Synthesis, ¹⁸F-labeling and radiopharmacological characterization of a claudin-targeting peptide

Objectives: The cell surface receptor claudin-4 (Cld-4) is upregulated in various tumors and represents a promising target for both diagnosis and treatment of solid tumors of epithelial origin [1]. A suitable ligand to address Cld-4 in vivo seems to be the C-terminal fragment of the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin cCPE(290-319) (1; Figure 1) [2].
Methods: 1 and N-terminally modified (fluorobenzoylated and FITC-conjugated) as well as other analogs were synthesized by microwave-assisted solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Their affinity to a protein construct containing both extracellular loops of Cld-4 was studied by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Labeling of 1 with fluorine-18 was achieved on solid phase using [¹⁸F]SFB and 4-[¹⁸F]fluorobenzoyl chloride as ¹⁸F-acylating agents [3]. The stability of the resulting radiotracer was evaluated in different physiological media. Its cell binding was investigated using the HT29, A375 and A431 tumor cell lines. The in vivo behavior of ¹⁸F-labeled 1 was studied in NMRI nu/nu mice and Wistar rats by dynamic PET imaging and radiometabolite analyses, respectively. Furthermore, the binding of FITC-conjugated 1 was investigated by fluorescence microscopy.
Results: Among several approaches tried, sequential SPPS using three pseudoproline-dipeptide building blocks revealed as the most efficient one to afford 1 and its derivatives. Their affinities to the Cld-4 mimicking construct are in the low micromolar range. ¹⁸F-labeling was most advantageous when [¹⁸F]SFB was reacted with resin-bound 1 containing an N-terminal aminohexanoic spacer. The resulting radiotracer was sufficiently stable in cell supernatants and plasma. Its cell binding was time-dependent and higher to the Cld-4-positive A375 and A431 compared to the negative HT29 line. Results of confocal microscopy using FITC-1 and A431 cells are in accordance with these findings. ¹⁸F-labeled 1 is subject to substantial liver uptake and rapid metabolic degradation in vivo.
Conclusions: The synthesis and ¹⁸F-labeling of 1 was successfully established. Its binding to Cld-4 in vitro and in cellulo has been demonstrated. Initial radiopharmacological studies suggest the limited suitability of this peptide in its current form to target Cld-4 in vivo.
References
[1] Neese A, et al (2012) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 524, 64–70.
[2] Ling J, et al (2008) J. Biol. Chem. 283, 30585–30595.
[3] Kuchar M, et al (2012) Amino Acids 43, 1431-1443.