PDE3A-SLFN12 Molecular Glues Target Multiple KIT D816V Cell Types in Preclinical Models of Mast Cell Malignancies
A drug discovery approach was used to specifically target malignant cells with KIT D816V mutation, which is the predominant disease-causing mutation in clonal mast cell malignancies. To this end, KIT D816V cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) of KIT D816V patients were employed to screen a library of FDA approved and experimental drugs for specific killing of KIT D816V cells. We discovered the novel compound LDC 3416, which targets multiple malignant KIT D816V cell types, including hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and mast cells. Importantly, by exploring the LDC 3416 targeting profile, we identified the phosphodiesterase 3A-Schlafen 12 (PDE3A-SLFN12) molecular glue pathway as a novel approach for specific targeting of malignant KIT D816V cells. We found that the KIT D816V mutant protein leads to increased expression of PDE3A and SLFN12 and thus confers a selective molecular vulnerability to PDE3A-SLFN12 molecular glues. Primary malignant mast cells of KIT D816V patients with indolent and advanced systemic mastocytosis also exhibit increased expression of PDE3A and SLFN12. We extended our study to include additional PDE3A-SLFN12 molecular glues and demonstrate their synergistic action with KIT D816V selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in killing KIT D816V cells. Furthermore, the PDE3A-SLFN12 molecular glues also target KIT D816V megakaryocytes, a cell type that has been underestimated in malignant mast cell pathophysiology and molecular targeting. The identified molecular glues, along with their synergy with TKIs and their simultaneous targeting of multiple KIT D816V cell types, open novel treatment options for KIT D816V mast cell malignancies and other KIT D816V associated diseases.