Anti-LYPD3 monoclonal antibody Made to order

C4.4A (LYPD3) has been identified as a cancer-and metastasisassociated internalizing cell surface protein that is expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with particularly high prevalence in the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) subtype. With the exception of skin keratinocytes and esophageal endothelial cells, C4.4A expression is scarce in normal tissues, presenting an opportunity to selectively treat cancers with a C4.4A-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). We have generated BAY 1129980 (C4.4A-ADC), an ADC consisting of a fully human C4.4A-targeting mAb conjugated to a novel, highly potent derivative of the microtubule-disrupting cytotoxic drug auristatin via a noncleavable alkyl hydrazide linker. In vitro, C4.4A-ADC demonstrated potent antiproliferative efficacy in cell lines endogenously expressing C4.4A and inhibited proliferation of C4.4A-transfected A549 lung cancer cells showing selectivity compared with a nontargeted control ADC. In vivo, C4.4A-ADC was efficacious in human NSCLC cell line (NCI-H292 and NCI-H322) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models (Lu7064, Lu7126, Lu7433, and Lu7466). C4.4A expression level correlated with in vivo efficacy, the most responsive being the models with C4.4A expression in over 50% of the cells. In the NCI-H292 NSCLC model, C4.4AADC demonstrated equal or superior efficacy compared to cisplatin, paclitaxel, and vinorelbine. Furthermore, an additive antitumor efficacy in combination with cisplatin was observed. Finally, a repeated dosing with C4.4A-ADC was well tolerated without changing the sensitivity to the treatment. Taken together, C4.4AADC is a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of NSCLC and other cancers expressing C4.4A. A phase I study (NCT02134197) with the C4.4A-ADC BAY 1129980 is currently ongoing. Mol Cancer Ther; (C) 2017 AACR.

Heading aims: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is featured by the growth impediment and apoptosis surge of VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are suggested to affect cellular behaviors including cell growth and apoptosis. This study concentrated on unraveling the emerging role of miR-28-5p in abdominal aortic aneurysm. Materials and methods: Previously, miR-28-5p was reported to be highly expressed in AAA. Functional assays were utilized to determine the role of miR-28-5p in VSMC apoptosis. To narrow down the downstream mRNAs, bioinformatics methods were utilized. The interaction between miR-28-5p and GRIA4 (glutamate ionotropic receptor AMPA type subunit 4) or LYPD3 (LY6/PLAUR domain containing 3) was explored. Candidate circRNAs (circular RNAs) of miR-28-5p were identified. Rescue analyses validated function of circCBFB (core-binding factor subunit beta)/miR-28-5p/GRIA4/LYPD3 axis in VSMC apoptosis and growth. Key findings: MiR-28-5p acted as an apoptosis driver while circCBFB, GRIA4 and LYPD3 exerted anti-apoptosis effects in VSMCs. Mechanically, GRIA4 and LYPD3 were suppressed by miR-28-5p. Moreover, circCBFB served as a sponge of miR-28-5p, releasing GRIA4 and LYPD3 from miR-28-5p suppression. Functionally, GRIA4, LYPD3 and miR-28-5p were required in circCBFB-mediated VSMC apoptosis. Significance: This work unveiled an innovative axis of circCBFB/miR-28-5p/GRIA4/LYPD3 in VSMC apoptosis, exerting its potential in providing new thoughts in AAA management.