Suppression of human melanoma tumor growth in SCID mice by a human high molecular weight-melanoma associated antigen (HMW-MAA) specific monoclonal antibody

The lack of efficacy of available therapies for the treatment of malignant melanoma has emphasized the need to develop novel therapeutic strategies to prevent melanoma growth. We have tested whether the anti-HMW-MAA mAb 225.28S is able to inhibit human melanoma tumor growth in SCID mice because in vitro data suggested that this antigen plays a role in spreading, migration and invasion of melanoma cells. Tumors were established by subcutaneous injection of the human melanoma cell line 518A2 into SCID mice. When tumors reached a size of 5 mm, the mAb 225.28S was administered intravenously 4 times in 3 day intervals at 100 microg/injection. Within 14 days after the first administration of the mAb 225.28S, tumor growth was reduced by 52% as compared to control mice. Three hundred and seven genes of >20,000 genes contained on the GeneChip were changed in their expression level at least 2-fold after administration of the mAb 225.28S. The encoded proteins were mostly components or modifiers of the extracellular matrix, tumor suppressors, and melanogenesis associated proteins. Surprisingly, the administration of the control mAb that did not lead to a significant tumor growth inhibition in vivo resulted in the modulation of two-thirds of these genes. This is the first report of suppression of human melanoma tumor growth in SCID mice by the mAb 225.28S. Our results suggest that anti-HMW-MAA mAbs may represent useful reagents to apply passive immunotherapy to patients with malignant melanoma.     

The antitumor activity of an anti-CD54 antibody in SCID mice xenografted with human breast, prostate, non-small cell lung, and pancreatic tumor cell lines

We have previously described the development and testing of a monoclonal anti-human CD54 antibody (UV3) in SCID mice xenografted with human multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and melanoma cell lines. In all 3 cases, UV3 was highly effective at slowing the growth of tumors and/or prolonging survival. Since CD54 (ICAM-1) is up-regulated on many different types of cancer cells, we have now investigated the anti-tumor activity of UV3 in several other CD54(+) epithelial tumors. A panel of 16 human breast, prostate, non-small cell (NSC) lung, and pancreatic tumor cell lines was examined for reactivity with UV3, and 13 were positive. A representative CD54(+) cell line from each cancer was grown subcutaneously in SCID mice. Once the tumors were established, UV3 was administered using different dose regimens. UV3 slowed the growth of all 4 tumors, although it was not curative. When UV3 or gemcitabine were administered to SCID mice xenografted with a NSC lung tumor cell line or a pancreatic tumor cell line, UV3 was as effective as the chemotherapy alone. When gemcitabine and UV3 were administered together, the best anti-tumor responses were observed. UV3 has been chimerized (cUV3) and both toxicology studies and clinical trials are planned to assess the safety and activity of cUV3 in patients with one or more of these tumors.     

CD3和CD28单克隆抗体联合作用对CIK细胞及其亚群增殖及功能的影响

目的:探讨CD3和CD28单克隆抗体联合作用对细胞因子诱导的杀伤(cytokine-indueed killer,CIK)细胞及其亚群增殖及功能的影响.方法:采集2014年6月至2015年6月在郑州大学第一附属医院接受生物细胞治疗的20例肿瘤患者(肾癌6例,肺癌5例,肝癌、乳腺癌和恶性黑素瘤各2例,胆囊癌、淋巴瘤和卵巢癌各1例)的外周血,每例外周血均分为4组(对照组,单用CD3单抗组,单用CD28单抗组,CD3和CD28单抗联合作用组)进行CIK细胞的诱导培养.用CFSE染色检测CIK细胞的增殖能力;ELISA检测CIK细胞分泌细胞因子IFN-γ、TNF-α和IL-2的水平;磁珠分选CIK细胞亚群CD4+、CD8+和CD56+细胞,然后用ELISA检测对CIK细胞亚群分泌IFN-γ、TNF-α和IL-2能力的影响.结果:CD3/CD28单抗联合作用(PI =59.35)对CIK细胞的增殖能力的影响与单独使用CD3单抗(PI =64.4)相比效果并不明显,但是可以刺激CIK细胞分泌较高水平的IFN-γ和TNF-α[IFN-γ:(384.6 ±263.1)vs(201.5 ±271.5) pg/ml,P=0.0361;TNF-α:(4.795±1.251) vs(2.835±0.443) pg/ml,P=0.0265];进一步分析发现,两单抗的联合作用可增强亚群细胞CD8+分泌IFN-γ、CD56+分泌IL-2和TNF-α的活性,从而起到对淋巴细胞功能的增强作用.结论:CD3与CD28单抗联合作用不能增强CIK的增殖能力,但可以在一定程度上增强CIK细胞的功能,在肿瘤的细胞免疫治疗应用中具有一定的潜力.     

