Monoclonal antibody chP3R99 reduces subendothelial retention of atherogenic lipoproteins in Insulin-Resistant rats:Acute treatment versus long-term protection as an idiotypic vaccine for atherosclerosis
Authors: Soto Yosdel , Hernández Arletty , Sarduy Roger , Brito Victor , Marleau Sylvie , Vine Donna F. , Vázquez Ana M. , Proctor Spencer D. 
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is triggered by the retention of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins by proteoglycans. In addition to LDL, remnant lipoproteins have emerged as pivotal contributors to this pathology, particularly in the context of insulin resistance and diabetes. We have previously reported anti-atherogenic properties of a monoclonal antibody (chP3R99) that recognizes sulfated glycosaminoglycans on arterial proteoglycans.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Solid-phase assays demonstrated that chP3R99 effectively blocked over 50% lipoprotein binding to chondroitin sulfate and vascular extracellular matrixin vitro. The pre-perfusion of chP3R99 (competitive effect) resulted in specific antibody-arterial accumulation and reduced fluorescent lipoprotein retention by ∼60% in insulin resistant JCR:LA-cprats. This competitive reduction was dose-dependent (25 µg/mL–250 µg/mL), effectively decreasing deposition of cholesterol associated with lipoproteins. In a five-week vaccination study in insulin resistant rats with (200 µg SC, once a week), chP3R99 reduced arterial lipoprotein retention, and was associated with the production of anti-chondroitin sulfate antibodies (Ab3) able to accumulate in the arteries (dot-blot). Neither the intravenous inoculation of chP3R99 (4.5 mg/kg), nor the immunization with this antibody displayed adverse effects on lipid or glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, liver function, blood cell indices, or inflammation pathways in JCR:LA-cprats.

CONCLUSIONS

Both acute (passive) and long-term administration (idiotypic cascade) of chP3R99 antibody reduced LDL and remnant lipoprotein interaction with proteoglycans in an insulin-resistant setting. These findings support the innovative approach of targeting pro-atherogenic lipoprotein retention by chP3R99 as a passive therapy or as an idiotypic vaccine for atherosclerosis.

CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE

What Is New?

Innovative anti-atherosclerotic chP3R99 mAb interferes with proteoglycan binding of both LDL and remnant lipoproteinsin vitroandin vivo.

In vivokinetic studies that immunize with chP3R99 reveal a temporal induction of an anti-idiotypic antibody cascade in a model of insulin resistance (analogous to a vaccine).

We discovered that the idiotypic chP3R99 monoclonal antibody (Ab1) was able to induce protective anti-anti-idiotypic (Ab3) antibodies present in both sera as well as the aorta (target organ)in vivo.

What Are The Clinical Implications?

The chP3R99 mAb has efficacy for reducing the arterial retention of both LDL and remnant-derived lipoproteins and may be relevant of those with Type-2 Diabetes and/or residual CVD risk.

We show efficacy of chP3R99 mAb under pro-inflammatory conditions and that it does not exacerbate other metabolic aberrations during insulin resistance.

Data support the targeting pro-atherogenic lipoprotein retention with chP3R99 as a passive therapy or as an idiotypic vaccine for atherosclerosis, complementary to lipid lowering approaches.