U.S. patent number 9,428,536 [Application Number 14/159,916] was granted by the patent office on 2016-08-30 for immunostimulatory g, u-containing oligoribonucleotides.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Zoetis Belgium SA. The grantee listed for this patent is Zoetis Belgium SA. Invention is credited to Stefan Bauer, Grayson B. Lipford, Hermann Wagner.
United States Patent |
9,428,536 |
Lipford , et al. |
August 30, 2016 |
Immunostimulatory G, U-containing oligoribonucleotides
Abstract
Compositions and methods relating to immunostimulatory RNA
oligomers are provided. The immunostimulatory RNA molecules are
believed to represent natural ligands of one or more Toll-like
receptors, including Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and Toll-like
receptor 8 (TLR8). The compositions and methods are useful for
stimulating immune activation. Methods useful for screening
candidate immunostimulatory compounds are also provided.
Inventors: |
Lipford; Grayson B. (Watertown,
MA), Bauer; Stefan (Marburg-Michelbach, DE),
Wagner; Hermann (Eching, DE) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Zoetis Belgium SA |
Louvain-la-Neuve |
N/A |
BE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Zoetis Belgium SA
(Louvain-la-Neuve, BE)
|
Family
ID: |
29254412 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/159,916 |
Filed: |
January 21, 2014 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20140135487 A1 |
May 15, 2014 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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11368333 |
Mar 3, 2006 |
8658607 |
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10407952 |
Apr 4, 2003 |
8153141 |
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60421966 |
Oct 29, 2002 |
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60370515 |
Apr 4, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P
11/02 (20180101); A61K 31/205 (20130101); C07H
21/02 (20130101); A61P 31/00 (20180101); A61K
39/395 (20130101); A61P 31/10 (20180101); A61P
31/12 (20180101); A61K 31/7105 (20130101); A61K
31/712 (20130101); A61P 43/00 (20180101); A61P
17/02 (20180101); C12N 15/117 (20130101); A61P
11/06 (20180101); A61P 17/00 (20180101); A61P
31/04 (20180101); A61P 37/04 (20180101); A61P
27/14 (20180101); A61P 33/00 (20180101); A61K
31/7125 (20130101); A61P 35/00 (20180101); G01N
33/566 (20130101); A61K 31/7115 (20130101); A61K
45/06 (20130101); A61P 37/08 (20180101); A61K
39/39 (20130101); A61K 31/205 (20130101); A61K
2300/00 (20130101); A61K 31/7105 (20130101); A61K
2300/00 (20130101); A61K 31/7115 (20130101); A61K
2300/00 (20130101); A61K 31/712 (20130101); A61K
2300/00 (20130101); A61K 31/7125 (20130101); A61K
2300/00 (20130101); A61K 39/395 (20130101); A61K
2300/00 (20130101); A61K 2039/55555 (20130101); C12N
2310/17 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61K
45/00 (20060101); A61K 31/7115 (20060101); A61K
31/7105 (20060101); A61K 31/205 (20060101); C07H
21/02 (20060101); C12N 5/02 (20060101); C12N
5/00 (20060101); A61K 47/00 (20060101); A61K
9/127 (20060101); A61K 39/00 (20060101); A61K
31/712 (20060101); A61K 31/7125 (20060101); A61K
39/395 (20060101); A61K 45/06 (20060101); A61K
39/39 (20060101); G01N 33/566 (20060101); C12N
15/117 (20100101) |
Field of
Search: |
;424/278.1,184.1,450
;435/325 ;514/44R |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Leavitt; Maria
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks,
P.C.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation and claims the benefit under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/368,333, now U.S.
Pat. No. 8,658,607, issued Feb. 25, 2014, entitled
"IMMUNOSTIMULATORY G, U-CONTAINING OLIGORIBONUCLEOTIDES" filed on
Mar. 3, 2006, which is a continuation and claims the benefit under
35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/407,952, now
U.S. Pat. No. 8,153,141, issued Apr. 10, 2012, entitled
"IMMUNOSTIMULATORY G, U-CONTAINING OLIGORIBONUCLEOTIDES" filed on
Apr. 4, 2003, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/421,966, entitled
"IMMUNOSTIMULATORY G, U-CONTAINING OLIGORIBONUCLEOTIDES" filed on
Oct. 29, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/370,515, entitled "NATURAL LIGANDS OF TLR7 AND TLR8" filed on
Apr. 4, 2002, which are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
Claims
We claim:
1. A synthetic G,U-rich immunostimulatory RNA oligomer which is
15-40 nucleotides long comprising multiples of 5'-GUUGB-3', wherein
B represents U, G, or C; wherein the multiples are linked through a
single intervening linking nucleoside, which is selected from the
group consisting of G and U.
2. The immunostimulatory RNA oligomer of claim 1 wherein B is
U.
3. The immunostimulatory RNA oligomer of claim 1 or 2, wherein the
intervening linking nucleoside is U.
4. An immunostimulatory RNA oligomer of claim 1, which comprises
multiples of UUG.
5. An immunostimulatory RNA oligomer of claim 1, which is 15-30
nucleotides long.
6. The immunostimulatory RNA oligomer of claim 1, comprising two
5'-GUUGB-3' motifs.
7. The immunostimulatory RNA oligomer of claim 1, which is at least
90 percent guanine (G) and uracil (U).
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of immunology
and immune stimulation. More particularly, the present invention
relates to immunostimulatory ribonucleic acids, homologs of said
immunostimulatory ribonucleic acids, and methods of use of said
immunostimulatory ribonucleic acids and homologs. Compositions and
methods of the invention are believed to be useful for inducing
signaling through Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and Toll-like
receptor 8 (TLR8).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The immune response is conceptually divided into innate immunity
and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is believed to involve
recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)
shared in common by certain classes of molecules expressed by
infectious microorganisms or foreign macromolecules. PAMPs are
believed to be recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)
on certain immune cells.
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of highly conserved
polypeptides that play a critical role in innate immunity in
mammals. Currently ten family members, designated TLR1-TLR10, have
been identified. The cytoplasmic domains of the various TLRs are
characterized by a Toll-interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor (TIR) domain.
Medzhitov R et al. (1998) Mol Cell 2:253-8. Recognition of
microbial invasion by TLRs triggers activation of a signaling
cascade that is evolutionarily conserved in Drosophila and mammals.
The TIR domain-containing adapter protein MyD88 has been reported
to associate with TLRs and to recruit IL-1 receptor-associated
kinase (IRAK) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated
factor 6 (TRAF6) to the TLRs. The MyD88-dependent signaling pathway
is believed to lead to activation of NF-kB transcription factors
and c-Jun NH.sub.2 terminal kinase (Jnk) mitogen-activated protein
kinases (MAPKs), critical steps in immune activation and production
of inflammatory cytokines. For a review, see Aderem A et al. (2000)
Nature 406:782-87.
While a number of specific TLR ligands have been reported, ligands
for some TLRs remain to be identified. Ligands for TLR2 include
peptidoglycan and lipopeptides. Yoshimura A et al. (1999) J Immunol
163:1-5; Yoshimura A et al. (1999) J Immunol 163:1-5; Aliprantis A
O et al. (1999) Science 285:736-9. Viral-derived double-stranded
RNA (dsRNA) and poly I:C, a synthetic analog of dsRNA, have been
reported to be ligands of TLR3. Alexopoulou L et al. (2001) Nature
413:732-8. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a ligand for TLR4. Poltorak
A et al. (1998) Science 282:2085-8; Hoshino K et al. (1999) J
Immunol 162:3749-52. Bacterial flagellin is a ligand for TLR5.
Hayashi F et al. (2001) Nature 410:1099-1103. Peptidoglycan has
been reported to be a ligand not only for TLR2 but also for TLR6.
Ozinsky A et al. (2000) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97:13766-71;
Takeuchi O et al. (2001) Int Immunol 13:933-40. Bacterial DNA (CpG
DNA) has been reported to be a TLR9 ligand. Hemmi H et al. (2000)
Nature 408:740-5; Bauer S et al. (2001) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98,
9237-42. The TLR ligands listed above all include natural ligands,
i.e., TLR ligands found in nature as molecules expressed by
infectious microorganisms.
The natural ligands for TLR1, TLR7, TLR8 and TLR10 are not known,
although recently certain low molecular weight synthetic compounds,
the imidazoquinolones imiquimod (R-837) and resiquimod (R-848),
were reported to be ligands of TLR7. Hemmi H et al. (2002) Nat
Immunol 3:196-200.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is based in part on the novel discovery by
the inventors of certain immunostimulatory RNA and RNA-like
(hereinafter, simply "RNA") molecules. The immunostimulatory RNA
molecules of the invention are believed by the inventors to require
a base sequence that includes at least one guanine (G) and at least
one uracil (U), wherein optionally the at least one G can be a
variant or homolog of G and/or the at least one U can independently
be a variant or homolog of U. Surprisingly, the immunostimulatory
RNA molecules of the invention can be either single-stranded or at
least partially double-stranded. Also surprisingly, the
immunostimulatory RNA molecules of the invention do not require a
CpG motif in order to exert their immunostimulatory effect. Without
meaning to be bound by any particular theory or mechanism, it is
the belief of the inventors that the immunostimulatory RNA
molecules of the invention signal through an MyD88-dependent
pathway, probably through a TLR. Also without meaning to be bound
by any particular theory or mechanism, it is the belief of the
inventors that the immunostimulatory RNA molecules of the invention
interact with and signal through TLR8, TLR7, or some other TLR yet
to be identified.
The immunostimulatory RNA molecules of the invention are also
believed by the inventors to be representative of a class of RNA
molecules, found in nature, which can induce an immune response.
Without meaning to be bound by any particular theory or mechanism,
it is the belief of the inventors that the corresponding class of
RNA molecules found in nature is believed to be present in
ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA),
and viral RNA (vRNA). It is to be noted in this regard that the
immunostimulatory RNA molecules of the present invention can be as
small as 5-40 nucleotides long. Such short RNA molecules fall
outside the range of full length messenger RNAs described to be
useful in transfecting dendritic cells in order to induce an immune
response to cancer antigens. See, e.g., Boczkowski D et al. (1996)
J Exp Med 184:465-72; Mitchell D A et al. (2000) Curr Opin Mol Ther
2:176-81.
It has also been discovered according to the present invention that
the immunostimulatory RNA molecules of the invention can be
advantageously combined with certain agents which promote
stabilization of the RNA, local clustering of the RNA molecules,
and/or trafficking of the RNA molecules into the endosomal
compartment of cells. In particular, it has been discovered
according to the present invention that certain lipids and/or
liposomes are useful in this regard. For example, certain cationic
lipids, including in particular N-[1-(2,3
dioleoyloxy)-propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium methyl-sulfate
(DOTAP), appear to be especially advantageous when combined with
the immunostimulatory RNA molecules of the invention. As another
example, covalent conjugation of a cholesteryl moiety to the RNA,
for example to the 3' end of the RNA, promotes the
immunostimulatory effect of the RNA, even in the absence of
cationic lipid.
The invention provides compositions of matter and methods related
to the immunostimulatory RNA molecules of the invention. The
compositions and methods are useful, inter alia, for activating
immune cells in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo; treating infection;
treating cancer; preparing a pharmaceutical composition;
identifying a target receptor for the immunostimulatory RNA; and
screening for and characterizing additional immunostimulatory
compounds. Furthermore, the compositions of matter and methods
related to the immunostimulatory RNA molecules of the instant
invention can advantageously be combined with other
immunostimulatory compositions of matter and methods related to
such other immunostimulatory compositions of matter.
In one aspect the invention provides an immunostimulatory
composition. The immunostimulatory composition according to this
aspect of the invention includes an isolated RNA oligomer 5-40
nucleotides long having a base sequence having at least one guanine
(G) and at least one uracil (U), and optionally a cationic lipid.
The RNA oligomer can be of natural or non-natural origin. An RNA
oligomer of natural origin can in one embodiment be derived from
prokaryotic RNA and in another embodiment can be derived from
eukaryotic RNA. In addition, the RNA oligomer of natural origin can
include a portion of a ribosomal RNA. An RNA oligomer of
non-natural origin can include an RNA molecule synthesized outside
of a cell, e.g., using chemical techniques known by those of skill
in the art. In one embodiment an RNA oligomer can include a
derivative of an RNA oligomer of natural origin.
In one embodiment the isolated RNA oligomer is a G,U-rich RNA as
defined below.
In one embodiment the G,U-containing immunostimulatory RNA is an
isolated RNA molecule at least 5 nucleotides long which includes a
base sequence as provided by 5'-RURGY-3', wherein R represents
purine, U represents uracil, G represents guanine, and Y represents
pyrimidine. In one embodiment the G,U-containing immunostimulatory
RNA is an isolated RNA molecule at least 5 nucleotides long which
includes a base sequence as provided by 5'-GUAGU-3', wherein A
represents adenine. In one embodiment the G,U-containing
immunostimulatory RNA is an isolated RNA molecule which includes a
base sequence as provided by 5'-GUAGUGU-3'.
In one embodiment the G,U-containing immunostimulatory RNA is an
isolated RNA molecule at least 5 nucleotides long which includes a
base sequence as provided by 5'-GUUGB-3', wherein B represents U,
G, or C.
In one embodiment the G,U-containing immunostimulatory RNA is an
isolated RNA molecule at least 5 nucleotides long which includes a
base sequence as provided by 5'-GUGUG-3'.
In other embodiments the isolated RNA molecule can contain
multiples of any of the foregoing sequences, combinations of any of
the foregoing sequences, or combinations of any of the foregoing
sequences including multiples of any of the foregoing sequences.
The multiples and combinations can be linked directly or they can
be linked indirectly, i.e, through an intervening nucleoside or
sequence. In one embodiment the intervening linking nucleoside is
G; in one embodiment the intervening linking nucleoside is U.
In one embodiment the base sequence includes 5'-GUGUUUAC-3'. In one
embodiment the base sequence is 5'-GUGUUUAC-3'.
In another embodiment the base sequence includes 5'-GUAGGCAC-3'. In
one embodiment the base sequence is 5'-GUAGGCAC-3'.
In yet another embodiment the base sequence includes
5'-CUAGGCAC-3'. In one embodiment the base sequence is
5'-CUAGGCAC-3'.
In still another embodiment the base sequence includes
5'-CUCGGCAC-3'. In one embodiment the base sequence is
5'-CUCGGCAC-3'.
