Unlabeled Antibody Research Articles

New Dioxaborolane Chemistry Enables [(18)F]-Positron-Emitting, Fluorescent [(18)F]-Multimodality Biomolecule Generation from the Solid Phase.

New protecting group chemistry is used to greatly simplify imaging probe production. Temperature and organic solvent-sensitive biomolecules are covalently attached to a biotin-bearing dioxaborolane, which facilitates antibody immobilization on a streptavidin-agarose solid-phase support. Treatment with aqueous fluoride triggers fluoride-labeled antibody release from the solid phase, separated from unlabeled antibody, and creates [(18)F]-trifluoroborate-antibody for positron emission tomography and near-infrared fluorescent (PET/NIRF) multimodality imaging. This dioxaborolane-fluoride reaction is bioorthogonal, does not inhibit antigen binding, and increases [(18)F]-specific activity relative to solution-based radiosyntheses. Two applications are investigated: an anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) monoclonal antibody (mAb) that labels prostate tumors and Cetuximab, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mAb (FDA approved) that labels lung adenocarcinoma tumors. Colocalized, tumor-specific NIRF and PET imaging confirm utility of the new technology. The described chemistry should allow labeling of many commercial systems, diabodies, nanoparticles, and small molecules for dual modality imaging of many diseases.

New pathogen-specific immunoPET/MR tracer for molecular imaging of a systemic bacterial infection

The specific and rapid detection of Enterobacteriaceae, the most frequent cause of gram-negative bacterial infections in humans, remains a major challenge. We developed a non-invasive method to rapidly detect systemic Yersinia enterocolitica infections using immunoPET (antibody-targeted positron emission tomography) with [64Cu]NODAGA-labeled Yersinia-specific polyclonal antibodies targeting the outer membrane protein YadA. In contrast to the tracer [18F]FDG, [64Cu]NODAGA-YadA uptake co-localized in a dose dependent manner with bacterial lesions of Yersinia-infected mice, as detected by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. This was accompanied by elevated uptake of [64Cu]NODAGA-YadA in infected tissues, in ex vivo biodistribution studies, whereas reduced uptake was observed following blocking with unlabeled anti-YadA antibody. We show, for the first time, a bacteria-specific, antibody-based, in vivo imaging method for the diagnosis of a Gram-negative enterobacterial infection as a proof of concept, which may provide new insights into pathogen-host interactions.

Imaging, Biodistribution, and Dosimetry of Radionuclide-Labeled PD-L1 Antibody in an Immunocompetent Mouse Model of Breast Cancer.

The programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) participates in an immune checkpoint system involved in preventing autoimmunity. PD-L1 is expressed on tumor cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and other cells in the tumor microenvironment. Anti-PD-L1 antibodies are active against a variety of cancers, and combined anti-PD-L1 therapy with external beam radiotherapy has been shown to increase therapeutic efficacy. PD-L1 expression status is an important indicator of prognosis and therapy responsiveness, but methods to precisely capture the dynamics of PD-L1 expression in the tumor microenvironment are still limited. In this study, we developed a murine anti-PD-L1 antibody conjugated to the radionuclide Indium-111 ((111)In) for imaging and biodistribution studies in an immune-intact mouse model of breast cancer. The distribution of (111)In-DTPA-anti-PD-L1 in tumors as well as the spleen, liver, thymus, heart, and lungs peaked 72 hours after injection. Coinjection of labeled and 100-fold unlabeled antibody significantly reduced spleen uptake at 24 hours, indicating that an excess of unlabeled antibody effectively blocked PD-L1 sites in the spleen, thus shifting the concentration of (111)In-DTPA-anti-PD-L1 into the blood stream and potentially increasing tumor uptake. Clearance of (111)In-DTPA-anti-PD-L1 from all organs occurred at 144 hours. Moreover, dosimetry calculations revealed that radionuclide-labeled anti-PD-L1 antibody yielded tolerable projected marrow doses, further supporting its use for radiopharmaceutical therapy. Taken together, these studies demonstrate the feasibility of using anti-PD-L1 antibody for radionuclide imaging and radioimmunotherapy and highlight a new opportunity to optimize and monitor the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition therapy.

Physicochemical Evaluation of Lyophilized Formulation of p-SCN-Bn-DOTA- and p-SCN-Bn-DTPA-rituximab for NHL Radio Immunotherapy.

