Get started
Work

Directed protein engineering identifies a human TIM-4 blocking antibody that enhances anti-tumor response to checkpoint inhibition in murine colon carcinoma

Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Background: T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing molecule-4 (TIM-4) is a scavenger receptor best known for its role in recognizing dying cells. TIM-4 orchestrates phagocytosis allowing for cellular clearance of apoptotic cells, termed efferocytosis. It was previously shown that TIM-4 directly interacts with AMPKα1, activating the autophagy pathway, leading to degradation of ingested tumors, and effectively reducing antigen presentation. Methods: This study sought to identify a novel human TIM-4 antibody that can prevent phagocytosis of tumor cells thereby allowing for more antigen presentation resulting in anti-tumor immunological response. Using phage display panning directed against human TIM-4, we engineered a novel human TIM-4 antibody (SKWX301). Combination of in vitro phagocytosis assays and cell viability assays were used to test functionality of SKWX301. To examine the effect of SKWX301 in mouse models, we employed a syngeneic mouse model. CT26 cells were subcutaneously injected into BALB/c mice and tumor growth and mouse survival were analyzed. Results: SKWX301 can prevent human macrophage phagocytosis of cancer cells in vitro. Combination of low dose SKWX301 and anti-PD1 antibody significantly inhibited tumor growth and increased overall survival in mice. This demonstrates that SKWX301 is effective in both human in vitro models and mouse in vivo models. Conclusion: Our study has demonstrated a rapid antibody discovery approach and identified a novel human TIM-4 antibody that can serve as a therapeutic for antitumor immunity to improve cancer therapy.
DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbae026
Institution: University of Miami
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,963
OpenAlex ID: W4402747739
FWCI: 0.136
Cites: 39
Cited by: 1
Related to: 10