TITLE: Neutralization of Prolactin Receptor Function by Monoclonal Antibody LFA102, A Novel Potential Therapeutic for the Treatment of Breast Cancer AUTHORS AND AFFILIATIONS:

Author manuscripts have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication but have not yet been edited. Abstract Numerous lines of evidence suggest that the polypeptide hormone prolactin (PRL) may contribute to breast and prostate tumorigenesis through its interactions with the prolactin receptor (PRLR). Here we describe the biological properties of LFA102, a humanized neutralizing monoclonal antibody directed against the extracellular domain of PRLR. This antibody was found to effectively antagonize PRL-induced signaling in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and to block PRL-induced proliferation in numerous cell line models, including examples of autocrine/paracrine PRL activity. A single administration of LFA102 resulted in regression of PRL-dependent Nb2-11 tumor xenografts and significantly prolonged time to progression. Finally, LFA102 treatment significantly inhibited PRLR signaling as well as tumor growth in a carcinogen-induced, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive rat mammary cancer model as a monotherapy and enhanced the efficacy of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole when administered in combination. The biological properties of LFA102, elucidated by the preclinical studies presented here, suggest that this antibody has the potential to be a first in class, effective therapeutic for the treatment of PRL-dependent cancers.