging GD2-bispecific antibody (GD2-EVAT) or HER2-bispecific antibodies (HER2-EVAT) have potent anti-tumor activity against GD2(+) and/or HER2(+) solid tumors. Strategies to further optimize this approach are highly relevant. PD-1 is a key immune checkpoint receptor expressed mainly by activated T-cells and mediates immune suppression by binding to its ligands PD-L1 or PD-L2. Upregulation of PD-L1 has been found in many cancers including osteosarcoma and associated with aggressive disease and poor outcome. While the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) seems logical, the ideal timing when combined with T-cell engaging bispecific antibody (T-BsAb) or EVAT has yet to be defined. Here, we described the effects of anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies on GD2-EVAT or HER2-EVAT therapy and explored the impact of its timing in the treatment of osteosarcoma which is GD2(+), HER2(+) and PD-L1(+). Methods GD2-BsAb and HER-BsAb were built using the IgG(L)-scFv format (Can Immunol Res, 3:266, 2015, Oncoimmunology, PMID:28405494). T-cells from healthy volunteer donors were isolated, and cultured ex vivo in the presence of CD3/CD28 beads plus 30 IU/mL of interleukin 2 (IL-2). Between day 7 and day 14, activated T-cells (ATCs) were harvested and armed for 20 minutes at room temperature with GD2-BsAb or HER2-BsAb. In vivo anti-tumor activity against GD2(+), HER2(+), and PD-L1(+) osteosarcoma cell line xenografts was tested in BALB-Rag2-/-IL-2R-γc-KO mice. Anti-human PD-1 antibody (pembrolizumab, anti-PD-1) or anti-human PD-L1 antibody (atezolizumab, anti-PD-L1) were tested for synergy with GD2-EVAT or HER2-EVAT therapy. Results The PD-1 expression increased among T-cells that circulated in the blood, that infiltrated the spleen or the tumor after EVAT therapy. While anti-PD-L1 combination therapy with GD2-EVAT or HER2-EVAT improved anti-tumor response against osteosarcoma (P=0.0123 and P=0.0004), anti-PD-1 did not (all P>0.05). The addition of anti-PD-L1 significantly increased T-cell survival in blood and T-cell infiltration of tumor when compared to GD2-EVAT or HER2-EVAT alone (all P<0.0001). Treatment of GD2-EVAT or anti-PD-L1 plus GD2-EVAT downregulated GD2 expression on tumors, but anti-PD-1 plus GD2-EVAT did not. For the next step we tested the impact of different combination schedules of ICIs on GD2-EVAT therapy. Concurrent anti-PD-1 (6 doses along with GD2-EVAT therapy) interfered with GD2-EVAT, while sequential anti-PD-1 (6 doses after GD2-EVAT) did not make a significant effect (P>0.05). On the other hand, while the concurrent use of anti-PD-L1 did not show benefit on GD2-EVAT, sequentially administered anti-PD-L1 produced a significant improvement in tumor control when compared to anti-PD-L1 or GD2-EVAT alone (P=0.002 and P=0.018). When anti-PD-L1 treatment was extended (12 doses after GD2-EVAT), the anti-tumor effect was most pronounced compared to GD2-EVAT alone (P <0.0001), which translated into improved survival (P=0.0057). These in vivo anti-tumor responses were associated with increased CD8(+) tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) of tumor. Conclusion In the arming platform, large numbers of target-specific T-cells can be generated, and this EVAT therapy is a highly effective cellular treatment with high potency in preclinical models. In addition, the advantage of ex vivo cytokine release following T-cell arming and activation could reduce or avoid life threatening cytokine storm if such activation was to proceed in vivo. Adoptive T-cell therapy induced immune response upregulates the inhibitory immune checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, and combination treatment with anti-PD-L1 antibody, especially when combined as sequential therapy and continuously treated, significantly improved anti-tumor effect of EVAT, partly through increase in CD8(+) TILs infiltration. Disclosures Xu: MSK: Other: co-inventors in patents on GD2 bispecific antibody and HER2 bispecific antibody. Cheung:Ymabs: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding.

