Functional characterization of the selective pan-allele anti-SIRP? antibody ADU-1805 that blocks the SIRP?-CD47 innate immune checkpoint.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Accumulating preclinical data indicate that targeting the SIRP?/CD47 axis alone or in combination with existing targeted therapies or immune checkpoint inhibitors enhances tumor rejection. Although several CD47-targeting agents are currently in phase I clinical trials and demonstrate activity in combination therapy, high and frequent dosing was required and safety signals (acute anemia, thrombocytopenia) were recorded frequently as adverse events. Based on the restricted expression pattern of SIRP? we hypothesized that antibodies targeting SIRP? might avoid some of the concerns noted for CD47-targeting agents. METHODS:SIRP?-targeting antibodies were generated and characterized for binding to human SIRP? alleles and blockade of the interaction with CD47. Functional activity was established in vitro using human macrophages or neutrophils co-cultured with human Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines. The effect of SIRP? versus CD47 targeting on human T-cell activation was studied using an allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction and a Staphylococcus enterotoxin B-induced T-cell proliferation assay. Potential safety concerns of the selected SIRP?-targeting antibody were addressed in vitro using a hemagglutination assay and a whole blood cytokine release assay, and in vivo in a single-dose toxicity study in cynomolgus monkeys. RESULTS:The humanized monoclonal IgG2 antibody ADU-1805 binds to all known human SIRP? alleles, showing minimal binding to SIRP?1, while cross-reacting with SIRP?, and potently blocking the interaction of SIRP? with CD47. Reduced Fc?R binding proved critical to retaining its function towards phagocyte activation. In vitro characterization demonstrated that ADU-1805 promotes macrophage phagocytosis, with similar potency to anti-CD47 antibodies, and enhances neutrophil trogocytosis. Unlike CD47-targeting agents, ADU-1805 does not interfere with T-cell activation and is not expected to require frequent and extensive dosing due to the restricted expression of SIRP? to cells of the myeloid lineage. ADU-1805 is cross-reactive to cynomolgus monkey SIRP? and upon single-dose intravenous administration in these non-human primates (NHPs) did not show any signs of anemia, thrombocytopenia or other toxicities. CONCLUSIONS:Blocking the SIRP?-CD47 interaction via SIRP?, while similarly efficacious in vitro, differentiates ADU-1805 from CD47-targeting agents with respect to safety and absence of inhibition of T-cell activation. The data presented herein support further advancement of ADU-1805 towards clinical development.

SUBMITTER: Voets E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6894304 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature