A monoclonal antibody against annexin A2 targets stem and progenitor cell fractions in tumors

Transl Oncol. 2022 Jan;15(1):101257. doi: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101257. Epub 2021 Oct 27.

Abstract

The involvement of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in driving tumor dormancy and drug resistance is well established. Most therapeutic regimens however are ineffective in targeting these regenerative populations. We report the development and evaluation of a monoclonal antibody, mAb150, which targets the metastasis associated antigen, Annexin A2 (AnxA2) through recognition of a N-terminal epitope. Treatment with mAb150 potentiated re-entry of CSCs into the cell cycle that perturbed tumor dormancy and facilitated targeting of CSCs as was validated by in vitro and in vivo assays. Epigenetic potentiation further improved mAb150 efficacy in achieving total tumor regression by targeting regenerative populations to achieve tumor regression, specifically in high-grade serous ovarian adenocarcinoma.

Keywords: Active cooperative cell migration; Annexin A2; Cancer stem cells; Epigenetic potentiation; Monoclonal antibody; Progenitors.