Expression of Asialoglycoprotein Receptor 1 in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer in the world. Currently, surgical resection is the only effective treatment for HCC if the tumor is resectable. Small molecule, biologics and siRNA anti-cancer drugs have been explored for the treatment of HCC. Selective targeting to tumor tissue rather than normal liver in HCC patients is still a challenge. Galactosamine-mediated targeting delivery of anti-cancer drugs in the liver has been tested because its receptor, asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGPR1), is expressed in the liver and not in other human tissues. We examined ASGPR1 expression levels by immunohistochemistry in HCC with different grades. Guidance for a targeting delivery strategy for anti-cancer drugs to HCC is suggested in this report.     

An uPA cleavable conjugate of a recombinant αvβ3 targeting toxin and its bioactivity

Melittin is the predominant component of bee venom with cell membrane-disrupting capability. To release melittin on cell surfaces to destroy tumor cell membranes, we designed a recombinant targeting toxin with an uPA cleavable link. It contains A Disintegrin-like domain of ADAM 15 to selectively deliver fusion protein to the surface of the tumor cells expressing integrin αvβ3, a toxin domain consisting of four repeats of N-terminal 22 amino acids of melittin, and an uPA cleavable link in between. The fusion protein named as ADAM-Conj-Mel was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli and can be cleaved by uPA as well as conditioned medium of SW1990 tumor cells. In vitro, ADAM-Conj-Mel efficiently inhibits proliferation of human melanoma (C32) tumor cells. In vivo, it reduces B16 tumor volume by approximately 80%. Our data suggested that ADAM-Conj-Mel is a protein with potential in clinical development for cancer therapy.     

Nanoparticle Incorporation of Melittin Reduces Sperm and Vaginal Epithelium Cytotoxicity

Melittin is a cytolytic peptide component of bee venom which rapidly integrates into lipid bilayers and forms pores resulting in osmotic lysis. While the therapeutic utility of free melittin is limited by its cytotoxicity, incorporation of melittin into the lipid shell of a perfluorocarbon nanoparticle has been shown to reduce its toxicity in vivo. Our group has previously demonstrated that perfluorocarbon nanoparticles containing melittin at concentrations <10 µM inhibit HIV infectivity in vitro. In the current study, we assessed the impact of blank and melittin-containing perfluorocarbon nanoparticles on sperm motility and the viability of both sperm and vaginal epithelial cells. We found that free melittin was toxic to sperm and vaginal epithelium at concentrations greater than 2 µM (p<0.001). However, melittin nanoparticles were not cytotoxic to sperm (p = 0.42) or vaginal epithelium (p = 0.48) at an equivalent melittin concentration of 10 µM. Thus, nanoparticle formulation of melittin reduced melittin cytotoxicity fivefold and prevented melittin toxicity at concentrations previously shown to inhibit HIV infectivity. Melittin nanoparticles were toxic to vaginal epithelium at equivalent melittin concentrations ≥20 µM (p<0.001) and were toxic to sperm at equivalent melittin concentrations ≥40 µM (p<0.001). Sperm cytotoxicity was enhanced by targeting of the nanoparticles to the sperm surface antigen sperm adhesion molecule 1. While further testing is needed to determine the extent of cytotoxicity in a more physiologically relevant model system, these results suggest that melittin-containing nanoparticles could form the basis of a virucide that is not toxic to sperm and vaginal epithelium. This virucide would be beneficial for HIV serodiscordant couples seeking to achieve natural pregnancy.     

Activation of insect cell adenylate cyclase by Bacillus thuringiensis delta-endotoxins and melittin. Toxicity is independent of cyclic AMP.

Insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) delta-endotoxins are cytolytic to a range of insect cell lines in vitro. Addition of Bt var. aizawai or var. israelensis toxins to Mamestra brassicae (cabbage moth) cells in vitro increased intracellular cyclic AMP, which was paralleled by activation of adenylate cyclase in isolated membranes. Var. kurstaki toxin, which does not lyse M. brassicae cells, had no effect on cyclic AMP concentrations in intact cells, but was able to stimulate adenylate cyclase in membrane preparations. In contrast, the bee-venom toxin melittin, which is also cytolytic, increased intracellular cyclic AMP in whole cells, but inhibited adenylate cyclase in isolated membranes. Octopamine and forskolin also increased cyclic AMP in cells, but were not cytolytic. When added to cells at concentrations exceeding their LC90 (concentration causing 90% cell death), melittin and var. israelensis toxins caused cell lysis without a concomitant increase in intracellular cyclic AMP. Taken together, these results suggest that activation of adenylate cyclase by cytolytic toxins is a secondary effect (related perhaps to interactions of these toxins with membrane lipids) and is neither necessary nor sufficient for cytolysis.     

Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Antibodies against Asialoglycoprotein Receptor,Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase 1 and Pan-Cytokeratin

Background

Asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR)-ligand-based separation combined with identification with Hep Par 1 or pan-cytokeratin (P-CK) antibody have been demonstrated to detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to develop an improved enrichment and identification system that allows the detection of all types of HCC CTCs.

Methods

The specificity of the prepared anti-ASGPR monoclonal antibody was characterized. HCC cells were bound by ASGPR antibody and subsequently magnetically isolated by second antibody-coated magnetic beads. Isolated HCC cells were identified by immunofluorescence staining using a combination of anti-P-CK and anti-carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) antibodies. Blood samples spiked with HepG2 cells were used to determine recovery and sensitivity. CTCs were detected in blood samples from HCC patients and other patients.

Results

ASGPR was exclusively expressed in human hepatoma cell line, normal hepatocytes and HCC cells in tissue specimens detected by the ASGPR antibody staining. More HCC cells could be identified by the antibody cocktail for CPS1 and P-CK compared with a single antibody. The current approach obtained a higher recovery rate of HepG2 cells and more CTC detection from HCC patients than the previous method. Using the current method CTCs were detected in 89% of HCC patients and no CTCs were found in the other test subjects.

Conclusions

Our anti-ASGPR antibody could be used for specific and efficient HCC CTC enrichment, and anti-P-CK combined with anti-CPS1 antibodies is superior to identification with one antibody alone in the sensitivity for HCC CTC detection.     

Interaction of melittin with a human lymphoblastoid cell line,HMy2

We have examined the cytolytic effects of the membrane-active peptide, melittin, on a human lymphoblastoid cell line (HMy2) in the context of the use of melittin as the toxic component of an immunotoxin. The toxicity of melittin for HMy2 cells was linear over the concentration range 0.875–3.5 μM. Increased incubation times failed to result in significant cell death at concentrations of melittin below 0.875 μM. Kinetic analysis revealed that the cytolytic activity of melittin was independent of time of exposure beyond 90 min. Flow cytometric analysis of HMy2 cells incubated with FITC-labeled melittin demonstrated that the cells could incorporate up to 2.5 × 10⁵ FITC-melittin molecules per cell with no reduction in viability. Extrapolation of this data indicates that 10⁶ melittin molecules per cell are required for maximum cytotoxicity to HMy2 cells. Further analysis of HMy2 cells that incorporated melittin, but that remained viable, revealed that these cells were able to reduce the number of melittin molecules per cell over time. The data indicate a potential threshold value for the number of melittin molecules that may be required to be delivered to the cell surface in the form of an immunotoxin if effective selective cell death is to be achieved. J. Cell. Biochem. 68:164–173, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Expression of scFv‐Mel‐Gal4 triple fusion protein as a targeted DNA‐carrier in Escherichia Coli

Liver‐directed gene therapy has become a promising treatment for many liver diseases. In this study, we constructed a multi‐functional targeting molecule, which maintains targeting, endosome‐escaping, and DNA‐binding abilities for gene delivery. Two single oligonucleotide chains of Melittin (M) were synthesized. The full‐length cDNA encoding anti‐hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor scFv C1 (C1) was purified from C1/pIT2. The GAL4 (G) gene was amplified from pSW50‐Gal4 by polymerase chain reaction. M, C1 and G were inserted into plasmid pGC4C26H to product the recombinant plasmid pGC‐C1MG. The fused gene C1MG was subsequently subcloned into plasmid pET32c to product the recombinant plasmid C1MG/pET32c and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The scFv‐Mel‐Gal4 triple fusion protein (C1MG) was purified with a Ni²⁺ chelating HiTrap HP column. The fusion protein C1MG of roughly 64 kD was expressed in inclusion bodies; 4.5 mg/ml C1MG was prepared with Ni²⁺ column purification. Western blot and immunohistochemistry showed the antigen‐binding ability of C1MG to the cell surface of the liver‐derived cell line and liver tissue slices. Hemolysis testing showed that C1MG maintained membrane‐disrupting activity. DNA‐binding capacity was substantiated by luciferase assay, suggesting that C1MG could deliver the DNA into cells efficiently on the basis of C1MG. Successful expression of C1MG was achieved in E. coli, and C1MG recombinant protein confers targeting, endosome‐escaping and DNA‐binding capacity, which makes it probable to further study its liver‐specific DNA delivery efficacy in vivo. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Melittin interaction with sulfated cell surface sugars