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is said to be more advantageous compared to unlabelled therapeutic antibodies. To this date, radiolabelled murine anti-CD20 mAbs, Zevalin® and Bexxar® have been approved for imaging and therapy. A preparation containing rituximab, chimeric mAb radio immunoconjugate suitable for Lu-177 labeling, could provide better imaging and therapeutic profile at the same time. This study was conducted to evaluate prepared lyophilized formulations of two rituximab immune conjugates, intended for immediate Lu-177 labeling, for imaging and therapy. The characterization of the conjugates and demonstration of the integrity of the protein and purity after conjugation and lyophilization was performed by SDS-PAGE, FT-IR and MALDI-TOF-MS. The results showed preserved antibody structure and average of 6.1 p-SCN-Bn-DOTA and 8.8 p-SCN-Bn-DTPA groups per antibody molecule which is suitable for successful labeling. These results support the possibility of developing a "ready-to-label" rituximab immune conjugates for NHL imaging/therapy.

Activation, Isolation, and Analysis of the Death-Inducing Signaling Complex.

This protocol describes activation, isolation, and analysis of the CD95 (APO-1/Fas) death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) using affinity purification. Activation is achieved using a biotin-labeled anti-CD95 antibody and the native DISC complex is captured using streptavidin beads. This approach minimizes both the number of steps involved and any potential nonspecific interactions or cross-reactivity of antibodies commonly seen in immunoprecipitations using unlabeled antibodies and protein A/G beads. Composition of the isolated complex is analyzed via western blot to identify known DISC components, and dimerization-induced autocatalytic processing of procaspase-8 at the DISC can be confirmed by detection of caspase-8 cleavage products. The potential for DISC-associated caspase-8 to activate the caspase cascade can be determined by measuring caspase-8-dependent cleavage of the fluorigenic substrate Ac-IETD.AFC, or by performing a bioassay using exogenous protein substrates.

Evaluation of immunoconjugates of non-radioactive lutetium- and yttrium-rituximab – a vibrational spectroscopy study

<p>Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the molecular structure of the recombinant monoclonal antibody and anti-CD20-conjugates which are intended to be used as anti-cancer therapeutic agents. We characterized the secondary structure of a therapeutic immunoconjugates, formulated with different bifunctional chelating agents and labeled with non-radioactive lutetium and yttrium. The secondary structure content of all three immunoconjugates was assessed to be similar to that of unlabeled antibody. In addition, no significant changes upon lyophilizing procedures were observed. The results demonstrate that amide bands could be taken as analytical peak which enables quick and reliable way for screening of protein pharmaceuticals during development of lyophilized formulations.<strong></strong></p>

Novel Radiotracer for ImmunoPET Imaging of PD-1 Checkpoint Expression on Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes.

Immune checkpoint signaling through the programmed death 1 (PD-1) axis to its ligand (PD-L1) significantly dampens anti-tumor immune responses. Cancer patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors that block this suppressive signaling have exhibited objective response rates of 20-40% for advanced solid tumors, lymphomas, and malignant melanomas. This represents a tremendous advance in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, all patients do not respond to immune checkpoint blockade. Recent findings suggest that patients with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) expressing PD-1 may be most likely to respond to αPD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors. There is a compelling need for diagnostic and prognostic imaging tools to assess the PD-1 status of TILs in vivo. Here we have developed a novel immunoPET tracer to image PD-1 expressing TILs in a transgenic mouse model bearing melanoma. A (64)Cu labeled anti-mouse antibody (IgG) PD-1 immuno positron emission tomography (PET) tracer was developed to detect PD-1 expressing murine TILs. Quality control of the tracer showed >95% purity by HPLC and >70% immunoreactivity in an in vitro cell binding assay. ImmunoPET scans were performed over 1-48 h on Foxp3+.LuciDTR4 mice bearing B16-F10 melanoma tumors. Mice receiving anti-PD-1 tracer (200 ± 10 μCi/10-12 μg/200 μL) revealed high tracer uptake in lymphoid organs and tumors. BLI images of FoxP3(+) CD4(+) Tregs known to express PD-1 confirmed lymphocyte infiltration of tumors at the time of PET imaging. Biodistribution measurements performed at 48 h revealed a high (11×) tumor to muscle uptake ratio of the PET tracer (p < 0.05). PD-1 tumors exhibited 7.4 ± 0.7%ID/g tracer uptake and showed a 2× fold signal decrease when binding was blocked by unlabeled antibody. To the best of our knowledge this data is the first report to image PD-1 expression in living subjects with PET. This radiotracer has the potential to assess the prognostic value of PD-1 in preclinical models of immunotherapy and may ultimately aid in predicting response to therapies targeting immune checkpoints.

