Selective killing of candidate AML stem cells by antibody targeting of IL1RAP

Blood. 2013 May 2;121(18):3709-13. doi: 10.1182/blood-2012-09-458935. Epub 2013 Mar 11.

Abstract

IL1RAP, a co-receptor for interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-33 receptors, was previously found to be highly upregulated on candidate chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells, allowing for leukemia-selective killing using IL1RAP-targeting antibodies. We analyzed IL1RAP expression in a consecutive series of 29 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and, based on the level of expression in mononuclear cells (MNCs), we divided the samples into 3 groups: IL1RAP low (n = 6), IL1RAP intermediate (n = 11), and IL1RAP high (n = 12). Within the CD34+CD38- population, the intermediate and high groups expressed higher levels of IL1RAP than did corresponding normal cells. With the aim to target AML stem cells, an anti-IL1RAP monoclonal antibody was generated followed by isotype switching for improved antibody-dependent, cell-mediated cytotoxicity activity. Using this antibody, we achieved selective killing of AML MNC, CD34+CD38+, and CD34+CD38- cells. Our findings demonstrate that IL1RAP is a promising new therapeutic target in AML.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies / pharmacology*
  • Antibody Specificity
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Interleukin-1 Receptor Accessory Protein / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Interleukin-1 Receptor Accessory Protein / immunology*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / immunology*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • IL1RAP protein, human
  • Interleukin-1 Receptor Accessory Protein