Development of a 177Lu-labeled EphA2-targeting cyclic peptide combined with an HPK1 inhibitor for synergistic anti-tumor effects.

Abstract

Purpose: Despite advancements in ¹⁷⁷Lu-based radiotherapy for cancer, its efficacy against refractory cold tumors remains limited. Targeted peptide-radionuclide conjugates (PRCs) combined with immunotherapy are emerging as promising theranostic strategies to maximize anti-tumor effectiveness.

Methods: Cyclic peptide CEMJ4 was identified via phage selection, and further conjugated with DOTA and radiolabeled with ⁶⁸Ga for diagnostic imaging and ¹⁷⁷Lu for cancer therapy. The druggability was assessed by in vitro cell experiments, in vivo PET/CT imaging and biodistribution. Additionally, the feasibility of combining ¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTA-CEMJ4 with a hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 inhibitor (HPK1i) was evaluated in B16F10 tumor-bearing mice, focusing on the anti-tumor immune response and tumor growth.

Results: CEMJ4 exhibited high affinity for human erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2; K_D = 0.3 ± 0.2 µM), a therapeutic target overexpressed in several solid tumors. Radiolabeled ⁶⁸Ga/¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTA-CEMJ4 specifically bound to EphA2-expressing B16F10 cells and tumor models, effectively inhibiting tumor growth. Notably, ¹⁷⁷Lu-induced T cell immunotoxicity was reversed by HPK1i, which modulated T cell dysfunction. Combining ¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTA-CEMJ4 with HPK1i significantly reduced tumor burden and increased tumor-infiltrating CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells, and M1 macrophages.

Conclusion: This study identifies CEMJ4 as a promising peptide ligand for tumor-targeted radionuclide delivery and emphasizes the clinical potential of radionuclide therapy combined with immunotherapy in theranostics to enhance therapeutic precision and efficacy.