Abstract 4749: Simultaneous multi-omic measurement of nucleic-acids and proteins at 800-plex using single-molecule optical barcodes: Application to cancer immunotherapy

Abstract Both ENCODE and TCGA projects highlighted the value of quantifying multiple biomarker classes (DNA, RNA, protein) from cancer tumor samples. In the case of cancer immunotherapy, the importance of measuring non-DNA markers (e.g., mRNA and proteins) becomes crucial, since cell-signaling, tumor microenvironment, and protein-protein interactions dominate over pure SNP-based (DNA) driver mutations in determining therapeutic response. Combining multiple data types together into a single correlated analysis, however, is adversely effected by the drastically different methodologies utilized for measurement. For example, the fluorescence signal intensity obtained from a camera imaging a protein array (e.g., RPPA) is very difficult to correlate directly with an RNA-Sequencing count of a clonally amplified, cDNA-converted, mRNA molecule. New developments in multiple biomarker-class optical barcode counting significantly reduce this problem. Recent work from the Weissleder-lab [1] has shown how optical barcode technology can be utilized for multiplexed digital counting of proteins, and be combined with simultaneous digital counting of nucleic-acids on a single platform. In this study we describe single-molecule digital counting of mRNA and proteins in a single simultaneous reaction using ∼ 50,000 cells as input (∼ 1000 cells if only protein-targets). Since multiplexed digital protein counting with barcodes is relatively new, a detailed comparison study versus flow cytometry was performed. Short photo-cleavable 60-mer single-stranded DNA-tags that index, and hybridize to, NanoString Optical barcodes were covalently labeled on the following antibody targets: EGFR, pEGFR, HistoneH3, CD45, FoxP3, pAKT, PCNA, GAPDH, Her3, PD-L1, pS6, Her2, ERK, pERK, and a rabbit monoclonal control. Single-target flow cytometry was performed on three cell-lines (A431, A565, H520) using the unlabeled primary antibodies and detected using FITC-dye labeled goat anti-rabbit. The flow-data were then compared to simultaneous 15-plex optical barcode detection. In all cases, high correlation coefficients (&amp;gt; 0.9) were obtained when comparing any single-target (flow vs. 15-plex optical barcode) across all cell-lines (for above-background markers). Additionally, post-translational modifications were both imaged (F-IHC) and digitally counted, revealing a high correlation in response. These multiplexed protein measurements can now be simultaneously combined with the PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel, consisting of 770 mRNAs representing 24 infiltrating immune cell-types, as well as a number of antigen processing pathways, yielding an unprecedented multi-omics measurement of tumor immune response. [1] Ullal et al. Science Translational Medicine 6:219 (Jan 15 2014) Citation Format: Joseph M. Beechem, Gary Geiss, Brian Filanoski, Brian Birditt. Simultaneous multi-omic measurement of nucleic-acids and proteins at 800-plex using single-molecule optical barcodes: Application to cancer immunotherapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4749. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4749

A sandwich electrochemical immunosensor for Salmonella pullorum and Salmonella gallinarum based on a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with an ionic liquid and electrodeposited gold nanoparticles

This article describes an electrochemical immunosensor for rapid determination of Salmonella pullorum and Salmonella gallinarum. The first step in the preparation of the immunosensor involves the electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles used for capturing antibody and enhancing signals. In order to generate a benign microenvironment for the antibody, the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate was used to modify the surface of a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The single steps of modification were monitored via cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Based on these findings, a sandwich immunoassay was worked out for the two Salmonella species by immobilizing the respective unlabeled antibodies on the SPCE. Following exposure to the analytes, secondary antibody (labeled with HRP) is added to form the sandwich. After adding hydrogen peroxide and thionine, the latter is oxidized and its signal measured via CV. A linear response to the Salmonella species is obtained in the 104 to 109 cfu · mL−1 concentration range, and the detection limits are 3.0 × 103 cfu · mL−1 for both species (at an SNR of 3). This assay is sensitive, highly specific, acceptably accurate and reproducible. Given its low detection limit, it represents a promising tool for the detection of S. pullorum, S. gallinarum, and - conceivably - of other food-borne pathogens by exchanging the antibody.

