BMFPs, a versatile therapeutic tool for redirecting a preexisting Epstein-Barr virus antibody response toward defined target cells

Sci Adv. 2022 Feb 11;8(6):eabl4363. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abl4363. Epub 2022 Feb 11.

Abstract

Industrial production of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies is mostly performed in eukaryotic-based systems, allowing posttranslational modifications mandatory for their functional activity. The resulting elevated product cost limits therapy access to some patients. To address this limitation, we conceptualized a novel immunotherapeutic approach to redirect a preexisting polyclonal antibody response against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) toward defined target cells. We engineered and expressed in bacteria bimodular fusion proteins (BMFPs) comprising an Fc-deficient binding moiety targeting an antigen expressed at the surface of a target cell, fused to the EBV-P18 antigen, which recruits circulating endogenous anti-P18 IgG in EBV+ individuals. Opsonization of BMFP-coated targets efficiently triggered antibody-mediated clearing effector mechanisms. When assessed in a P18-primed mouse tumor model, therapy performed with an anti-huCD20 BMFP significantly led to increased survival and total cancer remission in some animals. These results indicate that BMFPs could represent potent and useful therapeutic molecules to treat a number of diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antibody Formation
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections* / therapy
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mice

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral