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Development and preclinical evaluation of [111In]In-DTPA-EphA2-57-1: a single-photon emission computed tomography probe targeting EphA2-expressing tumors

delete2026-05-23
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PRE
AI
S
Sasaki, Minon
K
Kimura, Hiroyuki *
T
Takumi Iwasawa
O
Oshige, Sato
H
Hidekazu Kawashima
O
Omokawa, Marina
Y
Yuki Naito
Y
Yusuke Yagi
K
Kazunori Kato
Y
Yasui, Hiroyuki
DOI:10.1016/j.bmc.2026.118665delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2) is overexpressed in various malignant tumors and represents a promising target for cancer-specific imaging and therapy. However, many therapeutics (as well as imaging probes) targeting overexpressed EphA2 are limited by efficacy and safety concerns. We aimed to develop and preclinically evaluate a novel single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) probe, [111In]In-DTPA-EphA2-57-1, based on a newly generated anti-EphA2 monoclonal antibody, EphA2-57-1. The antibody was conjugated with DTPA (p-SCN-Bn-DTPA) and radiolabeled with 111In, achieving a radiochemical purity of 97.3%. In vitro, in EphA2-expressing cells (EphA2-positive U87MG glioblastoma cells), [111In]In-DTPA-EphA2-57-1 demonstrated uptake and a high internalization fraction, reaching 74.9% at 24 h. Although DTPA conjugation reduced the apparent binding affinity compared with the native antibody, efficient receptor-mediated internalization contributed to sustained cellular retention. In vivo biodistribution studies in U87MG tumor-bearing mice revealed selective tumor accumulation (6.9-8.8%ID/g) and favorable tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-muscle ratios, which increased over time. Notably, the tumor-to-blood ratio reached 2.4 +/- 0.8 and 3.4 +/- 0.6 on Days 4 and 7, respectively, post-injection. Blocking with excess unlabeled antibody significantly reduced tumor uptake, confirming EphA2-specific targeting in vivo. SPECT enabled a clear and persistent visualization of EphA2-expressing tumors; however, a relatively high hepatic uptake was observed. [111In]In-DTPA-EphA2-57-1 exhibited lower blood retention and higher tumor contrast at earlier time points than did the previously reported probe [111In]In-BnDTPA-EphA2-230-1, reflecting improved imaging performance. These results indicate that [111In]In-DTPA-EphA2-57-1 is a promising SPECT probe for the noninvasive assessment of EphA2 expression. Additionally, the findings may inform future EphA2-targeted theranostic applications.
Keywords:
Eph receptor A2
Tumor
SPECT
[111In]In-DTPA-EphA2-57-1
Anti-EphA2 monoclonal antibody

Journal

B
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
IF:
3
Papers:
114
Citations:
0

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Toyo University
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Okayama University
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Kyoto Pharmaceutical University cover
Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
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Kanazawa University
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