Molecular Design of 68Ga-and 89Zr-Labeled Anticalin Radioligands for PET-Imaging of PSMA-Positive Tumors

Anticalin proteins directed against the prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), optionally having tailored plasma half-life using PASylation technology, show promise as radioligands for PET-imaging of xenograft tumors in mice. To investigate their suitability, the short-circulating unmodified Anticalin was labeled with 68Ga (tau 1/2 = 68 min), using the NODAGA chelator, whereas the half-life extended PASylated Anticalin was labeled with 89Zr (tau 1/2 = 78 h), using either the linear chelator deferoxamine (Dfo) or a cyclic derivative, fusarinine C (FsC). Different PSMA targeting Anticalin versions (optionally carrying the PASylation sequence) were produced carrying a single exposed N-or C-terminal Cys residue and site-specifically conjugated with the different radiochelators via maleimide chemistry. These protein conjugates were labeled with radioisotopes having distinct physical half-lives and, subsequently, applied for PET-imaging of subcutaneous LNCaP xenograft tumors in CB17 SCID mice. Uptake of the protein tracers into tumor versus healthy tissues was assessed by segmentation of PET data as well as biodistribution analyses. PET-imaging with both the 68Ga-labeled plain Anticalin and the 89Zr-labeled PASylated Anticalin allowed clear delineation of the xenograft tumor. The radioligand A3A5.1-PAS(200)-FsC center dot 89Zr, having an extended plasma half-life, led to a higher tumor uptake 24 h p.i. compared to the 68Ga center dot NODAGA-Anticalin imaged 60 min p.i. (2.5% ID/g vs 1.2% ID/g). Pronounced demetallation was observed for the 89Zr center dot Dfo-labeled PASylated Anticalin, which was similar to 50% lower in the case of the cyclic radiochelator FsC (p < 0.0001). Adjusting the plasma half-life of Anticalin radioligands using PASylation technology is a viable approach to increase radioisotope accumulation within the tumor. Furthermore, 89Zr-ImmunoPET-imaging using the FsC radiochelator is superior to that using Dfo. Our strategy for the half-life adjustment of a tumor-targeting Anticalin to match the physical half-life of the applied radioisotope illustrates the potential of small binding proteins as an alternative to antibodies for PET-imaging.

Automated summary

Anticalin proteins targeting PSMA with tailored plasma half-life using PASylation technology are promising radioligands for PET imaging of xenograft tumors in mice. PET imaging using the FsC radiochelator is superior to Dfo radiochelator and adjusting the plasma half-life of Anticalin radioligands using PASylation technology can increase radioisotope accumulation within the tumor.