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Fc Effector Function of Immune Checkpoint Blocking Antibodies in Oncology
Romane Martineau1,2, Sandrine Susini2,3, Aurelien Marabelle1,2,3
1Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicetre, France.
Abstract:
Antagonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting inhibitory immune checkpoints have revolutionized the field of oncology. CTLA-4, PD-1, and LAG3 are three co-inhibitory receptors, which can be expressed by subsets of T cells and which play a role in the regulation of adaptive immune responses. Blocking these immune checkpoints receptors (or their ligands) with antagonistic antibodies can lead to tumor regressions and lasting remissions in some patients with cancer. Two anti-CTLA4, six anti-PD1, three anti-PD-L1, and one anti-LAG3 antibodies are currently approved by the FDA and EMA. Their mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy are linked to their affinity with Fc gamma receptors (FcγR) (so called "effector functions"). The anti-CTLA-4 antibodies ipilimumab (IgG1) and tremilimumab (IgG2a), and the anti-PD-L1 avelumab (IgG1) have isotypes with high affinity for activating FcγR and thereby can induce ADCC/ADCP. The effector function is required for the in vivo efficacy of anti-CTLA4 antibodies. For anti-PD(L)1 antibodies, where a pure antagonistic function ("checkpoint blockade") is sufficient, some mAbs are IgG1 but have been mutated in their Fc sequence (e.g., durvalumab and atezolizumab) or are IgG4 (e.g., nivolumab and pembrolizumab) to have low affinity for FcγR. Here, we review the impact of FcγR effector function on immune checkpoint blockers safety and efficacy in oncology.
Insights
Monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoints like CTLA-4 and PD-1 can treat cancer. Their effectiveness depends on interactions with Fc gamma receptors (FcγR), influencing safety and efficacy in oncology.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antagonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting immune checkpoints have transformed cancer treatment.
- Key checkpoints include CTLA-4, PD-1, and LAG3, which regulate T cell responses.
- FDA/EMA approved antibodies target these checkpoints, with varying mechanisms and Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) affinities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of FcγR effector functions on the safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint blockers.
- To elucidate how FcγR interactions influence the therapeutic outcomes of monoclonal antibodies in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on monoclonal antibodies targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1.
- Analysis of antibody isotypes (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG4) and their FcγR binding affinities.
- Examination of antibody effector functions such as Antibody-Dependent Cell-mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC) and Antibody-Dependent Cellular Phagocytosis (ADCP).
Main Results:
- Anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab, tremelimumab) and some anti-PD-L1 (avelumab) antibodies possess high FcγR affinity, enabling ADCC/ADCP crucial for in vivo efficacy.
- Anti-PD(L)1 antibodies (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, durvalumab, atezolizumab) are engineered for low FcγR affinity to optimize pure checkpoint blockade.
- FcγR effector function significantly correlates with the safety and efficacy profiles of these cancer immunotherapies.
Conclusions:
- FcγR effector function is a critical determinant of immune checkpoint blocker performance in cancer therapy.
- Tailoring FcγR affinity is essential for optimizing the therapeutic index of monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoints.
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