Design optimization and characterization of Her2/neu-targeted immunotoxins: comparative in vitro and in vivo efficacy studies

Targeted therapeutics are potential therapeutic agents because of their selectivity and efficacy against tumors resistant to conventional therapy. The goal of this study was to determine the comparative activity of monovalent, engineered anti-Her2/neu immunotoxins fused to recombinant gelonin (rGel) to the activity of bivalent IgG-containing immunoconjugates. Utilizing Herceptin and its derived humanized single-chain antibody (single-chain fragment variable, designated 4D5), we generated bivalent chemical Herceptin/rGel conjugate, and the corresponding monovalent recombinant immunotoxins in two orientations, 4D5/rGel and rGel/4D5. All the constructs showed similar affinity to Her2/neu-overexpressing cancer cells, but significantly different antitumor activities. The rGel/4D5 orientation construct and Herceptin/rGel conjugate were superior to 4D5/rGel construct in in vitro and in vivo efficacy. The enhanced activity was attributed to improved intracellular toxin uptake into target cells and efficient downregulation of Her2/neu-related signaling pathways. The Her2/neu-targeted immunotoxins effectively targeted cells with Her2/neu expression level >1.5 × 105 sites per cell. Cells resistant to Herceptin or chemotherapeutic agents were not cross-resistant to rGel-based immunotoxins. Against SK-OV-3 tumor xenografts, the rGel/4D5 construct with excellent tumor penetration showed impressive tumor inhibition. Although Herceptin/rGel conjugate demonstrated comparatively longer serum half-life, the in vivo efficacy of the conjugate was similar to the rGel/4D5 fusion. These comparative studies demonstrate that the monovalent, engineered rGel/4D5 construct displayed comparable in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy as bivalent Herceptin/rGel conjugate. Immunotoxin orientation can significantly impact the overall functionality and performance of these agents. The recombinant rGel/4D5 construct with excellent tumor penetration and rapid blood clearance may reduce the unwanted toxicity when administrating to patients, and warrants consideration for further clinical evaluation.