Targeting of EGFR by a combination of antibodies mediates unconventional EGFR trafficking and degradation

Sci Rep. 2020 Jan 20;10(1):663. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-57153-9.

Abstract

Antibody combinations targeting cell surface receptors are a new modality of cancer therapy. The trafficking and signalling mechanisms regulated by such therapeutics are not fully understood but could underlie differential tumour responses. We explored EGFR trafficking upon treatment with the antibody combination Sym004 which has shown promise clinically. Sym004 promoted EGFR endocytosis distinctly from EGF: it was asynchronous, not accompanied by canonical signalling events and involved EGFR clustering within detergent-insoluble plasma mebrane-associated tubules. Sym004 induced lysosomal degradation independently of EGFR ubiquitylation but dependent upon Hrs/Tsg101 that are required for the formation of intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) within late endosomes. We propose Sym004 cross-links EGFR physically triggering EGFR endocytosis and incorporation onto ILVs and so Sym004 sensitivity correlates with EGFR numbers available for binding, rather than specific signalling events. Consistently Sym004 efficacy and potentiation of cisplatin responses correlated with EGFR surface expression in head and neck cancer cells. These findings will have implications in understanding the mode of action of this new class of cancer therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Endocytosis / drug effects*
  • Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport
  • Endosomes / metabolism
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / etiology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Protein Transport*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Transcription Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tsg101 protein
  • hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate
  • futuximab
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors