Chemical conjugation of a novel antibody-interleukin 2 immunoconjugate against c-erbB-2 product.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new chemical method to produce a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 520C9/recombinant human interleukin 2 (rhIL-2) conjugate. METHODS: MoAb 520C9 reactive with the protooncogene c-erbB-2 product P185 was chemically conjugated with rhIL-2 by using a simple two-step method. First, the rhIL-2 was activated by Sulfosuccinimidyl 4-[N-maleimidomethyl] cyclohexane-1-carboxylate, a heterobifunctional linker, and N-succinimidyl s-acetylthioacetate was introduced onto 520C9. Then SATA on the 520C9 was reacted with the maleimide group on the activated rhIL-2 to generate 520C9-rhIL-2 immunoconjugate. RESULTS: The immunoconjugate retained the antigen binding activity compared to the respective native antibody as determined by an indirect live cell binding assay. The immunoconjugate also possessed IL-2 activity as measured by the standard CTLL-2 cells proliferation assay and the stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into lymphokine-activated killer cells. CONCLUSION: Our method of conjugation of rhIL-2 to 520C9 preserves the binding activity of the antibody and the cytokine function of IL-2. This simple and efficient method of conjugation should be applicable to other types of MoAbs and recombinant cytokines.

Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication in vitro in acutely and persistently infected human CD4+ mononuclear cells expressing murine and humanized anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat single-chain variable fragment intrabodies.

We have previously reported that a murine anti-Tat sFv intrabody, termed sFvtat1Ck, directed against the proline-rich N-terminal activation domain of HIV-1, is a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 replication [Mhashilkar, A. M., et al. (1995). EMBO J. 14, 1542-1551]. In this study, the protective effect of sFvtat1Ck expression on HIV-1 replication in both acutely infected and persistently infected CD4+ cells was examined. Stably transfected CD4+ SupT1 cells were resistant to HIV-1 infection at high MOI with both the laboratory isolate HxB2 and six syncytium-inducing (SI) primary isolates. Persistently infected U1 cells, which can be induced to increase HIV-1 mRNA synthesis on addition of PMA or TNF-alpha, showed decreased production of HIV-1 in the presence of sFvtat1Ck. In transduced CD4+-selected, CD8+-depleted, and total PMBCs, the sFvtat1Ck-expressing cells showed marked inhibition of HIV-1 replication. The anti-Tat sFv was subsequently humanized by substituting compatible human framework regions that were chosen from a large database of human V(H) and V(L) sequences on the basis of high overall framework matching, similar CDR length, and minimal mismatching of canonical and V(H)/V(L) contact residues. One humanized anti-Tat sFv intrabody, termed sFvhutat2, demonstrated a level of anti-HIV-1 activity that was comparable to the parental murine sFv when transduced PBMCs expressing the murine or humanized sFv intrabodies were challenged with HxB2 and two SI primary isolates. Because Tat is likely to have both direct and indirect effects in the pathogenesis of AIDS through its multiple roles in the HIV-1 life cycle and through its effects on the immune system, the strategy of genetically blocking Tat protein function with a humanized anti-Tat sFv intrabody may prove useful for the treatment of HIV-1 infection and AIDS, particularly when used as an adjuvant gene therapy together with highly active antiretroviral therapies that are currently available.

Induction of multiple anti-c-erbB-2 specificities accompanies a classical idiotypic cascade following 2B1 bispecific monoclonal antibody treatment.