Intracellular human antibody fragments recognizing the VP35 protein of Zaire Ebola filovirus inhibit the protein activity

BackgroundEbola hemorrhagic fever is caused by the Ebola filovirus (EBOV), which is one of the most aggressive infectious agents known worldwide. The EBOV pathogenesis starts with uncontrolled viral replication and subversion of both the innate and adaptive host immune response. The multifunctional viral VP35 protein is involved in this process by exerting an antagonistic action against the early antiviral alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) response, and represents a suitable target for the development of strategies to control EBOV infection.Phage display technology permits to select antibodies as single chain Fragment variable (scFv) from an artificial immune system, due to their ability to specifically recognize the antigen of interest. ScFv is ideal for genetic manipulation and to obtain antibody constructs useful for targeting either antigens expressed on cell surface or intracellular antigens if the scFv is expressed as intracellular antibody (intrabody) or delivered into the cells.ResultsMonoclonal antibodies (mAb) in scFv format specific for the EBOV VP35 were isolated from the ETH-2 library of human recombinant antibodies by phage display technology. Five different clones were identified by sequencing, produced in E.coli and expressed in CHO mammalian cells to be characterized in vitro. All the selected scFvs were able to react with recombinant VP35 protein in ELISA, one of the scFvs being also able to react in Western Blot assay (WB). In addition, all scFvs were expressed in cell cytoplasm as intrabodies; a luciferase reporter gene inhibition assay performed in A549 cells showed that two of the scFvs can significantly hamper the inhibition of the IFN-β-induced RIG-I signaling cascade mediated by EBOV VP35.ConclusionFive antibodies in scFv format recognize an active form of EBOV VP35 in ELISA, while one antibody also recognizes VP35 in WB. Two of these scFvs were also able to interfere with the intracellular activity of VP35 in a cell system in vitro. These findings suggest that such antibodies in scFv format might be employed to develop therapeutic molecules able to hamper EBOV infections.

Abstract 2387: NKG2A-antagonizing monoclonal antibodies identified through phage display

Abstract The inhibitory receptor NKG2A-CD94 is mainly expressed on NK cells and some T cell and mediates an inhibitory signal through association with a non-classical MHC class I molecule HLA-E, which is commonly over-expressed in human cancers. Targeting NKG2A with monoclonal antibody holds potentials in immunotherapy of cancer. However, proteins with homologous sequences such as NKG2C/CD94 or NKG2E/CD94 complexes generally deliver an activating signal upon ligand binding. NKG2A-specific antagonizing antibodies would be needed to further explore therapeutic potentials of targeting NKG2A for immunotherapy of cancer. We have developed and characterized panels of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that specifically recognize NKG2A. Balb/c or SJL mice had been immunized with recombinant NKG2A/CD94 protein, recombinant plasmids encoding hNKG2A or stable cell line with ectopic expression of hNKG2A. Splenocytes from such immunized animals were collected for construction of phage-displayed antibody library in a single chain variable fragment (scFv) format. The NKG2A-specific antibodies, that had no binding to NKG2C, NKG2E or CD94, were isolated through multiple rounds of phage panning and ELISA-based screening. Such antibodies also block HLA-E ligand binding and enhanced cytotoxicity of NK cell lines and primary NK cells on cancer cells. In summary, isolation and characterization of a panel of NKG2A-specific antagonizing antibodies enable us to further determine the feasibility of NKG2A-targeted immunotherapy of cancer. Citation Format: Jing Gao, Lili Hu, Ruirui Sui, Cuicui Guo, Lina Wang, Teddy Yang, Jack Han, Qing Duan, Louis Liu. NKG2A-antagonizing monoclonal antibodies identified through phage display [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2387.

Ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier opening enhances delivery of therapeutically relevant formats of a tau-specific antibody

The microtubule-associated protein tau is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies as its aggregation strongly correlates with disease progression and is considered a key mediator of neuronal toxicity. Delivery of most therapeutics to the brain is, however, inefficient, due to their limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therapeutic ultrasound is an emerging non-invasive technology which transiently opens the BBB in a focused manner to allow peripherally delivered molecules to effectively enter the brain. In order to open a large area of the BBB, we developed a scanning ultrasound (SUS) approach by which ultrasound is applied in a sequential pattern across the whole brain. We have previously shown that delivery of an anti-tau antibody in a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) format to the brain is increased with SUS allowing for an enhanced therapeutic effect. Here we compared the delivery of an anti-tau antibody, RN2N, in an scFv, fragment antigen-binding (Fab) and full-sized immunoglobulin G (IgG) format, with and without sonication, into the brain of pR5 tau transgenic mice, a model of tauopathy. Our results revealed that the full-sized IgG reaches a higher concentration in the brain compared with the smaller formats by bypassing renal excretion. No differences in either the ultrasound-mediated uptake or distribution in the brain from the sonication site was observed across the different antibody formats, suggesting that ultrasound can be used to successfully increase the delivery of therapeutic molecules of various sizes into the brain for the treatment of neurological diseases.

