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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
Analyzing Tumor and Tissue Distribution of Target Antigen Specific Therapeutic Antibody
Published on: May 16, 2020
CD39 is a promising therapeutic antibody target for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma
Gregory M Hayes1, Belinda Cairns1, Zoia Levashova1
1Preclinical Development, Igenica Biotherapeutics Inc. CA, USA.
Abstract:
Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a heterogenous tumor arising from the embryonic mesoderm represented by approximately 50 histological subtypes. Effective therapeutic intervention is lacking for recurrent, late stage and metastatic disease. CD39, a cell-surface ectonucleotidase, has previously been shown to be upregulated in hematological malignancies and various epithelial tumors, but not in STS. Here, we show by mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry that CD39 is highly expressed in primary patient sarcoma samples. Moreover, CD39 nucleotidase activity is enhanced in fibrosarcoma compared with normal control cells. We demonstrate that an inhibitory monoclonal anti-CD39 antibody, abrogates CD39 enzymatic activity significantly and prolongs survival in a lethal metastatic patient-derived sarcoma model. Taken together, the data suggest CD39 is a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of STS.
Insights
CD39 is highly expressed in soft tissue sarcoma (STS), a cancer lacking effective treatments. Targeting CD39 with an antibody improved survival in a preclinical sarcoma model, suggesting it as a new therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a diverse cancer with limited treatment options for advanced stages.
- CD39, an ectonucleotidase, is known to be elevated in other cancers but not previously reported in STS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate CD39 expression and activity in STS.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting CD39 in STS.
Main Methods:
- Mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry were used to assess CD39 expression in patient samples.
- CD39 enzymatic activity was measured in fibrosarcoma cells.
- An anti-CD39 antibody was tested in a preclinical metastatic STS model.
Main Results:
- CD39 was found to be highly expressed in primary STS samples.
- Enhanced CD39 nucleotidase activity was observed in fibrosarcoma cells.
- Treatment with an anti-CD39 antibody significantly reduced CD39 activity and prolonged survival in a metastatic sarcoma model.
Conclusions:
- CD39 is a novel therapeutic target for soft tissue sarcoma.
- Inhibiting CD39 activity shows promise for treating advanced and metastatic STS.
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