Comparative evaluation of tumor targeting using the anti-HER2 ADAPT scaffold protein labeled at the C-terminus with indium-111 or technetium-99m (original) (raw)
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European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2018
ADAPTs are small engineered non-immunoglobulin scaffold proteins, which have demonstrated very promising features as vectors for radionuclide tumour targeting. Radionuclide imaging of human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) expression in vivo might be used for stratification of patients for HER2-targeting therapies. ADAPT6, which specifically binds to HER2, has earlier been shown to have very promising features for in vivo targeting of HER2 expressing tumours. In this study we tested the hypothesis that dimerization of ADAPT6 would increase the apparent affinity to HER2 and accordingly improve tumour targeting. To find an optimal molecular design of dimers, a series of ADAPT dimers with different linkers,-SSSG-(DiADAPT6L1),-(SSSG) 2-(DiADAPT6L2), and-(SSSG) 3-(DiADAPT6L3) was evaluated. Dimers in combination with optimal linker lengths demonstrated increased apparent affinity to HER2. The best variants, DiADAPT6L2 and DiADAPT6L3 were site-specifically labelled with 111 In and 125 I, and compared with a monomeric ADAPT6 in mice bearing HER2-expressing tumours. Despite higher affinity, both dimers had lower tumour uptake and lower tumour-to-organ ratios compared to the monomer. We conclude that improved affinity of a dimeric form of ADAPT does not compensate the disadvantage of increased size. Therefore, increase of affinity should be obtained by affinity maturation and not by dimerization.
Pharmaceutics, 2021
Albumin binding domain derived affinity proteins (ADAPTs) are a class of small and folded engineered scaffold proteins that holds great promise for targeting cancer tumors. Here, we have extended the in vivo half-life of an ADAPT, targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) by fusion with an albumin binding domain (ABD), and armed it with the highly cytotoxic payload mertansine (DM1) for an investigation of its properties in vitro and in vivo. The resulting drug conjugate, ADAPT6-ABD-mcDM1, retained binding to its intended targets, namely HER2 and serum albumins. Further, it was able to specifically bind to cells with high HER2 expression, get internalized, and showed potent toxicity, with IC50 values ranging from 5 to 80 nM. Conversely, no toxic effect was found for cells with low HER2 expression. In vivo, ADAPT6-ABD-mcDM1, radiolabeled with 99mTc, was characterized by low uptake in most normal organs, and the main excretion route was shown to be through the kidne...
Optimized Molecular Design of ADAPT-Based HER2-Imaging Probes Labeled with 111In and 68Ga
Molecular Pharmaceutics, 2018
Radionuclide molecular imaging is a promising tool for visualization of cancer associated molecular abnormalities in vivo and stratification of patients for specific therapies. ADAPT is a new type of small engineered proteins based on the scaffold of an albumin binding domain of protein G. ADAPTs have been utilized to select and develop high affinity binders to different proteinaceous targets. ADAPT6 binds to human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) with low nanomolar affinity and can be used for its in vivo visualization. Molecular design of 111 In-labeled anti-HER2 ADAPT has been optimized in several earlier studies. In this study, we made a direct comparison of two of the most promising variants, having either a DEAVDANS or a (HE) 3 DANS sequence at the N-terminus, conjugated with a maleimido derivative of DOTA to a GSSC amino acids sequence at the C-terminus. The variants (designated DOTA-C 59-DEAVDANS-ADAPT6-GSSC and DOTA-C 61-(HE) 3 DANS-ADAPT6-GSSC) were stably labeled with 111 In for SPECT and 68 Ga for PET. Biodistribution of labeled ADAPT variants was evaluated in nude mice bearing human tumor xenografts with different levels of HER2 expression. Both variants enabled clear discrimination between tumors with high and low levels of HER2 expression. 111 In-labeled ADAPT6 derivatives provided higher tumor-to-organ ratios compared to 68 Ga-labeled counterparts. The best performing variant was DOTA-C 61-(HE) 3 DANS-ADAPT6-GSSC, providing tumor-to-blood ratios of 208±36 and 109±17 at 3 h for 111 In and 68 Ga labels, respectively.
Optimized Molecular Design of ADAPT-Based HER2-Imaging Probes Labeled with 111In and 68Ga
Molecular Pharmaceutics, 2018
Radionuclide molecular imaging is a promising tool for visualization of cancer associated molecular abnormalities in vivo and stratification of patients for specific therapies. ADAPT is a new type of small engineered proteins based on the scaffold of an albumin binding domain of protein G. ADAPTs have been utilized to select and develop high affinity binders to different proteinaceous targets. ADAPT6 binds to human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) with low nanomolar affinity and can be used for its in vivo visualization. Molecular design of 111 In-labeled anti-HER2 ADAPT has been optimized in several earlier studies. In this study, we made a direct comparison of two of the most promising variants, having either a DEAVDANS or a (HE) 3 DANS sequence at the N-terminus, conjugated with a maleimido derivative of DOTA to a GSSC amino acids sequence at the C-terminus. The variants (designated DOTA-C 59-DEAVDANS-ADAPT6-GSSC and DOTA-C 61-(HE) 3 DANS-ADAPT6-GSSC) were stably labeled with 111 In for SPECT and 68 Ga for PET. Biodistribution of labeled ADAPT variants was evaluated in nude mice bearing human tumor xenografts with different levels of HER2 expression. Both variants enabled clear discrimination between tumors with high and low levels of HER2 expression. 111 In-labeled ADAPT6 derivatives provided higher tumor-to-organ ratios compared to 68 Ga-labeled counterparts. The best performing variant was DOTA-C 61-(HE) 3 DANS-ADAPT6-GSSC, providing tumor-to-blood ratios of 208±36 and 109±17 at 3 h for 111 In and 68 Ga labels, respectively.