Expression and Functional Role of CD54/Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on Human Blood Cells

CD54/Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a cell adhesion molecule largely distributed among normal and neoplastic tissues. Through the binding to its ligand(s) CD54 plays a key role in cell to cell interactions leading to the immune response. Recently, CD54 expression has been investigated on hematopoietic cells: the antigen is predominantly expressed in the early stages of normal hematopoiesis and during the activation of blood cells. As regards to hematological malignancies, CD54 is strongly expressed on neoplastic cells from “stem cell derived” neoplasms. In AML, CD54 expression is related with other differentiation-linked molecules such as CD34 and HLA-DR and is significantly correlated with FAB morphological classification. In lymphoproliferative disorders, a high CD54 expression is associated with germinal centre lymphomas. This review summarizes our current understanding of CD54 with emphasis on recent advances and reference to unresolved issues such as its prognostic role in the clinical outcome of oncohematological diseases.     

抗EGFR／抗CD3双功能抗体对胃癌荷瘤小鼠的免疫治疗研究

目的 通过抗EGFR／抗CD3双功能抗体（EGFR/CD3 BsAb）治疗SGC7901胃癌细胞移植瘤小鼠模型,初步验证该抗体在体内对胃癌细胞的杀伤能力。方法 采取化学偶联法合成的EGFR/CD3 BsAb联合人外周血淋巴细胞（PBLS）经尾静脉给药注入荷SGC7901胃癌细胞移植瘤小鼠体内。实验裸鼠随机分为抗EGFR单抗联合PBLS组（抗EGFR组）、抗CD3单抗联合PBLS组（抗CD3组）、EGFR／CD3 BsAb联合PBLS组（EGFR/CD3 BsAb组）和空白对照组（生理盐水组）。治疗后检测并比较加药各组对胃癌细胞的杀伤能力。结果 EGFR／CD3 BsAb成功制备,分子量为43kD。EGFR／CD3 BsAb组裸鼠的肿瘤抑制率为(57.2±8.6）％,显著高于抗EGFR组的（38.5±6.1）％和抗CD3组的（6.9±7.6）％（P＜0.05）;治疗结束时EGFR／CD3 BsAb组的瘤重为（517.1±45.4）mg,显著低于抗EGFR组的（737.4±54.3）mg和抗CD3组的（1097.9±167.7）mg（P＜0.05）。各组移植瘤组织EGFR免疫组化染色均为强阳性。EGFR／CD3 BsAb组裸鼠肿瘤组织CD3免疫组化染色可见部分细胞呈阳性。透射电镜观察显示,EGFR／CD3 BsAb组和抗EGFR组可见肿瘤坏死。结论 EGFR／CD3 BsAb在体内条件下可能对胃癌有治疗作用。     

Effect of human natural killer and gammadelta T cells on the growth of human autologous melanoma xenografts in SCID mice

Natural killer (NK) cells were first identified for their ability to kill tumor cells of different origin in vitro. Similarly, gammadelta T lymphocytes display strong cytotoxic activity against various tumor cell lines. However, the ability of both the NK and gammadelta cells to mediate natural immune response against human malignant tumors in vivo is still poorly defined. Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice have been successfully engrafted with human tumors. In this study, the antitumor effect of local as well as of systemic treatments based on NK cells or Vdelta1 or Vdelta2 gamma/delta T lymphocytes against autologous melanoma cells was investigated in vivo. The results show that all three of the populations were effective in preventing growth of autologous human melanomas when both tumor and lymphoid cells were s.c. inoculated at the same site. However, when lymphoid cells were infused i.v., only NK cells and Vdelta1 gamma/delta T lymphocytes could either prevent or inhibit the s.c. growth of autologous melanoma. Accordingly, both NK cells and Vdelta1 gammadelta T lymphocytes could be detected at the s.c. tumor site. In contrast, Vdelta2 gammadelta T lymphocytes were only detectable in the spleen of the SCID mice. Moreover, NK cells maintained their inhibitory effect on tumor growth even after discontinuation of the treatment. Indeed they were present at the tumor site for a longer period. These data support the possibility to exploit NK cells and Vdelta1 gammadelta T lymphocytes in tumor immunotherapy. Moreover, our study emphasizes the usefulness of human tumor/SCID mouse models for preclinical evaluation of immunotherapy protocols against human tumors.     

