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Discover how PEPperPRINT Peptide Microarray products have been used in different fields of research.

Targeting FLT3 by new-generation antibody-drug-conjugate in combination with kinase inhibitors for treatment of AML

Roas, Maike; Vick, Binje; Kasper, Marc-André; Able, Marina; Polzer, Harald; Gerlach, Marcus; Kremmer, Elisabeth; Hecker, Judith S.; Schmitt, Saskia; Stengl, Andreas; Waller, Verena; Hohmann, Natascha; Festini, Moreno; Ludwig, Alexander Edmund; Rohrbacher, Lisa; Herold, Tobias; Subklewe, Marion; Götze, Katharina S.; Hackenberger, Christian P.R.; Schumacher, Dominik; Helma-Smets, Jonas; Jeremias, Irmela; Leonhardt, Heinrich; Spiekermann, Karsten
Fms like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is often overexpressed or constitutively activated by internal tandem duplication (ITD) and tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite the use of receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in FLT3-ITD positive AML, the prognosis of patients is still poor and further improvement of therapy is required. Targeting FLT3 independent of mutations by antibody‑drug‑conjugates (ADCs) is a promising strategy for AML therapy. Here, we report the development and preclinical characterization of a novel FLT3‑targeting ADC, 20D9-ADC, which was generated by applying the innovative P5 conjugation technology. In vitro, 20D9‑ADC mediated potent cytotoxicity to Ba/F3 cells expressing transgenic FLT3 or FLT3-ITD, to AML cell lines and to FLT3-ITD positive patient derived xenograft AML cells. In vivo, 20D9‑ADC treatment led to a significant tumor reduction and even durable complete remission in AML xenograft models. Further, 20D9‑ADC demonstrated no severe hematotoxicity in in vitro colony formation assays using concentrations that were cytotoxic in AML cell line treatment. The combination of 20D9-ADC with the TKI midostaurin showed strong synergy in vitro and in vivo, leading to reduction of aggressive AML cells below the detection limit. Our data indicate that targeting FLT3 with an advanced new-generation ADC is a promising and potent antileukemic strategy, especially when combined with FLT3-TKI in FLT3‑ITD positive AML.

IFx-Hu2.0 phase I first in human study for unresectable melanoma for an intralesional “in-situ vaccine” approach.

Markowitz, Joseph; Shamblott, Michael; Brohl, Andrew Scott; Sarnaik, Amod; Eroglu, Zeynep; Khushalani, Nikhil I.; Chen, Pei-Ling; De-Aquino, Deanryan B.; Sondak, Vernon K.; Tarhini, Ahmad A.; Kim, Youngchul; Pilon-Thomas, Shari
e21542 Background: Many melanoma patients do not respond to anti-PD1 therapy due to lack of antigen specific responses. IFx-Hu2.0 (plasmid DNA encoding the streptococcal membrane protein, Emm55, contained within a cationic polymer) primes innate and antigen dependent responses in murine/equine melanoma models to produce an environment needed for checkpoint inhibitor efficacy. We describe the first in human study utilizing IFx-Hu2.0 in unresectable melanoma – NCT03655756. Methods: Melanoma patients (unresectable stage III/IV) had cutaneous lesions injected with IFx-Hu2.0 to test safety and feasibility. Patients were refractory to standard of care (anti-PD1, BRAF/MEK) or did not wish these treatments. 1-3 lesions (> 3 mm – 0.1 mg/0.2 mL) were injected, pre/post treatment biopsies obtained, and the primary endpoint of 5/6 patients without dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was assessed at 28 days. Retreatment was permitted. ≥2 lesions were needed: one for injection and uninjected lesion for biopsy. Tissue samples were analyzed for mRNA profiles, antigen responses (PEPperPRINT assay), and multiplex immunofluorescence (markers: CD3, CD8, FOXP3, PD1, PDL1, SOX10, DAPI). Results: The primary endpoint was met in 6 evaluable patients out of 7 enrolled. Observed toxicities included: G1-2 Injection site reactions – 5/7; G1 Bleeding – 1/7; G1-2 Pain – 2/7, G1 Lymphopenia – 1/7, G1 Pruritis – 1/7; with no ≥ G3 toxicities related to study drug observed. One G5 toxicity (Clostridium septicum infection 20 days post injection) was deemed unlikely related to study drug. 5/6 patients received 1 cycle prior to post-protocol immune-based therapy. One treatment naïve patient retreated once with IFx-Hu2.0 required no additional therapy > 9 months. Available paired tissue and plasma sampling revealed increased T cell infiltration into treated lesions, increase in IgM and IgG epitope recognition to melanoma associated antigens in the plasma (detected by PEPperPRINT assay), an increase in mRNA associated with innate immune responses in the injected lesion (CXCL13, LAG3, CXCL11, CXCL10, ICOS) and an adaptive immune response (IL-12, HLA-DRB5, WNT4, CD3D, Arg I) in uninjected lesions associated with downregulation of known melanoma antigens. Of 4 anti-PD1 refractory patients, three patients had clinical benefit to post-protocol retreatment with anti-PD1 based therapy (Stable Disease (SD) lasting > 2 years followed by surgical resection, Partial Response (PR) lasting > 9 months, PR subsequently surgical resected and rendered no evidence of disease). Conclusions: In this pilot study, intralesional IFx-Hu2.0 demonstrated a favorable safety profile. These data support encouraging immunological correlative responses and further study of IFx-Hu2.0 as a priming agent to enhance or restore sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in melanoma. Clinical trial information: NCT03655756.