The bispecific monoclonal antibody (bsmAb) 2B1, targeting the extracellular domain of c-erbB-2, the protein product of the HER-2/neu proto-ocogene, and Fc gamma RIII (CD16), expressed by human natural killer cells, neutrophils and differentiated monocytes, mediates the specific cytotoxic activity of these effector cells to tumor cells. A group of 24 patients with c-erbB-2-overexpressing tumors were treated with intravenously administered 2B1 in a phase I clinical trial and followed after treatment to evaluate the diversity and extent of the 2B1-induced humoral immune responses. As expected, 17 of 24 patients developed human anti-(murine Ig) antibodies (HAMA) to whole 2B1 IgG in a range from 100 ng/ml to more than 50000 ng/ml; 10 of these patients (42%) had strong (at least 1000 ng/ml) HAMA responses, some of which were still detectable at day 191. These responses were usually associated with similar reactivity to the F(ab')2 fragments of the parental antibodies 520C9 (anti-c-erbB-2) and 3G8 (anti-CD16). We sought evidence of an idiotypic cascade induction, indicating a prolonged specific treatment-induced effect on at least one selected target of 2B1. Using competition-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, specific anti-idiotypic antibodies (Ab2) were detectable against 520C9 in 11 patients and against 3G8 in 13 patients. Peak anti-idiotypic antibodies generally occurred 3-5 weeks from treatment initiation, with a downward trend thereafter. There was a statistically significant correlation among the induction of significant HAMA responses, anti-idiotypic antibody production and the development of antibodies to c-erbB-2. The anti-c-erbB-2 responses, which were distinct from anti-anti-idiotypic (Ab3) antibodies, were detected in the post-treatment sera of 6/16 patients examined. No obvious correlation could be made between the development of humoral immune responses, the dose received, and the clinical response. Future investigation involving 2B1 therapy will concentrate on investigating an association of these humoral responses to any c-erbB-2-specific cellular responses. Manipulations of 2B1 therapy effects that augment immunity to c-erbB-2 could provide additional avenues for immunotherapy with this and other bispecific antibodies.

In vitro tumor growth inhibition by bispecific antibodies to human transferrin receptor and tumor-associated antigens is augmented by the iron chelator deferoxamine.

Previously, a panel of mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to several tumor-associated antigens was chemically crosslinked to an IgG1 anti-human transferrin receptor antibody, 454A12. We called this new class of bispecific antibodies (BmAbs) "antigen forks" and showed that these antigen forks inhibited but did not completely prevent tumor cell growth. We speculated that the conjugates acted by heterologously crosslinking two antigens in a manner that interfered with the functions of one or both. The most effective BmAbs all shared one specificity for the human transferrin receptor. A monoclonal antibody to this receptor has been shown by others to reduce tumor cell growth when used with the iron chelator deferoxamine. When we combined our antigen forks with deferoxamine, two of five BmAbs synergized with deferoxamine to arrest tumor cell count at or below input levels. The most effective BmAbs were 317G5/454A12 (3/4) and 520C9/454A12 (5/4). mAb 317G5 recognizes a 42-kDa tumor-associated glycoprotein, and mAb 520C9 recognizes the c-erbB-2 protooncogene product. BmAb 3/4 was most effective against colorectal cancer cell line HT-29, and BmAb 5/4 was most effective against breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3. When deferoxamine and BmAb were replaced by fresh medium after a 6- or 7-day treatment period, no regrowth of tumor cells was observed during the next 4 days, although regrowth was seen if either deferoxamine or BmAb was used alone. Our results show that BmAbs with specificities for transferrin receptor and certain tumor-associated antigens effectively inhibit tumor growth in vitro. When used in combination with deferoxamine, such BmAbs may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer.

Human neutrophil interactions of a bispecific monoclonal antibody targeting tumor and human Fc gamma RIII.

2B1 is a bispecific murine monoclonal antibody (bsmAb) targeting the c-erbB-2 and CD16 (Fc gamma RIII) antigens. c-erbB-2 is over-expressed by a variety of adenocarcinomas, and CD16, the low-affinity Fc gamma receptor for aggregated immunoglobulins, is expressed by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), natural killer (NK) cells and differentiated mononuclear phagocytes. 2B1 potentiates the in vitro lysis of c-erb-2 over-expressing tumors by NK cells and macrophages. In this report, the interactions between 2B1 and PMN were investigated to assess the impact of these associations on in vitro 2B1-promoted tumor cytotoxicity by human NK cells. The peak binding of 2B1 to PMN was observed at a concentration of 10 microgram/ml 2B1. However, 2B1 rapidly dissociated from PMN in vitro at 37 degrees C in non-equilibrium conditions. This dissociation was not caused by CD16 shedding. When PMN were labeled witn 125I-2B1 and incubated at 37 degrees C and the supernatants examined by HPLC analysis, the Fab regions of dissociated 2B1 were not complexed with shed CD16 extracellular domain. While most of the binding of 2B1 PMN was solely attributable to Fab-directed binding to Fc gamma RIII, PMN-associated 2B1 also bound through Fc gamma-domain/Fc gamma RII interactions. 2B1 did not promote in vitro PMN cytotoxicity against c-erbB-2-expressing SK-OV-3 tumor cells. When PMN were coincubated with peripheral blood lymphocytes, SK-OV-3 tumor and 2B1, the concentration of 2B1 required for maximal tumor lysis was lowered. Although PMN may serve as a significant competitive binding pool of systemically administered 2B1 in vivo, the therapeutic potential of the targeted cytotoxicity properties of this bsmAb should not be compromised.

Murine bispecific antibody 1A10 directed to human transferrin receptor and a 42-kDa tumor-associated glycoprotein.

Previously, we observed that bispecific antibodies ("antigen forks") that bound to certain pairs of different tumor surface antigens could inhibit cell growth. The chemically linked heteroconjugate of MAb 454A12 (murine IgG1 recognizing human transferrin receptor) and 317G5 (murine IgG1 recognizing a 42-kDa tumor-associated glycoprotein) was particularly inhibitory toward human colorectal cancer cell lines, and the iron-chelating agent deferoxamine was found to augment inhibition of tumor cell growth by this antigen fork. Further experiments revealed that an antigen fork constructed by linking Fab' fragments instead of whole antibodies retained activity, which led us to construct a fork-secreting hybrid hybridoma. Hybridoma 454A12 was fused with hybridoma 34F2 (murine IgG1 with the same specificity as 317G5). Hybrid hybridomas whose supernatants blocked binding of both 454A12 and 34F2 probes were further tested for the ability to block growth of SW948 human colorectal cancer cells in an MTT growth assay, and were chosen for subcloning. Ascites produced by clone 1A10 was purified by affinity and cation exchange chromatography. Purified 1A10 bispecific antibody showed growth inhibitory activity comparable to that of a chemically linked heteroconjugate of its parental antibodies 34F2 and 454A12. Adding deferoxamine greatly enhanced the inhibitory activity of 1A10 and effectively prevented regrowth of tumor cells in vitro. By heterologously crosslinking two antigens that are coexpressed on many tumor cells, this bispecific antibody is able to inhibit tumor growth with enhanced selectivity.

Binding characteristics and antitumor properties of 1A10 bispecific antibody recognizing gp40 and human transferrin receptor.

The bispecific murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) 1A10 has specificity for the human transferrin receptor (TfR) and the human tumor-associated antigen gp40. This antibody, therefore, functions as an "antigen fork" by binding to two distinct antigens on the same malignant cell. Highly purified 1A10 inhibits the growth of cells coexpressing high levels of human TfR and the tumor-associated antigen gp40 by binding to both target antigens. In SW948 cells, the majority of 1A10 binding is via its gp40 specificity, and half-maximal inhibition of cell growth by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay requires 20-30-micrograms/ml concentrations of 1A10. The binding of 1A10 correlates with growth inhibition in the cell lines HT-29, SK-OV-3, OVCAR-2, and OVCAR-3. The growth of OVCAR-10 cells, which express little gp40 and TfR, is not inhibited by 1A10. However, SK-BR-3 cells, which express abundant gp40 and extremely high levels of TfR, are insensitive to the effects of 1A10. In some cell lines, combined exposure to 1A10 and the iron chelator deferoxamine mesylate has synergistic antiproliferative effects. A single i.p. dose of 600 micrograms 1A10 is sufficient to achieve an estimated tumor concentration of at least 30 micrograms/ml for 7 days in C.B17/Icr-scid mice bearing SW948 human tumor xenografts. Treatment of scid mice bearing day 2 or day 4 SW948 xenografts with single or multiple 1A10 doses inhibits tumor growth in a dose-related fashion. Antitumor effects are not seen with therapy using either parental antibody of 1A10. The antiproliferative properties of 1A10 in tumor cells overexpressing gp40 and TfR suggest avenues for the development of new bispecific antibody-promoted treatment strategies.

Phase I trial of 2B1, a bispecific monoclonal antibody targeting c-erbB-2 and Fc gamma RIII.

