Delivery of a BET protein degrader via a CEACAM6-targeted antibody-drug conjugate inhibits tumour growth in pancreatic cancer models

Nat Commun. 2024 Mar 11;15(1):2192. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-46167-1.

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the worst prognosis of all cancers. To improve PDAC therapy, we establish screening systems based on organoid and co-culture technologies and find a payload of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein degrader named EBET. We select CEACAM6/CD66c as an ADC target and developed an antibody, #84.7, with minimal reactivity to CEACAM6-expressing normal cells. EBET-conjugated #84.7 (84-EBET) has lethal effects on various PDAC organoids and bystander efficacy on CEACAM6-negative PDAC cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. In mouse studies, a single injection of 84-EBET induces marked tumor regression in various PDAC-patient-derived xenografts, with a decrease in the inflammatory phenotype of stromal cells and without significant body weight loss. Combination with standard chemotherapy or PD-1 antibody induces more profound and sustained regression without toxicity enhancement. Our preclinical evidence demonstrates potential efficacy by delivering BET protein degrader to PDAC and its microenvironment via CEACAM6-targeted ADC.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal* / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Humans
  • Immunoconjugates* / pharmacology
  • Immunoconjugates* / therapeutic use
  • Mice
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Immunoconjugates
  • CEACAM6 protein, human
  • Antigens, CD
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • GPI-Linked Proteins