Development of an Immuno-SPECT/Fluorescent Bimodal Tracer Targeting Human or Murine PD-L1 on Preclinical Models

J Med Chem. 2024 Feb 8;67(3):2188-2201. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02120. Epub 2024 Jan 25.

Abstract

Detection of biomarkers to diagnose, treat, and predict the efficacy of cancer therapies is a major clinical challenge. Currently, biomarkers such as PD-L1 are commonly detected from biopsies, but this approach does not take into account the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of their expression in tumors. A solution consists in conjugating monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting these biomarkers with multimodal imaging probes. In this study, a bimodal [111In]-DOTA-aza-BODIPY probe emitting in the near-infrared (NIR) was grafted onto mAbs targeting murine or human PD-L1 either in a site-specific or random manner. In vitro, these bimodal mAbs showed a good stability and affinity for PD-L1. In vivo, they targeted specifically PD-L1 and were detected by both fluorescence and SPECT imaging. A significant benefit of site-specific conjugation on glycans was observed compared to random conjugation on lysine. The potential of this bimodal agent was also highlighted, thanks to a proof of concept of fluorescence-guided surgery in a human PD-L1+ tumor model.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • B7-H1 Antigen* / metabolism
  • Biomarkers
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

Substances

  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Biomarkers