Rapid response to pandemic threats: immunogenic epitope detection of pandemic pathogens for diagnostics and vaccine development using peptide microarrays

Heiss, Kirsten; Heidepriem, Jasmin; Fischer, Nico; Weber, Laura K; Dahlke, Christine; Jaenisch, Thomas; Loeffler, Felix F
J. Proteome Res..
Sep 2020
Emergence and re-emergence of pathogens bearing the risk of becoming a pandemic threat are on the rise. Increased travel and trade, growing population density, changes in urbanization, and climate have a critical impact on infectious disease spread. Currently, the world is confronted with the emergence of a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, responsible for yet more than 500 000 deaths globally. Outbreaks caused by viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, HIV, Ebola, influenza, and Zika have increased over the last decade, underlining the urgent need for a rapid development of diagnostics and vaccines. Hence, the rational identification of biomarkers for diagnostic measures on the one hand, and antigenic targets for vaccine development on the other, are of utmost importance. Peptide microarrays can display large numbers of putative target proteins translated into overlapping linear (and cyclic) peptides. Using these highly diverse libraries, covering tens of thousands of peptides, allow for the in-depth analysis of antibody signatures in a multiplexed, high-throughput fashion. In this review, we highlight synthesis platforms that facilitate fast and highly flexible generation of high-density peptide microarrays. We further outline the multifaceted applications of these peptide array platforms for the development of serological tests and vaccines, to quickly encounter pandemic threats.

Expression of different L1 isoforms of Mastomys natalensis papillomavirus as mechanism to circumvent adaptive immunity

Fu, Yingying; Cao, Rui; Schäfer, Miriam; Stephan, Sonja; Braspenning-Wesch, Ilona; Schmitt, Laura; Bischoff, Ralf; Müller, Martin; Schäfer, Kai; Vinzón, Sabrina E; Rösl, Frank; Hasche, Daniel
Although many high-risk mucosal and cutaneous human papillomaviruses (HPVs) theoretically have the potential to synthesize L1 isoforms differing in length, previous seroepidemiological studies only focused on the short L1 variants, co-assembling with L2 to infectious virions. Using the multimammate mouse Mastomys coucha as preclinical model, this is the first study demonstrating seroconversion against different L1 isoforms during the natural course of papillomavirus infection. Intriguingly, positivity with the cutaneous MnPV was accompanied by a strong seroresponse against a longer L1 isoform, but to our surprise, the raised antibodies were non-neutralizing. Only after a delay of around 4 months, protecting antibodies against the short L1 appeared, enabling the virus to successfully establish an infection. This argues for a novel humoral immune escape mechanism that may also have important implications on the interpretation of epidemiological data in terms of seropositivity and protection of PV infections in general.

