Near-infrared duocarmycin photorelease from a Treg-targeted antibody-drug conjugate improves efficacy of PD-1 blockade in syngeneic murine tumor models.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in mediating immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, Tregs contribute to the lack of efficacy and hyperprogressive disease upon Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade immunotherapy. Thus, Tregs are considered a promising therapeutic target, especially when combined with PD-1 blockade. However, systemic depletion of Tregs causes severe autoimmune adverse events, which poses a serious challenge to Treg-directed therapy. Here, we developed a novel treatment to locally and predominantly damage Tregs by near-infrared duocarmycin photorelease (NIR-DPR). In this technology, we prepared anti-CD25 F(ab')2 conjugates, which site-specifically uncage duocarmycin in CD25-expressing cells upon exposure to NIR light. In vitro, CD25-targeted NIR-DPR significantly increased apoptosis of CD25-expressing HT2-A5E cells. When tumors were irradiated with NIR light in vivo, intratumoral CD25+ Treg populations decreased and Ki-67 and Interleukin-10 expression was suppressed, indicating impaired functioning of intratumoral CD25+ Tregs. CD25-targeted NIR-DPR suppressed tumor growth and improved survival in syngeneic murine tumor models. Of note, CD25-targeted NIR-DPR synergistically enhanced the efficacy of PD-1 blockade, especially in tumors with higher CD8+/Treg PD-1 ratios. Furthermore, the combination therapy induced significant anti-cancer immunity including maturation of dendritic cells, extensive intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, and increased differentiation into CD8+ memory T cells. Altogether, CD25-targeted NIR-DPR locally and predominantly targets Tregs in the tumor microenvironment and synergistically improves the efficacy of PD-1 blockade, suggesting that this combination therapy can be a rational anti-cancer combination immunotherapy.

Electronic Structures of an Annulated meso-Tetraphenylchlorin and a Related Chlorin Analogue Incorporating an 8-Membered Ring through MCD Spectroscopy and DFT Calculations.

Herein, we compare the electronic structures of the metal-free and nickel(II) derivatives of an annulated meso-tetraphenyldihydroxychlorin with those of the (metallo)chlorin analogues derived by pyrroline ß,ß'-ring cleavage of the annulated (metallo)chlorins. These (metallo)chlorin analogues incorporate 8-membered heterocycles in place of the pyrroline, carry oxo-functionalities on the former pyrroline ß-carbon atoms, and were previously shown to possess drastically ruffled (twisted) nonplanar conformations. The magnetic circular dichroism spectra of all chromophores investigated feature chlorin-like UV-vis spectra and correspondingly reversed (positive-to-negative in ascending energy) sign sequences in the Q-band region, indicative of ΔHOMO < ΔLUMO relationships. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the HOMOs in all compounds are a1u-type molecular orbitals (in traditional for the porphyrin spectroscopy D4h point group). Time-dependent DFT calculations correlate well with the experimental spectra and indicate that Gouterman's four-orbital model can be applied to these chromophores. This work highlights to which degree synthetic chlorin analogues can deviate from the structural parameters of natural chlorins without losing their electronic chlorin characteristics.

High-Contrast Detection of Somatostatin Receptor Subtype-2 for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery.

Dye design can influence the ability of fluorescently labeled imaging agents to generate tumor contrast and has become an area of significant interest in the field of fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS). Here, we show that the charge-balanced near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye FNIR-Tag enhances the imaging properties of a fluorescently labeled somatostatin analogue. In vitro studies showed that the optimized fluorescent conjugate MMC(FNIR-Tag)-TOC bound primarily via somatostatin receptor subtype-2 (SSTR2), whereas its negatively charged counterpart with IRDye 800CW had higher off-target binding. NIRF imaging in cell line- and patient-derived xenograft models revealed markedly higher tumor contrast with MMC(FNIR-Tag)-TOC, which was attributed to increased tumor specificity. Ex vivo staining of surgical biospecimens from primary and metastatic tumors, as well as involved lymph nodes, demonstrated binding to human tumors. Finally, in an orthotopic tumor model, a simulated clinical workflow highlighted our unique ability to use standard preoperative nuclear imaging for selecting patients likely to benefit from SSTR2-targeted FGS. Our findings demonstrate the translational potential of MMC(FNIR-Tag)-TOC for intraoperative imaging and suggest broad utility for using FNIR-Tag in fluorescent probe development.

Modified norcyanines enable ratiometric pH imaging beyond 1000 nm.

