Abstract 3812: A best in class anti-CD38 antibody with antitumor and immune-modulatory properties
Authors: Eissler Nina , Filosto Simone , Henry Jake Y. , Maguire Michael F. , Witt Kristina , Lundqvist Andreas , Marafioti Teresa , Merchiers Pascal , Moulder Kevin , Goyenechea Beatriz , Lu Haw , Fairbairn Camilla , Windler Sarah , Aurellano JD , Duramad Omar , Smethurst Dominic , Quezada Sergio A. , Goubier Anne 
Published: August 2018

Targeting CD38 in multiple myeloma has resulted in outstanding responses. CD38 is widely expressed on myeloma cells and other hematological malignancies. Not much is known about its expression on solid tumors and its role in the immune system. We have analysed a range of solid tumors for CD38 expression and distribution. To optimally target CD38, we have generated a novel antibody that is depleting CD38-high expressing cells, but also has immune modulatory properties. To dissect CD38 expression in solid tumors we exploited mRNA expression libraries, performed immune histochemistry (IHC) on tumor sections, and flow cytometry on patient tumor material. Bioinformatic analysis of the immune cell atlas revealed varying CD38 expression among all cancers analysed, and CD38 expression could be correlated with immune markers, e.g. Foxp3, PD-1/L1. IHC and flow cytometry confirmed CD38 expression across common cancer types, mostly confined to infiltrating lymphocyte and myeloid subsets. Expression on tumor cells was patient dependent. CD38 expression on immune cells was heterogenous and found on NK cells, T cells, suppressive myeloid cells, as well as regulatory T and B cells. Of note, high expression of CD38 was found to be correlated to a subset of exhausted T cells co-expressing PD-1 and other exhaustion markers. To target CD38 in solid tumors, we have screened a panel of CD38-binding antibodies. All antibodies have the potential to deplete CD38 positive tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, their ability to influence effector T and NK cell activation has been evaluated. Among a panel of antibodies binding to distinct epitopes of CD38 and exerting unique functional properties, we have identified a fully human antibody, with strong capacity to deplete CD38-high cells in vitro and in vivo by varying killing mechanisms. This antibody was found to increase TCR-mediated signaling and proinflammatory cytokine secretion by human T cells, and further to enhance NK cell activation in vitro. Low dose injection to non-human primates resulted in increased expression of activation markers on both CD4 and CD8 T cells, while no T cell depletion was observed. Other selected antibodies comprise distinct modalities including strong to weak agonistic activity, differential killing properties, modulation of CD38 enzymatic activity, and offer a selection of candidates applicable for different treatment settings. In summary, we found heterogenous expression of CD38 in solid tumors, mostly confined to immune subsets. To target CD38, we present a potent anti-CD38 antibody with depleting effects on CD38-expressing cancer cells, as well as suppressive immune cells, and the capacity to increase the function of immune effector cells. This dual activity might allow to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of targeting CD38, not only in hematological malignancies but also in solid tumors.

Citation Format: Nina Eissler, Simone Filosto, Jake Y. Henry, Michael F. Maguire, Kristina Witt, Andreas Lundqvist, Teresa Marafioti, Pascal Merchiers, Kevin Moulder, Beatriz Goyenechea, Haw Lu, Camilla Fairbairn, Sarah Windler, JD Aurellano, Omar Duramad, Dominic Smethurst, Sergio A. Quezada, Anne Goubier. A best in class anti-CD38 antibody with antitumor and immune-modulatory properties [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3812.