In one embodiment the oligomer is 5-12 nucleotides long. In one
embodiment the oligomer is 8-12 nucleotides long.
Also according to this aspect of the invention, in one embodiment
the base sequence is free of CpG dinucleotide. Thus in this
embodiment the immunostimulatory RNA is not a CpG nucleic acid.
In certain embodiments according to this aspect of the invention,
the base sequence of the RNA oligomer is at least partially
self-complementary. In one embodiment the extent of
self-complementarity is at least 50 percent. The extent of
self-complementarity can extend to and include 100 percent. Thus
for example the base sequence of the at least partially
self-complementary RNA oligomer in various embodiments can be at
least 50 percent, at least 60 percent, at least 70 percent, at
least 80 percent, at least 90 percent, or 100 percent
self-complementary. Complementary base pairs include
guanine-cytosine (G-C), adenine-uracil (A-U), adenine-thymine
(A-T), and guanine-uracil (G-U). G-U "wobble" basepairing, which is
fairly common in ribosomal RNA and in RNA retroviruses, is somewhat
weaker than traditional Watson-Crick basepairing between G-C, A-T,
or A-U. A partially self-complementary sequence can include one or
more portions of self-complementary sequence. In an embodiment
which involves a partially self-complementary sequence, the RNA
oligomer can include a self-complementary portion positioned at and
encompassing each end of the oligomer.
In one embodiment according to this aspect of the invention, the
oligomer is a plurality of oligomers, i.e., a plurality of RNA
oligomers each 6-40 nucleotides long having a base sequence
comprising at least one guanine (G) and at least one uracil (U).
The plurality of oligomers can, but need not, include sequences
which are at least partially complementary to one another. In one
embodiment the plurality of oligomers includes an oligomer having a
first base sequence and an oligomer having a second base sequence,
wherein the first base sequence and the second base sequence are at
least 50 percent complementary. Thus for example the at least
partially complementary base sequences in various embodiments can
be at least 50 percent, at least 60 percent, at least 70 percent,
at least 80 percent, at least 90 percent, or 100 percent
complementary. As described above, complementary base pairs include
guanine-cytosine (G-C), adenine-uracil (A-U), adenine-thymine
(A-T), and guanine-uracil (G-U). Partially complementary sequences
can include one or more portions of complementary sequence. In an
embodiment which involves partially complementary sequences, the
RNA oligomers can include a complementary portion positioned at and
encompassing at least one end of the oligomers.
In one embodiment the oligomer is a plurality of oligomers which
includes an oligomer having a base sequence including
5'-GUGUUUAC-3' and an oligomer having a base sequence including
5'-GUAGGCAC-3'. In one embodiment the oligomer is a plurality of
oligomers which includes an oligomer having a base sequence
5'-GUGUUUAC-3' and an oligomer having a base sequence
5'-GUAGGCAC-3'.
Further according to this aspect of the invention, in various
embodiments the oligomer includes a non-natural backbone linkage, a
modified base, a modified sugar, or any combination of the
foregoing. The non-natural backbone linkage can be a stabilized
linkage, i.e., a linkage which is relatively resistant against
RNAse or nuclease degradation, compared with phosphodiester
linkage. In one embodiment the non-natural backbone linkage is a
phosphorothioate linkage. The oligomer can include one non-natural
backbone linkage or a plurality of non-natural backbone linkages,
each selected independently of the rest. The modified base can be a
modified G, U, A, or C, including the at least one G and the at
least one U of the base sequence according to this aspect of the
invention. In some embodiments the modified base can be selected
from 7-deazaguanosine, 8-azaguanosine, 5-methyluracil, and
pseudouracil. The oligomer can include one modified base or a
plurality of modified bases, each selected independently of the
rest. The modified sugar can be a methylated sugar, arabinose. The
oligomer can include one modified sugar or a plurality of modified
sugars, each selected independently of the rest.
In one embodiment the cationic lipid is
N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium
methyl-sulfate (DOTAP). DOTAP is believed to transport RNA oligomer
into cells and specifically traffic to the endosomal compartment,
where it can release the RNA oligomer in a pH-dependent fashion.
Once in the endosomal compartment, the RNA can interact with
certain intracellular Toll-like receptor molecules (TLRs),
triggering TLR-mediated signal transduction pathways involved in
generating an immune response. Other agents with similar properties
including trafficking to the endosomal compartment can be used in
place of or in addition to DOTAP.
In one embodiment the immunostimulatory composition further
includes an antigen. In one embodiment the antigen is an allergen.
In one embodiment the antigen is a cancer antigen. In one
embodiment the antigen is a microbial antigen.
Also according to this aspect of the invention, in another
embodiment the invention is a pharmaceutical composition. The
pharmaceutical composition includes an immunostimulatory
composition of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier. Methods for preparing the pharmaceutical composition are
also provided. Such methods entail placing an immunostimulatory
composition of the invention in contact with a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical composition can be
formulated in a unit dosage for convenience.
In another aspect the invention provides a method of activating an
immune cell. The method involves contacting an immune cell with an
immunostimulatory composition of the invention, described above, in
an effective amount to induce activation of the immune cell. In one
embodiment the activation of the immune cell involves secretion of
a cytokine by the immune cell. The cytokine in one embodiment is
selected from the group consisting of interleukin 6 (IL-6),
interleukin 12 (IL-12), an interferon (IFN), and tumor necrosis
factor (TNF). In one embodiment the activation of the immune cell
includes secretion of a chemokine. In one embodiment the secreted
chemokine is interferon-gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10). In one
embodiment the activation of the immune cell includes expression of
a costimulatory/accessory molecule by the immune cell. In one
embodiment the costimulatory/accessory molecule is selected from
the group consisting of intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs,
e.g., CD54), leukocyte function-associated antigens (LFAs, e.g.,
CD58), B7s (CD80, CD86), and CD40.
Also according to this aspect of the invention, in one embodiment
the activation of the immune cell involves activation of a
MyD88-dependent signal transduction pathway. MyD88 is believed to
be an adapter molecule that interacts with the Toll/interleukin-1
receptor (TIR) domain of various Toll-like receptor (TLR) molecules
and participates in signal transduction pathways that ultimately
result in activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-.kappa.B). Thus
in one embodiment the MyD88-dependent signal transduction pathway
is associated with a TLR. More particularly, in one embodiment the
TLR is TLR8. In another embodiment the TLR is TLR7.
Also according to this aspect of the invention in one embodiment
the immune cell is a human immune cell. The immune cell in one
embodiment is a myeloid dendritic cell.
In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention the contacting
occurs in vitro. In another embodiment the contacting occurs in
vivo.
The invention in another aspect provides a method of inducing an
immune response in a subject. The method according to this aspect
of the invention involves administering to a subject an
immunostimulatory composition of the invention in an effective
amount to induce an immune response in the subject. It is to be
noted that the method according to this aspect of the invention
does not involve administration of an antigen to the subject. In
one embodiment the subject is a human. In one embodiment the
subject has or is at risk of having a cancer. In one embodiment the
subject has or is at risk of having an infection with an agent
selected from the group consisting of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and
parasites. In a particular embodiment the subject has or is at risk
of having a viral infection. It is also to be noted that the method
according to this aspect of the invention can be used to treat a
subject with a suppressed capacity to mount an effective or
desirable immune response. For example the subject can have a
suppressed immune system due to an infection, a cancer, an acute or
chronic disease such as kidney or liver insufficency, surgery, and
an exposure to an immunosuppressive agent such as chemotherapy,
radiation, certain drugs, or the like. In one embodiment the
subject has or is at risk of having an allergy or asthma. Such a
subject can be exposed to or at risk of exposure to an allergen
that is associated with an allergic response or asthma in the
subject.
In yet another aspect the invention provides a method of inducing
an immune response in a subject. The method according to this
aspect of the invention involves administering an antigen to a
subject, and administering to the subject an immunostimulatory
composition of the invention in an effective amount to induce an
immune response to the antigen. It is to be noted that the antigen
can be administered before, after, or concurrently with the
immunostimulatory composition of the invention. In addition, both
the antigen and the immunostimulatory compound can be administered
to the subject more than once.
In one embodiment according to this aspect of the invention the
antigen is an allergen. In one embodiment according to this aspect
of the invention the antigen is a cancer antigen. The cancer
antigen in one embodiment can be a cancer antigen isolated from the
subject. In another embodiment the antigen is a microbial antigen.
The microbial antigen can be an antigen of a virus, a bacterium, a
fungus, or a parasite.
The invention further provides, in yet another aspect, a method of
inducing an immune response in a subject. The method according to
this aspect of the invention involves isolating dendritic cells of
a subject, contacting the dendritic cells ex vivo with an
immunostimulatory composition of the invention, contacting the
dendritic cells ex vivo with an antigen, and administering the
contacted dendritic cells to the subject.
In one embodiment according to this aspect of the invention the
antigen is an allergen. In one embodiment according to this aspect
of the invention the antigen is a cancer antigen. The cancer
antigen in one embodiment can be a cancer antigen isolated from the
subject. In another embodiment the antigen is a microbial antigen.
The microbial antigen can be an antigen of a virus, a bacterium, a
fungus, or a parasite.
An immune response arising from stimulation of one TLR can be
modified, enhanced or amplified by stimulation of another TLR, and
the combined immunostimulatory effect may be synergistic. For
example, TLR9 is reported to respond to bacterial DNA and, more
generally, CpG DNA. An immune response arising from TLR9 contacting
its natural ligand (or any TLR9 ligand) may be modified, enhanced
or amplified by also selectively contacting TLR7 with a TLR7
ligand, or by also selectively contacting TLR8 with a TLR8 ligand,
or both. Likewise, an immune response arising from TLR7 contacting
a TLR7 ligand may be modified, enhanced or amplified by also
selectively contacting TLR8 with a TLR8 ligand, or by also
selectively contacting TLR9 with CpG DNA (or any suitable TLR9
ligand), or both. As yet another example, an immune response
arising from TLR8 contacting a TLR8 ligand may be modified,
enhanced or amplified by also selectively contacting TLR7 with a
TLR7 ligand, or by also selectively contacting TLR9 with CpG DNA
(or any suitable TLR9 ligand), or both.
The present invention is based in part on the novel discovery by
the inventors of what are believed to be natural ligands for TLR7
and TLR8. While naturally occurring ligands derived from microbes
have been described for certain TLRs, natural ligands for TLR7 and
TLR8 have not previously been described. Certain synthetic small
molecules, imidazoquinoline compounds, have been described as
ligands for TLR7, but such compounds are to be distinguished from
the natural ligands of the present invention. Hemmi H et al. (2002)
Nat Immunol 3:196-200.
Isolated natural ligands of TLR7 and TLR8 are useful as
compositions that can induce, enhance, and complement an immune
response. The natural ligands of TLR7 and TLR8 are useful for
preparation of novel compositions that can induce, enhance, and
complement an immune response. In addition, the natural ligands of
TLR7 and TLR8 are useful for selectively inducing TLR7- and
TLR8-mediated signaling and for selectively inducing TLR7- and
TLR8-mediated immune responses. Furthermore, the natural ligands of
TLR7 and TLR8 are useful in designing and performing screening
assays for identification and selection of immunostimulatory
compounds.
The present invention is also based in part on the novel discovery
according to the invention that human neutrophils strongly express
TLR8. This observation is important because neutrophils are very
often the first cells to engage infectious pathogens and thus to
initiate responses. It is believed that activated neutrophils
secrete chemokines and cytokines, which in turn are instrumental in
recruiting dendritic cells. TLR9-expressing dendritic cells drawn
to the site of the activated neutrophils there become activated,
thereby amplifying the immune response.
The present invention is also based in part on the appreciation of
the differential expression of various TLRs, including TLR7, TLR8,
and TLR9, on various cells of the immune system. This segregation
may be of particular significance in humans with respect to TLR7,
TLR8, and TLR9. The immune response arising from stimulation of any
one of these TLRs may be enhanced or amplified by stimulation of
another TLR, and the combined immunostimulatory effect may be
synergistic. For example, TLR9 is reported to respond to bacterial
DNA and, more generally, CpG DNA. An immune response arising from
TLR9 contacting its natural ligand (or any TLR9 ligand) may be
enhanced or amplified by also selectively contacting TLR7 with its
natural ligand (or any suitable TLR7 ligand), or by also
selectively contacting TLR8 with its natural ligand (or any
suitable TLR8 ligand), or both. Likewise, an immune response
arising from TLR7 contacting its natural ligand (or any TLR7
ligand) may be enhanced or amplified by also selectively contacting
TLR8 with its natural ligand (or any suitable TLR8 ligand), or by
also selectively contacting TLR9 with CpG DNA (or any suitable TLR9
ligand), or both. As yet another example, an immune response
arising from TLR8 contacting its natural ligand (or any TLR8
ligand) may be enhanced or amplified by also selectively contacting
TLR7 with its natural ligand (or any suitable TLR7 ligand), or by
also selectively contacting TLR9 with CpG DNA (or any suitable TLR9
ligand), or both.
In a further aspect the invention provides a composition including
an effective amount of a ligand for TLR8 to induce TLR8 signaling
and an effective amount of a ligand for a second TLR selected from
the group consisting of: TLR1, TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7,
TLR9 and TLR10 to induce signaling by the second TLR. In one
embodiment the second TLR is TLR3. In one embodiment the second TLR
is TLR7. In one embodiment the second TLR is TLR9. In one
embodiment the ligand for TLR8 and the ligand for the second TLR
are linked. In yet another embodiment the composition further
includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
In another aspect the invention provides a composition including an
effective amount of a ligand for TLR7 to induce TLR7 signaling and
an effective amount of a ligand for a second TLR selected from the
group consisting of: TLR1, TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR8,
TLR9, and TLR10 to induce signaling by the second TLR. In one
embodiment the second TLR is TLR3. In one embodiment the second TLR
is TLR8. In one embodiment the second TLR is TLR9. In one
embodiment the ligand for TLR7 and the ligand for the second TLR
are linked. In yet another embodiment the composition further
includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
In a further aspect the invention provides a composition including
a DNA:RNA conjugate, wherein DNA of the conjugate includes an
immunostimulatory motif effective for stimulating TLR9 signaling
and wherein RNA of the conjugate includes RNA effective for
stimulating signaling by TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, or any combination
thereof. In one embodiment the immunostimulatory motif effective
for stimulating TLR9 signaling is a CpG motif. In another
embodiment the immunostimulatory motif effective for stimulating
TLR9 signaling is poly-dT. In yet another embodiment the
immunostimulatory motif effective for stimulating TLR9 signaling is
poly-dG. In one embodiment the conjugate includes a chimeric
DNA:RNA backbone. In one embodiment the chimeric backbone includes
a cleavage site between the DNA and the RNA. In one embodiment the
conjugate includes a double-stranded DNA:RNA heteroduplex. In yet
another embodiment the composition further includes a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
In another aspect the invention provides a method for stimulating
TLR8 signaling. The method involves contacting TLR8 with an
isolated RNA in an effective amount to stimulate TLR8 signaling. In
one embodiment the RNA is double-stranded RNA. In one embodiment
the RNA is ribosomal RNA. In one embodiment the RNA is transfer
RNA. In one embodiment the RNA is messenger RNA. In one embodiment
the RNA is viral RNA. In one embodiment the RNA is G,U-rich RNA. In
one embodiment the RNA consists essentially of G and U.
In yet another aspect the invention provides a method for
stimulating TLR8 signaling. The method according to this aspect
involves contacting TLR8 with a mixture of nucleosides consisting
essentially of G and U in a ratio between 1G:50U and 10G:1U, in an
amount effective to stimulate TLR8 signaling. In one embodiment the
nucleosides are ribonucleosides. In one embodiment the nucleosides
comprise a mixture of ribonucleosides and deoxyribonucleosides. In
one embodiment the G is a guanosine derivative selected from the
group consisting of: 8-bromoguanosine, 8-oxoguanosine,
8-mercaptoguanosine, 7-allyl-8-oxoguanosine, guanosine
ribonucleoside vanadyl complex, inosine, and nebularine.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method for stimulating
TLR8 signaling. The method according to this aspect involves
contacting TLR8 with a mixture of ribonucleoside vanadyl complexes.
In one embodiment the mixture comprises guanosine ribonucleoside
vanadyl complexes.
In another aspect the invention provides a method for stimulating
TLR8 signaling. The method according to this aspect involves
contacting TLR8 with an isolated G,U-rich oligonucleotide
comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of:
UUGUGG, UGGUUG, GUGUGU, and GGGUUU, in an amount effective to
stimulate TLR8 signaling. In one embodiment the oligonucleotide is
an oligoribonucleotide. In one embodiment the oligonucleotide is
7-50 bases long. In one embodiment the oligonucleotide is 12-24
bases long. In one embodiment the oligonucleotide has a sequence
5'-GUUGUGGUUGUGGUUGUG-3' (SEQ ID NO:1).
The invention provides in another aspect a method for stimulating
TLR8 signaling. The method according to this aspect involves
contacting TLR8 with an at least partially double-stranded nucleic
acid molecule comprising at least one G-U base pair, in an amount
effective to stimulate TLR8 signaling.
In yet another aspect the invention provides a method for
supplementing a TLR8-mediated immune response. The method involves
contacting TLR8 with an effective amount of a TLR8 ligand to induce
a TLR8-mediated immune response, and contacting a TLR other than
TLR8 with an effective amount of a ligand for the TLR other than
TLR8 to induce an immune response mediated by the TLR other than
TLR8.
In a further aspect the invention provides a method for
supplementing a TLR8-mediated immune response in a subject. The
method according to this aspect involves administering to a subject
in need of an immune response an effective amount of a TLR8 ligand
to induce a TLR8-mediated immune response, and administering to the
subject an effective amount of a ligand for a TLR other than TLR8
to induce an immune response mediated by the TLR other than TLR8.
In one embodiment the TLR other than TLR8 is TLR9. In one
embodiment the ligand for TLR9 is a CpG nucleic acid. In one
embodiment the CpG nucleic acid has a stabilized backbone. In one
embodiment the ligand for TLR8 and the ligand for TLR9 are a
conjugate. In one embodiment the conjugate comprises a
double-stranded DNA:RNA heteroduplex. In one embodiment the
conjugate comprises a chimeric DNA:RNA backbone. In one embodiment
the chimeric backbone comprises a cleavage site between the DNA and
the RNA.
The invention in a further aspect provides a method for stimulating
TLR7 signaling. The method according to this aspect involves
contacting TLR7 with an isolated guanosine ribonucleoside in an
effective amount to stimulate TLR7 signaling. In one embodiment the
guanosine ribonucleoside is a guanosine ribonucleoside derivative
selected from the group consisting of: 8-bromoguanosine,
8-oxoguanosine, 8-mercaptoguanosine, 7-allyl-8-oxoguanosine,
guanosine ribonucleoside vanadyl complex, inosine, and nebularine.
In one embodiment the guanosine ribonucleoside derivative is
8-oxoguanosine. In one embodiment the guanosine nucleoside is a
ribonucleoside. In one embodiment the guanosine nucleoside
comprises a mixture of ribonucleosides and
deoxyribonucleosides.
In another aspect the invention further provides a method for
stimulating TLR7 signaling. The method according to this aspect
involves contacting TLR7 with an isolated nucleic acid comprising a
terminal oxidized or halogenized guanosine in an effective amount
to stimulate TLR7 signaling. In one embodiment the oxidized or
halogenized guanosine is 8-oxoguanosine.
In another aspect the invention provides a method for stimulating
TLR7 signaling. The method according to this aspect involves
contacting TLR7 with an isolated RNA in an effective amount to
stimulate TLR7 signaling. In one embodiment the RNA is
double-stranded RNA. In one embodiment the RNA is ribosomal RNA. In
one embodiment the RNA is transfer RNA. In one embodiment the RNA
is messenger RNA. In one embodiment the RNA is viral RNA. In one
embodiment the RNA is G-rich RNA. In one embodiment the RNA is part
of a DNA:RNA heteroduplex. In one embodiment the RNA consists
essentially of guanosine ribonucleoside.
The invention in yet another aspect provides a method for
stimulating TLR7 signaling. The method according to this aspect
involves contacting TLR7 with a mixture of nucleosides consisting
essentially of G and U in a ratio between 1G:50U and 10G:1U, in an
amount effective to stimulate TLR7 signaling.
Provided in yet another aspect of the invention is a method for
stimulating TLR7 signaling. The method according to this aspect
involves contacting TLR7 with a mixture of ribonucleoside vanadyl
complexes. In one embodiment the mixture comprises guanosine
ribonucleoside vanadyl complexes.
In a further aspect the invention provides a method for
supplementing a TLR7-mediated immune response. The method according
to this aspect involves contacting TLR7 with an effective amount of
a TLR7 ligand to induce a TLR7-mediated immune response, and
contacting a TLR other than TLR7 with an effective amount of a
ligand for the TLR other than TLR7 to induce an immune response
mediated by the TLR other than TLR7.
In yet another aspect the invention provides a method for
supplementing a TLR7-mediated immune response in a subject. The
method involves administering to a subject in need of an immune
response an effective amount of a TLR7 ligand to induce a
TLR7-mediated immune response, and administering to the subject an
effective amount of a ligand for a TLR other than TLR7 to induce an
immune response mediated by the TLR other than TLR7. In one
embodiment the TLR other than TLR7 is TLR9. In one embodiment the
ligand for TLR9 is a CpG nucleic acid. In one embodiment the CpG
nucleic acid has a stabilized backbone. In one embodiment the
ligand for TLR7 and the ligand for TLR9 are a conjugate. In one
embodiment the conjugate comprises a double-stranded DNA:RNA
heteroduplex. In one embodiment the conjugate comprises a chimeric
DNA:RNA backbone. In one embodiment the chimeric backbone comprises
a cleavage site between the DNA and the RNA.
The invention in another aspect provides a method for screening
candidate immunostimulatory compounds. The method according to this
aspect involves measuring a TLR8-mediated reference signal in
response to an RNA reference, measuring a TLR8-mediated test signal
in response to a candidate immunostimulatory compound, and
comparing the TLR8-mediated test signal to the TLR8-mediated
reference signal.
In yet another aspect the invention provides a method for screening
candidate immunostimulatory compounds, comprising measuring a
TLR8-mediated reference signal in response to an imidazoquinoline
reference, measuring a TLR8-mediated test signal in response to a
candidate immunostimulatory compound, and comparing the
TLR8-mediated test signal to the TLR8-mediated reference
signal.
Also provided according to yet another aspect of the invention is a
method for screening candidate immunostimulatory compounds. The
method involves measuring a TLR7-mediated reference signal in
response to an imidazoquinoline reference, measuring a
TLR7-mediated test signal in response to a candidate
immunostimulatory compound, and comparing the TLR7-mediated test
signal to the TLR7-mediated reference signal.
In some embodiments the imidazoquinoline is resiquimod (R-848).
In some embodiments the imidazoquinoline is imiquimod (R-837).
In a further aspect the invention also provides a method for
screening candidate immunostimulatory compounds. The method
according to this aspect involves measuring a TLR7-mediated
reference signal in response to a 7-allyl-8-oxoguanosine reference,
measuring a TLR7-mediated test signal in response to a candidate
immunostimulatory compound, and comparing the TLR7-mediated test
signal to the TLR7-mediated reference signal.
Each of the limitations of the invention can encompass various
embodiments of the invention. It is, therefore, anticipated that
each of the limitations of the invention involving any one element
or combinations of elements can be included in each aspect of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a bar graph depicting IL-12 p40 secretion by human
peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in response to certain
stimuli including selected G,U-containing RNA oligonucleotides with
or without DOTAP ("with Liposomes" and "without Liposomes",
respectively), as measured by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay (ELISA). The lower case letter "s" appearing in the base
sequences signifies phosphorothioate linkage.
FIG. 2 is a bar graph depicting TNF-.alpha. secretion by human
PBMCs in response to certain stimuli including selected
G,U-containing RNA oligonucleotides with or without DOTAP ("with
Liposomes" and "without Liposomes", respectively), as measured by
specific ELISA.
FIG. 3 is a bar graph depicting dose-dependence of IL-12 p40
secretion by human PBMCs in response to various concentrations of
selected G,U-containing RNA oligonucleotides (with DOTAP), as
measured by specific ELISA.
FIG. 4 is a bar graph depicting sequence dependence of TNF-.alpha.
secretion by human PBMCs in response to various selected RNA
oligonucleotides related to the RNA oligonucleotide GUAGGCAC (with
DOTAP), as measured by specific ELISA.
FIG. 5 is a bar graph depicting the effect of DOTAP on IL-12 p40
secretion by human PBMCs in response to various stimuli, as
measured by specific ELISA.
FIG. 6 is a quartet of bar graphs depicting IL-12 p40 secretion by
various types of murine macrophage cells in response to a variety
of test and control immunostimulatory compounds, as measured by
specific ELISA. Panel A, wild type macrophages in the presence of
IFN-.gamma.; Panel B, MyD88-deficient macrophages in the presence
of IFN-.gamma.; Panel C, J774 macrophage cell line; Panel D, RAW
264.7 macrophage cell line.
FIG. 7 is a pair of graphs depicting the secretion of (A)
TNF-.alpha. and (B) IL-12 p40 by human PBMC upon incubation with
HIV-1-derived RNA sequences, with and without DOTAP. Circles,
5'-GUAGUGUGUG-3' (SEQ ID NO:2); Triangles, 5'-GUCUGUUGUGUG-3' (SEQ
ID NO:3). Open symbols, without DOTAP; closed symbols, with
DOTAP.
FIG. 8 is a graph depicting apparent relatedness among TLRs.
FIG. 9 depicts nucleic acid binding domains in TLR7, TLR8, and
TLR9.
FIG. 10 is a bar graph depicting responsiveness of human PBMC to
stringent response factor (SRF).
FIG. 11 is a bar graph depicting responsiveness of human PBMC to
the ribonucleoside vanadyl complexes (RVCs). X denotes
resiquimod.
FIG. 12 is a series of three bar graphs depicting responsiveness of
human TLR7 and human TLR8 to individual ribonucleosides. X denotes
resiquimod.
FIG. 13 is a series of three bar graphs depicting responsiveness of
TLR7 and TLR8 to mixtures of two ribonucleosides.
FIG. 14 is a bar graph depicting response of human PBMC to a
mixture of the ribonucleosides G and U.
FIG. 15 is a bar graph depicting response of human PBMC to G,U-rich
RNA, but not DNA, oligonucleotides.
FIG. 16 is a bar graph depicting response of human PBMC to oxidized
RNA.
FIG. 17 is a series of three bar graphs depicting human TLR7 and
TLR8 responses to oxidized guanosine ribonucleoside. X denotes
resiquimod.
FIG. 18 is a pair of bar graphs depicting human TLR7 responses to
modified guanosine ribonucleosides.
FIG. 19 is a series of aligned gel images depicting differential
expression of TLR1-TLR9 on human CD123+ dendritic cells (CD123+
DC), CD11c+ DC, and neutrophils.
FIG. 20 is a series of three graphs depicting the ability of short,
single-stranded G,U-containing RNA oligomers to induce NF-.kappa.B
in HEK-293 cells stably transfected with expression plasmid for
human TLR7 or human TLR8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates in part to the discovery by the inventors of
a number of RNA and RNA-related molecules that are effective as
immunostimulatory compounds. Identification of the
immunostimulatory compounds arose through a systematic effort aimed
at identifying naturally occurring ligands for TLR7 and TLR8. As a
result of this effort, it has now been discovered that RNA and
RNA-like molecules containing guanine (G) and uracil (U), including
specific sequences containing G and U, are immunostimulatory and
appear to act through an MyD88-dependent pathway, implicating TLR
involvement. Significantly, some of the RNA sequences occur in
highly conserved structural features of 5' untranslated regions of
viral RNA that are important to viral replication. The identified
immunostimulatory RNA sequences also correspond to or very nearly
correspond to other RNAs, including tRNAs derived from bacteria and
yeast, as well as rRNA derived from bacteria and possibly some
eukaryotes. Importantly, the immunostimulatory RNA of the invention
includes single-stranded RNA, in addition to partially or wholly
double-stranded RNA, and its effect can be abrogated by RNase
treatment. Where the RNA is at least partially double-stranded, it
can in one embodiment include a stem-loop structure. As described
in greater detail below, it has been discovered according to the
invention that single-stranded G,U-rich RNAs as short as 5
nucleotides long can stimulate immune cells to produce large
amounts of a number of cytokines and chemokines, including
TNF-.alpha., IL-6, IL-12, type 1 interferon (e.g., IFN-.alpha.),
and IP-10.
It has now been surprisingly discovered by the inventors that
certain G,U-containing RNA molecules and their analogs, but not
their DNA counterparts, are immunostimulatory. Significantly, the
G,U-containing oligoribonucleotides of the invention can be
substantially smaller than the messenger RNAs previously described
to be useful in preparing dendritic cell vaccines. See, e.g.,
Boczkowski D et al. (1996) J Exp Med 184:465-72; Mitchell D A et
al. (2000) Curr Opin Mol Ther 2:176-81. Although the G,U-containing
RNA molecules of the invention can be surrogates for ribosomal RNA
and/or viral RNA as found in nature, they can be as small as 5-40
nucleotides long. As described further herein, the G,U-containing
oligoribonucleotides of the invention include at least one G and at
least one U. Surprisingly, elimination of either G or U from the
G,U-containing oligoribonucleotides of the invention essentially
abrogates their immunostimulatory effect. The at least one G and at
least U can be adjacent to one another, or they can be separated by
intervening nucleosides or sequence. Also significantly, the
immunostimulatory G,U-containing RNA molecules of the invention do
not require a CpG dinucleotide.
In one aspect the invention provides an immunostimulatory
composition. The immunostimulatory composition according to this
aspect of the invention includes an isolated RNA oligomer 5-40
nucleotides long having a base sequence having at least one guanine
(G) and at least one uracil (U). As will be described in greater
detail further below, the immunostimulatory RNA oligomer 5-40
nucleotides long having a base sequence having at least one guanine
(G) and at least one uracil (U) is advantageously formulated such
that the RNA oligomer is stabilized against degradation,
concentrated in or on a particle such as a liposome, and/or
targeted for delivery to the endosomal compartment of cells. In one
formulation, described in the examples below, the RNA oligomer is
advantageously combined with the cationic lipid DOTAP, which is
believed to assist in trafficking the G,U-containing
oligoribonucleotides into the endosomal compartment. Thus, in one
aspect the invention is an immunostimulatory composition which
includes an RNA oligomer 5-40 nucleotides long having a base
sequence having at least one G and at least one U and optionally a
cationic lipid.
The RNA oligomer of the invention can be of natural or non-natural
origin. RNA as it occurs in nature is a type of nucleic acid that
generally refers to a linear polymer of certain ribonucleoside
units, each ribonucleoside unit made up of a purine or pyrimidine
base and a ribose sugar, linked by internucleoside phosphodiester
bonds. In this regard "linear" is meant to describe the primary
structure of RNA. RNA in general can be single-stranded or
double-stranded, including partially double-stranded.
As used herein, "nucleoside" refers to a single sugar moiety (e.g.,
ribose or deoxyribose) linked to an exchangeable organic base,
which is either a substituted pyrimidine (e.g., cytosine (C),
thymidine (T) or uracil (U)) or a substituted purine (e.g., adenine
(A) or guanine (G)). As described herein, the nucleoside may be a
naturally occurring nucleoside, a modified nucleoside, or a
synthetic (artificial) nucleoside.
The terms "nucleic acid" and "oligonucleotide" are used
interchangeably to mean multiple nucleotides (i.e., molecules
comprising a sugar (e.g., ribose or deoxyribose) linked to a
phosphate group and to an exchangeable organic base, which is
either a substituted pyrimidine (e.g., cytosine (C), thymidine (T)
or uracil (U)) or a substituted purine (e.g., adenine (A) or
guanine (G)). As used herein, the terms refer to
oligoribonucleotides as well as oligodeoxyribonucleotides. The
terms shall also include polynucleosides (i.e., a polynucleotide
minus the phosphate) and any other organic base-containing polymer.
Nucleic acid molecules can be obtained from existing nucleic acid
sources (e.g., genomic or cDNA), but are preferably synthetic
(e.g., produced by nucleic acid synthesis).
The terms nucleic acid and oligonucleotide also encompass nucleic
acids or oligonucleotides with substitutions or modifications, such
as in the bases and/or sugars. For example, they include nucleic
acids having backbone sugars which are covalently attached to low
molecular weight organic groups other than a hydroxyl group at the
3' position and other than a phosphate group at the 5' position.
Thus modified nucleic acids may include a 2'-O-alkylated ribose
group. In addition, modified nucleic acids may include sugars such
as arabinose instead of ribose. Thus the nucleic acids may be
heterogeneous in backbone composition thereby containing any
possible combination of polymer units linked together such as
peptide nucleic acids (which have amino acid backbone with nucleic
acid bases). In some embodiments, the nucleic acids are homogeneous
in backbone composition. Nucleic acids also include substituted
purines and pyrimidines such as C-5 propyne modified bases. Wagner
R W et al. (1996) Nat Biotechnol 14:840-4. Purines and pyrimidines
include but are not limited to adenine, cytosine, guanine,
thymidine, 5-methylcytosine, 2-aminopurine, 2-amino-6-chloropurine,
2,6-diaminopurine, hypoxanthine, and other naturally and
non-naturally occurring nucleobases, substituted and unsubstituted
aromatic moieties. Other such modifications are well known to those
of skill in the art.
A natural nucleoside base can be replaced by a modified nucleoside
base, wherein the modified nucleoside base is for example selected
from hypoxanthine; dihydrouracil; pseudouracil; 2-thiouracil;
4-thiouracil; 5-aminouracil; 5-(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)-alkyluracil;
5-(C.sub.2-C.sub.6)-alkenyluracil;
5-(C.sub.2-C.sub.6)-alkynyluracil; 5-(hydroxymethyl)uracil;
5-chlorouracil; 5-fluorouracil; 5-bromouracil; 5-hydroxycytosine;
5-(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)-alkylcytosine;
5-(C.sub.2-C.sub.6)-alkenylcytosine;
5-(C.sub.2-C.sub.6)-alkynylcytosine; 5-chlorocytosine;
5-fluorocytosine; 5-bromocytosine; N.sup.2-dimethylguanine;
2,4-diamino-purine; 8-azapurine (including, in particular,
8-azaguanine); a substituted 7-deazapurine (including, in
particular, 7-deazaguanine), including 7-deaza-7-substituted and/or
7-deaza-8-substituted purine; or other modifications of a natural
nucleoside bases. This list is meant to be exemplary and is not to
be interpreted to be limiting.
In particular, the at least one guanine base of the
immunostimulatory G,U-containing oligoribonucleotide can be a
substituted or modified guanine such as 7-deazaguanine;
8-azaguanine; 7-deaza-7-substituted guanine (such as
7-deaza-7-(C2-C6)alkynylguanine); 7-deaza-8-substituted guanine;
hypoxanthine; 2,6-diaminopurine; 2-aminopurine; purine;
8-substituted guanine such as 8-hydroxyguanine; and 6-thioguanine.
This list is meant to be exemplary and is not to be interpreted to
be limiting.
Also in particular, the at least one uracil base of the
G,U-containing oligoribonucleotide can be a substituted or modified
uracil such as pseudouracil and 5-methyluracil.
For use in the instant invention, the nucleic acids of the
invention can be synthesized de novo using any of a number of
procedures well known in the art. For example, the
.beta.-cyanoethyl phosphoramidite method (Beaucage S L et al.
(1981) Tetrahedron Lett 22:1859); nucleoside H-phosphonate method
(Garegg et al. (1986) Tetrahedron Lett 27:4051-4; Froehler et al.
(1986) Nucl Acid Res 14:5399-407; Garegg et al. (1986) Tetrahedron
Lett 27:4055-8; Gaffney et al. (1988) Tetrahedron Lett 29:2619-22).
These chemistries can be performed by a variety of automated
nucleic acid synthesizers available in the market. These nucleic
acids are referred to as synthetic nucleic acids. Alternatively,
T-rich and/or TG dinucleotides can be produced on a large scale in
plasmids, (see Sambrook T et al., "Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory
Manual", Cold Spring Harbor laboratory Press, New York, 1989) and
separated into smaller pieces or administered whole. Nucleic acids
can be prepared from existing nucleic acid sequences (e.g., genomic
or cDNA) using known techniques, such as those employing
restriction enzymes, exonucleases or endonucleases. Nucleic acids
prepared in this manner are referred to as isolated nucleic acid.
An isolated nucleic acid generally refers to a nucleic acid which
is separated from components which it is normally associated with
in nature. As an example, an isolated nucleic acid may be one which
is separated from a cell, from a nucleus, from mitochondria or from
chromatin. The term "nucleic acid" encompasses both synthetic and
isolated nucleic acid.
For use in vivo, the nucleic acids may optionally be relatively
resistant to degradation (e.g., are stabilized). In some
embodiments only specific portions of the nucleic acids may
optionally be stabilized. A "stabilized nucleic acid molecule"
shall mean a nucleic acid molecule that is relatively resistant to
in vivo degradation (e.g., via an exo- or endo-nuclease).
Stabilization can be a function of length or secondary structure.
Nucleic acids that are tens to hundreds of kbs long are relatively
resistant to in vivo degradation. For shorter nucleic acids,
secondary structure can stabilize and increase their effect. For
example, if the 3' end of an nucleic acid has self-complementarity
to an upstream region, so that it can fold back and form a sort of
stem loop structure, then the nucleic acid becomes stabilized and
therefore exhibits more activity.
In certain embodiments according to this aspect of the invention,
the base sequence of the RNA oligomer is at least partially
self-complementary. A self-complementary sequence as used herein
refers to a base sequence which, upon suitable alignment, may form
intramolecular or, more typically, intermolecular basepairing
between G-C, A-U, and/or G-U wobble pairs. In one embodiment the
extent of self-complementarity is at least 50 percent. For example
an 8-mer that is at least 50 percent self-complementary may have a
sequence capable of forming 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 G-C, A-U, and/or G-U
wobble basepairs. Such basepairs may but need not necessarily
involve bases located at either end of the self-complementary RNA
oligomer. Where nucleic acid stabilization may be important to the
RNA oligomers, it may be advantageous to "clamp" together one or
both ends of a double-stranded nucleic acid, either by basepairing
or by any other suitable means. The degree of self-complementarity
may depend on the alignment between oligomers, and such alignment
may or may not include single- or multiple-nucleoside overhangs. In
other embodiments, the degree of self-complementarity is at least
60 percent, at least 70 percent, at least 80 percent, at least 90
percent, or even 100 percent. The foregoing notwithstanding, it
should be noted that double-strandedness is not a requirement of
the RNA oligomers of the invention.
Similar considerations apply to intermolecular basepairing between
RNA oligonucleotides of different base sequence. Thus where a
plurality of RNA oligomers are used together, the plurality of
oligomers may, but need not, include sequences which are at least
partially complementary to one another. In one embodiment the
plurality of oligomers includes an oligomer having a first base
sequence and an oligomer having a second base sequence, wherein the
first base sequence and the second base sequence are at least 50
percent complementary. For example, as between two 8-mers that are
at least 50 percent complementary, they may form 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8
G-C, A-U, and/or G-U wobble basepairs. Such basepairs may but need
not necessarily involve bases located at either end of the
complementary RNA oligomers. The degree of complementarity may
depend on the alignment between oligomers, and such alignment may
or may not include single- or multiple-nucleoside overhangs. In
other embodiments, the degree of complementarity is at least 60
percent, at least 70 percent, at least 80 percent, at least 90
percent, or even 100 percent.
Alternatively, nucleic acid stabilization can be accomplished via
phosphate backbone modifications. Preferred stabilized nucleic
acids of the instant invention have a modified backbone. It has
been demonstrated that modification of the nucleic acid backbone
provides enhanced activity of the nucleic acids when administered
in vivo. One type of modified backbone is a phosphate backbone
modification. Inclusion in immunostimulatory nucleic acids of at
least two phosphorothioate linkages at the 5' end of the
oligonucleotide and multiple (preferably five) phosphorothioate
linkages at the 3' end, can in some circumstances provide maximal
activity and protect the nucleic acid from degradation by
intracellular exo- and endonucleases. Other modified nucleic acids
include phosphodiester-modified nucleic acids, combinations of
phosphodiester and phosphorothioate nucleic acids, alkylphosphonate
and arylphosphonate, alkylphosphorothioate and
arylphosphorothioate, methylphosphonate, methylphosphorothioate,
phosphorodithioate, p-ethoxy, morpholino, and combinations thereof.
Nucleic acids having phosphorothioate linkages provide maximal
activity and protect the nucleic acid from degradation by
intracellular exo- and endo-nucleases. and combinations thereof.
Each of these combinations and their particular effects on immune
cells is discussed in more detail with respect to CpG nucleic acids
in issued U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,207,646 and 6,239,116, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. It is
believed that these modified nucleic acids may show more
stimulatory activity due to enhanced nuclease resistance, increased
cellular uptake, increased protein binding, and/or altered
intracellular localization.
Modified backbones such as phosphorothioates may be synthesized
using automated techniques employing either phosphoramidate or
H-phosphonate chemistries. Aryl- and alkyl-phosphonates can be
made, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,863; and
alkylphosphotriesters (in which the charged oxygen moiety is
alkylated as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,243 and European Pat.
No. 092,574) can be prepared by automated solid phase synthesis
using commercially available reagents. Methods for making other DNA
backbone modifications and substitutions have been described.
Uhlmann E et al. (1990) Chem Rev 90:544; Goodchild J (1990)
Bioconjugate Chem 1:165.
Other stabilized nucleic acids include: nonionic DNA analogs, such
as alkyl- and aryl-phosphates (in which the charged phosphonate
oxygen is replaced by an alkyl or aryl group), phosphodiester and
alkylphosphotriesters, in which the charged oxygen moiety is
alkylated. Nucleic acids which contain diol, such as
tetraethyleneglycol or hexaethyleneglycol, at either or both
termini have also been shown to be substantially resistant to
nuclease degradation.
Another class of backbone modifications include
2'-O-methylribonucleosides (2'-OMe). These types of substitutions
are described extensively in the prior art and in particular with
respect to their immunostimulating properties in Zhao et al. (1999)
Bioorg Med Chem Lett 9:24:3453-8. Zhao et al. describes methods of
preparing 2'-OMe modifications to nucleic acids.
The immunostimulatory G,U-containing RNA oligomers of the invention
are typically about 5 to about 40 nucleotides long. Thus in certain
distinct embodiments, the G,U-containing RNA oligomer can be 5, 6,
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,
24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or
40 nucleotides long. In one embodiment the G,U-containing RNA
oligomer can be 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,
19, or 20 nucleotides long. In one embodiment the G,U-containing
RNA oligomer can be 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 nucleotides long.
In one embodiment the G,U-containing RNA oligomer can be 8, 9, 10,
11, or 12 nucleotides long.
For example, RNA oligomers with the following base sequences have
been discovered to be useful in the compositions and practice of
the invention: 5'-GUGUUUAC-3'; 5'-GUAGGCAC-3'; 5'-CUAGGCAC-3';
5'-CUCGGCAC-3'; and 5'-GUGUUUAC-3' in combination with
5'-GUAGGCAC-3'.
Because the immunostimulatory effects of the G,U-containing RNA
oligomers of the invention have been discovered to be
MyD88-dependent, it is the belief of the inventors that the
immunostimulatory G,U-containing RNA oligomers of the invention may
interact with at least one TLR as a step in exerting their
immunostimulatory effect. The immunostimulatory G,U-containing RNA
oligomers of the invention may thus represent or mimic at least
portions of natural ligands for the at least one TLR. Such natural
ligands may include ribosomal RNA, either prokaryotic or
eukaryotic, as well as certain viral RNAs. The TLR or TLRs may be
TLR8, TLR7, or some yet-to-be defined TLR. Natural ligands for
TLR1, TLR7, TLR8, and TLR10 have not previously been described.
The immunostimulatory RNA molecules of the invention have been
discovered to occur in nature in all types of RNA, usually in
association with highly conserved sequence or key structural
feature. In one example, immunostimulatory RNA has been discovered
to occur in the context of an internal ribosome entry site
(IRES).
An IRES is a minimal cis-acting RNA element contained within a
complex structural feature in the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR)
of viral RNA and other mRNAs that regulates the initiation of
translation of the viral genome in a cap-independent manner. Hellen
C U et al. (2001) Genes Dev 15:1593-1612. Cap-independent
initiation of viral RNA translation was first observed in
picornaviruses. Jackson R J et al. (1990) Trends Biochem Sci
15:477-83; Jackson R J et al. (1995) RNA 1:985-1000.
In most eukaryotic cells, mRNA translation initiation commences
with recruitment of the cap binding complex eukaryotic initiation
factor (eIF)4F, composed of eIF4E (cap binding protein), eIF4A, and
eIF4G, to the 5' capped end of the mRNA. The 40S ribosomal subunit,
carrying eIF3, and the ternary initiator complex tRNA-eIF2-GTP are
then recruited to the 5' end of the mRNA through interaction
between eIF3 and eIF4G. The 40S subunit then scans the mRNA in a 5'
to 3' direction until it encounters an appropriate start codon,
whereupon the anticodon of initiator methionine-tRNA is engaged,
the 60S subunit joins to form an 80S ribosome, and translation
commences.
Thus the significance of an IRES, at least in the context of a
virus, is believed to be the ability of the IRES to confer a
selective advantage to the virus over usual cap-dependent
translation in the cell.
The following viruses have been reported to have IRES elements in
their genome: all picornaviruses; bovine viral diarrhea virus;
classic swine fever virus; cricket paralysis virus;
encephalomyocarditis virus; foot-and-mouth disease virus; Friend
murine leukemia virus gag mRNA; HCV; human immunodeficiency virus
env mRNA; Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus; Moloney murine
leukemia virus gag mRNA; Plautia stali intestine virus; poliovirus;
rhinovirus; Rhopalosiphum padi virus; and Rous sarcoma virus.
Hellen C U et al. (2001) Genes Dev 15:1593-1612. This list is not
intended to be limiting.
The viral proteins of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are translated from a
9.5 kb single-stranded positive sense RNA which is flanked by 5'
and 3' UTRs. The highly conserved 5' UTR includes an IRES present
in nt 40-370. Reynolds J E et al. (1996) RNA 2:867-78. The HCV 5'
UTR is believed to have four major structural domains (1-IV), of
which domains II and III have subdomains. Subdomain IIId includes a
27 nt stem-loop (nt 253-279) that on the basis of in vivo
mutational studies has been reported to be critical in HCV
IRES-mediated translation. Kieft J S et al. (1999) J Mol Biol
292:513-29; Klinck R et al. (2000) RNA 6:1423-31. The sequence of
the IIId 27-mer is provided by 5'-GCCGAGUAGUGUUGGGUCGCGAAAGGC-3'
(SEQ ID NO:4), wherein the UUGGGU forms the terminal loop. The
stem-loop structure is reported to include a number of
non-Watson-Crick base pairs, typical of other RNAs, including
wobble U.smallcircle.G, U.smallcircle.A, G.smallcircle.A, and
A.smallcircle.A base pairs.
As another example, the immunostimulatory RNA sequences of the
invention have been discovered to occur in G,U-rich sequence near
the 5' end of the viral RNA of human immunodeficiency virus type 1
(HIV-1) that is crucial to efficient viral RNA packaging. Russell R
S et al. (2002) Virology 303:152-63. Specifically, two key G,U-rich
sequences within U5, namely 5'-GUAGUGUGUG-3' (SEQ ID NO:2) and
5'-GUCUGUUGUGUG-3' (SEQ ID NO:3), corresponding to nt 99-108 and
112-123 of strain BH10, respectively, have been found according to
the present invention to be highly immunostimulatory (see Example
11 below). It will be noted that SEQ ID NO:2 includes both GUAGU
and GUGUG, and SEQ ID NO:3 includes GUGUG.
As yet another example, the immunostimulatory RNA sequences of the
invention have been found to occur in 5S ribosomal RNA loop E of a
large number of species of bacteria.
TLR8 and TLR7 show high sequence homology to TLR9 (FIG. 8). TLR9 is
the CpG-DNA receptor and transduces immunostimulatory signals. Two
DNA binding motifs have been described in TLR9 (U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/954,987) that are also present in TLR8 and
TLR7 with some modifications (FIG. 9). Despite this similarity,
however, TLR7 and TLR8 do not bind CpG-DNA.
It has been discovered according to the present invention that
guanosine, particularly guanosine in combination with uracil, and
certain guanosine-containing nucleic acids and derivatives thereof,
are natural ligands of TLR8. It has been discovered according to
the present invention that RNA, oxidized RNA, G,U-rich nucleic
acids, and at least partially double-stranded nucleic acid
molecules having at least one G-U base pair are TLR8 ligands. In
certain preferred embodiments involving guanosine, guanosine
derivatives, and G,U-rich nucleic acids, guanosine is the
ribonucleoside. Nucleic acid molecules containing GUU, GUG, GGU,
GGG, UGG, UGU, UUG, UUU, multiples and any combinations thereof are
believed to be TLR8 ligands. In some embodiments the TLR8 ligand is
a G,U-rich oligonucleotide that includes a hexamer sequence
(UUGUGG).sub.n, (UGGUUG).sub.n, (GUGUGU).sub.n, or (GGGUUU).sub.n
where n is an integer from 1 to 8, and preferably n is at least 3.
In addition, it has also been discovered according to the present
invention that mixtures of ribonucleoside vanadyl complexes (i.e.,
mixtures of adenine, cytosine, guanosine, and uracil ribonucleoside
vanadyl complexes), and guanosine ribonucleoside vanadyl complexes
alone, are TLR8 ligands. In addition, it has been discovered
according the present invention that certain imidazoquinolines,
including resiquimod and imiquimod, are TLR8 ligands.
It has also been discovered according to the present invention that
guanosine, and certain guanosine-containing nucleic acids and
derivatives thereof, are natural ligands of TLR7. It has been
discovered according to the present invention that RNA, oxidized
RNA, G-rich nucleic acids, and at least partially double-stranded
nucleic acid molecules that are rich in G content are TLR7 ligands.
In certain preferred embodiments involving guanosine, guanosine
derivatives, and G-rich nucleic acids, guanosine is the
ribonucleoside. In addition, it has also been discovered according
to the present invention that mixtures of ribonucleoside vanadyl
complexes (i.e., mixtures of adenine, cytosine, guanosine, and
uracil ribonucleoside vanadyl complexes), and guanosine
ribonucleoside vanadyl complexes alone, are TLR7 ligands. In
addition, it has been discovered according the present invention
that 7-allyl-8-oxoguanosine (loxoribine) is a TLR7 ligand.
In addition to having diverse ligands, the various TLRs are
believed to be differentially expressed in various tissues and on
various types of immune cells. For example, human TLR7 has been
reported to be expressed in placenta, lung, spleen, lymph nodes,
tonsil and on plasmacytoid precursor dendritic cells (pDCs). Chuang
T-H et al. (2000) Eur Cytokine Netw 11:372-8); Kadowaki N et al.
(2001) J Exp Med 194:863-9. Human TLR8 has been reported to be
expressed in lung, peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), placenta,
spleen, lymph nodes, and on monocytes. Kadowaki N et al. (2001) J
Exp Med 194:863-9; Chuang T-H et al. (2000) Eur Cytokine Netw
11:372-8. Human TLR9 is reportedly expressed in spleen, lymph
nodes, bone marrow, PBL, and on pDCs, B cells, and CD123+DCs.
Kadowaki N et al. (2001) J Exp Med 194:863-9; Bauer S et al. (2001)
Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98:9237-42; Chuang T-H et al. (2000) Eur
Cytokine Netw 11:372-8.
Guanosine derivatives have previously been described as B-cell and
NK cell activators, but their receptors and mechanism of action
were not understood. Goodman M G et al. (1994) J Pharm Exp Ther
274:1552-57; Reitz A B et al. (1994) J Med Chem 37:3561-78. Such
guanosine derivatives include, but are not limited to,
8-bromoguanosine, 8-oxoguanosine, 8-mercaptoguanosine, and
7-allyl-8-oxoguanosine (loxoribine).
Imidazoquinolines are synthetic small molecule immune response
modifiers thought to induce expression of several cytokines
including interferons (e.g., IFN-.alpha. and IFN-.gamma.), tumor
necrosis factor alpha (TNF-.alpha.) and some interleukins (e.g.,
IL-1, IL-6 and IL-12). Imidazoquinolines are capable of stimulating
a Th1 immune response, as evidenced in part by their ability to
induce increases in IgG2a levels. Imidazoquinoline agents
reportedly are also capable of inhibiting production of Th2
cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Some of the cytokines
induced by imidazoquinolines are produced by macrophages and
dendritic cells. Some species of imidazoquinolines have been
reported to increase NK cell lytic activity and to stimulate B-cell
proliferation and differentiation, thereby inducing antibody
production and secretion.
As used herein, an imidazoquinoline agent includes imidazoquinoline
amines, imidazopyridine amines, 6,7-fused cycloalkylimidazopyridine
amines, and 1,2 bridged imidazoquinoline amines. These compounds
have been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,689,338, 4,929,624,
5,238,944, 5,266,575, 5,268,376, 5,346,905, 5,352,784, 5,389,640,
5,395,937, 5,494,916, 5,482,936, 5,525,612, 6,039,969 and
6,110,929. Particular species of imidazoquinoline agents include
4-amino-.alpha.,.alpha.-dimethyl-2-ethoxymethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-
e-1-ethanol (resiquimod or R-848 or S-28463; PCT/US01/28764, WO
02/22125); and
1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinoline-4-amine (imiquimod or
R-837 or S-26308). Imiquimod is currently used in the topical
treatment of warts such as genital and anal warts and has also been
tested in the topical treatment of basal cell carcinoma.
Nucleotide and amino acid sequences of human and murine TLR3 are
known. See, for example, GenBank Accession Nos. U88879, NM_003265,
NM_126166, AF355152; and AAC34134, NP_003256, NP_569054, AAK26117.
Human TLR3 is reported to be 904 amino acids long and to have a
sequence provided in SEQ ID NO:20. A corresponding nucleotide
sequence is provided as SEQ ID NO:21. Murine TLR3 is reported to be
905 amino acids long and to have a sequence as provided in SEQ ID
NO:22. A corresponding nucleotide sequence is provided as SEQ ID
NO:23. TLR3 polypeptide includes an extracellular domain having
leucine-rich repeat region, a transmembrane domain, and an
intracellular domain that includes a TIR domain.
As used herein a "TLR3 polypeptide" refers to a polypeptide
including a full-length TLR3 according to one of the sequences
above, orthologs, allelic variants, SNPs, variants incorporating
conservative amino acid substitutions, TLR3 fusion proteins, and
functional fragments of any of the foregoing. Preferred embodiments
include human TLR3 polypeptides having at least 65 percent sequence
identity, more preferably at least 80 percent sequence identity,
even more preferably with at least 90 percent sequence identity,
and most preferably with at least 95 percent sequence identity with
the human TLR3 amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:20. Preferred
embodiments also include murine TLR3 polypeptides having at least
65 percent sequence identity, more preferably at least 80 percent
sequence identity, even more preferably with at least 90 percent
sequence identity, and most preferably with at least 95 percent
sequence identity with the murine TLR3 amino acid sequence of SEQ
ID NO:22.
As used herein "TLR3 signaling" refers to an ability of a TLR3
polypeptide to activate the TLR/IL-1R (TIR) signaling pathway, also
referred to herein as the TLR signal transduction pathway. Changes
in TLR3 activity can be measured by assays such as those disclosed
herein, including expression of genes under control of
.kappa.B-sensitive promoters and enhancers. Such naturally
occurring genes include the genes encoding IL-1.beta., IL-6, IL-8,
the p40 subunit of interleukin 12 (IL-12 p40), and the
costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. Other genes can be placed
under the control of such regulatory elements (see below) and thus
serve to report the level of TLR3 signaling. Additional nucleotide
sequence can be added to SEQ ID NO:21 or SEQ ID NO:23, preferably
to the 5' or the 3' end of the open reading frame of SEQ ID NO:21,
to yield a nucleotide sequence encoding a chimeric polypeptide that
includes a detectable or reporter moiety, e.g., FLAG, luciferase
(luc), green fluorescent protein (GFP), and others known by those
skilled in the art.
TABLE-US-00001 SEQ ID NO: 20 Human TLR3 amino acid MRQTLPCIYF
WGGLLPFGML CASSTTKCTV SHEVADCSHL KLTQVPDDLP TNITVLNLTH 60
NQLRRLPAAN FTRYSQLTSL DVGFNTISKL EPELCQKLPM LKVLNLQHNE LSQLSDKTFA
120 FCTNLTELHL MSNSIQKIKN NPFVKQKNLI TLDLSHNGLS STKLGTQVQL
ENLQELLLSN 180 NKIQALKSEE LDIFANSSLK KLELSSNQIK EFSPGCFHAI
GRLFGLFLNN VQLGPSLTEK 240 LCLELANTSI RNLSLSNSQL STTSNTTFLG
LKWTNLTMLD LSYNNLNVVG NDSFAWLPQL 300 EYFFLEYNNI QHLFSHSLHG
LFNVRYLNLK RSFTKQSISL ASLPKIDDFS FQWLKCLEHL 360 NMEDNDIPGI
KSNMFTGLIN LKYLSLSNSF TSLRTLTNET FVSLAHSPLH ILNLTKNKIS 420
KIESDAFSWL GHLEVLDLGL NEIGQELTGQ EWRGLENIFE IYLSYNKYLQ LTRNSFALVP
480 SLQRLMLRRV ALKNVDSSPS PFQPLRNLTI LDLSNNNIAN INDDMLEGLE
KLEILDLQHN 540 NLARLWKHAN PGGPIYFLKG LSHLHILNLE SNGFDEIPVE
VFKDLFELKI IDLGLNNLNT 600 LPASVFNNQV SLKSLNLQKN LITSVEKKVF
GPAFRNLTEL DMRFNPFDCT CESIAWFVNW 660 INETHTNIPE LSSHYLCNTP
PHYHGFPVRL FDTSSCKDSA PFELFFMINT SILLIFIFIV 720 LLIHFEGWRI
SFYWNVSVHR VLGFKEIDRQ TEQFEYAAYI IHAYKDKDWV WEHFSSMEKE 780
DQSLKFCLEE RDFEAGVFEL EAIVNSIKRS RKIIFVITHH LLKDPLCKRF KVHHAVQQAI
840 EQNLDSIILV FLEEIPDYKL NHALCLRRGM FKSHCILNWP VQKERIGAFR
HKLQVALGSK 900 NSVH 904 SEQ ID NO: 21 Human TLR3 nucleotide
cactttcgag agtgccgtct atttgccaca cacttccctg atgaaatgtc tggatttgga
60 ctaaagaaaa aaggaaaggc tagcagtcat ccaacagaat catgagacag
actttgcctt 120 gtatctactt ttgggggggc cttttgccct ttgggatgct
gtgtgcatcc tccaccacca 180 agtgcactgt tagccatgaa gttgctgact
gcagccacct gaagttgact caggtacccg 240 atgatctacc cacaaacata
acagtgttga accttaccca taatcaactc agaagattac 300 cagccgccaa
cttcacaagg tatagccagc taactagctt ggatgtagga tttaacacca 360
tctcaaaact ggagccagaa ttgtgccaga aacttcccat gttaaaagtt ttgaacctcc
420 agcacaatga gctatctcaa ctttctgata aaacctttgc cttctgcacg
aatttgactg 480 aactccatct catgtccaac tcaatccaga aaattaaaaa
taatcccttt gtcaagcaga 540 agaatttaat cacattagat ctgtctcata
atggcttgtc atctacaaaa ttaggaactc 600 aggttcagct ggaaaatctc
caagagcttc tattatcaaa caataaaatt caagcgctaa 660 aaagtgaaga
actggatatc tttgccaatt catctttaaa aaaattagag ttgtcatcga 720
atcaaattaa agagttttct ccagggtgtt ttcacgcaat tggaagatta tttggcctct
780 ttctgaacaa tgtccagctg ggtcccagcc ttacagagaa gctatgtttg
gaattagcaa 840 acacaagcat tcggaatctg tctctgagta acagccagct
gtccaccacc agcaatacaa 900 ctttcttggg actaaagtgg acaaatctca
ctatgctcga tctttcctac aacaacttaa 960 atgtggttgg taacgattcc
tttgcttggc ttccacaact agaatatttc ttcctagagt 1020 ataataatat
acagcatttg ttttctcact ctttgcacgg gcttttcaat gtgaggtacc 1080
tgaatttgaa acggtctttt actaaacaaa gtatttccct tgcctcactc cccaagattg
1140 atgatttttc ttttcagtgg ctaaaatgtt tggagcacct taacatggaa
gataatgata 1200 ttccaggcat aaaaagcaat atgttcacag gattgataaa
cctgaaatac ttaagtctat 1260 ccaactcctt tacaagtttg cgaactttga
caaatgaaac atttgtatca cttgctcatt 1320 ctcccttaca catactcaac
ctaaccaaga ataaaatctc aaaaatagag agtgatgctt 1380 tctcttggtt
gggccaccta gaagtacttg acctgggcct taatgaaatt gggcaagaac 1440
tcacaggcca ggaatggaga ggtctagaaa atattttcga aatctatctt tcctacaaca
1500 agtacctgca gctgactagg aactcctttg ccttggtccc aagccttcaa
cgactgatgc 1560 tccgaagggt ggcccttaaa aatgtggata gctctccttc
accattccag cctcttcgta 1620 acttgaccat tctggatcta agcaacaaca
acatagccaa cataaatgat gacatgttgg 1680 agggtcttga gaaactagaa
attctcgatt tgcagcataa caacttagca cggctctgga 1740 aacacgcaaa
ccctggtggt cccatttatt tcctaaaggg tctgtctcac ctccacatcc 1800
ttaacttgga gtccaacggc tttgacgaga tcccagttga ggtcttcaag gatttatttg
1860 aactaaagat catcgattta ggattgaata atttaaacac acttccagca
tctgtcttta 1920 ataatcaggt gtctctaaag tcattgaacc ttcagaagaa
tctcataaca tccgttgaga 1980 agaaggtttt cgggccagct ttcaggaacc
tgactgagtt agatatgcgc tttaatccct 2040 ttgattgcac gtgtgaaagt
attgcctggt ttgttaattg gattaacgag acccatacca 2100 acatccctga
gctgtcaagc cactaccttt gcaacactcc acctcactat catgggttcc 2160
cagtgagact ttttgataca tcatcttgca aagacagtgc cccctttgaa ctctttttca
2220 tgatcaatac cagtatcctg ttgattttta tctttattgt acttctcatc
cactttgagg 2280 gctggaggat atctttttat tggaatgttt cagtacatcg
agttcttggt ttcaaagaaa 2340 tagacagaca gacagaacag tttgaatatg
cagcatatat aattcatgcc tataaagata 2400 aggattgggt ctgggaacat
ttctcttcaa tggaaaagga agaccaatct ctcaaatttt 2460 gtctggaaga
aagggacttt gaggcgggtg tttttgaact agaagcaatt gttaacagca 2520
tcaaaagaag cagaaaaatt atttttgtta taacacacca tctattaaaa gacccattat
2580 gcaaaagatt caaggtacat catgcagttc aacaagctat tgaacaaaat
ctggattcca 2640 ttatattggt tttccttgag gagattccag attataaact
gaaccatgca ctctgtttgc 2700 gaagaggaat gtttaaatct cactgcatct
tgaactggcc agttcagaaa gaacggatag 2760 gtgcctttcg tcataaattg
caagtagcac ttggatccaa aaactctgta cattaaattt 2820 atttaaatat
tcaattagca aaggagaaac tttctcaatt taaaaagttc tatggcaaat 2880
ttaagttttc cataaaggtg ttataatttg tttattcata tttgtaaatg attatattct
2940 atcacaatta catctcttct aggaaaatgt gtctccttat ttcaggccta
tttttgacaa 3000 ttgacttaat tttacccaaa ataaaacata taagcacgta
aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaa 3057 SEQ ID NO: 22 Murine TLR3 amino acid
MKGCSSYLMY SFGGLLSLWI LLVSSTNQCT VRYNVADCSH LKLTHIPDDL PSNITVLNLT
60 HNQLRRLPPT NFTRYSQLAI LDAGFNSISK LEPELCQILP LLKVLNLQHN
ELSQISDQTF 120 VFCTNLTELD LMSNSIHKIK SNPFKNQKNL IKLDLSHNGL
SSTKLGTGVQ LENLQELLLA 180 KNKILALRSE ELEFLGNSSL RKLDLSSNPL
KEFSPGCFQT IGKLFALLLN NAQLNPHLTE 240 KLCWELSNTS IQNLSLANNQ
LLATSESTFS GLKWTNLTQL DLSYNNLHDV GNGSFSYLPS 300 LRYLSLEYNN
IQRLSPRSFY GLSNLRYLSL KRAFTKQSVS LASHPNIDDF SFQWLKYLEY 360
LNMDDNNIPS TKSNTFTGLV SLKYLSLSKT FTSLQTLTNE TFVSLAHSPL LTLNLTKNHI
420 SKIANGTFSW LGQLRILDLG LNEIEQKLSG QEWRGLRNIF EIYLSYNKYL
QLSTSSFALV 480 PSLQRLMLRR VALKNVDISP SPFRPLRNLT ILDLSNNNIA
NINEDLLEGL ENLEILDFQH 540 NNLARLWKRA NPGGPVNFLK GLSHLHILNL
ESNGLDEIPV GVFKNLFELK SINLGLNNLN 600 KLEPFIFDDQ TSLRSLNLQK
NLITSVEKDV FGPPFQNLNS LDMRFNPFDC TCESISWFVN 660 WINQTHTNIF
ELSTHYLCNT PHHYYGFPLK LFDTSSCKDS APFELLFIIS TSMLLVFILV 720
VLLIHIEGWR ISFYWNVSVH RILGFKEIDT QAEQFEYTAY IIHAHKDRDW VWEHFSPMEE
780 QDQSLKFCLE ERDFEAGVLG LEAIVNSIKR SRKIIFVITH HLLKDPLCRR
FKVHHAVQQA 840 IEQNLDSIIL IFLQNIPDYK LNHALCLRRG MFKSHCILNW
PVQKERINAF HHKLQVALGS 900 RNSAH 904 SEQ ID NO: 23 Murine TLR3
nucleotide tagaatatga tacagggatt gcacccataa tctgggctga atcatgaaag
ggtgttcctc 60 ttatctaatg tactcctttg ggggactttt gtccctatgg
attcttctgg tgtcttccac 120 aaaccaatgc actgtgagat acaacgtagc
tgactgcagc catttgaagc taacacacat 180 acctgatgat cttccctcta
acataacagt gttgaatctt actcacaacc aactcagaag 240 attaccacct
accaacttta caagatacag ccaacttgct atcttggatg caggatttaa 300
ctccatttca aaactggagc cagaactgtg ccaaatactc cctttgttga aagtattgaa
360 cctgcaacat aatgagctct ctcagatttc tgatcaaacc tttgtcttct
gcacgaacct 420 gacagaactc gatctaatgt ctaactcaat acacaaaatt
aaaagcaacc ctttcaaaaa 480 ccagaagaat ctaatcaaat tagatttgtc
tcataatggt ttatcatcta caaagttggg 540 aacgggggtc caactggaga
acctccaaga actgctctta gcaaaaaata aaatccttgc 600 gttgcgaagt
gaagaacttg agtttcttgg caattcttct ttacgaaagt tggacttgtc 660
atcaaatcca cttaaagagt tctccccggg gtgtttccag acaattggca agttattcgc
720 cctcctcttg aacaacgccc aactgaaccc ccacctcaca gagaagcttt
gctgggaact 780 ttcaaacaca agcatccaga atctctctct ggctaacaac
cagctgctgg ccaccagcga 840 gagcactttc tctgggctga agtggacaaa
tctcacccag ctcgatcttt cctacaacaa 900 cctccatgat gtcggcaacg
gttccttctc ctatctccca agcctgaggt atctgtctct 960 ggagtacaac
aatatacagc gtctgtcccc tcgctctttt tatggactct ccaacctgag 1020
gtacctgagt ttgaagcgag catttactaa gcaaagtgtt tcacttgctt cacatcccaa
1080 cattgacgat ttttcctttc aatggttaaa atatttggaa tatctcaaca
tggatgacaa 1140 taatattcca agtaccaaaa gcaatacctt cacgggattg
gtgagtctga agtacctaag 1200 tctttccaaa actttcacaa gtttgcaaac
tttaacaaat gaaacatttg tgtcacttgc 1260 tcattctccc ttgctcactc
tcaacttaac gaaaaatcac atctcaaaaa tagcaaatgg 1320 tactttctct
tggttaggcc aactcaggat acttgatctc ggccttaatg aaattgaaca 1380
aaaactcagc ggccaggaat ggagaggtct gagaaatata tttgagatct acctatccta
1440 taacaaatac ctccaactgt ctaccagttc ctttgcattg gtccccagcc
ttcaaagact 1500 gatgctcagg agggtggccc ttaaaaatgt ggatatctcc
ccttcacctt tccgccctct 1560 tcgtaacttg accattctgg acttaagcaa
caacaacata gccaacataa atgaggactt 1620 gctggagggt cttgagaatc
tagaaatcct ggattttcag cacaataact tagccaggct 1680 ctggaaacgc
gcaaaccccg gtggtcccgt taatttcctg aaggggctgt ctcacctcca 1740
catcttgaat ttagagtcca acggcttaga tgaaatccca gtcggggttt tcaagaactt
1800 attcgaacta aagagcatca atctaggact gaataactta aacaaacttg
aaccattcat 1860 ttttgatgac cagacatctc taaggtcact gaacctccag
aagaacctca taacatctgt 1920 tgagaaggat gttttcgggc cgccttttca
aaacctgaac agtttagata tgcgcttcaa 1980 tccgttcgac tgcacgtgtg
aaagtatttc ctggtttgtt aactggatca accagaccca 2040 cactaatatc
tttgagctgt ccactcacta cctctgtaac actccacatc attattatgg 2100
cttccccctg aagcttttcg atacatcatc ctgtaaagac agcgccccct ttgaactcct
2160 cttcataatc agcaccagta tgctcctggt ttttatactt gtggtactgc
tcattcacat 2220 cgagggctgg aggatctctt tttactggaa tgtttcagtg
catcggattc ttggtttcaa 2280
ggaaatagac acacaggctg agcagtttga atatacagcc tacataattc atgcccataa
2340 agacagagac tgggtctggg aacatttctc cccaatggaa gaacaagacc
aatctctcaa 2400 attttgccta gaagaaaggg actttgaagc aggcgtcctt
ggacttgaag caattgttaa 2460 tagcatcaaa agaagccgaa aaatcatttt
cgttatcaca caccatttat taaaagaccc 2520 tctgtgcaga agattcaagg
tacatcacgc agttcagcaa gctattgagc aaaatctgga 2580 ttcaattata
ctgatttttc tccagaatat tccagattat aaactaaacc atgcactctg 2640
tttgcgaaga ggaatgttta aatctcattg catcttgaac tggccagttc agaaagaacg
2700 gataaatgcc tttcatcata aattgcaagt agcacttgga tctcggaatt
cagcacatta 2760 aactcatttg aagatttgga gtcggtaaag ggatagatcc
aatttataaa ggtccatcat 2820 gaatctaagt tttacttgaa agttttgtat
atttatttat atgtatagat gatgatatta 2880 catcacaatc caatctcagt
tttgaaatat ttcggcttat ttcattgaca tctggtttat 2940 tcactccaaa
taaacacatg ggcagttaaa aacatcctct attaatagat tacccattaa 3000
ttcttgaggt gtatcacagc tttaaagggt tttaaatatt tttatataaa taagactgag
3060 agttttataa atgtaatttt ttaaaactcg agtcttactg tgtagctcag
aaaggcctgg 3120 aaattaatat attagagagt catgtcttga acttatttat
ctctgcctcc ctctgtctcc 3180 agagtgttgc ttttaagggc atgtagcacc
acacccagct atgtacgtgt gggattttat 3240 aatgctcatt tttgagacgt
ttatagaata aaagataatt gcttttatgg tataaggcta 3300 cttgaggtaa
3310
Nucleotide and amino acid sequences of human and murine TLR7 are
known. See, for example, GenBank Accession Nos. AF240467, AF245702,
NM_016562, AF334942, NM_133211; and AAF60188, AAF78035, NP_057646,
AAL73191, AAL73192. Human TLR7 is reported to be 1049 amino acids
long and to have a sequence provided in SEQ ID NO:24. A
corresponding nucleotide sequence is provided as SEQ ID NO:25.
