Development, optimization, and validation of novel anti-TEM1/CD248 affinity agent for optical imaging in cancer

Oncotarget. 2014 Aug 30;5(16):6994-7012. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.2188.

Abstract

Tumor Endothelial Marker-1 (TEM1/CD248) is a tumor vascular marker with high therapeutic and diagnostic potentials. Immuno-imaging with TEM1-specific antibodies can help to detect cancerous lesions, monitor tumor responses, and select patients that are most likely to benefit from TEM1-targeted therapies. In particular, near infrared(NIR) optical imaging with biomarker-specific antibodies can provide real-time, tomographic information without exposing the subjects to radioactivity. To maximize the theranostic potential of TEM1, we developed a panel of all human, multivalent Fc-fusion proteins based on a previously identified single chain antibody (scFv78) that recognizes both human and mouse TEM1. By characterizing avidity, stability, and pharmacokinectics, we identified one fusion protein, 78Fc, with desirable characteristics for immuno-imaging applications. The biodistribution of radiolabeled 78Fc showed that this antibody had minimal binding to normal organs, which have low expression of TEM1. Next, we developed a 78Fc-based tracer and tested its performance in different TEM1-expressing mouse models. The NIR imaging and tomography results suggest that the 78Fc-NIR tracer performs well in distinguishing mouse- or human-TEM1 expressing tumor grafts from normal organs and control grafts in vivo. From these results we conclude that further development and optimization of 78Fc as a TEM1-targeted imaging agent for use in clinical settings is warranted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / analysis*
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / analysis*
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Heterografts
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fragments / chemistry
  • Immunoglobulin Fragments / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin Fragments / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neoplasms / chemistry*
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Optical Imaging
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / chemistry*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / pharmacokinetics
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • CD248 protein, human
  • Immunoglobulin Fragments
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins