Micro-flow photosynthesis of new dienophiles for inverse-electron-demand Diels–Alder reactions. Potential applications for pretargeted in vivo PET imaging

Abstract

Pretargeted PET imaging has emerged as an effective two-step in vivo approach that combines the superior affinity and selectivity of antibodies with the rapid pharmacokinetics and favorable dosimetry of smaller molecules radiolabeled with short-lived radionuclides. This approach can be based on the bioorthogonal inverse-electron-demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA) reaction between tetrazines and trans-cyclooctene (TCO) derivatives. We aimed to develop new [¹⁸F]TCO–dienophiles with high reactivity for IEDDA reactions, and favorable in vivo stability and pharmacokinetics. New dienophiles were synthesized using an innovative micro-flow photochemistry process, and their reaction kinetics with a tetrazine were determined. In vivo stability and biodistribution of the most promising ¹⁸F-radiolabeled-TCO-derivative ([¹⁸F]3) was investigated, and its potential for in vivo pretargeted PET imaging was assessed in tumor-bearing mice. We demonstrated that [¹⁸F]3 is a suitable dienophile for IEDDA reactions and for pretargeting applications.

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Introduction

In the field of cancer research, radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies directed against tumor-associated antigens have emerged as promising vectors to visualize or treat cancer lesions, due to their high affinity and specificity.^1,2 However, because of their high molecular weight (∼150 kDa), antibodies usually have long biological half-lives, thus requiring multiple days to clear from blood and non-target tissues, and to reach an optimal accumulation in tumor. Therefore, radionuclides with relatively long physical half-lives must be employed to radiolabel antibodies for direct in vivo imaging. For instance, zirconium-89 (t_1/2 = 78.4 h) can be used for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.³ This however leads to high radiation doses in healthy tissues for patients.

On the other hand, fluorine-18 (t_1/2 = 110 min) is the PET radionuclide of choice given its favorable properties including its decay mode (97% β⁺ emission), low positron energy (634 keV maximum), and short β⁺ trajectory in tissues (<2.3 mm). Its half-life is long enough to allow multistep syntheses but is short enough to avoid extended irradiation of patients. Moreover, it can be produced in large quantities (>400 GBq per batch) with a cyclotron.⁴

Combination of antibodies with fluorine-18 is challenging, due to the incompatibility between the long plasma half-life of the antibody and the short physical half-life of the radionuclide. Pretargeting addresses this issue in two steps.⁵ First, a non-radiolabeled antibody modified with a tag is administered. Few days later, when the antibody has reached a maximum uptake in the tumor and a sufficient clearance from non-target tissues, a relatively small radiolabeled molecule is injected. The latter has the property to selectively bind to the antibody via the tag, while the non-bound radiotracer is rapidly cleared. Then, high contrast images can be acquired few hours after the injection of the radiolabeled molecule. The overall radiation dose for patients is thus reduced, compared to the use of an antibody directly labeled with ⁸⁹Zr for instance.

Pretargeting approaches can be based on an inverse-electron-demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA) click reaction between 1,2,4,5-tetrazines and trans-cyclooctene (TCO) derivatives.⁶ Indeed, this fast, selective, high-yield, biocompatible, and bioorthogonal reaction has already proven to be suitable for this kind of applications, both in vitro and in vivo,⁷ even using ¹⁸F-labeled tetrazines.⁸ However, to the best of our knowledge, no in vivo pretargeting PET imaging results have been reported on using a ¹⁸F-labeled small TCO compound, although this approach may have specific advantages with regard to pharmacokinetics and stability. Some radiolabeling procedures were developed for TCO [¹⁸F]1 (Fig. 1)⁹ but it was applied as a prosthetic group for subsequent ¹⁸F-labeling of biologically-active molecules.¹⁰

Fig. 1 Chemical structures of previously reported TCO derivative 1⁹ and newly developed dienophiles 2a, 2b, and 3.

