BACKGROUND & AIMS: Effective and selective treatment options are needed for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The CD24 mucin-like glycoprotein is overexpressed in CRCs; monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against CD24 inhibit tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Based on the tumor-specific expression of CD24, we investigated the potential of anti-CD24 SWA11 mAb, to deliver a cytotoxic agent into CRC cells.

METHODS

We conjugated SWA11 to a Pseudomonas exotoxin derivative (PE38) via an Fc-binding ZZ domain from Staphylococcal protein A (which binds the Fc domain of mouse IgG2a immunoglobulins) to generate the immunotoxin SWA11-ZZ-PE38; IgG-ZZ-PE38 was used as control. Human HT-29 and COLO320 (CD24-positive) and HCT116 (CD24-negative) CRC cell lines were assayed for immunotoxin binding, cytotoxicity, viability, and apoptosis. Toxicity and antitumor efficacy were tested in mice.

RESULTS

The immunotoxin preserved the affinity and specificity of SWA11, bound and selectively killed CD24-expressing CRC cells via apoptosis. IC(50) values ranged from 20 to 50 ng/mL-several orders of magnitude lower than that of the mAb alone. The immunotoxins were not toxic to mice at the maximum dose of 0.75 mg/kg. Growth of HT-29 xenograft tumors was significantly reduced in mice given SWA11-ZZ-PE38 (by 78%) compared to untreated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-CD24 SWA11 mAb can deliver a PE exotoxin derivative to CRC cells and cause them to undergo apoptosis, without toxicity to normal tissues. This immunotoxin might be developed as a therapeutic treatment for patients with CRC.