Efficient elimination of primary B-ALL cells in vitro and in vivo using a novel 4-1BB-based CAR targeting a membrane-distal CD22 epitope

Velasco-Hernandez, Talia; Zanetti, Samanta Romina; Roca-Ho, Heleia; Gutierrez-Aguera, Francisco; Petazzi, Paolo; Sánchez-Martínez, Diego; Molina, Oscar; Baroni, Matteo Libero; Fuster, Jose Luis; Ballerini, Paola; Bueno, Clara; Fernandez-Fuentes, Narcis; Engel, Pablo; Menendez, Pablo
J Immunother Cancer.
Aug 2020
Background There are few therapeutic options available for patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) relapsing as CD19– either after chemotherapy or CD19-targeted immunotherapies. CD22-chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells represent an attractive addition to CD19-CAR T cell therapy because they will target both CD22+CD19– B-ALL relapses and CD19– preleukemic cells. However, the immune escape mechanisms from CD22-CAR T cells, and the potential contribution of the epitope binding of the anti-CD22 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) remain understudied. Methods Here, we have developed and comprehensively characterized a novel CD22-CAR (clone hCD22.7) targeting a membrane-distal CD22 epitope and tested its cytotoxic effects against B-ALL cells both in in vitro and in vivo assays. Results Conformational epitope mapping, cross-blocking, and molecular docking assays revealed that the hCD22.7 scFv is a high-affinity binding antibody which specifically binds to the ESTKDGKVP sequence, located in the Ig-like V-type domain, the most distal domain of CD22. We observed efficient killing of B-ALL cells in vitro, although the kinetics were dependent on the level of CD22 expression. Importantly, we show an efficient in vivo control of patients with B-ALL derived xenografts with diverse aggressiveness, coupled to long-term hCD22.7-CAR T cell persistence. Remaining leukemic cells at sacrifice maintained full expression of CD22, ruling out CAR pressure-mediated antigen loss. Finally, the immunogenicity capacity of this hCD22.7-scFv was very similar to that of other CD22 scFv previously used in adoptive T cell therapy. Conclusions We report a novel, high-affinity hCD22.7 scFv which targets a membrane-distal epitope of CD22. 4-1BB-based hCD22.7-CAR T cells efficiently eliminate clinically relevant B- CD22high and CD22low ALL primary samples in vitro and in vivo. Our study supports the clinical translation of this hCD22.7-CAR as either single or tandem CD22–CD19-CAR for both naive and anti-CD19-resistant patients with B-ALL.

Identification of the atypically modified autoantigen Ars2 as the target of B-cell receptors from activated B cell–type diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Thurner, Lorenz; Hartmann, Sylvia; Bewarder, Moritz; Fadle, Natalie; Regitz, Evi; Schormann, Claudia; Quiroga, Natalia; Kemele, Maria; Klapper, Wolfram; Rosenwald, Andreas; Trümper, Lorenz; Bohle, Rainer Maria; Nimmesgern, Anna; Körbel, Christina; Lascke, Matthias W.; Menger, Michael D.; Barth, Stefan; Kubuschok, Boris; Mottok, Anja; Kaddu-Mulindwa, Dominic; Hansmann, Martin-Leo; Pöschel, Viola; Held, Gerhard; Murawski, Niels; Stilgenbauer, Stephan; Neumann, Frank; Preuss, Klaus-Dieter; Pfreundschuh, Michael
It has been suggested that B-cell receptor (BCRs) stimulation by specific antigens plays a pathogenic role in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Here, it was the aim to screen for specific reactivities of DLBCL-BCRs in the spectrum of autoantigens and antigens of infectious origin. Arsenite resistance protein 2 (Ars2) was identified as the BCR target of 3/5 ABC-type DLBCL cell lines and 2/11 primary DLBCL cases. Compared to controls, Ars2 was hypo-phosphorylated exclusively in cases and cell lines with Ars2-specific BCRs. In a validation cohort, hypo-phosphorylated Ars2 was found in 8/31 ABC-type, but only 1/20 germinal center B cell (GBC)-like type DLBCL. Incubation with Ars2 induced BCR-pathway activation and increased proliferation, while an Ars2/ETA-toxin conjugate induced killing of cell lines with Ars2-reactive BCRs. Ars2 appears to play a role in a subgroup of ABC-type DLBCLs. Moreover, transformed DLBCL lines with Ars2-reactive BCRs still show growth advantage after incubation with Ars2. These results provide knowledge about the pathogenic role of a specific antigen stimulating the BCR pathway in DLCBL.

