Specific targeting of MR1-antigen complexes using nanobodies

T cell receptor mimic (TCRm) antibodies and nanobodies that specifically bind peptide-HLA complexes have great therapeutic potential, as they can target polymorphic HLA on tumour cells furnishing peptides derived from tumour-associated antigens. MR1 is an MHC class-I-like molecule that exhibits limited polymorphism that binds and presents conserved metabolites, such as 5-OP-RU, derived from microbial riboflavin biosynthesis. Whether antibodies targeting such MR1-5-OP-RU complexes can be generated remains unclear. Using yeast display technology and in vitro affinity maturation, a nanobody with high affinity and fine specificity toward MR1-5-OP-RU complex was generated. These nanobodies bind both mouse and human MR1-5-OP-RU and inhibited MAIT cell responses to 5-OP-RU in vitro and in vivo demonstrating therapeutic potential. Moreover, we provide a molecular basis underpinning the fine specificity of these nanobodies, solving the crystal structures of MR1 in complex with either 5-OP-RU or Ac-6-FP. Here, the nanobody co-bound MR1 and 5-OP-RU, akin to a TCRm antibody. Moreover, we engineer bispecific antibodies targeting both MR1-5-OP-RU and CD3, that drive broad T cell killing of bacterially-infected cells as well as tumour cells treated with 5-OP-RU, thereby providing proof-of-principle for targeting the MR1 molecule with with TCRm-based nanobodies.

We report the development of a nanobody targeting MR1-5-OP-RU complex and demonstrate its utility to modulate MAIT cells responses, and as a bispecific engager.