In vivo imaging with two-photon microscopy to assess the tumor-selective binding of an anti-CD137 switch antibody

STA551, a novel anti-CD137 switch antibody, binds to CD137 in an extracellular ATP concentration-dependent manner. Although STA551 is assumed to show higher target binding in tumor tissues than in normal tissues, quantitative detection of the target binding of the switch antibody in vivo is technically challenging. In this study, we investigated the target binding of STA551 in vivo using intravital imaging with two-photon microscopy. Tumor-bearing human CD137 knock-in mice were intravenously administered fluorescently labeled antibodies. Flow cytometry analysis of antibody-binding cells and intravital imaging using two-photon microscopy were conducted. Higher CD137 expression in tumor than in spleen tissues was detected by flow cytometry analysis, and T cells and NK cells were the major CD137-expressing cells. In the intravital imaging experiment, conventional and switch anti-CD137 antibodies showed binding in tumors. However, in the spleen, the fluorescence of the switch antibody was much weaker than that of the conventional anti-CD137 antibody and comparable with that of the isotype control. In conclusion, we were able to assess switch antibody biodistribution in vivo through intravital imaging with two-photon microscopy. These results suggest that the tumor-selective binding of STA551 leads to a wide therapeutic window and potent antitumor efficacy without systemic immune activation.

Automated summary

The novel anti-CD137 switch antibody STA551 shows higher target binding in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. Flow cytometry and intravital imaging with two-photon microscopy were used to detect the target binding in vivo, revealing higher CD137 expression in tumors than in spleen tissues. T cells and NK cells were identified as major CD137-expressing cells.