Metalloproteinase inhibition augments antitumor efficacy of the anti-CD30 immunotoxin Ki-3(scFv)-ETA' against human lymphomas in vivo

There is increasing evidence that the shedding of extracellular antigen domains impedes selective immunotherapy. One example is CD30, which is overexpressed on the surface of malignant lymphoma cells and has been identified as a promising target for antibody-based immunotherapy. However, CD30 is cleaved from the surface of target cells and the resulting soluble ectodomain (sCD30) is protecting the cells from antibody binding. Shedding can be inhibited by hydroxamate inhibitors of metalloproteinases such as BB-3644. We thus evaluated the influence of BB-3644 on the efficacy of the anti-CD30 single-chain immunotoxin Ki-3(scFv)-ETA'. In vitro, the addition of BB-3644 augmented the antitumor effect of Ki-3(scFv)-ETA' against Hodgkin-derived L540Cy cells by a factor of 2.75. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice challenged with CD30-positive L540Cy cells were treated with the immunotoxin. One single nontoxic dose of BB-3644 increased the mean survival time of animals treated concomitantly with Ki-3(scFv)-ETA' to 93 days as compared with 35 days in the control (p = 0.0017). When BB-3644 was continuously delivered using subcutaneously implanted pumps, this effect was even more pronounced with no observed tumor growth in the animals within 200 days. Thus, concomitant application of metalloproteinase inhibitors might become clinically relevant in antibody-based immunotherapy against targets known to be shed from tumor cells.     

Preparation and application of anti-HBx/anti-CD3 bispecific monoclonal antibody (BsAb) retargeting effector cells for lysis of human hepatoma xenografts in nude mice

Evidence indicated that the x gene of human HBV can cause cancer in transgenic mice, moreover, HBxAg was so far the most frequent and strong antigen among those HBV markers expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. Aiming to enhance killing of HCC by effector cells, we established an anti-HBx/anti-CD3 hybrid-hybridomas by fusion of anti-HBx hybridoma cells with FITC-labeled anti-CD3 HAT sensitive cells, and followed by FACStar sterile cell sorting, HAT selection and eventually verified by ELISA and double bridging assay. Using two color cytometric analysis, we found that bispecific monoclonal antibody (BsAb) remarkably enhanced in vitro effector-target cell conjugates (48.3% vs. 8.5%). In in vivo study, BsAb retargeting effector cells were significantly more effective than that of effector cells alone in shrinkage of LTNM4 HCC xenografts (HBxAg positive) in nude mice, not only in fresh inoculated tumors but also in established tumors (p<0.01, p<0.01, respectively). Besides, pronounced apoptotic cell death and infiltration of lymphocytes in the peripheral of tumor nodules can also be witnessed in the tissues treated by BsAb plus effector cells, but not in the controls. The results demonstrated that antiHBx/anti-CD3 BsAb was able to redirect effector cells for lysis of HBxAg positive HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo and it also indicated that shrinkage of tumors in nude mice with therapy of BsAb retargeting effector cells was partially due to initiation of apoptotic cell death.     

CD3AK细胞对耐药白血病细胞的体外净化作用

目的 :观察CD3 AK细胞对耐药的白血病细胞系及慢性髓细胞白血病 (chronicmyelogenousleukemia ,CML)急变患者原代肿瘤细胞的体外净化作用。方法 :采用固化的抗CD3单克隆抗体联合小剂量IL 2诱导CD3 AK细胞 ;MTT法观察CD3 AK细胞对K5 6 2、HL6 0及其耐药株的细胞毒活性 ;肿瘤细胞集落培养 (tumorcolonyassay ,TCA)观察CD3 AK细胞对K5 6 2、HL6 0及其耐药株集落形成的抑制作用 ;流式细胞仪 (flowcytometry ,FCM)检测耐药的CML急变患者原代细胞经CD3 AK细胞净化后Pgp阳性细胞的比例变化。结果 :MT法显示CD3 AK细胞在体外对K5 6 2细胞、HL6 0细胞及其耐药株有相似的杀伤作用 ;集落培养观察CD3 AK细胞对HL6 0细胞株及其耐药株的集落形成均有较强的抑制作用 ;FCM结果显示耐药CML原代细胞经CD3 AK细胞净化后Pgp阳性细胞比例下降 2 3 2 0 %。结论 :CD3 AK细胞在体外对耐药白血病细胞株及耐药白血病原代细胞均有较强的净化作用。     

In vitro and in vivo (SCID mice) effects of phytosterols on the growth and dissemination of human prostate cancer PC-3 cells.