Naive and radiolabeled antibodies to E6 and E7 HPV-16 oncoproteins show pronounced antitumor activity in experimental cervical cancer.

In spite of profound reduction in incidence, cervical cancer claims >275,000 lives annually. Previously we demonstrated efficacy and safety of radioimmunotherapy directed at HPV16 E6 oncoprotein in experimental cervical cancer. We undertook a direct comparison of targeting E7 and E6 oncoproteins with specific (188)Rhenium-labeled monoclonal antibodies in CasKi subcutaneous xenografts of cervical cancer cells in mice. The most significant tumor inhibition was seen in radioimmunotherapy-treated mice, followed by the unlabeled monoclonal antibodies to E6 and E7. No hematological toxicity was observed. Immunohistochemistry suggests that the effect of unlabeled antibodies is C3 complement mediated. We have demonstrated for the first time that radioimmunotherapy directed toward E7 oncoprotein inhibits experimental tumors growth, decreases E7 expression and may offer a novel approach to cervical cancer therapy.

Sensitive targeted multiple protein quantification based on elemental detection of Quantum Dots

A generic strategy based on the use of CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots (QDs) as elemental labels for protein quantification, using immunoassays with elemental mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), detection is presented. In this strategy, streptavidin modified QDs (QDs-SA) are bioconjugated to a biotinylated secondary antibody (b-Ab2). After a multi-technique characterization of the synthesized generic platform (QDs-SA-b-Ab2) it was applied to the sequential quantification of five proteins (transferrin, complement C3, apolipoprotein A1, transthyretin and apolipoprotein A4) at different concentration levels in human serum samples. It is shown how this generic strategy does only require the appropriate unlabeled primary antibody for each protein to be detected. Therefore, it introduces a way out to the need for the cumbersome and specific bioconjugation of the QDs to the corresponding specific recognition antibody for every target analyte (protein). Results obtained were validated with those obtained using UV–vis spectrophotometry and commercial ELISA Kits.As expected, ICP-MS offered one order of magnitude lower DL (0.23fmol absolute for transferrin) than the classical spectrophotometric detection (3.2fmol absolute). ICP-MS precision and detection limits, however turned out to be compromised by procedural blanks. The full analytical performance of the ICP-MS-based immunoassay proposed was assessed for detection of transferrin (Tf), present at the low ngmL−1 range in a complex “model” synthetic matrix, where the total protein concentration was 100μgmL−1. Finally, ICP-MS detection allowed the quantitative control of all the steps of the proposed immunoassay, by computing mass balances obtained, and the development of a faster indirect immunoassay format where the plate wells were directly coated with the whole protein mixture sample.

Pretargeted imaging and radioimmunotherapy of cancer using antibodies and bioorthogonal chemistry.

Selective delivery of radionuclides to tumors may be accomplished using a two-step approach, in which in the first step the tumor is pretargeted with an unlabeled antibody construct and in the second step the tumor is targeted with a radiolabeled small molecule. This results in a more rapid clearance of the radioactivity from normal tissues due to the fast pharmacokinetics of the small molecule as compared to antibodies. In the last decade, several pretargeting approaches have been tested, which have shown improved tumor-to-background ratios and thus improved imaging and therapy as compared to directly labeled antibodies. In this review, we will discuss the strategies and applications in (pre-)clinical studies of pretargeting concepts based on the use of bispecific antibodies, which are capable of binding to both a target antigen and a radiolabeled peptide. So far, three generations of the bispecific antibody-based pretargeting approach have been studied. The first clinical studies have shown the feasibility and potential for these pretargeting systems to detect and treat tumor lesions. However, to fully integrate the pretargeting approach in clinic, further research should focus on the best regime and pretargeting protocol. Additionally, recent developments in the use of bioorthogonal chemistry for pretargeting of tumors suggest that this chemical pretargeting approach is an attractive alternative strategy for the detection and treatment of tumor lesions.