Generation of human and rabbit recombinant antibodies for the detection of Zearalenone by phage display antibody technology

This article reports the identification, engineering and characterisation of recombinant single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody against Zearalenone (ZEN), an oestrogenic mycotoxin, using phage display antibody technology. To increase the chance of obtaining clones that can bind to free toxin, the conjugated proteins of the target antigen, i.e. bovine serum albumin ZEN-BSA and ovalbumin ZEN-OVA, were switched during the biopanning. One phage-displayed scFv clone specific to free ZEN, designated yZEN2A8, could be isolated. The gene encoding the yZEN2A8 scFv was sub-cloned into the pET-21d (+) and pKP300 delta III vectors to generate the recombinant scFv and scFv-AP antibody formats, respectively. After ELISA optimisation by checkerboard titration, the sensitivities of the recombinant yZEN2A8 scFv antibody and scFv-AP fusion were improved approx. 2 and 60 folds, respectively. Competitive ELISA indicated that the median inhibition concentration (IC50) of recombinant yZEN2A8 scFv antibody and scFv-AP fusion after ELISA optimisation were 90 and 14 ng mL−1, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 20 and 2 ng mL−1, respectively. No cross-reactivity to other common mycotoxins was observed. Homology modelling illustrated specific binding of the recombinant antibody to ZEN and demonstrated the role of complementary determining regions (CDRs) of both the variable heavy and light chains in antibody-antigen interactions. Efficient application of scFv-AP for the detection of ZEN contamination in corns and wheat samples were investigated for the first time. The antibody in the form of scFv-AP can be used as a prototype for the development of a convenient reagent for the detection of ZEN contamination in various format, including biosensor-based.

Exceptionally Potent Cytotherapy Using T Cells Armed with Novel Tetravalent Recombinant Bispecific Antibodies Specific for GD2 and HER2

▪Introduction: T-cell based therapies have emerged as one of the major breakthroughs in anticancer treatment: Immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor gene-modified T-cells (CAR-T-cells), and T-cell engaging bispecific antibodies (BsAb) are leading the advances. In the era of personalized medicine, T-cells offer alternative strategies to overcome resistance to chemotherapy or small molecules. Yet, hurdles for such therapy can be crippling, such as inability of T cells to infiltrate “cold tumors”, cytokine release syndrome following T cell-based therapies, neurologic toxicity, and on-target off-tumor effects. To address these hurdles, polyclonal T-cells armed with GD2xCD3 or HER2xCD3 BsAb for cytotherapy hold promise. Ganglioside GD2 and HER2 are tumor associated surface antigens expressed in a broad spectrum of aggressive malignancies, while being restricted in normal tissues. Phase I trials of T-cells armed with a chemical conjugate of hu3F8 x mouse OKT3 (NCT02173093) or trastuzumab x mouse OKT3 (NCT00027807) demonstrated the safety of 160 x 106/kg/injection x 8 doses (or 1.28 x 109/cycle) with suggestion of clinical benefit. Here, we report the safety and efficacy of adoptive T-cell therapy armed with the recombinant forms of these BsAb for the treatment of GD2(+) and/or HER2(+) tumors in preclinical models.Methods: Recombinant anti-GD2 BsAb and anti-HER2 BsAb were made using the IgG(L)-scFv platform (Can Immunol Res, 3:266, 2015, Oncoimmunology, PMID:28405494). T-cells from normal volunteer donors were isolated, activated and expanded by CD3/CD28 beads in the presence of 100 IU/mL of interleukin 2 (IL-2). Between day 7 and day 14, activated T cells (ATCs) were harvested and armed for 20 minutes at room temperature with -GD2-BsAb or HER2-BsAb. After washing, armed ATCs were tested for cell surface density of BsAb and antibody dependent T cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADTC) in vitro. In vivo anti-tumor potencies of armed T cells were tested against GD2(+) or HER2(+) cell lines or patient derived xenografts (PDXs) in BALB-Rag2-/-IL-2R-γϲ-KO (DKO) mice.Results: GD2-BsAb of the IgG(L)-scFv form showed superior potency over other bispecific platforms in vitro and in vivo. GD2-BsAb or HER2-BsAb armed ATCs showed potent antigen-specific cytotoxicity against GD2 or HER2 positive tumors such as neuroblastoma, melanoma and osteosarcoma in vitro over a range of antibody dose (5 to 500 ng/106 cells). Optimal arming per T cell required 25,000 to 45,000 idiotype(+) molecules. There was no evidence of activation induced cell death when confronted by antigen or tumor target. In vivo GD2-BsAb or HER2-BsAb armed ATCs could ablate neuroblastoma, malignant melanoma, and osteosarcoma tumors over a range of cell doses (10x106, 20x106 and 40x106 per injection, one to three times a week for 2 to 4 weeks) with a range of BsAb doses (5 ng to 500 ng/million of T-cells) without significant toxicities in DKO mice. By immunohistochemistry, the frequency of tumor infiltrating CD3(+) T-cells strongly correlated with tumor response.Conclusions:Using the IgG(L)-scFv format, GD2-BsAb or HER2-BsAb armed ATCs could provide a potent and economical cytotherapy platform against GD2(+) or HER2(+) tumors without the complexity of gene modification (as in chimeric antigen receptor modified T cells). At such low arming doses, where BsAb is T cell bound, where ADTC is not induced, and T cell expansion is not required for anti-tumor effect, clinical toxicity is expected to be low. DisclosuresCheung:Ymabs: Patents & Royalties.