The dietary effect of phytosterols (PS) versus cholesterol on the growth and metastasis of the PC-3 human prostate cancer cells in SCID mice was studied. Also, their direct effect on the growth and migration of these cells in vitro was analysed. In the in vivo experiment, SCID mice were fed a diet containing 2% of either PS mixture or cholesterol plus 0.2% cholic acid and implanted with 2 x 10(6) tumour cells per mouse. Tumour growth was monitored for 8 weeks post inoculation. Animals fed the PS diet had tumours 40-43% smaller than those fed the cholesterol diet. Furthermore, the number of mice with lymph node and lung metastasis was almost one-half that of the cholesterol-fed group. In the in vitro studies, both beta-sitosterol and campesterol inhibited the growth of PC-3 cells by 70% and 14%, respectively, while cholesterol supplementation increased the growth by 18% when compared with controls. PS inhibited the invasion of PC-3 cells into Matrigel-coated membranes by 78% while cholesterol increased it by 43% as compared with the cells in the control media. Migration of tumour cells through 8 microm pore membranes was reduced by 60-93% when the PC-3 cells were in PS media, as compared with a 67% increase after cholesterol supplementation. PS supplementation reduced the binding of PC-3 cells to laminin by 15-38% and fibronectin by 23% while cholesterol increased binding to type IV collagen by 36%. It was concluded that PS indirectly (in vivo as a dietary supplement) and directly (in tissue culture media) inhibited the growth and metastasis of PC-3 cells. beta-Sitosterol was more effective than campesterol in offering this protection in most of the parameters studied.     

The cytotoxic action of lymphokine activated killer cells upon the human glioma cell line U251 is stimulated by bispecific monoclonal antibody (MoAb) constructs

The ability of IL-2 stimulated mononuclear cells to kill the human glioblastoma cell line U251 has been investigated. Highest cytotoxic activity was generated in low cell density cultures incubated for 15 days with 250–1000 U/ml IL-2. Sub-optimal killing was noted, with cells only exposed to IL-2 for three days. Under the latter conditions, bispecific monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) of either anti-CD3 or anti-CD16 and an anti-NCAM MoAb stimulated LAK cell activity markedly. Anti-CD16 conjugates were found more effective than anti-CD3 and (Fab)₂ constructs more efficacious than those made with whole Ig molecules. Maximal stimulation of LAK cell activity was noted with bispecific MoAbs. Little effect was observed with either single or mixtures of monomeric MoAbs. Furthermore, no effect of bispecific MoAbs was observed when target cells lacked expression of NCAM. These results could be of clinical importance as it is not always feasible to screen LAK cells for optimal activity before administration to patients. Whilst bispecific MoAbs have no effect on optimally stimulated LAK cells, they are not inhibitory and can stimulate killing under sub-optimal IL-2 stimulation.     

Effect of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 antibody DC101 plus gemcitabine on growth,metastasis and angiogenesis of human pancreatic cancer growing orthotopically in nude mice

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the major pro-angiogenic factor for most tumors. VEGF expression has been shown to be associated with a poor prognosis in human pancreatic cancer. The purpose of our study was to determine the effect of blockade of VEGF receptor-2 activity with or without gemcitabine on tumor growth and metastasis in an orthotopic model of human pancreatic cancer in nude mice. Therapy with gemcitabine or DC101, a VEGF receptor-2 antibody, resulted in a significant reduction of primary pancreatic tumor growth compared to untreated controls. The combination of DC101 and gemcitabine inhibited primary pancreatic tumor growth and lymphatic metastasis to a greater degree than either agent alone. Treatment with DC101 decreased vessel counts and increased the area of hypoxic tumor tissue compared to controls. Immunofluorescent double staining for apoptotic endothelial cells demonstrated a significant increase in the number apoptotic endothelial cells 24 days after initiation of therapy with DC101 plus gemcitabine. DC101 plus gemcitabine also increased tumor cell death and decreased tumor cell proliferation in pancreatic tumors. These findings indicate that blockade of VEGF receptor activation interferes with the survival of tumor endothelial cells, resulting in a reduction of primary pancreatic tumor growth in nude mice. Furthermore, the data demonstrate that anti-VEGF receptor-2 therapy potentiates the tumoricidal effect of gemcitabine in this model. Anti-VEGF receptor-2 therapy in combination with gemcitabine may be a novel therapeutic approach for advanced pancreatic cancer.     