Lymphocyte predominant cells detect Moraxella catarrhalis-derived antigens in nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

Thurner, Lorenz; Hartmann, Sylvia; Fadle, Natalie; Regitz, Evi; Kemele, Maria; Kim, Yoo-Jin; Bohle, Rainer Maria; Nimmesgern, Anna; von Müller, Lutz; Kempf, Volkhard A. J.; Weniger, Marc A.; Neumann, Frank; Schneider, Nadine; Vornanen, Martine; Sundström, Christer; de Leval, Laurence; Engert, Andreas; Eichenauer, Dennis A.; Küppers, Ralf; Preuss, Klaus-Dieter; Hansmann, Martin-Leo; Pfreundschuh, Michael
Nat Commun.
May 2020
Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare lymphoma of B-cell origin with frequent expression of functional B-cell receptors (BCRs). Here we report that expression cloning followed by antigen screening identifies DNA-directed RNA polymerase beta’ (RpoC) from Moraxella catarrhalis as frequent antigen of BCRs of IgD+ LP cells. Patients show predominance of HLA-DRB1*04/07 and the IgVH genes encode extraordinarily long CDR3s. High-titer, light-chain-restricted anti-RpoC IgG1/κ-type serum-antibodies are additionally found in these patients. RpoC and MID/hag, a superantigen co-expressed by Moraxella catarrhalis that is known to activate IgD+ B cells by binding to the Fc domain of IgD, have additive activation effects on the BCR, the NF-κB pathway and the proliferation of IgD+ DEV cells expressing RpoC-specific BCRs. This suggests an additive antigenic and superantigenic stimulation of B cells with RpoC-specific IgD+ BCRs under conditions of a permissive MHC-II haplotype as a model of NLPHL lymphomagenesis, implying future treatment strategies.

On‐Chip Neo‐Glycopeptide Synthesis for Multivalent Glycan Presentation

Mende, Marco; Tsouka, Alexandra; Heidepriem, Jasmin; Paris, Grigori; Mattes, Daniela S.; Eickelmann, Stephan; Bordoni, Vittorio; Wawrzinek, Robert; Fuchsberger, Felix F.; Seeberger, Peter H.; Rademacher, Christoph; Delbianco, Martina; Mallagaray, Alvaro; Loeffler, Felix F
Chem. Eur. J..
Apr 2020
Single glycan–protein interactions are often weak, such that glycan binding partners commonly utilize multiple, spatially defined binding sites to enhance binding avidity and specificity. Current array technologies usually neglect defined multivalent display. Laser-based array synthesis technology allows for flexible and rapid on-surface synthesis of different peptides. By combining this technique with click chemistry, neo-glycopeptides were produced directly on a functionalized glass slide in the microarray format. Density and spatial distribution of carbohydrates can be tuned, resulting in well-defined glycan structures for multivalent display. The two lectins concanavalin A and langerin were probed with different glycans on multivalent scaffolds, revealing strong spacing-, density-, and ligand-dependent binding. In addition, we could also measure the surface dissociation constant. This approach allows for a rapid generation, screening, and optimization of a multitude of multivalent scaffolds for glycan binding.

Generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies that recognize human and murine supervillin protein isoforms

Smith, Tara C.; Saul, Richard G.; Barton, Elisabeth R.; Luna, Elizabeth J.
PLoS ONE.
Oct 2018
Supervillin isoforms have been implicated in cell proliferation, actin filament-based motile processes, vesicle trafficking, and signal transduction. However, an understanding of the roles of these proteins in cancer metastasis and physiological processes has been limited by the difficulty of obtaining specific antibodies against these highly conserved membrane-associated proteins. To facilitate research into the biological functions of supervillin, monoclonal antibodies were generated against the bacterially expressed human supervillin N-terminus. Two chimeric monoclonal antibodies with rabbit Fc domains (clones 1E2/CPTC-SVIL-1; 4A8/CPTC-SVIL-2) and two mouse monoclonal antibodies (clones 5A8/CPTC-SVIL-3; 5G3/CPTC-SVIL-4) were characterized with respect to their binding sites, affinities, and for efficacy in immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemical staining. Two antibodies (1E2, 5G3) recognize a sequence found only in primate supervillins, whereas the other two antibodies (4A8, 5A8) are specific for a more broadly conserved conformational epitope(s). All antibodies function in immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation and in immunofluorescence microscopy under the fixation conditions identified here. We also show that the 5A8 antibody works on immunohistological sections. These antibodies should provide useful tools for the study of mammalian supervillins.

