Reinhard Schwartz-Albiez

Dr. Reinhard Schwartz-Albiez


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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20 December 2024 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MGMárcia Gonçalves
Márcia Gonçalves
KWKarsten Michael Warwas
Karsten Michael Warwas
MMMarten Meyer
Marten Meyer
RSReinhard Schwartz-Albiez
Reinhard Schwartz-Albiez
NBNadja Bulbuc
Nadja Bulbuc
FMFrank Momburg
Frank Momburg
Objectives: Reduced expression of adhesion molecules in tumor vasculature can limit infiltration of effector T cells. To improve T cell adhesion to tumor endothelial cell (EC) antigens and enhance transendothelial migration, we developed bispecific, T-cell engaging antibodies (bsAb) that activate T cells after cross-linking with EC cell surface antigens. Methods: Recombinant T-cell stimulatory anti-VEGFR2–anti-CD3 and costimulatory anti-TIE2–anti-CD28 or anti-PD-L1–anti-CD28 bsAb were engineered and expressed. Primary lines of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) that constitutively express VEGFR2 and TIE2 growth factor receptors and PD-L1, but very low levels of adhesion molecules, served as models for anergic tumor EC. Results: In cocultures with HUVEC, anti-VEGFR2–anti-CD3 bsAb increased T cell binding and elicited rapid T cell activation. The release of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 was greatly augmented by the addition of anti-TIE2–anti-CD28 or anti-PD-L1–anti-CD28 costimulatory bsAb. Concomitantly, T cell-released cytokines upregulated E-selectin, ICAM1, and VCAM1 adhesion molecules on HUVEC. HUVEC cultured in breast cancer cell-conditioned medium to mimic the influence of tumor-secreted factors were similarly activated by T cell-engaging bsAb. Migration of T cells in transwell assays was significantly increased by anti-VEGFR2–anti-CD3 bsAb. The combination with costimulatory anti-TIE2–anti-CD28 bsAb augmented activation and proliferation of migrated T cells and their cytotoxic capacity against spheroids of the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line seeded in the lower transwell chamber. Conclusions: T cells activated by anti-VEGFR2–anti-CD3 and costimulatory EC-targeting bsAb can reverse the energy of quiescent EC in vitro, resulting in improved T cell migration through an EC layer.