Melittin is a 26-residue cationic peptide with cytolytic and antimicrobial properties. Studies on the action mechanism of melittin have focused almost exclusively on the membrane-perturbing properties of this peptide, investigating in detail the melittin-lipid interaction. Here, we report physical-chemical studies on an alternative mechanism by which melittin could interact with the cell membrane. As the outer surface of many cells is decorated with anionic (sulfated) glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), a strong Coulombic interaction between the two oppositely charged molecules can be envisaged. Indeed, the present study using isothermal titration calorimetry reveals a high affinity of melittin for several GAGs, that is, heparan sulfate (HS), dermatan sulfate, and heparin. The microscopic binding constant of melittin for HS is 2.4 x 10 (5) M (-1), the reaction enthalpy is Delta H melittin (0) = -1.50 kcal/mol, and the peptide-to-HS stoichiometry is approximately 11 at 10 mM Tris, 100 mM NaCl at pH 7.4 and 28 degrees C. Delta H melittin (0) is characterized by a molar heat capacity of Delta C P (0) = -227 cal mol (-1) K (-1). The large negative heat capacity change indicates that hydrophobic interactions must also be involved in the binding of melittin to HS. Circular dichroism spectroscopy demonstrates that the binding of the peptide to HS induces a conformational change to a predominantly alpha-helical structure. A model for the melittin-HS complex is presented. Melittin binding was compared with that of magainin 2 and nisin Z to HS. Magainin 2 is known for its antimicrobial properties, but it does not cause lysis of the eukaryotic cells. Nisin Z shows activity against various Gram-positive bacteria. Isothermal titration calorimetry demonstrates that magainin 2 and nisin Z do not bind to HS (5-50 degrees C, 10 mM Tris, and 100 mM NaCl at pH 7.4).     

Cytolytic T-lymphocyte responses to respiratory syncytial virus: effector cell phenotype and target proteins.

Cytolytic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity specific for respiratory syncytial (RS) virus was investigated after intranasal infection of mice with RS virus, after intraperitoneal infection of mice with a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the F glycoprotein, and after intramuscular vaccination of mice with Formalin-inactivated RS virus or a chimeric glycoprotein, FG, expressed from a recombinant baculovirus. Spleen cell cultures from mice previously infected with live RS virus or the F-protein recombinant vaccinia virus had significant CTL activity after one cycle of in vitro restimulation with RS virus, and lytic activity was derived from a major histocompatibility complex-restricted, Lyt2.2+ (CD8+) subset. CTL activity was not restimulated in spleen cells from mice that received either the Formalin-inactivated RS virus or the purified glycoprotein, FG. The protein target structures for recognition by murine CD8+ CTL were identified by using target cells infected with recombinant vaccinia viruses that individually express seven structural proteins of RS virus. Quantitation of cytolytic activity against cells expressing each target structure suggested that 22K was the major target protein for CD8+ CTL, equivalent to recognition of cells infected with RS virus, followed by intermediate recognition of F or N, slight recognition of P, and no recognition of G, SH, or M. Repeated stimulation of murine CTL with RS virus resulted in outgrowth of CD4+ CTL which, over time, became the exclusive subset in culture. Murine CD4+ CTL were highly cytolytic for RS virus-infected cells, but they did not recognize target cells infected with any of the recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing the seven RS virus structural proteins. Finally, the CTL response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of adult human volunteers was investigated. The detection of significant levels of RS virus-specific cytolytic activity in these cells was dependent on at least two restimulations with RS virus in vitro, and cytolytic activity was derived primarily from the CD4+ subset.     

一种抗菌肽和aFGF融合蛋白的构建和表达

利用PCR技术扩增出带有凝血酶Xa因子切割位点的天蚕素蜂毒素杂合肽和aFGF的融合基因,插入大肠杆菌表达载体pET-3c中,构建出表达质粒pET-aF-CM,并转化至大肠杆菌BL21（DE3）中,氨苄青霉素抗性筛选重组转化子。IPTG诱导4h后,以包涵体形式表达的融合蛋白约占菌体总蛋白的17%。将包涵体溶解后透析复性,并利用肝素亲和层析纯化,得到电泳纯的融合蛋白。Western blot分析表明,该蛋白能与aFGF抗体产生免疫反应。MTT法检测显示,融合蛋白具有促3T3Bal/b细胞分裂活性,其比活为1.471×106IU/mg。利用凝血酶Xa因子裂解融合蛋白,可以获得抗菌肽和含凝血酶Xa因子裂解序列的aFGF蛋白。分子筛回收含杂合抗菌肽,抑菌活性检测表明其对大肠杆菌K12D31具有明显抑菌活性。微量稀释法检测结果表明,回收的抗菌肽对大肠杆菌DH5α、大肠杆菌K12D31、沙门氏菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、枯草芽孢杆菌和绿脓杆菌的MIC分别达6.25μg/ml、10μg/ml、2.5μg/ml、1.25μg/ml、0.625μg/ml和5μg/ml。     

Detection of surface asialoglycoprotein receptor expression in hepatic and extra-hepatic cells using a novel monoclonal antibody

The asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) is a heterodimeric membrane protein which is involved in the internalization of desialylated glycoproteins and also in the binding and uptake of various pathogenic viruses. To facilitate the analysis of ASGPR expression, we generated a monoclonal antibody, termed ASSA-1, that is specific to the ASGPR H1 subunit based on ELISA and Western blots analysis. ASSA-1 also reacted to surface-displayed ASGPR in live cells thus enabling analysis of ASGPR expression by immunofluorescence flow cytometry, which we used to analyze established human liver cell lines previously confirmed to be positive for ASGPR mRNA expression. In agreement with previous reports, surface ASGPR was also detected in extra-hepatic cells and, surprisingly, even in human T cell lines, which was then further confirmed in activated, but not in resting, primary human peripheral blood lymphocytes. These observations suggest that ASGPR has a broad pattern of expression that even extends into cells from the immune system, which biological meanings still have to be analyzed. We expect that monoclonal antibody ASSA-1 will serve as a new powerful tool in analyzing the biological role of ASGPR in hepatic and extra-hepatic cells.     

Solid-state NMR conformational studies of a melittin-inhibitor complex

Melittin is a cytolytic peptide whose biological activity is lost upon binding to a six-residue peptide, Ac-IVIFDC-NH(2), with which it forms a highly insoluble complex. As a result, the structural analysis of the interaction between the two peptides is difficult. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy was used to study the interaction between melittin and the peptide inhibitor. Location of the binding site in the melittin-inhibitor complex was determined using lanthanide ions, which quench NMR resonances from molecular sites that are in close proximity to the unique ion binding site. Our results indicated that the inhibitor binding site in melittin is near Leu13, Leu16 and Ile17, but not near Leu6 or Val8. On the basis of these data we propose that the inhibitor binds to melittin in the vicinity of Ala15 to Trp19 and prevents insertion of melittin into cell membranes by disrupting the helical structure. Supporting evidence for this model was produced by determining the distance, using rotational resonance NMR, between the [1-(13)C] of Leu13 in melittin and the [3-(13)C] of Phe4 in the inhibitor.     

人核糖体DNA打靶载体介导mda-7基因对肝癌的体外基因治疗研究

人核糖体DNA打靶载体pHr是一种由中南大学医学遗传学国家重点实验室开发构建的针对人类基因组的同源重组质粒载体．利用pHr构建了一种mda-7/GFP融合基因的人源基因表达载体pHr-CMG,并研究了其在肝癌细胞系Bel-7402中的作用．利用荧光显微镜、RT-PCR和Western blotting检测了mda-7/GFP融合基因的表达;利用细胞周期分析、MTT和Hoechst33258染色研究了其在细胞中的作用．结果显示,pHr-CMG载体能在Bel-7402细胞中有效表达MDA-7/GFP融合蛋白,进而抑制细胞增殖和诱导细胞凋亡,推测其可能是由载体表达了mda-7基因引起细胞在G2/M期累积所导致的．同时,实验结果证实了人核糖体DNA打靶载体系统以及pHr-CMG表达载体的有效性,为其在进一步基因治疗研究中的应用提供了理论和实验基础．     

表达人去唾液酸糖蛋白受体分子细胞系的建立

目的构建稳定表达人肝细胞表面分子去唾液酸糖蛋白受体（asialoglycoprotein receptor,ASGPR）的细胞系。方法逆转录PCR扩增人肝组织ASGPR大亚基H1全编码序列,插入到真核表达载体plRES2EGFP中,重组质粒pIRES2EGFP／ASGPRH1转染HeLa细胞,G418筛选,RT—PCR,Western印迹及免疫荧光检测ASGPRH1的表达。结果成功构建了pIRES2EGFP／ASGPRH1重组质粒,该质粒转染HeLa细胞后,Western印迹及免疫荧光均检测到ASGPRHI蛋白的表达。结论成功建立了稳定表达人ASGPRH1的细胞系,为进一步研究ASGPR分子奠定了基础。     

Characterization of selectively 13C-labeled synthetic melittin and melittin analogues in isotropic solvents by circular dichroism, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopy

The spectroscopic and functional characterization of 13C-labeled synthetic melittin and three analogues is described. Selectively 13C-enriched tryptophan ( [13C delta 1]-L-Trp) and glycine ( [13C alpha]Gly) were incorporated into melittin and three analogues by de novo peptide synthesis. 13C-Labeled tryptophan was incorporated into melittin at position 19 and into single-tryptophan analogues of melittin at positions 17, 11, and 9, respectively. Each of the synthetic peptides contained 13C-labeled glycine at position 12 only. The peptides were characterized functionally in a cytolytic assay, and spectroscopically by CD, fluorescence, and NMR. The behavior of 13C-labeled synthetic melittin was, in all respects, indistinguishable from that of the naturally occurring peptide. All of the analogues were found to be efficient lytic agents and thus were functionally similar to the native peptide, yet no evidence was found for formation of a melittin-like tetramer by any of the analogues in aqueous media, although there was a propensity for apparently nonspecific peptide aggregation, especially for MLT-W9. Since the analogues did exhibit fractional helicities by CD comparable to or even greater than melittin itself in the presence of methanol, we infer that tetramer assembly requires not only the ability to form alpha-helix but also a very precise packing of amino acid side chains of the constituent monomers. The 13C chemical shift of the Gly-12 C alpha was found to be a sensitive marker for helix formation in all of the peptides. For melittin itself, 13C NMR spectra revealed a downfield shift of approximately 1.8 ppm for the Gly-12 13C alpha resonance of the tetramer relative to that observed for the free monomer in D2O. In mixed samples containing melittin monomer and tetramer, two discrete Gly-12 13C alpha peaks were observed simultaneously, suggestive of slow exchange between the two species. We conclude that melittin's ability to form a soluble tetramer is not a prerequisite for cytolytic activity, nor is cytolytic potential precisely correlated with the ability to form an amphiphilic helix.     

Proteomic identification of molecular targets of gambogic acid: Role of stathmin in hepatocellular carcinoma

Gamboge has been developed as an injectable drug for cancer treatment in China. In this study, the inhibition ratio and their IC₅₀ values of two derivatives from Gamboge in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were determined. Proteomic approach was employed to reveal the target proteins of these two derivatives, gambogic acid (GA), and gambogenic acid (GEA). HCC cells were cultured under varied conditions with the addition of either GA or GEA. Twenty differentially expressed proteins were identified and the four most distinctly expressed proteins were further validated by Western blotting. GA and GEA revealed inhibitory effects on HCC cell proliferation. The expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 inhibitor A and guanine nucleotide‐binding protein β subunit 1 were upregulated by both xanthones, whilst the expression of 14‐3‐3 protein sigma and stathmin 1 (STMN1) were downregulated. Furthermore, overexpression of STMN1 in HCC cells decreased their sensitivity, whilst small interfering RNAs targeting STMN1 enhanced their sensitivity to GA and GEA. In conclusion, our study suggested for the first time that STMN1 might be a major target for GA and GEA in combating HCC. Further investigation may lead to a new generation of anticancer drugs exerting synergistic effect with conventional therapy, thus to promote treatment efficacy.     

Liver-Targeting of Interferon-Alpha with Tissue-Specific Domain Antibodies

Interferon alpha (IFNα) is used for the treatment of hepatitis C infection and whilst efficacious it is associated with multiple adverse events including reduced leukocyte, erythrocyte, and platelet counts, fatigue, and depression. These events are most likely caused by systemic exposure to interferon. We therefore hypothesise that targeting the therapeutic directly to the intended site of action in the liver would reduce exposure in blood and peripheral tissue and hence improve the safety and tolerability of IFNα therapy. We genetically fused IFN to a domain antibody (dAb) specific to a hepatocyte restricted antigen, asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR). Our results show that the murine IFNα2 homolog (mIFNα2) fused to an ASGPR specific dAb, termed DOM26h-196-61, could be expressed in mammalian tissue culture systems and retains the desirable biophysical properties and activity of both fusion partners when measured in vitro. Furthermore a clear increase in in vivo targeting of the liver by mIFNα2-ASGPR dAb fusion protein, compared to that observed with either unfused mIFNα2 or mIFNα2 fused to an isotype control dAb V_HD2 (which does not bind ASGPR) was demonstrated using microSPECT imaging. We suggest that these findings may be applicable in the development of a liver-targeted human IFN molecule with improved safety and patient compliance in comparison to the current standard of care, which could ultimately be used as a treatment for human hepatitis virus infections.     

Design of transgenes for efficient expression of active chimeric proteins on mammalian cells

Heterologous proteins expressed on the surface of cells may be useful for eliciting therapeutic responses and engineering new extracellular properties. We examined factors that control the membrane targeting of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and a single-chain antibody (scFv). Chimeric proteins were targeted to the plasma membrane by employing the transmembrane domain (TM) and cytosolic tail of murine CD8O (B7-1), the TM of the human platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor encoded by the C-terminal extension of decay-accelerating factor (DAF), and the TM of the H1 subunit of the human asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR). AFP chimeric proteins containing the B7, DAF, ASGPR, or PDGFR targeting domains displayed half-lives of 12.2, 3.8, 2.4, and 1.6 h, respectively. The newly synthesized B7 chimera was rapidly transported and remained on the cell surface. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored chimeras reached the surface more slowly and significant amounts were released into the culture medium. PDGFR TM chimeras were rapidly degraded, whereas ASGPR chimeras were retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The surface expression of both AFP and scFv chimeric proteins followed the order (highest to lowest) of B7 > DAF > PDGFR. Introduction of a dimerization domain (hinge-CH(2)-CH(3) region of human IgG1) between scFv and TM dramatically reduced cleavage of the chimeric protein, increased surface expression, and produced biologically active scFv. Our results indicate that transgenes designed for the expression of active scFv on cells should incorporate a TM that does not undergo endocytosis, include an intact cytoplasmic domain, and possess a spacer to reduce cleavage and retain biological activity.     

Pharmacokinetic Characteristics,Pharmacodynamic Effect and In Vivo Antiviral Efficacy of Liver-Targeted Interferon Alpha

Interferon alpha (IFNα) is used for the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection, and whilst efficacious, it is associated with multiple adverse events caused by systemic exposure to interferon. We therefore hypothesise that targeting IFN directly to the intended site of action in the liver would reduce exposure in blood and peripheral tissue and hence improve the safety and tolerability of IFNα therapy. Furthermore we investigated whether directing IFN to the reservoir of infection in the liver may improve antiviral efficacy by increasing local concentration in target organs and tissues. Our previous results show that the mIFNα2 fused to an ASGPR specific liver targeting antibody, DOM26h-196-61, results in a fusion protein which retains the activity of both fusion partners when measured in vitro. In vivo targeting of the liver by mIFNα2-DOM26h-196-61, hereafter referred to as targeted mIFNα2, was observed in microSPECT imaging studies in mice. In this study we show by pharmacokinetic analysis that antibody mediated liver-targeting results in increased uptake and exposure of targeted mIFNα2 in target tissues, and correspondingly reduced uptake and exposure in systemic circulation, clearance organs and non-target tissues. We also show that cytokine activity and antiviral activity of liver-targeted IFN is observed in vivo, but that, contrary to expectations, liver-targeting of mIFNα2 using ASGPR specific dAbs actually leads to a reduced pharmacodynamic effect in target organs and lower antiviral activity in vivo when compared to non-targeted mIFNα2-dAb fusions.