AAV2/8 Anti-angiogenic Gene Therapy Using Single-Chain Antibodies Inhibits Murine Choroidal Neovascularization

While anti-angiogenic therapies for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are effective for many patients, they require multiple injections and are expensive and prone to complications. Gene therapy could be an elegant solution for this problem by providing a long-term source of anti-angiogenic proteins after a single administration. Another potential issue with current therapeutic proteins containing a fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain (such as whole antibodies like bevacizumab) is the induction of an unwanted immune response. In wet AMD, a low level of inflammation is already present, so to avoid exacerbation of disease by the therapeutic protein, we propose single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies, which lack the Fc domain, as a safer alternative. To investigate the feasibility of this, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-blocking antibodies in two formats were produced and tested in vitro and in vivo. The scFv transgene was then cloned into an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. A therapeutic effect in a mouse model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was demonstrated with antibodies in both scFv and immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) formats (p < 0.04). Importantly, the scFv anti-VEGF antibody expressed from an AAV vector also had a significant beneficial effect (p = 0.02), providing valuable preclinical data for future translation to the clinic.

Generation and characterization of novel recombinant anti-hERG1 scFv antibodies for cancer molecular imaging.

Modern molecular imaging techniques have greatly improved tumor detection and post-treatment follow-up of cancer patients. In this context, antibody-based imaging is rapidly becoming the gold standard, since it combines the unique specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of the different imaging technologies. The aim of this study was to generate and characterize antibodies in single chain Fragment variable (scFv) format directed to an emerging cancer biomarker, the human ether-à-go-go-related gene-1 (hERG1) potassium channel, and to obtain a proof of concept for their potential use for in vivo molecular imaging.The anti-hERG1scFv was generated from a full length monoclonal antibody and then mutagenized, substituting a Phenylalanine residue in the third framework of the VH domain with a Cysteine residue. The resulting scFv-hERG1-Cys showed much higher stability and protein yield, increased affinity and more advantageous binding kinetics, compared to the “native” anti-hERG1scFv. The scFv-hERG1-Cys was hence chosen and characterized: it showed a good binding to the native hERG1 antigen expressed on cells, was stable in serum and displayed a fast pharmacokinetic profile once injected intravenously in nude mice. The calculated half-life was 3.1 hours and no general toxicity or cardiac toxic effects were detected. Finally, the in vivo distribution of an Alexa Fluor 750 conjugated scFv-hERG1-Cys was evaluated both in healthy and tumor-bearing nude mice, showing a good tumor-to-organ ratio, ideal for visualizing hERG1-expressing tumor masses in vivo.In conclusion, the scFv-hERG1-Cys possesses features which make it a suitable tool for application in cancer molecular imaging.