Activatable fluorophores with emission beyond 1000 nm have the potential to enable high contrast imaging in complex in vivo settings. However, there are few scaffolds that can be applied to this challenge. Here we detail the synthesis and evaluation of benzo[c,d]indole-substituted norcyanines that enable pH responsive fluorescence imaging in the long wavelength (>1150 nm) range. A key component of our molecular design is the installation of a hydrophilic substituted quaternary amine in the central dihydropyridine ring system. A compound with a C4'-phenyl substituent, but not the C4'-protio homologue, exhibits absorbance maxima of 740 nm and 1130 nm in basic and acidic media, respectively, with evidence of J-aggregate-like properties. These two distinct absorbances enabled ratiometric imaging of probe internalization in a tumor model. Overall, these studies provide a new class of activatable long-wavelength responsive fluorophores with promising photophysical properties.

Imaging retinaldehyde-protein binding in plants using a merocyanine reporter.

Retinoid-binding proteins (RBPs) are a diverse category of proteins that have been most extensively characterized for their role in vertebrate development. Recent work has uncovered new functions of RBPs in invertebrates and plants. Here, we present a methodology for applying a fluorescent chemical probe to characterize RBP binding in plants. This reporter, called merocyanine aldehyde (MCA), fluoresces upon binding to RBPs and therefore enables in vivo investigations into their functions with high spatio-temporal resolution. MCA treatment is simple, fast, non-destructive, and does not require prior knowledge of the RBP encoding genes. Therefore, a major advantage of this methodology is that it can be performed in species that are not genetically tractable. Furthermore, many of the methods presented here apply to diverse species within and beyond the plant kingdom.

Targeted multicolor in vivo imaging over 1,000 nm enabled by nonamethine cyanines.

Recent progress has shown that using wavelengths between 1,000 and 2,000 nm, referred to as the shortwave-infrared or near-infrared (NIR)-II range, can enable high-resolution in vivo imaging at depths not possible with conventional optical wavelengths. However, few bioconjugatable probes of the type that have proven invaluable for multiplexed imaging in the visible and NIR range are available for imaging these wavelengths. Using rational design, we have generated persulfonated indocyanine dyes with absorbance maxima at 872 and 1,072 nm through catechol-ring and aryl-ring fusion, respectively, onto the nonamethine scaffold. Multiplexed two-color and three-color in vivo imaging using monoclonal antibody and dextran conjugates in several tumor models illustrate the benefits of concurrent labeling of the tumor and healthy surrounding tissue and lymphatics. These efforts are enabled by complementary advances in a custom-built NIR/shortwave-infrared imaging setup and software package for multicolor real-time imaging.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a swine model using a novel near-infrared fluorescent IV dye (BL-760).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy has an incidence rate of 1%-2% and commonly appears under conditions of severe inflammation, adhesion, or unexpected anatomical variations. Despite the difficulties and rising concerns of identifying bile duct during surgeries, surgeons do not have a specific modality to identify bile duct except intraoperative cholangiography. While no biliary-specific fluorescent dye exists for clinical use, our team has previously described the development of a preclinical biliary-specific dye, BL-760. Here, we present our study of laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the fluorescent dye in a swine model. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: With an approval from Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, two 20-25 kg swine underwent laparoscopic abdominal surgery using a Food and Drug Administration-cleared fluorescent laparoscopic system. Images of the liver and gallbladder were taken both before and after intravenous injection of the novel fluorescent dye. The dye was dosed at 60 µg/kg and injected via the ear vein. The amount of time taken to visualize fluorescence in the biliary tract was measured. Fluorescent signal was observed after injection, and target-to-background ratio (TBR) of the biliary tract to surrounding cystic artery and liver parenchyma was measured. RESULTS: Biliary tract visualization under fluorescent laparoscopy was achieved within 5 min after the dye injection without any adverse effects. Cystic duct and extrahepatic duct were clearly visualized and identified with TBR values of 2.19 and 2.32, respectively, whereas no fluorescent signal was detected in liver. Cystic duct and artery were successfully ligated by an endoscopic clip applier with the visual assistance of highlighted biliary tract images. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was completed within 30 min in each case without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: BL-760 is a novel preclinical fluorescent dye useful for intraoperative identification and visualization of biliary tract. Such fluorescent dye that is exclusively metabolized by liver and rapidly excreted into biliary tract would be beneficial for all types of hepato-biliary surgeries. With the validation of additional preclinical data, this novel dye has potential to be a valuable tool to prevent any iatrogenic biliary injuries and/or bile leaks during laparoscopic abdominal and liver surgeries.

