Abstract 13P
Background
The poor immunogenicity of small molecules hampers the development of clinically effective antibodies. In order to overcome this obstacle, we developed an immunization platform based on the uniquely immunogenic coat of the African trypanosome.
Methods
More specifically, by sortase-based linking of a target molecule to the variant surface glycoproteins (VSGs) of the trypanosome coat, we have generated VSG-immunogen array by sortase tagging (VAST). As a proof of concept, we tested VAST with the poorly immunogenic opioid fentanyl, and identified memory B cells and picomolar affinity protective antibodies.
Results
We have more recently utilized this platform to target MUC-1, a hypo-glycosylated protein that is overexpressed in more than 80% of human malignancies. This intriguing expression profile has driven several groups to develop anti-MUC-1 antibodies, although so far, no candidates have reached the market. We show that mice immunized with different versions of VAST-MUC-1 generate high antibody titers, as well as anti-MUC-1 antibodies with high specificity for the peptide version (and thus the Tn location) they were immunized against.
Conclusions
We plan to characterize these antibodies and test them against various cancers where MUC-1 is overexpressed, hence we are searching for development partners and collaborations that could assist us in this endeavor.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
Panosome GmbH.
Funding
Panosome GmbH.
Disclosure
N. Papavasiliou, J. Verdi: Financial Interests, Personal and Institutional, Member of Board of Directors: Panosome GmbH. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.