Control of GVHD by milatuzumab in hu-SCID mice Dendritic cells (DCs) are the primary initiator of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a major and life- threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). Depletion of DCs has been demonstrated to be an effective approach for control of GVHD. We recently found that milatuzumab, a humanized anti-CD74 monoclonal antibody, can efficiently deplete myeloid DCs from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and potently suppress the proliferation of alloreactive T cells without impairing CMV-specific CD8+ T cells in allogeneic mixed leukocyte cultures, suggesting that milatuzumab may be developed as a novel mAb for prophylactic and/or therapeutic control of GVHD. In this proposed study, we will evaluate the efficacy of this novel mAb for its prophylactic efficacy against GVHD in a human-PBL-SCID mouse model. We will also investigate whether milatuzumab, while controlling GVHD, has any detrimental effect on the """"""""third-party"""""""" immunity in this model, including anti-viral and graft-versus-leukemic functions, which will provide key safety information for clinical use of this mAb in patients undergoing allo-hematopoietic stem cell transplant. We believe that this STTR project, through the collaboration between Immunomedics, Inc., and the Center for Molecular Medicine and Immunology, could lead to the development of a novel class of monoclonal antibodies for better control of GVHD through depletion of CD74-expressing myeloid DCs.

Public Health Relevance

Control of GVHD by milatuzumab in hu-SCID mice Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Milatuzumab, a humanized anti-CD74 monoclonal antibody, can efficiently deplete dendritic cells from human peripheral mononuclear cells, suggesting its potential to prevent and/or treat GVHD. We will evaluate the preventive efficacy of milatuzumab on GVHD in a """"""""humanized"""""""" mouse model, and while controlling GVHD, if it has any harmful effect on the host immunity against pathogens and leukemia, including anti-viral and graft-versus-leukemic functions. This preclinical study could provide valuable information to justify future clinical investigations.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants - Phase I (R41)
Project #
1R41AI093082-01
Application #
8061187
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IMM-G (10))
Program Officer
Prograis, Lawrence J
Project Start
2011-01-15
Project End
2012-12-31
Budget Start
2011-01-15
Budget End
2012-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$191,143
Indirect Cost
Name
Immunomedics, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
115350605
City
Morris Plains
State
NJ
Country
United States
Zip Code
07950
Chen, Xiaochuan; Chang, Chien-Hsing; Stein, Rhona et al. (2013) Prevention of acute graft-versus-host disease in a xenogeneic SCID mouse model by the humanized anti-CD74 antagonistic antibody milatuzumab. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 19:28-39