Preferential Light-Chain Labeling of Native Monoclonal Antibodies Improves the Properties of Fluorophore Conjugates.

Site specific labeling methods have significant potential to enhance the properties of antibody conjugates. While studied extensively in the context of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), few studies have examined the impact of homogenous labeling on the properties of antibody-fluorophore conjugates (AFCs). We report the application of pentafluorophenyl (PFP) esters, which had previously been shown to be reasonably selective for K188 of the kappa light chain of human IGG antibodies, toward producing AFCs. We show that simple replacement of N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) with PFP dramatically increases the light-chain specificity of near-infrared (NIR) AFCs. Comparing the properties of AFCs labeled using NHS and PFP-activated esters reveals that the latter exhibits reduced aggregation and improved brightness, both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, the use of PFP esters provides a remarkably simple approach to provide selectively labeled antibodies with improved properties.

Not so innocent: Impact of fluorophore chemistry on the in vivo properties of bioconjugates.

The combination of targeting ligands and fluorescent dyes is a powerful strategy to observe cell types and tissues of interest. Conjugates of peptides, proteins, and, in particular, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) exhibit excellent tumor targeting in various contexts. This approach has been translated to a clinical setting to provide real-time molecular insights during the surgical resection of solid tumors. A critical element of this approach is the generation of highly fluorescent bioconjugates that maintain the properties of the parent targeting ligand. A number of studies have found that fluorophores can dramatically impact the pharmacokinetic and tumor-targeting properties of the bioconjugates they are meant to only innocently observe. In this review, we summarize several examples of these effects and highlight strategies that have been used to mitigate them. These include the application of site-specific labeling chemistries, modulating label density, and altering the structure of the fluorescent probe itself. In particular, we point out the significant potential of fluorophores with hydrophilic but net-neutral structures. Overall, this review highlights recent progress in refining the in vivo properties of fluorescent bioconjugates, and we hope, will inform future efforts in this area.

Pyrrole-Modified Porphyrins Containing Eight-Membered Heterocycles Using a Reversal of the "Breaking and Mending" Strategy.

The conversion of meso-aryl-porphyrins/chlorins to porphyrinoids containing nonpyrrolic heterocycles (so-called pyrrole-modified porphyrins, PMPs) along an approach we dubbed "the breaking and mending of porphyrins" is well known. However, examples are limited to the synthesis of PMPs containing up to six-membered heterocycles; the syntheses of larger rings failed. We report here hitherto unavailable eight-membered chlorin-type PMPs using an inverted "mending and breaking" approach. All examples are based on the addition of N,N'-dimethylurea derivatives to a meso-phenyl-ß,ß'-dioxoporphyrin, followed by oxidative cleavage of the intermediate diol adduct. We correlate the extremely nonplanar solid-state structures of three crystallographically characterized PMPs containing an eight-membered ring with their solution-state optical properties. The first examples of bis-modified, bacteriochlorin-type PMPs containing either two eight-membered rings or an eight-membered ring and an imidazolone ring are also detailed. Using other N,N'-nucleophiles failed to either generate chlorins containing a ß,ß'-dihydroxypyrroline, a prerequisite for the "breaking step," or the cleavage of those substrates that did generate a diol underwent subsequent reactions that thwarted the generation of the desired PMPs. This contribution adds novel PMPs containing eight-membered rings, highlights the effects these derivatizations have on the macrocycle conformation, and how that affects their optical properties.

A near-infrared light-mediated cleavable linker strategy using the heptamethine cyanine chromophore.

Optical methods offer the potential to manipulate living biological systems with exceptional spatial and temporal control. Caging bioactive molecules with photocleavable functional groups is an important strategy that could be applied to a range of problems, including the targeted delivery of otherwise toxic therapeutics. However existing approaches that require UV or blue light are difficult to apply in organismal settings due to issues of tissue penetration and light toxicity. Photocaging groups built on the heptamethine cyanine scaffold enable the targeted delivery of bioactive molecules using near-IR light (up to 780nm) in live animal settings. Here we provide a detailed procedure demonstrating the utility of the heptamethine cyanine caging group to create a light-cleavable linker between an antibody, panitumumab, and a therapeutic small molecule in the duocarmycin class of natural products. Descriptions of the design and synthesis of the small molecule component, assembly of the antibody conjugate, in vitro analysis of uncaging, in vivo imaging, and impact on tumor progression are provided.

A Biliary Tract-Specific Near-Infrared Fluorescent Dye for Image-Guided Hepatobiliary Surgery.

