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Establishment of a Clinic-based Biorepository
Published on: May 29, 2017
Expression of Cat Podoplanin in Feline Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Shunsuke Itai1,2, Shinji Yamada1, Mika K Kaneko1
11 Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine , Sendai, Miyagi, Japan .
Abstract:
Oral squamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive tumor in cats; however, molecular-targeted therapies against this tumor, including antibody therapy, have not been developed. Sensitive and specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against highly expressed membrane proteins are needed to develop antibody therapies. Podoplanin, a type I transmembrane glycoprotein, is expressed in many human malignant tumors, including brain tumor, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and oral cancer. Podoplanin binds to C-type lectin-like receptor-2 (CLEC-2) and activates platelet aggregation, which is involved in cancer metastasis. Until now, we have established several mAbs against podoplanin in humans, mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, cattle, and cats. We have reported podoplanin expression in canine melanoma and squamous cell carcinomas using an anti-dog podoplanin mAb PMab-38. In this study, we investigated podoplanin expression in 40 feline squamous cell carcinomas (14 cases of mouth floor, 13 of skin, 9 of ear, and 4 of tongue) by immunohistochemical analysis using an anti-cat podoplanin mAb PMab-52, which we recently developed by cell-based immunization and screening (CBIS) method. Of the total 40 cases, 38 (95%) showed positive staining for PMab-52. In particular, 12 cases (30%) showed a strong membrane-staining pattern of squamous cell carcinoma cells. PMab-52 can be useful for antibody therapy against feline podoplanin-expressing squamous cell carcinomas.
Insights
A new monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting feline podoplanin shows high expression in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma. This finding supports the potential of PMab-52 for developing targeted antibody therapies against this aggressive feline cancer.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive feline tumor lacking targeted therapies.
- Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) require specific targets like highly expressed membrane proteins for effective antibody therapy.
- Podoplanin is a transmembrane glycoprotein implicated in metastasis and expressed in various human cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of podoplanin in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
- To evaluate the utility of a newly developed anti-cat podoplanin mAb, PMab-52, for immunohistochemical analysis.
- To assess the potential of PMab-52 as a therapeutic target for feline OSCC.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of 40 feline OSCC samples (mouth floor, skin, ear, tongue).
- Utilized a newly developed anti-cat podoplanin mAb, PMab-52, generated by cell-based immunization and screening (CBIS).
- Assessed podoplanin expression patterns, including membrane staining intensity.
Main Results:
- Podoplanin expression was detected in 95% (38 out of 40) of feline OSCC cases using PMab-52.
- A strong membrane-staining pattern was observed in 30% (12 out of 40) of the evaluated tumors.
- The anti-cat podoplanin mAb PMab-52 demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for feline OSCC.
Conclusions:
- Podoplanin is highly expressed in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma.
- The anti-cat podoplanin mAb PMab-52 is a valuable tool for diagnosing feline OSCC.
- PMab-52 holds promise for the development of targeted antibody therapies against feline podoplanin-expressing OSCC.