Abstract 2559: Generation and evaluation of an FLT3 CAR-T cell therapy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract Background: FLT3 (CD135) is a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed by hematopoietic progenitor cells, and when activated by ligand binding, FLT3 signaling can induce survival, proliferation and differentiation. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an indication with high unmet need, derives from hematopoietic progenitor lineage cells; consequently, many AML patient samples retain FLT3 expression on circulating leukemic cells. In comparison to the wide expression seen in AML patient samples, normal tissue expression of FLT3 is restricted to the hematopoietic compartment: a subset of hematopoietic stem cells, a subset of lineage committed progenitor cells and dendritic cells. Cell surface FLT3 protein was not detectable in those solid tissues that express quantifiable FLT3 mRNA (cerebellum, pancreas). As a result of this favorable expression profile, targeting AML cells using T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) directed against FLT3, is expected to provide benefit to patients. Methods: A panel of fully-human, anti-human FLT3 antibodies were generated, screened for specific FLT3 binding, converted to single chain variable fragments (scFv) and re-evaluated for binding and stability. Three anti-FLT3 scFv sequences were selected for incorporation into CAR constructs. T cells transduced with these CAR constructs were evaluated in vitro for cytotoxicity, proliferation and cytokine secretion, and in vivo in a mouse xenograft model. The lead anti-FLT3 scFv was combined with an anti-CD3 scFv (bispecific T cell engager (BiTE®) format) for evaluation in non-human primates (NHP). Results: Human T cells engineered to express anti-FLT3 CAR constructs were evaluated for cytotoxicity, proliferation and cytokine secretion in the presence of three FLT3-positive cell lines, each with a different number of surface-expressed FLT3 receptors, and one FLT3-negative cell line. While all constructs were selectively active against FLT3-positive cells, one construct was more active than the others against cells expressing very low levels of FLT3; 90% depletion of target cells with ~1600 receptors/cell was observed after 40 hours of co-culture with CAR T cells in a 1:1 ratio. This lead construct was further evaluated in a mouse xenograft model, where FLT3 CAR-T cells provided a survival advantage. The anti-FLT3 scFv used in the lead CAR construct was evaluated in NHP in the form of a BiTE®. In this 16-day, multi-dose study, the FLT3 BiTE® induced elimination of FLT3+ cells as assessed by depletion of FLT3 mRNA-expressing cells (97% reduction in FLT3 mRNA) in the circulation and increased levels of soluble FLT3 ligand in serum. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the potential of using FLT3 CAR-T cell therapy for the treatment of AML. Citation Format: Tara L. Arvedson, Alice Bakker, Herve Lebrec, Gregor Adams, Armen Madiros, Priya Koppikar, Mercedesz Balazs, Mei Gong, Yan Zheng, Rebecca Goldstein, Tony Polverino, Lawren Wu, Angela Coxon. Generation and evaluation of an FLT3 CAR-T cell therapy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2559.

Antibodies and Engineered Antibody Fragments against M13 Filamentous Phage to Facilitate Phage-Display-Based Molecular Breeding.

Antibodies are essential for characterizing various analytes. "Molecular-breeding" approaches enable rapid generation of antibody mutants with desirable antigen-binding abilities. Typically, prototype antibodies are converted to single-chain Fv fragments (scFvs), and random mutations are genetically introduced to construct molecular libraries with a vast diversity. Improved species therein are then isolated via phage display genotype-phenotype-connecting systems to separate them from a large excess of nonspecific scFvs. During these experiments, counting of phage particles is routinely performed. However, current methods depend on the time-consuming overnight cultivation of phage-infected bacteria on agar plates to estimate phage numbers as plaque-forming units (pfu) or colony-forming units, the results of which fluctuate considerably. Immunochemical systems capturing phage particles should be a more convenient and robust alternative. We therefore generated monoclonal antibodies against M13 filamentous phage, which is commonly used for phage display, by employing hybridoma technology. Combinatorial use of two such antibodies (Ab-M13#53 and #71; both specific to the major coat protein pVIII) enabled development of a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that could measure ca. 107-1010 phage pfu/mL. To construct a more convenient system, Ab-M13#71 was converted to the scFv form and further fused with an alkaline phosphatase variant. Using this fusion protein, the sandwich ELISA enabled rapid (within 90 min) and reliable phage counting without reducing the sensitivity, and the results were reasonably consistent with those of infection-based methods. The present anti-phage antibodies and scFvs might also enable visualization of individual phage particles by combining them with sensitive fluorescent staining.

Interaction of S17 Antibody with the Functional Binding Region of the Hepatitis B Virus Pre-S2 Epitope.

To understand the mechanism for inhibition of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is important. In this study, single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies were generated and directed to the pre-S2 epitope of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). These human scFvs were isolated from a person with history of HBV infection by phage display technology. An evaluation of panning efficiency revealed that the eluted phage titer was increased, indicating that specific clones were enriched after panning. Selected scFvs were characterized with the recombinant HBsAg through Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to confirm the binding ability. Flow cytometry analysis and immunocytochemical staining revealed that one scFv, S17, could recognize endogenous HBsAg expressed on the HepG2215 cell membrane. Moreover, the binding affinity of scFv S17 to the pre-S2 epitope was determined to be 4.2 × 10-8 M. Two ion interactions were observed as the major driving forces for scFv S17 interacting with pre-S2 by performing a rational molecular docking analysis. This study provides insights into the structural basis to understand the interactions between an antibody and the pre-S2 epitope. The functional scFv format can potentially be used in future immunotherapeutic applications.