Anti-proliferative and proapoptotic effects of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate on human melanoma: possible implications for the chemoprevention of melanoma

Melanoma accounts for only about 4% of all skin cancer cases but most of skin cancer-related deaths. Standard systemic therapies such as interferon (IFN) have not been adequately effective in the management of melanoma. Therefore, novel approaches are needed for prevention and treatment of this disease. Chemoprevention by naturally occurring agents present in food and beverages has shown benefits in certain cancers including nonmelanoma skin cancers. Here, employing 2 human melanoma cell lines (A-375 amelanotic malignant melanoma and Hs-294T metastatic melanoma) and normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEM), we studied the antiproliferative effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenolic antioxidant present in green tea. EGCG treatment was found to result in a dose-dependent decrease in the viability and growth of both melanoma cell lines. Interestingly, at similar EGCG concentrations, the normal melanocytes were not affected. EGCG treatment of the melanoma cell lines resulted in decreased cell proliferation (as assessed by Ki-67 and PCNA protein levels) and induction of apoptosis (as assessed cleavage of PARP, TUNEL assay and JC-1 assay). EGCG also significantly inhibited the colony formation ability of the melanoma cells studied. EGCG treatment of melanoma cells resulted in a downmodulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2, upregulation of proapoptotic Bax and activation of caspases -3, -7 and -9. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that EGCG treatment resulted in a significant, dose-dependent decrease in cyclin D1 and cdk2 protein levels and induction of cyclin kinase inhibitors (ckis) p16INK4a, p21WAF1/CIP1 and p27KIP1. Our data suggest that EGCG causes significant induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of melanoma cells that is mediated via modulations in the cki-cyclin-cdk network and Bcl2 family proteins. Thus, EGCG, alone or in conjunction with current therapies, could be useful for the management of melanoma.     

Consistent downregulation of human lactoferrin gene,in the common eliminated region 1 on 3p21.3, following tumor growth in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice

Lactoferrin (LF) is one of 19 active genes in the common eliminated region 1 at 3p21.3 identified by us. LF was transfected into mouse fibrosarcoma A9. Fourteen severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) derived tumors from two PI based artificial chromosome (PAC)-transfectants containing the entire LF gene and two LF-cDNA transfectants were analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction at the DNA and RNA level. Following SCID tumor passage, LF expression was decreased or eclipsed, in all tumors although DNA levels did not change considerably. Promoter methylation and/or rearrangement of the insertion site may be responsible for human LF downregulation in mouse fibrosarcoma derived tumors.     

Inhibitory effects of retinoic acid metabolism blocking agents (RAMBAs) on the growth of human prostate cancer cells and LNCaP prostate tumour xenografts in SCID mice

In recent studies, we have identified several highly potent all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) metabolism blocking agents (RAMBAs). On the basis of previous effects of liarozole (a first-generation RAMBA) on the catabolism of ATRA and on growth of rat Dunning R3227G prostate tumours, we assessed the effects of our novel RAMBAs on human prostate tumour (PCA) cell lines. We examined three different PCA cell lines to determine their capacity to induce P450-mediated oxidation of ATRA. Among the three different cell lines, enhanced catabolism was detected in LNCaP, whereas it was not found in PC-3 and DU-145. This catabolism was strongly inhibited by our RAMBAs, the most potent being VN/14-1, VN/50-1, VN/66-1, and VN/69-1 with IC50 values of 6.5, 90.0, 62.5, and 90.0 nM, respectively. The RAMBAs inhibited the growth of LNCaP cells with IC50 values in the microM-range. In LNCaP cell proliferation assays, VN/14-1, VN/50-1, VN/66-1, and VN/69-1 also enhanced by 47-, 60-, 70-, and 65-fold, respectively, the ATRA-mediated antiproliferative activity. We then examined the molecular mechanism underlying the growth inhibitory properties of ATRA alone and in combination with RAMBAs. The mechanism appeared to involve the induction of differentiation, cell-cycle arrest, and induction of apoptosis (TUNEL), involving increase in Bad expression and decrease in Bcl-2 expression. Treatment of LNCaP tumours growing in SCID mice with VN/66-1 and VN/69-1 resulted in modest but statistically significant tumour growth inhibition of 44 and 47%, respectively, while treatment with VN/14-1 was unexpectedly ineffective. These results suggest that some of our novel RAMBAs may be useful agents for the treatment of prostate cancer.     