2B1 is a bispecific murine monoclonal antibody (BsMAb) with specificity for the c-erbB-2 and Fc gamma RIII extracellular domains. This BsMAb promotes the targeted lysis of malignant cells overexpressing the c-erbB-2 gene product of the HER2/neu proto-oncogene by human natural killer cells and mononuclear phagocytes expressing the Fc gamma RIII A isoform. In a Phase I clinical trial of 2B1, 15 patients with c-erbB-2-overexpressing tumors were treated with 1 h i.v. infusions of 2B1 on days 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of a single course of treatment. Three patients were treated with daily doses of 1.0 mg/m2, while six patients each were treated with 2.5 mg/m2 and 5.0 mg/m2, respectively. The principal non-dose-limiting transient toxicities were fevers, rigors, nausea, vomiting, and leukopenia. Thrombocytopenia was dose limiting at the 5.0 mg/m2 dose level in two patients who had received extensive prior myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Murine antibody was detectable in serum following 2B1 administration, and its bispecific binding properties were retained. The pharmacokinetics of this murine antibody were variable and best described by nonlinear kinetics with an average t 1/2 of 20 h. Murine antibody bound extensively to all neutrophils and to a proportion of monocytes and lymphocytes. The initial 2B1 treatment induced more than 100-fold increases in circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6, and interleukin 8 and lesser rises in granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor and IFN-gamma. Brisk human anti-mouse antibody responses were induced in 14 of 15 patients. Several minor clinical responses were observed, with reductions in the thickness of chest wall disease in one patient with disseminated breast cancer. Resolution of pleural effusions and ascites, respectively, were noted in two patients with metastatic colon cancer, and one of two liver metastases resolved in a patient with metastatic colon cancer. Treatment with 2B1 BsMAb has potent immunological consequences. The maximum tolerated dose and Phase II daily dose for patients with extensive prior myelosuppressive chemotherapy was 2.5 mg/m2. Continued dose escalation is required to identify the maximally tolerated dose for patients who have been less heavily pretreated.

Clinical development of 2B1, a bispecific murine monoclonal antibody targeting c-erbB-2 and Fc gamma RIII.

Bispecific monoclonal antibodies (BsmAb) can be used to specifically target tumor cells for cytotoxicity mediated by defined effector cells. One such BsmAb, 2B1, targets the extracellular domains of both the c-erbB-2 protein product of the HER-2/neu oncogene and Fc gamma RIII (CD16), the Fc gamma receptor expressed by human natural killer cells, neutrophils, and differentiated mononuclear phagocytes. 2B1 promotes the conjugation of cells expressing these target antigens. It efficiently promotes the specific lysis of tumor cells expressing c-erbB-2 by human NK cells and macrophages over a broad concentration range. 2B1 selectively targets c-erbB-2-positive human tumor xenografts growing in immunodeficient SCID mice. Treatment of such mice with 2B1 plus interleukin 2 (IL-2) inhibits the growth of early, established human tumor xenografts overexpressing c-erbB-2. A phase I clinical trial of 2B1 has been initiated to determine the toxicity profile and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of this BsmAb and to examine the biodistribution of the antibody and the biologic effects of treatment. Preliminary results of this trial indicate that the dose-limiting toxicity for patients with extensive prior bone marrow-toxic therapy is thrombocytopenia for as yet undetermined reasons. Toxicities of fevers, rigors, and associated constitutional symptoms are explained, in part, by treatment-induced systemic expression of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Circulating, functional BsmAb is easily detectible in treatment patients' sera and exhibits complex elimination patterns. HAMA and anti-idiotypic treatment-induced antibodies are induced by 2B1 treatment. Some preliminary indications of clinical activity have been observed. BsmAb therapy targeting tumor antigens and Fc gamma RIII has potent immunologic effects. Future studies will include the development of more relevant animal models for BsmAb therapy targeting human Fc gamma RIII. The ongoing phase I trial will be completed to identify the MTD for patients without extensive prior bone marrow-toxic chemotherapy and radiation. A phase II clinical trial of 2B1 therapy in women with metastatic breast cancer is planned, as is a phase I trial incorporating treatment with both 2B1 and IL-2.

High-affinity monoclonal antibodies against P-glycoprotein.