Murine TLR7 is reported to be 1050 amino acids long and to have a
sequence as provided in SEQ ID NO:26. A corresponding nucleotide
sequence is provided as SEQ ID NO:27. TLR7 polypeptide includes an
extracellular domain having leucine-rich repeat region, a
transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain that includes a
TIR domain.
As used herein a "TLR7 polypeptide" refers to a polypeptide
including a full-length TLR7 according to one of the sequences
above, orthologs, allelic variants, SNPs, variants incorporating
conservative amino acid substitutions, TLR7 fusion proteins, and
functional fragments of any of the foregoing. Preferred embodiments
include human TLR7 polypeptides having at least 65 percent sequence
identity, more preferably at least 80 percent sequence identity,
even more preferably with at least 90 percent sequence identity,
and most preferably with at least 95 percent sequence identity with
the human TLR7 amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:24. Preferred
embodiments also include murine TLR7 polypeptides having at least
65 percent sequence identity, more preferably at least 80 percent
sequence identity, even more preferably with at least 90 percent
sequence identity, and most preferably with at least 95 percent
sequence identity with the murine TLR7 amino acid sequence of SEQ
ID NO:26.
As used herein "TLR7 signaling" refers to an ability of a TLR7
polypeptide to activate the TLR/IL-1R (TIR) signaling pathway, also
referred to herein as the TLR signal transduction pathway. Changes
in TLR7 activity can be measured by assays such as those disclosed
herein, including expression of genes under control of
.kappa.B-sensitive promoters and enhancers. Such naturally
occurring genes include the genes encoding IL-1.beta., IL-6, IL-8,
the p40 subunit of interleukin 12 (IL-12 p40), and the
costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. Other genes can be placed
under the control of such regulatory elements (see below) and thus
serve to report the level of TLR7 signaling. Additional nucleotide
sequence can be added to SEQ ID NO:25 or SEQ ID NO:27, preferably
to the 5' or the 3' end of the open reading frame of SEQ ID NO:25,
to yield a nucleotide sequence encoding a chimeric polypeptide that
includes a detectable or reporter moiety, e.g., FLAG, luciferase
(luc), green fluorescent protein (GFP), and others known by those
skilled in the art.
TABLE-US-00002 SEQ ID NO: 24 Human TLR7 amino acid MVFPMWTLKR
QILILFNIIL ISKLLGARWF PKTLPCDVTL DVPKNHVIVD CTDKHLTEIP 60
GGIPTNTTNL TLTINHIPDI SPASFHRLDH LVEIDFRCNC VPIPLGSKNN MCIKRLQIKP
120 RSFSGLTYLK SLYLDGNQLL EIPQGLPPSL QLLSLEANNI FSIRKENLTE
LANIEILYLG 180 QNCYYRNPCY VSYSIEKDAF LNLTKLKVLS LKDNNVTAVP
TVLPSTLTEL YLYNNMIAKI 240 QEDDFNNLNQ LQILDLSGNC PRCYNAPFPC
APCKNNSPLQ IPVNAFDALT ELKVLRLHSN 300 SLQHVPPRWF KNINKLQELD
LSQNFLAKEI GDAKFLHFLP SLIQLDLSFN FELQVYRASM 360 NLSQAFSSLK
SLKILRIRGY VFKELKSFNL SPLHNLQNLE VLDLGTNFIK IANLSMFKQF 420
KRLKVIDLSV NKISPSGDSS EVGFCSNART SVESYEPQVL EQLHYFRYDK YARSCRFKNK
480 EASFMSVNES CYKYGQTLDL SKNSIFFVKS SDFQHLSFLK CLNLSGNLIS
QTLNGSEFQP 540 LAELRYLDFS NNRLDLLHST AFEELHKLEV LDISSNSHYF
QSEGITHMLN FTKNLKVLQK 600 LMMNDNDISS STSRTMESES LRTLEFRGNH
LDVLWREGDN RYLQLFKNLL KLEELDISKN 660 SLSFLPSGVF DGMPPNLKNL
SLAKNGLKSF SWKKLQCLKN LETLDLSHNQ LTTVPERLSN 720 CSRSLKNLIL
KNNQIRSLTK YFLQDAFQLR YLDLSSNKIQ MIQKTSFPEN VLNNLKMLLL 780
HHNRFLCTCD AVWFVWWVNH TEVTIPYLAT DVTCVGPGAH KGQSVISLDL YTCELDLTNL
840 ILFSLSISVS LFLMVMMTAS HLYFWDVWYI YHFCKAKIKG YQRLISPDCC
YDAFIVYDTK 900 DPAVTEWVLA ELVAKLEDPR EKHFNLCLEE RDWLPGQPVL
ENLSQSIQLS KKTVFVMTDK 960 YAKTENFKIA FYLSHQRLMD EKVDVIILIF
LEKPFQKSKF LQLRKRLCGS SVLEWPTNPQ 1020 AHPYFWQCLK NALATDNHVA
YSQVFKETV 1049 SEQ ID NO: 25 Human TLR7 nucleotide actccagata
taggatcact ccatgccatc aagaaagttg atgctattgg gcccatctca 60
agctgatctt ggcacctctc atgctctgct ctcttcaacc agacctctac attccatttt
120 ggaagaagac taaaaatggt gtttccaatg tggacactga agagacaaat
tcttatcctt 180 tttaacataa tcctaatttc caaactcctt ggggctagat
ggtttcctaa aactctgccc 240 tgtgatgtca ctctggatgt tccaaagaac
catgtgatcg tggactgcac agacaagcat 300 ttgacagaaa ttcctggagg
tattcccacg aacaccacga acctcaccct caccattaac 360 cacataccag
acatctcccc agcgtccttt cacagactgg accatctggt agagatcgat 420
ttcagatgca actgtgtacc tattccactg gggtcaaaaa acaacatgtg catcaagagg
480 ctgcagatta aacccagaag ctttagtgga ctcacttatt taaaatccct
ttacctggat 540 ggaaaccagc tactagagat accgcagggc ctcccgccta
gcttacagct tctcagcctt 600 gaggccaaca acatcttttc catcagaaaa
gagaatctaa cagaactggc caacatagaa 660 atactctacc tgggccaaaa
ctgttattat cgaaatcctt gttatgtttc atattcaata 720 gagaaagatg
ccttcctaaa cttgacaaag ttaaaagtgc tctccctgaa agataacaat 780
gtcacagccg tccctactgt tttgccatct actttaacag aactatatct ctacaacaac
840 atgattgcaa aaatccaaga agatgatttt aataacctca accaattaca
aattcttgac 900 ctaagtggaa attgccctcg ttgttataat gccccatttc
cttgtgcgcc gtgtaaaaat 960 aattctcccc tacagatccc tgtaaatgct
tttgatgcgc tgacagaatt aaaagtttta 1020 cgtctacaca gtaactctct
tcagcatgtg cccccaagat ggtttaagaa catcaacaaa 1080 ctccaggaac
tggatctgtc ccaaaacttc ttggccaaag aaattgggga tgctaaattt 1140
ctgcattttc tccccagcct catccaattg gatctgtctt tcaattttga acttcaggtc
1200 tatcgtgcat ctatgaatct atcacaagca ttttcttcac tgaaaagcct
gaaaattctg 1260 cggatcagag gatatgtctt taaagagttg aaaagcttta
acctctcgcc attacataat 1320 cttcaaaatc ttgaagttct tgatcttggc
actaacttta taaaaattgc taacctcagc 1380 atgtttaaac aatttaaaag
actgaaagtc atagatcttt cagtgaataa aatatcacct 1440 tcaggagatt
caagtgaagt tggcttctgc tcaaatgcca gaacttctgt agaaagttat 1500
gaaccccagg tcctggaaca attacattat ttcagatatg ataagtatgc aaggagttgc
1560 agattcaaaa acaaagaggc ttctttcatg tctgttaatg aaagctgcta
caagtatggg 1620 cagaccttgg atctaagtaa aaatagtata ttttttgtca
agtcctctga ttttcagcat 1680 ctttctttcc tcaaatgcct gaatctgtca
ggaaatctca ttagccaaac tcttaatggc 1740 agtgaattcc aacctttagc
agagctgaga tatttggact tctccaacaa ccggcttgat 1800 ttactccatt
caacagcatt tgaagagctt cacaaactgg aagttctgga tataagcagt 1860
aatagccatt attttcaatc agaaggaatt actcatatgc taaactttac caagaaccta
1920 aaggttctgc agaaactgat gatgaacgac aatgacatct cttcctccac
cagcaggacc 1980 atggagagtg agtctcttag aactctggaa ttcagaggaa
atcacttaga tgttttatgg 2040 agagaaggtg ataacagata cttacaatta
ttcaagaatc tgctaaaatt agaggaatta 2100 gacatctcta aaaattccct
aagtttcttg ccttctggag tttttgatgg tatgcctcca 2160 aatctaaaga
atctctcttt ggccaaaaat gggctcaaat ctttcagttg gaagaaactc 2220
cagtgtctaa agaacctgga aactttggac ctcagccaca accaactgac cactgtccct
2280 gagagattat ccaactgttc cagaagcctc aagaatctga ttcttaagaa
taatcaaatc 2340 aggagtctga cgaagtattt tctacaagat gccttccagt
tgcgatatct ggatctcagc 2400 tcaaataaaa tccagatgat ccaaaagacc
agcttcccag aaaatgtcct caacaatctg 2460 aagatgttgc ttttgcatca
taatcggttt ctgtgcacct gtgatgctgt gtggtttgtc 2520 tggtgggtta
accatacgga ggtgactatt ccttacctgg ccacagatgt gacttgtgtg 2580
gggccaggag cacacaaggg ccaaagtgtg atctccctgg atctgtacac ctgtgagtta
2640 gatctgacta acctgattct gttctcactt tccatatctg tatctctctt
tctcatggtg 2700 atgatgacag caagtcacct ctatttctgg gatgtgtggt
atatttacca tttctgtaag 2760 gccaagataa aggggtatca gcgtctaata
tcaccagact gttgctatga tgcttttatt 2820 gtgtatgaca ctaaagaccc
agctgtgacc gagtgggttt tggctgagct ggtggccaaa 2880 ctggaagacc
caagagagaa acattttaat ttatgtctcg aggaaaggga ctggttacca 2940
gggcagccag ttctggaaaa cctttcccag agcatacagc ttagcaaaaa gacagtgttt
3000 gtgatgacag acaagtatgc aaagactgaa aattttaaga tagcatttta
cttgtcccat 3060 cagaggctca tggatgaaaa agttgatgtg attatcttga
tatttcttga gaagcccttt 3120 cagaagtcca agttcctcca gctccggaaa
aggctctgtg ggagttctgt ccttgagtgg 3180 ccaacaaacc cgcaagctca
cccatacttc tggcagtgtc taaagaacgc cctggccaca 3240 gacaatcatg
tggcctatag tcaggtgttc aaggaaacgg tctagccctt ctttgcaaaa 3300
cacaactgcc tagtttacca aggagaggcc tggctgttta aattgttttc atatatatca
3360 caccaaaagc gtgttttgaa attcttcaag aaatgagatt gcccatattt
caggggagcc 3420 accaacgtct gtcacaggag ttggaaagat ggggtttata
taatgcatca agtcttcttt 3480 cttatctctc tgtgtctcta tttgcacttg
agtctctcac ctcagctcct gtaaaagagt 3540 ggcaagtaaa aaacatgggg
ctctgattct cctgtaattg tgataattaa atatacacac 3600 aatcatgaca
ttgagaagaa ctgcatttct acccttaaaa agtactggta tatacagaaa 3660
tagggttaaa aaaaactcaa gctctctcta tatgagacca aaatgtacta gagttagttt
3720 agtgaaataa aaaaccagtc agctggccgg gcatggtggc tcatgcttgt
aatcccagca 3780 ctttgggagg ccgaggcagg tggatcacga ggtcaggagt
ttgagaccag tctggccaac 3840 atggtgaaac cccgtctgta ctaaaaatac
aaaaattagc tgggcgtggt ggtgggtgcc 3900 tgtaatccca gctacttggg
aggctgaggc aggagaatcg cttgaacccg ggaggtggag 3960 gtggcagtga
gccgagatca cgccactgca atgcagcccg ggcaacagag ctagactgtc 4020
tcaaaagaac aaaaaaaaaa aaacacaaaa aaactcagtc agcttcttaa ccaattgctt
4080 ccgtgtcatc cagggcccca ttctgtgcag attgagtgtg ggcaccacac
aggtggttgc 4140 tgcttcagtg cttcctgctc tttttccttg ggcctgcttc
tgggttccat agggaaacag 4200 taagaaagaa agacacatcc ttaccataaa
tgcatatggt ccacctacaa atagaaaaat 4260 atttaaatga tctgccttta
tacaaagtga tattctctac ctttgataat ttacctgctt 4320 aaatgttttt
atctgcactg caaagtactg tatccaaagt aaaatttcct catccaatat 4380
ctttcaaact gttttgttaa ctaatgccat atatttgtaa gtatctgcac acttgataca
4440 gcaacgttag atggttttga tggtaaaccc taaaggagga ctccaagagt
gtgtatttat 4500 ttatagtttt atcagagatg acaattattt gaatgccaat