Abstract 4300: Receptor occupancy and tumor penetration by antibodies, peptides, and antibody fragments: Molecular simulation of imaging assessment

Abstract Background: Non-uniform tumor penetration by antibodies may contribute to therapeutic failure. Competition experiments by radiolabeled antibody imaging can guide selection of the antibody dose that fully blocks target binding and thus corresponds to complete therapeutic coverage. However, because antibodies penetrate tumors slowly and non-uniformly, such a competition experiment may reflect only the most accessible sites. A novel approach, termed enhanced competition, has been proposed in which the radiolabeled moiety is smaller and more readily diffusible. In this study, simulations were conducted in order to examine the enhanced competition experiment. Materials and Methods: The Krogh cylinder distributed model was implemented to simulate the distribution of antibody, antibody fragment, affibody, or peptide in the tumor as a function of time and distance from the capillary wall. Simulations explored traditional and enhanced competition experiments, varying parameters including the nature of the small construct, time between administration of unlabeled and radiolabeled compounds, mass dose, affinity, antigen density, and internalization rate. Results were plotted as nanomolar concentration versus time and distance from the capillary wall. In addition, total tumor %ID/g is presented as a function of time and as a function of unlabeled antibody dose. Results: Simulation results showed that small constructs access sites in tumors at distances far from capillaries that are not readily accessible to intact antibodies. Under conditions of high affinity (1-10 nM), high antigen density (150,000 sites/cell), and compound internalization (t1/2 = 13 h), a mass of &amp;gt; 40 μg/kg of peptide or affibody construct required a higher dose of antibody to displace the radioactive signal compared to traditional competition with radiolabeled antibody. However, the difference in imaging signal between sub-saturating and fully displacing antibody doses is expected to be difficult to detect. Conclusions: The phenomenon predicted by the enhanced competition paradigm using small constructs is validated by modeling. Simulated imaging competition experiments indicate that affinity and mass dose levels are critical factors in this approach. High affinity small constructs and enhanced precision of imaging techniques will be required to fully evaluate target occupancy and saturation in vivo. Citation Format: Kelly D. Orcutt, Gregory P. Adams, Anna M. Wu, Matthew Silva, Jack Hoppin, Catey Harwell, Manabu Matsumura, Masakatsu Kotsuma, Daniel Freeman, Archie Tse, Jonathan Greenberg, Andrew Scott, Robert A. Beckman. Receptor occupancy and tumor penetration by antibodies, peptides, and antibody fragments: Molecular simulation of imaging assessment. [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 4300. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4300

A sandwich-type label-free electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for neurotensin based on sombrero model with graphene-hyaluronate-luminol composite

An ultrasensitive sandwich-type label-free electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor based on sombrero model for the detection of neurotensin (NT) in human serum and urine was developed. Graphene-hyaluronate-luminol (G-HY-luminol) composite was coated on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode to build the ECL immunosensor, which gave in-situ ECL signals by luminol. A secondary NT unlabelled antibody was used to form the final sandwich immunocomplex as a sombrero model, facilitating reduction of the ECL intensity to improve the sensitivity of detection significantly. Results showed that the inhibition of ECL intensity increased with the logarithm of NT concentration within a wide linear range from 0.001pgcm−3 to 100pgcm−3. In addition, specificity, stability, reproducibility, regeneration and application were satisfactory. Therefore, this developed ECL immunosensor has a potential for practical detection of NT and NT-like peptides with small molecular weight in the clinical diagnostics.

Differential Labeling of Cell-surface and Internalized Proteins after Antibody Feeding of Live Cultured Neurons

In order to demonstrate the cell-surface localization of a putative transmembrane receptor in cultured neurons, we labeled the protein on the surface of live neurons with a specific primary antibody raised against an extracellular portion of the protein. Given that receptors are trafficked to and from the surface, if cells are permeabilized after fixation then both cell-surface and internal protein will be detected by the same labeled secondary antibody. Here, we adapted a method used to study protein trafficking (“antibody feeding”) to differentially label protein that had been internalized by endocytosis during the antibody incubation step and protein that either remained on the cell surface or was trafficked to the surface during this period. The ability to distinguish these two pools of protein was made possible through the incorporation of an overnight blocking step with highly-concentrated unlabeled secondary antibody after an initial incubation of unpermeabilized neurons with a fluorescently-labeled secondary antibody. After the blocking step, permeabilization of the neurons allowed detection of the internalized pool with a fluorescent secondary antibody labeled with a different fluorophore. Using this technique we were able to obtain important information about the subcellular location of this putative receptor, revealing that it was, indeed, trafficked to the cell-surface in neurons. This technique is broadly applicable to a range of cell types and cell-surface proteins, providing a suitable antibody to an extracellular epitope is available.

