Cripto: A novel target for antibody-based cancer immunotherapy

Abstract

Cripto, a member of the epidermal growth factor-Cripto-FRL-Criptic (EGF-CFC) family, has been described recently as a potential target for immunotherapy (Adkins et al., J Clin Invest 2003;112:575-87). We have produced rat monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to a Cripto 17-mer peptide, corresponding to the "EGF-like" motif of Cripto. The mAbs react with most cancers of the breast, colon, lung, stomach, and pancreas but do not react or react weakly with normal tissues. The mAbs inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro, and this effect was greater with cytotoxic drugs such as 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cisplatin. The anti-Cripto mAbs prevent tumor development in vivo and inhibit the growth of establis..