Neutralization of the adaptor protein PAG by monoclonal antibody limits murine tumor growth

Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev. 2022 Nov 9:27:380-390. doi: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.10.012. eCollection 2022 Dec 8.

Abstract

The transmembrane adaptor phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains 1 (PAG) is phosphorylated in T cells downstream of PD-1 signaling and contributes to the resulting functional inhibition of multiple cellular processes. Furthermore, PAG expression is negatively correlated with survival in multiple human tumors and is a driver of murine tumor growth and immune evasion. Here we develop an antibody that targets the extracellular domain of human PAG, with cross-reactivity to murine PAG. We demonstrate that this antibody binds to extracellular PAG on intact cells and affects T cell activation. Finally, we show that administration of anti-PAG monoclonal antibody in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody to mice bearing MC38 tumors limited tumor growth and enhanced T cell infiltration to tumors.

Keywords: MC38; PAG; PD-1; T cells; antibody; checkpoint inhibitor.