Wyffels et al. explored biodistribution of [¹⁸F]1 in healthy mice, from 5 to 240 min p.i.^9b Results demonstrated renal and hepatobiliary clearance of radioactivity, slow blood clearance, as well as increasing bone uptake values (from 60 min p.i.). The bone uptake is due to defluorination, as [¹⁸F]F⁻ is known to have a high affinity for bone, and is an indication of tracer instability. Therefore, we aimed to develop new TCO derivatives, with improved in vivo stability, favorable pharmacokinetics, and high reactivity for IEDDA reactions.

We designed compounds 2a, 2b and 3 derivatised with polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains (Fig. 1) with the aim to increase their hydrophilicity and their stability towards enzymatic degradation.^7l,11 We developed a conformationally-strained dioxolane-fused trans-cyclooctene (3), encouraged by the results reported by Darko et al.¹² Indeed, it was demonstrated that this strained trans-cyclooctenes react faster with 3,6-diphenyl-s-tetrazine than non strained analogs, and display excellent chemical stability in aqueous solutions and plasma. Moreover, dioxolane-fused trans-cyclooctenes can be prepared easily through diastereoselective synthesis.

Herein we report (i) the syntheses of new TCO derivatives, via a trans-for-cis photoisomerization step using an innovative micro-flow process; (ii) reaction kinetics of these new dienophiles with a tetrazine, as well as their stability in aqueous solution; (iii) ¹⁸F-radiolabeling of the most promising TCO derivative 3; (iv) in vitro stability of [¹⁸F]3 and in vivo biodistribution studies after injection of [¹⁸F]3; (v) proof of principle in vitro and in vivo pretargeting experiments using [¹⁸F]3.

Results and discussion

Syntheses

New dienophiles 2a, 2b and 3 were prepared as shown in Scheme 1. First, the corresponding cis-derivatives 9 and 18 were synthesized, in 6 and 7 steps respectively.

Scheme 1 Syntheses of dienophiles 2a, 2b and 3.

PEG synthon 4 was obtained in two steps starting from tetraethylene glycol: protection of one hydroxyl group using triisopropylsilyl (TIPS) chloride followed by mesylation of the other hydroxyl group. Then, synthon 4 was used for nucleophilic substitution with cis-cyclooctenol to yield derivative 5. The choice of TIPS as the hydroxyl protecting group was important to obtain a good yield. After deprotection using tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF), the hydroxyl group of compound 6 was replaced by fluorine (9) via a sulfonate intermediate.

For the synthesis of 18, PEG synthon 13 was first prepared in two steps starting from tetraethylene glycol: after protection of one hydroxyl group using benzoyl chloride (BzCl), the other hydroxyl was oxidized to an aldehyde in the presence of Dess–Martin periodinane reagent. In parallel, oxidation of 1,5-cyclooctadiene into diol 12 was carried out using cetyltrimethylammonium permanganate. Then, PEG synthon 13 and diol 12 were involved in an acetalization, leading to dioxolane 14. The stereochemistry of 14 was determined according to Darko et al.¹² After deprotection using LiOH, the hydroxyl group of compound 15 was replaced by fluorine (18) via a sulfonate intermediate.

Trans-for-cis isomerization of hydroxy-derivatives 6, 15, sulfonate precursors for radiofluorination 7, 8, 16, 17, and fluoro-derivatives 9, 18 was performed using an innovative micro-flow photochemistry process. Basic design of the setup was based on the work of Royzen et al.¹³ This group devised an apparatus where the reaction mixture, containing a cis-cyclooctene derivative and methyl benzoate (a singlet sensitizer), is photoirradiated at 254 nm, and continuously circulated through a bed of AgNO₃-impregnated silica gel. The trans-cyclooctene derivative forms a complex with Ag⁺ and is selectively retained on the bed, while the corresponding cis-cyclooctene binds weakly to Ag⁺ and elutes back to the reaction flask, where it is photoirradiated again. For trans-for-cis isomerization of our compounds, we used a micro-flow setup, since the short characteristic inner diameter of the microreactor allows a high overall absorption even at larger concentration which increases the gross conversion rate largely and reduces the reaction time from hours to minutes for typical photo-flow processes.¹⁴ In addition, process scale-up is facilitated by the numbering-up of several flow microcapillaries with almost identical performance.¹⁵ Two microreactors coiled around the UV lamp were used in parallel, and flow was adjusted to result in 2 to 3 min irradiation time (Scheme 2 and ESI†). Although Royzen et al. used 8 lamps of 35 W (light intensity: 12 800 μW cm⁻²),¹³ a single UV lamp of 10 W (light intensity: 21–24 μW cm⁻²) provided sufficient power for the isomerization reaction in our micro-flow setup. In-flow separation process based on Ag⁺ complexation was also optimized, by using several packed beds made of AgNO₃-impregnated silica gel and glass beads. During experiment, flow was switched after 30–90 min from one packed bed to the next, in order to avoid saturation. After experiment, a NH₄OH solution was used to liberate the trans-compound. With this optimized method using microreactors, 85% conversion can be achieved for trans-for-cis isomerization of cyclooctenol in 3 h (ESI†), compared to a reported 73% in 8 h or 70% in 3 h for non-microfluidic productions.^13,16 For the new functionalized cyclooctene derivatives, photoisomerization yields reached 76% for a 6 h experiment, with fluoro-compound 3. For sulfonate precursors, only mesylate 11b and 20 could be isolated after isomerization, but 11b was quite unstable (data not shown).

Scheme 2 Microfluidic setup optimized for trans-for-cis isomerization of functionalized cyclooctene derivatives.

Reactivity and stability of new dienophiles

Rate constants for reaction between new dienophiles and 3,6-di(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine in MeOH at 25 °C were determined by UV-spectrophotometry at 290 nm under pseudo-first order conditions (Fig. S2†). Compounds 10a and 10b react with the tetrazine with rate constants of 476 ± 33 M⁻¹ s⁻¹ and 1913 ± 196 M⁻¹ s⁻¹ respectively. Compared to trans-cyclooctenol rate constants (392 ± 6 M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for major isomer and 300 ± 22 M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for minor isomer), the presence of the PEG chain on 10a and 10b does not reduce the reactivity. Reaction rate of 19 with the tetrazine is also fast, with a rate constant of 1620 ± 149 M⁻¹ s⁻¹. These rate constants are comparable to the ones reported in literature for this type of dienophiles.^6a,12 While the new dienophiles are reactive toward a tetrazine, they also display excellent stability. Indeed, fluoro-trans-derivatives 2a, 2b and 3 are stable in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) at 37 °C for 19 h at least, as determined by HPLC (Tables S3, S5 and S7†).

Radiolabeling with fluorine-18

In view of the limited stability of precursors for radiofluorination 11a and 11b, we decided to continue the project with dioxolane-fused trans-cyclooctene compounds only. Semi-automated radiosynthesis of [¹⁸F]3 was performed on a home-made module. Nucleophilic substitution on mesylate precursor 20 by reaction with dry K[¹⁸F]F, K₂₂₂ complex was achieved in MeCN at 90 °C for 15 min. During radiosynthesis of [¹⁸F]3, less than 1% of cis-compound [¹⁸F]18 was generated. After purification by HPLC, [¹⁸F]3 was obtained in 60 min, with 12% radiochemical yield (decay-corrected), a radiochemical purity >99% (Fig. S4†), and a specific activity of 70–188 GBq μmol⁻¹.

In vitro stability of [^18/19F]3

In PBS (pH 7.4), [¹⁸F]3 was rather stable, with 94% of intact compound after 2 h incubation at 37 °C. In rat plasma, [¹⁸F]3 slowly isomerized into the corresponding cis-derivative [¹⁸F]18, with 52% and 34% of intact trans-compound after 1 h and 2 h incubation at 37 °C respectively (Fig. S5†). For pretargeted PET imaging, this slow degradation is not an issue, as the IEDDA reaction takes place in a few seconds and plasma clearance is expected to be relatively fast (<30 min). Additional experiments were performed to investigate the cause(s) of the isomerization,^7b,12 and the presence of a thiol (2-mercaptoethanol) or temperature were found to promote cis-for-trans isomerization of 3 (Table S8 and Fig. S3†).

Biodistribution of radioactivity after injection of [¹⁸F]3

Pharmacokinetic profile of [¹⁸F]3 was evaluated in vivo, in healthy NMRI mice, from 2 to 60 min p.i. (Fig. 2 and Table S11†). Results demonstrate absence of in vivo defluorination, as no significant bone uptake was observed at 60 min p.i. (0.3 ± 0.0 SUV_w). Radioactivity was cleared via urinary and hepatobiliary systems. Interestingly, brain uptake was observed (1.3 ± 0.2 to 0.6 ± 0.0 SUV_w from 2 to 60 min p.i.). Analysis of brain and biofluids by HPLC after 15 min p.i. revealed 20.8 ± 1.1% of intact [¹⁸F]3 in brain, 5.9 ± 0.6% in plasma and 0.1 ± 0.0% in urine (Fig. S6†), indicating fast metabolism.

Fig. 2 Biodistribution of radioactivity after injection of [¹⁸F]3 in healthy NMRI mice in selected organs and fluids. Data are expressed as standardized uptake value (SUV_w).

In vitro pretargeting experiments using [¹⁸F]3

To check the usefulness of [¹⁸F]3 as a new dienophile for IEDDA reactions and for pretargeted PET imaging, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed using a pseudo peptide with affinity for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)¹⁷ conjugated to 3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-6-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine^10f (21, Scheme 3, synthesis described in ESI†).

Scheme 3 Reaction between dienophile [¹⁸F]3 and tetrazine 21 leads to [¹⁸F]22 (mixture of isomers) quantitatively in a few seconds.

For in vitro experiments, prostate tumor slices (LNCaP and PC-3 cells) were incubated with 21, washed, and [¹⁸F]3 was added. Direct incubation with “preclicked”-compound [¹⁸F]22 (Scheme 3, Fig. S7†) was also performed. To check the specificity of the approach, blocking experiments with the non-structural related inhibitor 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentane-1,5-dioic acid¹⁸ and incubation with [¹⁸F]3 only were also carried out. The fraction of bound activity was determined after autoradiography (Fig. 3 and S9†). Significant PSMA-specific binding to LNCaP tumor slices (expressing PSMA receptors) was observed in the pretargeting experiment, but it was lower than the specific binding of “preclicked”-compound [¹⁸F]22. In PC-3 cells (negative control), no significant binding was observed.

Fig. 3 Percentage of binding of radioactivity to LNCaP tumor slices after a pretargeting experiment with successive addition of 21 and [¹⁸F]3 or after incubation with [¹⁸F]22 was significantly higher than in control experiments.