Surface expression of anti‐CD3scfv stimulates locoregional immunotherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma depending on the E1A‐engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

Tumor antigens is at the core of cancer immunotherapy, however, the ideal antigen selection is difficult especially in poorly immunogenic tumors. In this study, we designed a strategy to modify hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by surface expressing anti‐CD3scfv within the tumor site strictly, which depended on the E1A‐engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSC.E1A) delivery system. Subsequently, membrane‐bound anti‐CD3scfv actived the lymphocytes which lysed HCC cells bypassing the expression of antigens or MHC restriction. First, we constructed the anti‐CD3scfv gene driven by human α‐fetoprotein (AFP) promoter into an adenoviral vector and the E1A gene into the lentiviral vector. Our results showed that anti‐CD3scfv could specifically express on the surface of HCC cells and activate the lymphocytes to kill target cells effectively in vitro. HUMSC infected by AdCD3scfv followed by LentiR.E1A could support the adenoviral replication and packaging in vitro 36 h after LentiR.E1A infection. Using a subcutaneous HepG2 xenograft model, we confirmed that AdCD3scfv and LentiR.E1A co‐transfected HUMSC could migrate selectively to the tumor site and produce considerable adenoviruses. The new generated AdCD3scfv infected and modified tumor cells successfully. Mice injected with the MSC.E1A.AdCD3scfv and lymphocytes significantly inhibited the tumor growth compared with control groups. Furthermore, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) could sensitize adenovirus infection at low MOI resulting in improved lymphocytes cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. In summary, this study provides a promising strategy for solid tumor immunotherapy.     

Systemic deuteration of SCID mice using the water-isotopologue deuterium oxide (D2O) inhibits tumor growth in an orthotopic bioluminescent model of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Since its initial discovery as a natural isotopologue of dihydrogen oxide (¹H₂O), extensive research has focused on the biophysical, biochemical, and pharmacological effects of deuterated water (²H₂O [D₂O, also referred to as “heavy water”]). Using a panel of cultured human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells we have profiled (i) D₂O-induced phenotypic antiproliferative and apoptogenic effects, (ii) redox- and proteotoxicity-directed stress response gene expression, and (iii) phosphoprotein-signaling related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and MAP-kinase stress response pathways. Differential array analysis revealed early modulation of stress response gene expression in both BxPC-3 and PANC-1 PDAC cells elicited by D₂O (90%; ≤6 h; upregulated: HMOX1, NOS2, CYP2E1, CRYAB, DDIT3, NFKBIA, PTGS1, SOD2, PTGS2; downregulated: RUNX1, MYC, HSPA8, HSPA1A) confirmed by independent RT-qPCR analysis. Immunoblot-analysis revealed rapid (≤6 h) onset of D₂O-induced MAP-kinase signaling (p-JNK, p-p38) together with ER stress response upregulation (p-eIF2α, ATF4, XBP1s, DDIT3/CHOP). Next, we tested the chemotherapeutic efficacy of D₂O-based drinking water supplementation in an orthotopic PDAC model employing firefly luciferase-expressing BxPC-3-FLuc cells in SCID mice. First, feasibility and time course of systemic deuteration (30% D₂O in drinking water; 21 days) were established using time-resolved whole-body proton magnetic resonance imaging and isotope-ratio mass spectrometry-based plasma (D/H)-analysis. D₂O-supplementation suppressed tumor growth by almost 80% with downregulated expression of PCNA, MYC, RUNX1, and HSP70 while increasing tumor levels of DDIT3/CHOP, HO-1, and p-eIF2α. Taken together, these data demonstrate for the first time that pharmacological induction of systemic deuteration significantly reduces orthotopic tumor burden in a murine PDAC xenograft model.     

