Return to search

Development of a function-blocking antibody against fibulin-3 as a targeted reagent for glioblastoma

Purpose: We sought a novel approach against glioblastomas (GBM) focused on targeting signaling molecules localized in the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). We investigated fibulin-3, a glycoprotein that forms the ECM scaffold of GBMs and promotes tumor progression by driving Notch and NFkB signaling. Experimental Design:Weused deletion constructs to identify a key signaling motif of fibulin-3. An mAb (mAb428.2) was generated against this epitope and extensively validated for specific detection of human fibulin-3. mAb428.2 was tested in cultures to measure its inhibitory effect on fibulin-3 signaling. Nude mice carrying subcutaneous and intracranial GBM xenografts were treated with the maximum achievable dose of mAb428.2 to measure target engagement and antitumor efficacy. Results: We identified a critical 23-amino acid sequence of fibulin-3 that activates its signaling mechanisms. mAb428.2 binds to that epitope with nanomolar affinity and blocks the ability of fibulin-3 to activate ADAM17, Notch, and NFkB signaling inGBM cells. mAb428.2 treatment of subcutaneous GBM xenografts inhibited fibulin-3, increased tumor cell apoptosis, and enhanced the infiltration of inflammatory macrophages. The antibody reduced tumor growth and extended survival of mice carrying GBMs as well as other fibulin-3-expressing tumors. Locally infused mAb428.2 showed efficacy against intracranial GBMs, increasing tumor apoptosis and reducing tumor invasion and vascularization, which are enhanced by fibulin-3. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first rationally developed, function-blocking antibody against an ECM target in GBM. Our results offer a proof of principle for using "anti-ECM" strategies toward more efficient targeted therapies for malignant glioma. Clin Cancer Res; 24(4); 821-33.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etsu-works-11594
Date15 February 2018
CreatorsNandhu, Mohan S., Behera, Prajna, Bhaskaran, Vivek, Longo, Sharon L., Barrera-Arenas, Lina M., Sengupta, Sadhak, Rodriguez-Gil, Diego J., Chiocca, E. Antonio, Viapiano, Mariano S.
PublisherDigital Commons @ East Tennessee State University
Source SetsEast Tennessee State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext
SourceETSU Faculty Works

Page generated in 0.0018 seconds