MUC18-targeted humanized monoclonal antibody immunePET imaging and
patient-derived tumor xenograft visualization
Abstract
Background: In the context of precision diagnosis for various subtypes
of melanoma, identifying biomarkers with clinical translational
potential from a molecular standpoint is crucial for a more
comprehensive characterization of the disease. MUC18 is highly expressed
in both tumor cells and tumor vasculature in major melanoma subtypes and
is restricted to normal tissues. Methods: A noninvasive imaging approach
for MUC18 in melanoma utilizing an immune Positron Emission Tomography
(PET) radionuclide-conjugated drug (RDC) with an 89Zr-labeled humanized
anti-MUC18 monoclonal antibody (mAb) was developed. A375, Sk-Mel-28,
HMVII, and A549 cells and tumor model mice were conducted. Immuno-PET
was employed to assess the specificity and targeting of three distinct
melanoma cell line-derived xenografts (CDXs) and patient-derived tumor
xenografts (PDXs) in immunodeficient mice. Results: The developed RDC,
named 89Zr-IP150, demonstrated robust in vitro stability and high
binding affinity, ensuring reliable and specific PET imaging of small,
medium, and large subcutaneous tumors in human melanoma mouse
xenotransplantation models. Notably, for the first time, the clinical
translational potential of 89Zr-IP150 was successfully validated using a
PDX model. Conclusions: These findings present a noninvasive, real-time
method for the early screening of MUC18 (+) melanoma patients and are
important for studying the early-stage biological distribution of
MUC18-targeted antibody‒drug conjugates (ADCs).