Proof of principle in vivo PET imaging

On the basis of these promising results, proof of principle PET imaging experiments were conducted in LNCaP prostate tumor-bearing mice. Compound 21 (50 μg) was administered intratumorally 10 min before intravenous (i.v.) injection of [¹⁸F]3, following a similar protocol reported by Emmetiere et al.,^7f to avoid variability due to tetrazine concentration in target tissues. Dynamic (0–60 min p.i.) and static (120 min p.i.) microPET scans were acquired. PET imaging with [¹⁸F]3 allowed visualization of the tumor, as shown in Fig. 4. Moreover, tumor uptake was significantly higher than muscle uptake, as early as 30 min p.i. and up to 2 h p.i. In order to ensure that the tumor accumulation was due to the ¹⁸F-labeled conjugate formed by the IEDDA reaction, control experiments were also performed in mice that received only i.v. injection of [¹⁸F]3. Uptake of radioactivity in the tumor was significantly lower than in tetrazine-21-preinjected tumors, from 30 min to 2 h p.i. (Fig. 4 and S10†). No significant difference was observed between muscle uptake and tumor uptake in control experiments. According to another PET imaging experiment (Fig. 5 and S11†), the accumulation of radioactivity in tetrazine-enriched tissues is not an effect due to the injection of the tetrazine, as the injection of the same volume of vehicle alone (saline with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide) does not lead to a significant uptake of radioactivity.

Fig. 4 (A) In vivo PET images 2 h after i.v. injection of bioorthogonal [¹⁸F]3 (11 MBq), in a mouse bearing an LNCaP tumor treated with tetrazine 21 (50 μg). (B) Time–activity curves from 0 to 60 min after i.v. injection of [¹⁸F]3, in LNCaP tumor-bearing mice with (N = 3) or without (=control, N = 3) intratumoral injection of 21.

Fig. 5 (A) In vivo PET images 60 min after i.v. injection of [¹⁸F]3 (11 MBq) in an healthy NMRI mouse which received an intramuscular injection of tetrazine 21 (50 μg) in the muscle on the right shoulder (arrows), and saline with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide in the muscle on the left shoulder. (B) Time–activity curves from 0 to 60 min after i.v. injection of [¹⁸F]3, in healthy NMRI mice (N = 3). The uptake of radioactivity in the tetrazine-enriched tissue is significantly higher than in the tissue which received only the vehicle, from 3 min to 47 min p.i. of [¹⁸F]3.

These proof of principle experiments demonstrate the usefulness of [¹⁸F]3 for the in vivo IEDDA reaction. In order to successfully apply this new dienophile to pretargeted immunoPET, stability will be favored over reactivity for the choice of the tetrazine, as a tetrazine-derivatised antibody will be injected several days before the radiolabeled dienophile. A tetrazine such as reported by Selvaraj et al.,^10f or by Karver et al.,^7c possibly modified with a PEG linker, might be a good choice.

Conclusions

In summary, we developed three new dienophiles for IEDDA reactions, and compound 3 was selected for pretargeting applications. trans-3 has been prepared via diastereoselective synthesis, and the trans-for-cis isomerization step has been performed by micro-flow photochemistry with 76% yield. The new microfluidic setup reported here can be applied as continuous process which is promising for process scale-up. ¹⁸F-radiolabeling of 3 can be carried out by nucleophilic substitution at high specific activity, in 60 min, with 12% radiochemical yield, and >99% radiochemical purity. In vivo, [¹⁸F]3 demonstrated a suitable pharmacokinetic profile and no defluorination was observed. Proof of principle PET imaging experiments with [¹⁸F]3, on a prostate tumor model injected with a tetrazine-coupled PSMA antagonist 10 min before radiotracer injection, allowed clear visualization of the tumor tissue, due to the ¹⁸F-labeled conjugate formed by the IEDDA reaction. In conclusion, new dienophile [¹⁸F]3 seems suitable for pretargeted PET imaging, although further structural modification can still be done to favor urinary excretion. In the future, [¹⁸F]3 will be investigated for pretargeted immunoPET, by using a tetrazine-derivatised antibody.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Julie Cornelis, Pieter Haspeslagh, Ivan Sannen, Michiel Nuyts, Jana Hemelaers from the Laboratory of Radiopharmacy, and Ann Van Santvoort, Tinne Buelens from Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, for their assistance. This research project received support from IWT Flanders (SBO 130065 MIRIAD) and the European Research Council (Advanced Grant “Novel Process Windows – Boosted Micro Process Technology” 267443).

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Footnote

† Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6sc02933g

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