Combinatorial Synthesis of Macromolecular Arrays by Microchannel Cantilever Spotting (µCS)

Atwater, Jordyn; Mattes, Daniela S.; Streit, Bettina; von Bojničić-Kninski, Clemens; Loeffler, Felix F.; Breitling, Frank; Fuchs, Harald; Hirtz, Michael
Adv. Mater..
Aug 2018
Surface-bound microarrays of multiple oligo- and macromolecules (e.g., peptides, DNA) offer versatile options in biomedical applications like drug screening, DNA analysis, or medical diagnostics. Combinatorial syntheses of these molecules in situ can save significant resources in regard to processing time and material use. Furthermore, high feature densities are needed to enable high-throughput and low sample volumes as generally regarded in combinatorial chemistry. Here, a scanning-probe-lithography-based approach for the combinatorial in situ synthesis of macromolecules is presented in microarray format. Feature sizes below 40 µm allow for the creation of high-density arrays with feature densities of 62 500 features per cm2. To demonstrate feasibility of this approach for biomedical applications, a multiplexed array of functional protein tags (HA- and FLAG-tag) is synthesized, and selective binding of respective epitope recognizing antibodies is shown. This approach uses only small amounts of base chemicals for synthesis and can be further parallelized, therefore, opening up a route to flexible, highly dense, and cost-effective microarrays.

Reductionist Approach in Peptide-Based Nanotechnology

Gazit, Ehud
Annu. Rev. Biochem..
Jun 2018
The formation of ordered nanostructures by molecular self-assembly of proteins and peptides represents one of the principal directions in nanotechnology. Indeed, polyamides provide superior features as materials with diverse physical properties. A reductionist approach allowed the identification of extremely short peptide sequences, as short as dipeptides, which could form well-ordered amyloid-like β-sheet-rich assemblies comparable to supramolecular structures made of much larger proteins. Some of the peptide assemblies show remarkable mechanical, optical, and electrical characteristics. Another direction of reductionism utilized a natural noncoded amino acid, α-aminoisobutryic acid, to form short superhelical assemblies. The use of this exceptional helix inducer motif allowed the fabrication of single heptad repeats used in various biointerfaces, including their use as surfactants and DNA-binding agents. Two additional directions of the reductionist approach include the use of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) and coassembly techniques. The diversified accomplishments of the reductionist approach, as well as the exciting future advances it bears, are discussed.

Characterization of a sandwich ELISA for the quantification of all human periostin isoforms

Gadermaier, Elisabeth; Tesarz, Manfred; Suciu, Andreea Ana-Maria; Wallwitz, Jacqueline; Berg, Gabriela; Himmler, Gottfried
J Clin Lab Anal.
Feb 2018
Background Periostin (osteoblast-specific factor OSF-2) is a secreted protein occurring in seven known isoforms, and it is involved in a variety of biological processes in osteology, tissue repair, oncology, cardiovascular and respiratory systems or allergic manifestations. To analyze functional aspects of periostin, or the ability of periostin as potential biomarker in physiological and pathological conditions, there is the need for a precise, well-characterized assay that detects periostin in peripheral blood. Methods In this study the development of a sandwich ELISA using monoclonal and affinity-purified polyclonal anti-human periostin antibodies was described. Antibodies were characterized by mapping of linear epitopes with microarray technology, and by analyzing cross-reactive binding to human periostin isoforms with western blot. The assay was validated according to ICH/EMEA guidelines. Results The monoclonal coating antibody binds to a linear epitope conserved between the isoforms. The polyclonal detection antibody recognizes multiple conserved linear epitopes. Therefore, the periostin ELISA detects all known human periostin isoforms. The assay is optimized for human serum and plasma and covers a calibration range between 125 and 4000 pmol/L for isoform 1. Assay characteristics, such as precision (intra-assay: ≤3%, inter-assay: ≤6%), spike-recovery (83%-106%), dilution linearity (95%-126%), as well as sample stability meet the standards of acceptance. Periostin levels of apparently healthy individuals are 864±269 pmol/L (serum) and 817±170 pmol/L (plasma) respectively. Conclusion This ELISA is a reliable and accurate tool for determination of all currently known periostin isoforms in human healthy and diseased samples.

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