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Nectin-2 is a potential target for antibody therapy of breast and ovarian cancers

Tsutomu Oshima1, Shuji Sato, Junichi Kato

  • 1Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraokahigashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan. tomofumi.kurokawa@takeda.com

Molecular Cancer
|June 14, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nectin-2 is over-expressed in breast and ovarian cancers. Anti-Nectin-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) show anti-tumor effects, suggesting Nectin-2 is a promising target for antibody therapeutics.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Nectin-2 is a Ca(2+)-independent cell-cell adhesion molecule.
  • Its role in cancer, particularly breast and ovarian cancers, is largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate Nectin-2 expression in cancer tissues and cell lines.
  • To evaluate anti-Nectin-2 antibodies as potential cancer therapeutics.

Main Methods:

  • Gene expression profiling, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry were used to assess Nectin-2 expression.
  • Rabbit polyclonal and human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Nectin-2 were generated and characterized.
  • In vitro and in vivo models were employed to test the therapeutic potential of anti-Nectin-2 mAbs.

Main Results:

  • Nectin-2 was found to be over-expressed in clinical breast and ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines.
  • Anti-Nectin-2 antibodies inhibited cancer cell proliferation in vitro.
  • Anti-Nectin-2 mAbs exhibited antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and demonstrated anti-tumor effects in vivo, with mechanisms including inhibition of Nectin-2 interactions.

Conclusions:

  • Nectin-2 is over-expressed in breast and ovarian cancers.
  • Anti-Nectin-2 monoclonal antibodies show significant anti-tumor activity, primarily through ADCC.
  • Nectin-2 represents a potential therapeutic target for antibody-based treatments in breast and ovarian cancers.

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