Differential Labeling of Cell-surface and Internalized Proteins after Antibody Feeding of Live Cultured Neurons

In order to demonstrate the cell-surface localization of a putative transmembrane receptor in cultured neurons, we labeled the protein on the surface of live neurons with a specific primary antibody raised against an extracellular portion of the protein. Given that receptors are trafficked to and from the surface, if cells are permeabilized after fixation then both cell-surface and internal protein will be detected by the same labeled secondary antibody. Here, we adapted a method used to study protein trafficking ("antibody feeding") to differentially label protein that had been internalized by endocytosis during the antibody incubation step and protein that either remained on the cell surface or was trafficked to the surface during this period. The ability to distinguish these two pools of protein was made possible through the incorporation of an overnight blocking step with highly-concentrated unlabeled secondary antibody after an initial incubation of unpermeabilized neurons with a fluorescently-labeled secondary antibody. After the blocking step, permeabilization of the neurons allowed detection of the internalized pool with a fluorescent secondary antibody labeled with a different fluorophore. Using this technique we were able to obtain important information about the subcellular location of this putative receptor, revealing that it was, indeed, trafficked to the cell-surface in neurons. This technique is broadly applicable to a range of cell types and cell-surface proteins, providing a suitable antibody to an extracellular epitope is available.

New whole-body multimodality imaging of gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis combining fluorescence imaging with ICG-labeled antibody and MRI in mice

Peritoneal metastasis is the most frequent pattern of recurrence after curative surgery for gastric cancer. However, such a recurrence is difficult to detect by conventional computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at an early stage. To improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic imaging for peritoneal metastasis, we developed a new type of multimodality imaging combining fluorescence imaging with near-infrared fluorophore (NIR)-labeled antibodies and MRI. Dual optical imaging of peritoneal metastasis was carried out using luciferase-tagged gastric cancer cell lines and XenoLight CF750 or indocyanine green (ICG)-labeled anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or CEA antibody as a probe in mice with Ivis in vivo imaging system. This whole-body fluorescent imaging system sensitively detected metastatic foci <1mm in diameter in the peritoneal cavity noninvasively. Fluorescence imaging proved to be specific because the fluorescence signal was abolished by blocking with excess unlabeled antibody. Although this fluorescence imaging had higher sensitivity for detection of small-sized peritoneal metastases than MRI, it proved difficult to accurately determine organ distribution of the metastasis. We thus developed a multimodality imaging system by the fusion of the three-dimensional fluorescence image with the MRI image and demonstrated its improved diagnostic accuracy over either method alone. The present results suggest that multimodality imaging consisting of fluorescence imaging with NIR-labeled EGFR or CEA antibody and MRI allows sensitive, specific, and anatomically accurate detection of peritoneal metastasis noninvasively at an early stage.

Imaging the L-Type Amino Acid Transporter-1 (LAT1) with Zr-89 ImmunoPET

The L-type amino acid transporter-1 (LAT1, SLC7A5) is upregulated in a wide range of human cancers, positively correlated with the biological aggressiveness of tumors, and a promising target for both imaging and therapy. Radiolabeled amino acids such as O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (FET) that are transport substrates for system L amino acid transporters including LAT1 have met limited success for oncologic imaging outside of the brain, and thus new strategies are needed for imaging LAT1 in systemic cancers. Here, we describe the development and biological evaluation of a novel zirconium-89 labeled antibody, [89Zr]DFO-Ab2, targeting the extracellular domain of LAT1 in a preclinical model of colorectal cancer. This tracer demonstrated specificity for LAT1 in vitro and in vivo with excellent tumor imaging properties in mice with xenograft tumors. PET imaging studies showed high tumor uptake, with optimal tumor-to-non target contrast achieved at 7 days post administration. Biodistribution studies demonstrated tumor uptake of 10.5 ± 1.8 percent injected dose per gram (%ID/g) at 7 days with a tumor to muscle ratio of 13 to 1. In contrast, the peak tumor uptake of the radiolabeled amino acid [18F]FET was 4.4 ± 0.5 %ID/g at 30 min after injection with a tumor to muscle ratio of 1.4 to 1. Blocking studies with unlabeled anti-LAT1 antibody demonstrated a 55% reduction of [89Zr]DFO-Ab2 accumulation in the tumor at 7 days. These results are the first report of direct PET imaging of LAT1 and demonstrate the potential of immunoPET agents for imaging specific amino acid transporters.

The Intratumoral Distribution of Radiolabeled 177Lu-BR96 Monoclonal Antibodies Changes in Relation to Tumor Histology over Time in a Syngeneic Rat Colon Carcinoma Model

The therapeutic effect of radioimmunotherapy depends on the distribution of the absorbed dose in relation to viable cancer cells within the tumor, which in turn is a function of the activity distribution. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of (177)Lu-DOTA-BR96 monoclonal antibodies targeting the Lewis Y antigen over 7 d using a syngeneic rat model of colon carcinoma. Thirty-eight tumor-bearing rats were intravenously given 25 or 50 MBq of (177)Lu-DOTA-BR96 per kilogram of body weight and were sacrificed 2, 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, or 168 h after injection, with activity measured in blood and tumor samples. Adjacent cryosections of each tumor were analyzed in 3 ways: imaging using a silicon-strip detector for digital autoradiography, staining for histologic characterization, or staining to determine the distribution of the antigen, vasculature, and proliferating cells using immunohistochemistry. Absorbed-dose rate distribution images at the moment of sacrifice were calculated using the activity distribution and a point-dose kernel. The correlations between antigen expression and both activity uptake and absorbed-dose rate were calculated for several regions of interest in each tumor. Nine additional animals with tumors were given unlabeled antibody to evaluate possible immunologic effects. At 2-8 h after injection, activity was found in the tumor margins; at 24 h, in viable antigen-expressing areas within the tumor; and at 48 h and later, increasingly in antigen-negative areas of granulation tissue. The correlation between antigen expression and both the mean activity and the absorbed-dose rate in regions of interest changed from positive to negative after 24 h after injection. Antigen-negative areas also increased over time in animals injected with unlabeled BR96, compared with untreated tumors. The results indicate that viable Lewis Y-expressing tumor cells are most efficiently treated during the initial uptake period. The activity then seems to remain in these initial uptake regions after the elimination of tumor cells and formation of granulation tissue. Further studies using these techniques could aid in determining the effects of the intratumoral activity distribution on overall therapeutic efficacy.

Targeted alpha-therapy using [Bi-213]anti-CD20 as novel treatment option for radio- and chemoresistant non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is an emerging treatment option for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) producing higher overall response and complete remission rates compared with unlabelled antibodies. However, the majority of patients treated with conventional or myeloablative doses of radiolabelled antibodies relapse. The development of RIT with alpha-emitters is attractive for a variety of cancers because of the high linear energy transfer (LET) and short path length of alpha-radiation in human tissue, allowing higher tumour cell kill and lower toxicity to healthy tissues. In this study, we investigated the molecular effects of the alpha-emitter Bi-213 labelled to anti-CD20 antibodies ([Bi-213]anti-CD20) on cell cycle and cell death in sensitive and radio-/chemoresistant NHL cells. [Bi-213]anti-CD20 induced apoptosis, activated caspase-3, caspase-2 and caspase-9 and cleaved PARP specifically in CD20-expressing sensitive as well as in chemoresistant, beta-radiation resistant and gamma-radiation resistant NHL cells. CD20 negative cells were not affected by [Bi-213]anti-CD20 and unspecific antibodies labelled with Bi-213 could not kill NHL cells. Breaking radio-/ chemoresistance in NHL cells using [Bi-213]anti-CD20 depends on caspase activation as demonstrated by complete inhibition of [Bi-213]anti-CD20-induced apoptosis with zVAD.fmk, a specific inhibitor of caspases activation. This suggests that deficient activation of caspases was reversed in radioresistant NHL cells using [Bi-213]anti- CD20. Activation of mitochondria, resulting in caspase-9 activation was restored and downregulation of Bcl-x(L) and XIAP, death-inhibiting proteins, was found after [Bi- 213]anti-CD20 treatment in radio-/chemosensitive and radio-/chemoresistant NHL cells. [Bi-213]anti-CD20 seems to be a promising radioimmunoconjugate to improve therapeutic success by breaking radio- and chemoresistance selectively in CD20- expressing NHL cells via re-activating apoptotic pathways through reversing deficient activation of caspases and the mitochondrial pathway and downregulation of XIAP and Bcl-x(L).