Targeting an extracellular epitope of the human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) in malignant cells with a novel recombinant single chain Fv antibody

Inherent and acquired multidrug resistance (MDR) is characterized by a simultaneous resistance to diverse anticancer drugs and is a major impediment towards curative chemotherapy of cancer. Hence one important goal is to develop strategies aimed at specific targeting of major anticancer drug efflux transporters of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily including multidrug resistance protein 1 -MRP1 (ABCC1). To date, no monoclonal antibody has been isolated that can target an extracellular MRP1 epitope. Using a phage display approach, we have isolated a recombinant single-chain Fv (scFv) antibody that specifically reacts with the extracellular N-terminus of the human MRP1. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that this scFv fragment binds specifically to various viable human tumor cells that display variable MRP1 expression levels but not to MRP1 null cells. Furthermore, this scFv antibody failed to react with tumor cells that overexpress other members of the MRP family that have an extracellular N-terminus (MRP2 and MRP3) as well as with MRP4, MRP5, and breast cancer resistance protein. Flow cytometric analysis also showed a good correlation between the fluorescence intensity of the anti-MRP1 scFv antibody and MRP1 levels in viable tumor cells. These findings constitute the first successful isolation of a small recombinant scFv antibody directed to an extracellular epitope of the MRP1 in viable malignant cells. These novel small Fv-based recombinant antibodies that possess superior tumor penetration capabilities may possibly be used to selectively target drugs or tumor cells that express MRP-1.     

Effect of 1-(gamma)linolenyl-3-eicosapentaenoyl propane diol on the growth of human pancreatic carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

Essential fatty acids such as (gamma)linolenic (GLA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids have been proposed as anticancer drugs. The aim of this study was to test the effect of a lipid emulsion containing both GLA and EPA in a novel chemical formulation of 1-(gamma)linolenyl-3-eicosapentaenoyl propane diol on the growth of human pancreatic carcinoma in vitro and in nude mice. This compound had a dose-dependent growth-inhibitory effect on human pancreatic cancer cell lines MIA PaCa-2 and Panc-1 in vitro. The concentration necessary for 50% growth inhibition was 25 micromol/l for MIA PaCa-2 and 68 micromol/l for Panc-1 (95% CI 20-29 and 59-77 micromol/l respectively). Nude mice bearing subcutaneous pancreatic tumours produced with the MIA PaCa-2 cell line were treated with the maximum tolerated dose (6.75 mg GLA and 7.3 mg EPA per g of body weight) administered over 10 days by daily intravenous (i.v.) bolus injections. No antitumour effect or major alteration in tumour lipid fatty acid composition was seen in comparison with control animals. Concurrent treatment with parenteral iron (iron saccharate, 5 microg/gram body weight daily) did not make a significant difference. Further improvements in fatty acid delivery mechanisms are necessary before they can become useful anticancer agents.     

Effect of tumor size on the enhancement by gamma interferon of the localization of radiolabeled F(ab')2 fragments of anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 monoclonal antibodies in human colon carcinoma cells grafted in nude mice.

Because tumor size has been shown to influence the specific accumulation of radiolabeled anti-tumor-associated antigen monoclonal antibodies (mAb), the present study has investigated the effect of the tumor size on the enhancement by gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) of the accumulation of radiolabeled mAb in malignant lesions. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) has been used as a marker because of its high susceptibility to modulation by IFN-gamma. F(ab')2 fragments of anti-ICAM-1 mAb CL207.14 have been selected to visualize malignant lesions, because they had been shown to be more sensitive probes for our experiments than whole IgG. Administration of IFN-gamma to human colon carcinoma-bearing nude mice increased the expression of ICAM-1 in the xenografts and the specific accumulation of 125I-F(ab')2 fragments of anti-ICAM-1 mAb CL207.14. The latter effect is influenced by the size of the lesions, because it was observed only in tumors with an approximate diameter of 8 mm and an approximate weight of 250 mg. If these results obtained in an animal model system are applicable to patients with malignant diseases, the present investigation suggests that administration of IFN-gamma enhances the sensitivity of immunoscintigraphy and the efficacy of immunotherapy with radiolabeled mAb which recognize tumor-associated antigens that are susceptible to modulation by IFN-gamma. However, the effect of IFN-gamma is not a general phenomenon but is influenced by the size of the malignant lesions.