Tumor Imaging Using a Picomolar Affinity HER2 Binding Affibody Molecule
Cancer Research, 2006
The detection of cell-bound proteins that are produced due to aberrant gene expression in malignant tumors can provide important diagnostic information influencing patient management. The use of small radiolabeled targeting proteins would enable high-contrast radionuclide imaging of cancers expressing such antigens if adequate binding affinity and specificity could be provided. Here, we describe a HER2specific 6 kDa Affibody molecule (hereinafter denoted Affibody molecule) with 22 pmol/L affinity that can be used for the visualization of HER2 expression in tumors in vivo using gamma camera. A library for affinity maturation was constructed by re-randomization of relevant positions identified after the alignment of first-generation variants of nanomolar affinity (50 nmol/L). One selected Affibody molecule, Z HER2:342 showed a >2,200-fold increase in affinity achieved through a single-library affinity maturation step. When radioiodinated, the affinity-matured Affibody molecule showed clear, high-contrast visualization of HER2-expressing xenografts in mice as early as 6 hours post-injection. The tumor uptake at 4 hours post-injection was improved 4-fold (due to increased affinity) with 9% of the injected dose per gram of tissue in the tumor. Affibody molecules represent a new class of affinity molecules that can provide small sized, high affinity cancer-specific ligands, which may be well suited for tumor imaging. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(8): 4339-48)
Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 2009
The detection of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) expression in malignant tumors provides important information influencing patient management. Radionuclide in vivo imaging of HER2 may permit the detection of HER2 in both primary tumors and metastases by a single noninvasive procedure. Small (7 kDa) high-affinity anti-HER2 Affibody molecules may be suitable tracers for SPECT visualization of HER2-expressing tumors. The use of generator-produced 99m Tc as a label would facilitate the prompt translation of anti-HER2 Affibody molecules into use in clinics. Methods: A C-terminal cysteine was introduced into the Affibody molecule Z HER2:342 to enable sitespecific labeling with 99m Tc. Two recombinant variants, His 6 -Z HER2:342 -Cys (dissociation constant [K D ], 29 pM) and Z HER2:2395 -Cys, lacking a His tag (K D , 27 pM), were labeled with 99m Tc in yields exceeding 90%. The binding specificity and the cellular processing of Affibody molecules were studied in vitro. Biodistribution and g-camera imaging studies were performed in mice bearing HER2-expressing xenografts. Results: 99m Tc-His 6 -Z HER2:342 -Cys was capable of targeting HER2-expressing SKOV-3 xenografts in SCID mice, but the liver radioactivity uptake was high. A series of comparative biodistribution experiments indicated that the presence of the His tag caused elevated accumulation in the liver. 99m Tc-Z HER2:2395 -Cys, not containing a His tag, showed low uptake in the liver and high and specific uptake in HER2-expressing xenografts. Four hours after injection, the radioactivity uptake values (percentage of injected activity per gram of tissue [%IA/g]) were 6.9 6 2.5 (mean 6 SD) %IA/g in LS174T xenografts (moderate level of HER2 expression) and 15 6 3 %IA/g in SKOV-3 xenografts (high level of HER2 expression). The corresponding tumor-to-blood ratios were 88 6 24 and 121 6 24, respectively. Both LS174T and SKOV-3 xenografts were clearly visualized with a clinical g-camera 1 h after injection of 99m Tc-Z HER2:2395 -Cys. Conclusion: The Affibody molecule 99m Tc-Z HER2:2395 -Cys is a promising tracer for SPECT visualization of HER2-expressing tumors.
Cancer research, 2015
Small engineered scaffold proteins have attracted attention as probes for radionuclide-based molecular imaging. One class of these imaging probes, termed ABD-Derived Affinity Proteins (ADAPT), has been created using the albumin-binding domain (ABD) of streptococcal protein G as a stable protein scaffold. In this study, we report the development of a clinical lead probe termed ADAPT6 that binds HER2, an oncoprotein overexpressed in many breast cancers that serves as a theranostic biomarker for several approved targeting therapies. Surface-exposed amino acids of ABD were randomized to create a combinatorial library enabling selection of high-affinity binders to various proteins. Furthermore, ABD was engineered to enable rapid purification, to eradicate its binding to albumin, and to enable rapid blood clearance. Incorporation of a unique cysteine allowed site-specific conjugation to a maleimido derivative of a DOTA chelator, enabling radionuclide labeling, (111)In for SPECT imaging an...