Despite advances, visual inspection, palpation, and intraoperative ultrasound remain the most utilized tools during surgery today. A particularly challenging issue is the identification of the biliary system due to its complex architecture partially embedded within the liver. Fluorescence guided surgical interventions, particularly using near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths, are an emerging approach for the real-time assessment of the hepatobiliary system. However, existing fluorophores, such as the FDA-approved indocyanine green (ICG), have significant limitations for rapid and selective visualization of bile duct anatomy. Here we report a novel NIR fluorophore, BL (Bile Label)-760, which is exclusively metabolized by the liver providing high signal in the biliary system shortly after intravenous administration. This molecule was identified by first screening a small set of known heptamethine cyanines including clinically utilized agents. After finding that none of these were well-suited, we then designed and tested a small series of novel dyes within a prescribed polarity range. We validated the molecule that emerged from these efforts, BL-760, through animal studies using both rodent and swine models employing a clinically applicable imaging system. In contrast to ICG, BL-760 fluorescence revealed a high target-to-background ratio (TBR) of the cystic duct relative to liver parenchyma 5 min after intravenous injection. During hepatic resection surgery, intrahepatic ducts were clearly highlighted, and bile leakage was easily detected. In conclusion, BL-760 has highly promising properties for intraoperative navigation during hepatobiliary surgery.

A Nonaggregating Heptamethine Cyanine for Building Brighter Labeled Biomolecules.

Heptamethine cyanines are broadly used for a range of near-infrared imaging applications. As with many fluorophores, these molecules are prone to forming nonemissive aggregates upon biomolecule conjugation. Prior work has focused on persulfonation strategies, which only partially address these issues. Here, we report a new set of peripheral substituents, short polyethylene glycol chains on the indolenine nitrogens and a substituted alkyl ether at the C4' position, that provide exceptionally aggregation-resistant fluorophores. These symmetrical molecules are net-neutral, can be prepared in a concise sequence, and exhibit no evidence of H-aggregation even at high labeling density when appended to monoclonal antibodies or virus-like particles. The resulting fluorophore-biomolecule conjugates exhibit exceptionally bright in vitro and in vivo signals when compared to a conventional persulfonated heptamethine cyanine. Overall, these efforts provide a new class of heptamethine cyanines with significant utility for complex labeling applications.

An Alternate Route of Transforming meso-Tetraarylporphyrins to Porpholactams, and Their Conversion to Amine-Functionalized Imidazoloporphyrins.

A novel and efficient synthetic pathway toward known meso-tetraphenylporpholactams, also applicable to the synthesis of hitherto unknown and inaccessible meso-C6F5-substituted porpholactam, is detailed (dioxochlorin → dioxochlorin urea adduct → porpholactam). meso-Tetraphenylporpholactam was converted to an imidazoloporphyrin-α-triflate derivative that was demonstrated to be of utility for the generation of functionalized imidazoloporphyrins with a substituted amine adjacent to the outside N atom of the imidazole moiety (using pyridine, Et2NH, diethyliminodiacetic acetate, dipicolylamine (DPA), and cyclen). The DPA- and iminodiacetate-imidazoloporphyrin conjugates were structurally characterized. The chemosensing potential of the metal chelate-imidazoloporphyrin conjugates was evaluated, though their constrained metric parameters led to muted chemosensing responses to various divalent metal ions. The accessibility of the meso-arylporpholactams and the meso-tetraphenylimidazoloporphyrin triflate enables the continued exploration of porphyrin-like pyrrole-modified porphyrins that incorporate a nitrogen atom in place of a ß-carbon atom in their macrocycles.

A chemically stable fluorescent marker of the ureter.

Surgical methods guided by exogenous fluorescent markers have the potential to define tissue types in real time. Small molecule dyes with efficient and selective renal clearance could enable visualization of the ureter during surgical procedures involving the abdomen and pelvis. These studies report the design and synthesis of a water soluble, net neutral C4'-O-alkyl heptamethine cyanine, Ureter-Label (UL)-766, with excellent properties for ureter visualization. This compound is accessed through a concise synthetic sequence involving an N- to O-transposition reaction that provides other inaccessible C4'-O-alkyl heptamethine cyanines. Unlike molecules containing a C4'-O-aryl substituent, which have also been used for ureter visualization, UL-766 is not reactive towards glutathione and the cellular proteome. In addition, rat models of abdominal surgery reveal that UL-766 undergoes efficient and nearly exclusive renal clearance in vivo. In total, this molecule represents a promising candidate for visualizing the ureter during a variety of surgical interventions.