Cancer patients treated with one anticancer agent often develop resistance to a broad spectrum of chemotherapeutic agents. This type of multiple drug resistance (MDR) is often accompanied by a decrease in drug accumulation and an increase in expression of a 170,000-Da plasma membrane glycoprotein (P-170) that can effectively pump various anticancer agents out of cytoplasm. A panel of 12 IgG1, IgG2a, or IgG2b monoclonal antibodies was generated against the extracellular portion of P-glycoprotein by immunizing mice with a human MDR1 gene-transfected BA3T3 fibroblast line. We have characterized two of the anti-P-glycoprotein monoclonal antibodies, 15D3 and 17F9, in some detail. Both antibodies immunoprecipitate a 170- to 180-kDa protein from MDR cells, but do not block binding of the known anti-P-glycoprotein antibody MRK16, suggesting that 15D3 and 17F9 bind to a different epitope on the extracellular domain of P-glycoprotein than MRK16. Scatchard analysis revealed that 15D3 and 17F9 had association constants of 1.3 and 1.1 x 10(8) M-1, respectively. 15D3 and 17F9 had little effect on MDR cell growth except for a minor inhibition of KB-V1 cells when the cells were incubated in the presence of vinblastine. Neither antibody inhibited the efflux of P-glycoprotein substrates from MDR cells. Because of their strong binding activity, these antibodies may be useful for diagnostic detection of MDR in patients undergoing chemotherapy or as targeting components of immunotherapeutic agents.

Antigen forks: bispecific reagents that inhibit cell growth by binding selected pairs of tumor antigens.

Bispecific antibodies of a new category, termed "antigen forks", were constructed by crosslinking antibodies that recognized pairs of distinct tumor cell surface antigens. At concentrations of 1-100 nM, several such forks inhibited the growth of human tumor cell lines bearing both relevant antigens. The same cells were not inhibited by unconjugated component antibodies, and the active conjugates did not inhibit the growth of human cell lines that expressed lower levels of relevant antigens. The three most active antigen forks all contained monoclonal antibody 454A12, which recognizes human transferrin receptor. This antibody was conjugated respectively to antibodies 113F1 (against a tumor-associated glycoprotein complex), 317G5 (against a 42-kDa tumor-associated glycoprotein), or 520C9 (against the c-erbB-2 protooncogene product). The 317G5-454A12 fork strongly inhibited the HT-29 and SW948 human colorectal cancer cell lines, while the 113F1-454A12 and 520C9-454A12 forks strongly inhibited the SK-BR-3 human breast cancer cell line and the 113F1-454A12 fork was also effective against SW948. By designing forks against antigens of incompatible function that are co-expressed at high levels on tumor cells but not on normal tissues, it may be possible to generate reagents that inhibit tumor growth with enhanced selectivity.

Binding and cytotoxicity characteristics of the bispecific murine monoclonal antibody 2B1.

Bispecific monoclonal antibodies (BsmAb) with specificity for tumor Ag and effector cell trigger molecules have been shown to redirect the cytotoxicity of several peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations against relevant tumor. The BsmAb, 2B1, binds to the extracellular domain of the c-erbB-2 gene product of the HER2/neu proto-oncogene and to CD16. In this report, the binding and cytotoxic characteristics of 2B1 are presented. Maximal saturation binding of 2B1 to PBL and c-erbB-2 expressing SK-OV-3 cells occurred in the 1 microgram/ml concentration range. However, substantial lysis potentiation was observed at 1000-fold lower BsmAb concentrations. Optimal tumor lysis was obtained when the BsmAb, PBL, and target cells were continuously coincubated. When PBL were franked with 2B1, washed, and added to labeled targets, substantially less lysis was observed. These results suggest that the best way to therapeutically exploit the cytotoxic attributes of 2B1 may be to obtain continuous BsmAb exposure to tumor. Approaches based on franking of this BsmAb to PBL may not be warranted.

In vitro cytotoxic targeting by human mononuclear cells and bispecific antibody 2B1, recognizing c-erbB-2 protooncogene product and Fc gamma receptor III.

Bispecific murine monoclonal antibody 2B1, possessing dual specificity for the human c-erbB-2 protooncogene product and human Fc gamma receptor III (CD16) was evaluated for the ability to promote specific lysis of c-erbB-2-positive tumor cells in vitro. In short-term 51Cr release assays with human mononuclear cells as effectors and SK-Br-3 human breast cancer cells as targets, neither parental antibody of 2B1 mediated significant specific lysis, but bispecific antibody was as active as a chemical heteroconjugate, with 5 ng/ml of 2B1 causing half-maximal lysis at an effector/target ratio of 20:1 and 2 ng/ml 2B1 causing half-maximal lysis at an E/T ratio of 40:1. The cytotoxic targeting activity of 2B1 F(ab')2 fragment was the same as that of whole bispecific antibody, and the activity of whole 2B1 was not reduced when assays were performed in 100% autologous human serum, indicating that 2B1 binds effector cells through the CD16-binding site derived from parental antibody 3G8 rather than through its Fc portion. Variable inhibition of 2B1-mediated lysis was observed when autologous polymorphonuclear leukocytes from different donors were added to mononuclear effector cells at a 2:1 ratio; this inhibition was overcome at higher antibody concentration. 2B1 bispecific monoclonal antibody was also able to mediate targeted cytolysis using whole human blood as a source of effector cells or using effector or target cells derived from ovarian cancer patients.