European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics
Radionuclide molecular imaging is a promising tool that becomes increasingly important as targeted cancer therapies are developed. To ensure an effective treatment, a molecular stratification of the cancer is a necessity. To accomplish this, visualization of cancer associated molecular abnormalities in vivo by molecular imaging is the method of choice. ADAPTs, a novel type of small protein scaffold, have been utilized to select and develop high affinity binders to different proteinaceous targets. One of these binders, ADAPT6 selectively interacts with human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) with low nanomolar affinity and can therefore be used for its in vivo visualization. Molecular design and optimization of labeled anti-HER2 ADAPT has been explored in several earlier studies, showing that small changes in the scaffold affect the biodistribution of the domain. In this study, we evaluate how the biodistribution properties of ADAPT6 is affected by the commonly used maleimido derivatives of the macrocyclic chelators NOTA, NODAGA, DOTA and DOTAGA with the aim to select the best variants for SPECT and PET imaging. The different conjugates were labeled with 111 In for SPECT and 68 Ga for PET. The acquired data show that the combination of a radionuclide and a chelator for its conjugation has a strong influence on the uptake of ADAPT6 in normal tissues and thereby gives a significant variation in tumor-toorgan ratios. Hence, it was concluded that the best variant for SPECT imaging is 111 In-(HE) 3 DANS-ADAPT6-GSSC-DOTA while the best variant for PET imaging is 68 Ga-(HE) 3 DANS-ADAPT6-GSSC-NODAGA.
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 2019
Radionuclide molecular imaging is a promising tool that becomes increasingly important as targeted cancer therapies are developed. To ensure an effective treatment, a molecular stratification of the cancer is a necessity. To accomplish this, visualization of cancer associated molecular abnormalities in vivo by molecular imaging is the method of choice. ADAPTs, a novel type of small protein scaffold, have been utilized to select and develop high affinity binders to different proteinaceous targets. One of these binders, ADAPT6 selectively interacts with human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) with low nanomolar affinity and can therefore be used for its in vivo visualization. Molecular design and optimization of labeled anti-HER2 ADAPT has been explored in several earlier studies, showing that small changes in the scaffold affect the biodistribution of the domain. In this study, we evaluate how the biodistribution properties of ADAPT6 is affected by the commonly used maleimido derivatives of the macrocyclic chelators NOTA, NODAGA, DOTA and DOTAGA with the aim to select the best variants for SPECT and PET imaging. The different conjugates were labeled with 111 In for SPECT and 68 Ga for PET. The acquired data show that the combination of a radionuclide and a chelator for its conjugation has a strong influence on the uptake of ADAPT6 in normal tissues and thereby gives a significant variation in tumor-toorgan ratios. Hence, it was concluded that the best variant for SPECT imaging is 111 In-(HE) 3 DANS-ADAPT6-GSSC-DOTA while the best variant for PET imaging is 68 Ga-(HE) 3 DANS-ADAPT6-GSSC-NODAGA.
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 2007
Purpose Expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) in malignant tumours possesses well-documented prognostic and predictive value. Noninvasive imaging of expression can provide valuable diagnostic information, thereby influencing patient management. Previously, we reported a phage display selection of a small (about 7 kDa) protein, the Affibody molecule Z HER2:342 , which binds HER2 with subnanomolar affinity, and demonstrated the feasibility of targeting of HER2expressing xenografts using radioiodinated Z HER2:342 . The goal of this study was to develop a method for 99m Tc labelling of Z HER2:342 using the MAG3 chelator, which was incorporated into Z HER2:342 using peptide synthesis, and evaluate the targeting properties of the labelled conjugate. Methods MAG3-Z HER2:342 was assembled using Fmoc/tBu solid phase peptide synthesis. Biochemical characterisation of the agent was performed using RP-HPLC, ESI-MS, biosensor studies and circular dichroism. A procedure for 99m Tc labelling in the presence of sodium/potassium tartrate was established. Tumour targeting was evaluated by biodistribution study and gamma camera imaging in xenograft-bearing mice. Biodistribution of 99m Tc-MAG3-Z HER2:342 and 125 I-para-iodobenzoate -Z HER2:342 was compared 6 h p.i. Results Synthetic MAG3-Z HER2:342 possessed an affinity of 0.2 nM for HER2 receptors. The peptide was labelled with 99m Tc with an efficiency of about 75-80%. Labelled 99m Tc-MAG3-Z HER2:342 retained capacity to bind specifically HER2-expressing SKOV-3 cells in vitro. 99m Tc-MAG3-Z HER2:342 showed specific tumour targeting with a contrast similar to a radioiodinated analogue in mice bearing LS174T xenografts. Gamma camera imaging demonstrated clear and specific visualisation of HER2 expression. Conclusion Incorporation of a mercaptoacetyl-containing chelating sequence during chemical synthesis enabled sitespecific 99m Tc labelling of the Z HER2:342 Affibody molecule with preserved targeting capacity.