Thymoglobulin targets multiple plasma cell antigens and has in vitro and in vivo activity in multiple myeloma

Leukemia. 2006 Oct;20(10):1863-9. doi: 10.1038/sj.leu.2404359. Epub 2006 Aug 17.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is characterized by the proliferation of clonal plasma cells that have a heterogeneous expression of various cell surface markers, precluding successful use of monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic targeting of the tumor cell. Thymoglobulin (rabbit-derived polyclonal anti-thymocyte globulin), by virtue of its method of preparation, contains antibodies against several B-cell and plasma cell antigens and offers an attractive option for immunotherapy of myeloma. Here, we demonstrate potent anti-myeloma activity of the rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin preparation Thymoglobulin in vitro and in vivo in an animal model of myeloma. Thymoglobulin was able to induce dose- and time-dependent apoptosis of several myeloma cell lines, including those resistant to conventional anti-myeloma agents. Importantly, the anti-myeloma activity was preserved even when myeloma cells were grown with different cytokines demonstrating the ability to overcome microenvironment-mediated resistance. Thymoglobulin induced apoptosis of freshly isolated primary myeloma cells from patients. Using a competitive flow cytometric analysis, we were able to identify the potential antigen targets for Thymoglobulin preparation. Finally, in a plasmacytoma mouse model of myeloma, Thymoglobulin delayed the tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner providing convincing evidence for continued evaluation of this agent in the clinic in patients with myeloma, either alone or in combination with other agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology*
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology
  • Antigens, Surface / immunology
  • Antilymphocyte Serum
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis / immunology
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive / methods*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Melphalan / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Mice, SCID
  • Multiple Myeloma / immunology*
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy*
  • Plasma Cells / immunology*
  • Rabbits

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Antigens, Surface
  • Antilymphocyte Serum
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • thymoglobulin
  • Melphalan