Identity of BCA200 and c-erbB-2 indicated by reactivity of monoclonal antibodies with recombinant c-erbB-2.

BCA200 has been described as a 200,000 Mr monomeric cell surface glycoprotein associated with human breast cancer. Since the physical properties and cellular distribution of BCA200 resemble those of c-erbB-2, antibodies to BCA200 were tested for the ability to bind a recombinant protein containing the c-erbB-2 extracellular domain (erbB-2 ECD). Three antibodies to distinct epitopes of BCA200 reacted with erbB-2 ECD but not with a control protein expressed in a similar baculovirus lysate. Control myeloma proteins and antibodies to four other antigens did not react with erbB-2 ECD. A protein with the expected molecular weight for erbB-2 ECD was also immunoprecipitated by anti-BCA200 antibody 520C9. We conclude that BCA200 is another synonym for c-erbB-2.

Selection of hybrid hybridomas by flow cytometry using a new combination of fluorescent vital stains.

A new combination of fluorescent dyes (rhodamine 123 and hydroethidine) was used to internally label hybridoma fusion partners. Murine hybridoma 520C9 (recognizing human c-erbB-2) was labeled with hydroethidine. Murine hybridoma 3G8 (recognizing human Fc gamma receptor III) was labeled with rhodamine 123, and verapamil was used to block rhodamine efflux via P-glycoprotein. Viability assays showed little cytotoxicity from these dyes at the concentrations used. The labeled cells were fused with polyethylene glycol, sorted for dual fluorescence on an Epics V cell sorter, and cloned. Hybrid hybridomas producing bispecific antibodies were selected for ability to promote lysis of SK-Br-3 breast cancer cells by human mononuclear cells. Several positive clones were obtained and shown to have a double content of DNA. Bispecific antibody produced by subclone 2B1 was purified by anion exchange chromatography and shown to bind both tumor cells and Fc gamma R III bearing cells. Using two parameter flow cytometric analysis, we were able to measure a 'bridging' effect of this bispecific antibody, which caused formation of complexes between PMNs and SK-Br-3 cells. Either parental antibody could compete with bispecific antibody to block such complexing. This fusion method provides several advantages over other techniques presently used (speed, convenience, low toxicity and automatic exclusion of dead cells) and can be applied to produce other hybrid hybridomas.

Inhibition of hematopoietic progenitor colony growth by a monoclonal antibody against the transferrin receptor: comparison of unconjugated antibody with an immunotoxin containing recombinant ricin A chain.

We studied an immunotoxin consisting of recombinant ricin A chain (rRA) conjugated to 454A12 MoAb, a monoclonal antibody which recognizes an epitope on the human transferrin receptor, and compared the ability of 454A12 MoAb-rRA immunotoxin to inhibit the growth of erythroid burst-forming units (BFU-e) and myeloid colony-forming units (CFU-c) with unconjugated 454A12 MoAb. A significant reduction in BFU-e colony growth was observed at 0.001 microgram/ml of 454A12 MoAb-rRA versus 0.1 microgram/ml of unconjugated 454A12 MoAb (p = 0.005). Comparison of the effects of 454A12 MoAb-rRA and 454A12 MoAb on myeloid colony development gave markedly different results. Unconjugated antibody had no effect on CFU-c colony growth; in contrast, 0.01 microgram/ml of 454A12 MoAb-rRA reduced the number of colonies from 139 per 1 X 10(5) to 75 per 1 X 10(5) cells plated (p = 0.0005). No myeloid progenitor colonies developed at 0.1 microgram/ml of immunotoxin. These observations suggest that 454A12 MoAb-rRA inhibits growth by a potent, ricin A chain-mediated toxic effect on any proliferating cells expressing transferrin receptors, whereas the 454A12 MoAb exerts a selective inhibitory effect primarily on erythroid progenitors by perturbing the transferrin cycle. While growth factor receptors expressed on hematopoietic cells represent promising targets for immunotoxin therapy, our data indicate that an immunotoxin could inhibit cellular proliferation by a different mechanism than the corresponding unconjugated MoAb. Depending on the antibody used, these differences may be important in trials using immunotoxins for in vivo treatment or in vitro purging of malignant hematopoietic cells.

