CDX-301: a novel medical countermeasure for hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome in mice

Sci Rep. 2020 Feb 4;10(1):1757. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-58186-1.

Abstract

Bone marrow failure and hematopoietic damage is one of the major consequences of irradiation-induced lethality. There is an immediate need to develop medical countermeasures (MCMs) to combat irradiation-induced lethality. We tested the efficacy of CDX-301, developed by Celldex Therapeutics Inc., in mice exposed to Co-60 gamma total body irradiation (TBI). The drug demonstrated its efficacy both as a prophylactic countermeasure and a mitigator in CD2F1 mice exposed to TBI. A single dose of CDX-301 administered 24 h prior to 24 h post-exposure conferred significant survival. Accelerated recovery from irradiation-induced peripheral blood cytopenia, bone marrow damage as well as apoptosis in sternum was observed in mice pre-treated with CDX-301. Analysis of splenocytes revealed alterations in T cell profiles that were dependent on the time of drug administration. Prophylactic treatment of CDX-301 resulted in increased splenic CD3+ T cells, specifically CD4+T helper cells, compared to splenocytes from non-irradiated mice. These results indicate that CDX-301 is a promising radiation countermeasure and demonstrate its capability to protect cells within hematopoietic organs. These data support potential use of CDX-301, both pre- and post-radiation, against hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome with a broad window for medical management in a radiological or nuclear event.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Acute Radiation Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow / drug effects*
  • Gamma Rays / adverse effects
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Medical Countermeasures
  • Mice
  • Radiation-Protective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Whole-Body Irradiation / adverse effects

Substances

  • Radiation-Protective Agents