Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Induction of Invasive Transitional Cell Bladder Carcinoma in Immune Intact Human MUC1 Transgenic Mice: A Model for Immunotherapy Development
Published on: October 30, 2013
Bioimmunotherapy for melanoma using fully human antibodies targeting MCAM/MUC18 and IL-8
Vladislava O Melnikova1, Menashe Bar-Eli
1Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Metastatic melanoma is associated with high rate of patients' mortality and represents a great challenge for cancer therapies because of its notorious resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Considerable efforts have been made over the last 2 decades in pursuit of new treatment modalities and identification of molecular events associated with melanoma progression and development of metastases. The acquisition of the metastatic phenotype is associated with overexpression of the adhesion molecule MCAM/MUC18 and the angiogenic factor IL-8. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on MCAM/MUC18 and IL-8, their transcriptional regulation, and their role in melanoma growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. Further, we report on the development of new fully human antibodies, anti-MCAM/MUC18 (ABX-MA1) and anti-IL-8 (ABX-IL8), and their effects on tumor growth and metastasis in animal models. Collectively, our studies suggest that ABX-MA1 and ABX-IL8 could serve as new modalities for the treatment of melanoma either alone, or in combination with conventional chemotherapy or other antitumor agents.
Insights
New antibodies targeting MCAM/MUC18 and IL-8 show promise for treating metastatic melanoma, a deadly cancer resistant to traditional therapies. These agents reduced tumor growth and metastasis in preclinical models.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Metastatic melanoma presents a significant therapeutic challenge due to high mortality and drug resistance.
- Key molecular events in melanoma progression include overexpression of MCAM/MUC18 and IL-8.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for developing novel treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on MCAM/MUC18 and IL-8 in melanoma.
- To explore their roles in melanoma growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
- To report on the development and efficacy of novel antibody therapies targeting these molecules.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on MCAM/MUC18 and IL-8 in melanoma.
- Analysis of transcriptional regulation of MCAM/MUC18 and IL-8.
- Preclinical evaluation of fully human antibodies, anti-MCAM/MUC18 (ABX-MA1) and anti-IL-8 (ABX-IL8), in animal models.
Main Results:
- MCAM/MUC18 and IL-8 are implicated in melanoma progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
- Development of fully human antibodies ABX-MA1 and ABX-IL8.
- Demonstrated reduction in tumor growth and metastasis in animal models treated with ABX-MA1 and ABX-IL8.
Conclusions:
- MCAM/MUC18 and IL-8 are critical targets for melanoma therapy.
- Antibodies ABX-MA1 and ABX-IL8 show therapeutic potential.
- These antibodies may be effective alone or in combination therapies for melanoma treatment.
More Related Videos
09:15Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine
Published on: February 24, 2023
09:53Using X-ray Crystallography, Biophysics, and Functional Assays to Determine the Mechanisms Governing T-cell Receptor Recognition of Cancer Antigens
Published on: February 6, 2017