Detection of breast carcinoma cells in human bone marrow using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and conventional cytology.

Flow cytometry has been compared with conventional cytology as a method for detecting breast carcinoma cells in human bone marrow. Breast cancer cells from patient effusion fluids or from established cell lines were mixed with normal human bone marrow at dilutions ranging from 1:10 to 1:100,000. Cells were labeled with five directly fluoresceinated murine monoclonal antibodies reactive against epithelial cell surface determinants of 42, 55, 72, 200, and more than 200 kD. Fluorescence of tumor cells within the mixtures was then analyzed with the use of a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. In multiple experiments, one tumor cell in 10,000 nucleated marrow cells could be detected by flow cytometry. In addition, a linear correlation was observed over approximately 3 logs between the number of tumor cells added and the number of tumor cells detected. In a double-blind study comparing flow cytometry and cytology, flow cytometric analysis detected one tumor cell among 10,000 marrow precursors in 14 of 15 instances, whereas standard cytologic methods detected similar tumor contamination in 9 of 15 instances. Neither technique used individually could detect one tumor cell in 100,000 bone marrow cells. Used in combination, however, flow cytometry and cytology could detect one breast cancer cell among 100,000 normal marrow progenitors.

Use of immunotoxins in combination to inhibit clonogenic growth of human breast carcinoma cells.

Substantial heterogeneity has been observed in the expression of individual antigens within tumor cell populations. Immunotoxins which bind to different cell surface antigens might exert additive or synergistic cytotoxicity when used in combination to eliminate all clonogenic cells within a tumor. Immunotoxins have been prepared by conjugating recombinantly derived toxin A chain to different monoclonal reagents which recognize cell surface determinants of Mr 42,000 (317G5), 55,000 (260F9), and 200,000 (741F8). Each immunotoxin was evaluated for binding, internalization, and cytotoxicity with four breast cancer cell lines. Each of the three immunotoxins bound to the SKBr3 cell line and exerted antitumor activity in a limiting dilution clonogenic assay. Simultaneous treatment with two immunotoxins produced additive antitumor activity with each of the possible combinations. Additive binding could be demonstrated by immunofluorescent techniques, however, with only one of three combinations. With two of the three combinations, subpopulations of tumor cells could be identified which lacked one or the other antigenic determinant but not both. Consequently, log-additive antitumor activity was produced by immunotoxins in combination, and heterogeneity of antigenic targets may have contributed to the combined cytotoxicity in some but not all cases.

Distribution and physical properties of BCA200, a Mr 200,000 glycoprotein selectively associated with human breast cancer.

Of 122 mouse monoclonal antibodies selective for human breast cancer, 13 immunoprecipitated an acidic glycoprotein from SK-Br-3 and ZR-75-30 human breast cancer cells. The antigen (BCA200) migrates with an apparent molecular weight of 200,000 on reducing and 180,000 on nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, suggesting a single polypeptide chain with a folded domain stabilized by a disulfide bond. Cross-blocking and sandwich immunoassays detected at least three distinct antigenic determinants on BCA200. Scatchard experiments measured 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 antigen copies per SK-Br-3 cell. The tissue distribution of BCA200 was studied using two monoclonals to different epitopes. Neither antibody stained any cells in human blood. When frozen sections of 20 normal human tissues were immunoperoxidase stained, the only positive structures were mucinous glands of colon, transitional epithelium of bladder, sweat glands of skin, and acinar epithelium of breast. Antibody 454C11 stained 16 of 21 breast tumor frozen sections and 9 of 12 breast cancer cell lines, while antibody 520C9 stained 5 of 20 breast tumors and 4 of 10 breast cancer lines. Cross-reaction was observed with lung, prostatic, pancreatic, endometrial, and ovarian cancer, but not with lymphoma, melanoma, colon, stomach, bladder, or esophageal cancer. When conjugated to ricin A chain, 10 of 13 antibodies produced immunotoxins selectively cytotoxic to SK-Br-3 breast cancer cells.