tatatggatt cctttcattt 4560 tttgctggag gatgggagaa gaaaccaaag
tttatagacc ttcacattga gaaagcttca 4620 gttttgaact tcagctatca
gattcaaaaa caacagaaag aaccaagaca ttcttaagat 4680 gcctgtactt
tcagctgggt ataaattcat gagttcaaag attgaaacct gaccaatttg 4740
ctttatttca tggaagaagt gatctacaaa ggtgtttgtg ccatttggaa aacagcgtgc
4800 atgtgttcaa gccttagatt ggcgatgtcg tattttcctc acgtgtggca
atgccaaagg 4860 ctttacttta cctgtgagta cacactatat gaattatttc
caacgtacat ttaatcaata 4920 agggtcacaa attcccaaat caatctctgg
aataaataga gaggtaatta aattgctgga 4980 gccaactatt tcacaacttc tgtaagc
5007 SEQ ID NO: 26 Murine TLR7 amino acid MVFSMWTRKR QILIFLNMLL
VSRVFGFRWF PKTLPCEVKV NIPEAHVIVD CTDKHLTEIP 60 EGIPTNTTNL
TLTINHIPSI SPDSFRRLNH LEEIDLRCNC VPVLLGSKAN VCTKRLQIRP 120
GSFSGLSDLK ALYLDGNQLL EIPQDLPSSL HLLSLEANNI FSITKENLTE LVNIETLYLG
180 QNCYYRNPCN VSYSIEKDAF LVMRNLKVLS LKDNNVTAVP TTLPPNLLEL
YLYNNIIKKI 240 QENDFNNLNE LQVLDLSGNC PRCYNVPYPC TPCENNSPLQ
IHDNAFNSLT ELKVLRLHSN 300 SLQHVPPTWF KNMRNLQELD LSQNYLAREI
EEAKFLHFLP NLVELDFSFN YELQVYHASI 360 TLPHSLSSLE NLKILRVKGY
VFKELKNSSL SVLHKLPRLE VLDLGTNFIK IADLNIFKHF 420 ENLKLIDLSV
NKISPSEESR EVGFCPNAQT SVDRHGPQVL EALHYFRYDE YARSCRFKNK 480
EPPSFLPLNA DCHIYGQTLD LSRNNIFFIK PSDFQHLSFL KCLNLSGNTI GQTLNGSELW
540 PLRELRYLDF SNNRLDLLYS TAFEELQSLE VLDLSSNSHY FQAEGITHML
NFTKKLRLLD 600 KLMMNDNDIS TSASRTMESD SLRILEFRGN HLDVLWRAGD
NRYLDFFKNL FNLEVLDISR 660 NSLNSLPPEV FEGMPPNLKN LSLAKNGLKS
FFWDRLQLLK HLEILDLSHN QLTKVPERLA 720 NCSKSLTTLI LKHNQIRQLT
KYFLEDALQL RYLDISSNKI QVIQKTSFPE NVLNNLEMLV 780 LHHNRFLCNC
DAVWFVWWVN HTDVTIPYLA TDVTCVGPGA HKGQSVISLD LYTCELDLTN 840
LILFSVSISS VLFLMVVMTT SHLFFWDMWY IYYFWKAKIK GYQHLQSMES CYDAFIVYDT
900 KNSAVTEWVL QELVAKLEDP REKHFNLCLE ERDWLPGQPV LENLSQSIQL
SKKTVFVMTQ 960 KYAKTESFKM AFYLSHQRLL DEKVDVIILI FLEKPLQKSK
FLQLRKRLCR SSVLEWPANP 1020 QAHPYFWQCL KNALTTDNHV AYSQMFKETV 1050
SEQ ID NO: 27 Murine TLR7 nucleotide attctcctcc accagacctc
ttgattccat tttgaaagaa aactgaaaat ggtgttttcg 60
atgtggacac ggaagagaca aattttgatc tttttaaata tgctcttagt ttctagagtc
120 tttgggtttc gatggtttcc taaaactcta ccttgtgaag ttaaagtaaa
tatcccagag 180 gcccatgtga tcgtggactg cacagacaag catttgacag
aaatccctga gggcattccc 240 actaacacca ccaatcttac ccttaccatc
aaccacatac caagcatctc tccagattcc 300 ttccgtaggc tgaaccatct
ggaagaaatc gatttaagat gcaattgtgt acctgttcta 360 ctggggtcca
aagccaatgt gtgtaccaag aggctgcaga ttagacctgg aagctttagt 420
ggactctctg acttaaaagc cctttacctg gatggaaacc aacttctgga gataccacag
480 gatctgccat ccagcttaca tcttctgagc cttgaggcta acaacatctt
ctccatcacg 540 aaggagaatc taacagaact ggtcaacatt gaaacactct
acctgggtca aaactgttat 600 tatcgaaatc cttgcaatgt ttcctattct
attgaaaaag atgctttcct agttatgaga 660 aatttgaagg ttctctcact
aaaagataac aatgtcacag ctgtccccac cactttgcca 720 cctaatttac
tagagctcta tctttataac aatatcatta agaaaatcca agaaaatgat 780
tttaataacc tcaatgagtt gcaagttctt gacctaagtg gaaattgccc tcgatgttat
840 aatgtcccat atccgtgtac accgtgtgaa aataattccc ccttacagat
ccatgacaat 900 gctttcaatt cattgacaga attaaaagtt ttacgtttac
acagtaattc tcttcagcat 960 gtgcccccaa catggtttaa aaacatgaga
aacctccagg aactagacct ctcccaaaac 1020 tacttggcca gagaaattga
ggaggccaaa tttttgcatt ttcttcccaa ccttgttgag 1080 ttggattttt
ctttcaatta tgagctgcag gtctaccatg catctataac tttaccacat 1140
tcactctctt cattggaaaa cttgaaaatt ctgcgtgtca aggggtatgt ctttaaagag
1200 ctgaaaaact ccagtctttc tgtattgcac aagcttccca ggctggaagt
tcttgacctt 1260 ggcactaact tcataaaaat tgctgacctc aacatattca
aacattttga aaacctcaaa 1320 ctcatagacc tttcagtgaa taagatatct
ccttcagaag agtcaagaga agttggcttt 1380 tgtcctaatg ctcaaacttc
tgtagaccgt catgggcccc aggtccttga ggccttacac 1440 tatttccgat
acgatgaata tgcacggagc tgcaggttca aaaacaaaga gccaccttct 1500
ttcttgcctt tgaatgcaga ctgccacata tatgggcaga ccttagactt aagtagaaat
1560 aacatatttt ttattaaacc ttctgatttt cagcatcttt cattcctcaa
atgcctcaac 1620 ttatcaggaa acaccattgg ccaaactctt aatggcagtg
aactctggcc gttgagagag 1680 ttgcggtact tagacttctc caacaaccgg
cttgatttac tctactcaac agcctttgaa 1740 gagctccaga gtcttgaagt
tctggatcta agtagtaaca gccactattt tcaagcagaa 1800 ggaattactc
acatgctaaa ctttaccaag aaattacggc ttctggacaa actcatgatg 1860
aatgataatg acatctctac ttcggccagc aggaccatgg aaagtgactc tcttcgaatt
1920 ctggagttca gaggcaacca tttagatgtt ctatggagag ccggtgataa
cagatacttg 1980 gacttcttca agaatttgtt caatttagag gtattagata
tctccagaaa ttccctgaat 2040 tccttgcctc ctgaggtttt tgagggtatg
ccgccaaatc taaagaatct ctccttggcc 2100 aaaaatgggc tcaaatcttt
cttttgggac agactccagt tactgaagca tttggaaatt 2160 ttggacctca
gccataacca gctgacaaaa gtacctgaga gattggccaa ctgttccaaa 2220
agtctcacaa cactgattct taagcataat caaatcaggc aattgacaaa atattttcta
2280 gaagatgctt tgcaattgcg ctatctagac atcagttcaa ataaaatcca
ggtcattcag 2340 aagactagct tcccagaaaa tgtcctcaac aatctggaga
tgttggtttt acatcacaat 2400 cgctttcttt gcaactgtga tgctgtgtgg
tttgtctggt gggttaacca tacagatgtt 2460 actattccat acctggccac
tgatgtgact tgtgtaggtc caggagcaca caaaggtcaa 2520 agtgtcatat
cccttgatct gtatacgtgt gagttagatc tcacaaacct gattctgttc 2580
tcagtttcca tatcatcagt cctctttctt atggtagtta tgacaacaag tcacctcttt
2640 ttctgggata tgtggtacat ttattatttt tggaaagcaa agataaaggg
gtatcagcat 2700 ctgcaatcca tggagtcttg ttatgatgct tttattgtgt
atgacactaa aaactcagct 2760 gtgacagaat gggttttgca ggagctggtg
gcaaaattgg aagatccaag agaaaaacac 2820 ttcaatttgt gtctagaaga
aagagactgg ctaccaggac agccagttct agaaaacctt 2880 tcccagagca
tacagctcag caaaaagaca gtgtttgtga tgacacagaa atatgctaag 2940
actgagagtt ttaagatggc attttatttg tctcatcaga ggctcctgga tgaaaaagtg
3000 gatgtgatta tcttgatatt cttggaaaag cctcttcaga agtctaagtt
tcttcagctc 3060 aggaagagac tctgcaggag ctctgtcctt gagtggcctg
caaatccaca ggctcaccca 3120 tacttctggc agtgcctgaa aaatgccctg
accacagaca atcatgtggc ttatagtcaa 3180 atgttcaagg aaacagtcta
gctctctgaa gaatgtcacc acctaggaca tgccttgaat 3240 cga 3243
Nucleotide and amino acid sequences of human and murine TLR8 are
known. See, for example, GenBank Accession Nos. AF246971, AF245703,
NM_016610, XM045706, AY035890, NM_133212; and AAF64061, AAF78036,
NP_057694, XP_045706, AAK62677, NP_573475. Human TLR8 is reported
to exist in at least two isoforms, one 1041 amino acids long having
a sequence provided in SEQ ID NO:28, and the other 1059 amino acids
long having a sequence as provided in SEQ ID NO:30. Corresponding
nucleotide sequences are provided as SEQ ID NO:29 and SEQ ID NO:31,
respectively. The shorter of these two isoforms is believed to be
more important. Murine TLR8 is 1032 amino acids long and has a
sequence as provided in SEQ ID NO:32. The corresponding nucleotide
sequence is provided as SEQ ID NO:33. TLR8 polypeptide includes an
extracellular domain having leucine-rich repeat region, a
transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain that includes a
TIR domain.
As used herein a "TLR8 polypeptide" refers to a polypeptide
including a full-length TLR8 according to one of the sequences
above, orthologs, allelic variants, SNPs, variants incorporating
conservative amino acid substitutions, TLR8 fusion proteins, and
functional fragments of any of the foregoing. Preferred embodiments
include human TLR8 polypeptides having at least 65 percent sequence
identity, more preferably at least 80 percent sequence identity,
even more preferably with at least 90 percent sequence identity,
and most preferably with at least 95 percent sequence identity with
the human TLR8 amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:28. Preferred
embodiments also include murine TLR8 polypeptides having at least
65 percent sequence identity, more preferably at least 80 percent
sequence identity, even more preferably with at least 90 percent
sequence identity, and most preferably with at least 95 percent
sequence identity with the murine TLR8 amino acid sequence of SEQ
ID NO:32.
As used herein "TLR8 signaling" refers to an ability of a TLR8
polypeptide to activate the TLR/IL-1R (TIR) signaling pathway, also
referred to herein as the TLR signal transduction pathway. Changes
in TLR8 activity can be measured by assays such as those disclosed
herein, including expression of genes under control of
.kappa.B-sensitive promoters and enhancers. Such naturally
occurring genes include the genes encoding IL-1.beta., IL-6, IL-8,
the p40 subunit of interleukin 12 (IL-12 p40), and the
costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. Other genes can be placed
under the control of such regulatory elements (see below) and thus
serve to report the level of TLR8 signaling. Additional nucleotide
sequence can be added to SEQ ID NO:29 or SEQ ID NO:33, preferably
to the 5' or the 3' end of the open reading frame of SEQ ID NO:29,
to yield a nucleotide sequence encoding a chimeric polypeptide that
includes a detectable or reporter moiety, e.g., FLAG, luciferase
(luc), green fluorescent protein (GFP), and others known by those
skilled in the art.
TABLE-US-00003 SEQ ID NO: 28 Human TLR8 amino acid (1041)
MENMFLQSSM LTCIFLLISG SCELCAEENF SRSYPCDEKK QNDSVIAECS NRRLQEVPQT
60 VGKYVTELDL SDNFITHITN ESFQGLQNLT KINLNHNPNV QHQNGNPGIQ
SNGLNITDGA 120 FLNLKNLREL LLEDNQLPQI PSGLPESLTE LSLIQNNIYN
ITKEGISRLI NLKNLYLAWN 180 CYFNKVCEKT NIEDGVFETL TNLELLSLSF
NSLSHVPPKL PSSLRKLFLS NTQIKYISEE 240 DFKGLINLTL LDLSGNCPRC
FNAPFPCVPC DGGASINIDR FAFQNLTQLR YLNLSSTSLR 300 KINAAWFKNM
PHLKVLDLEF NYLVGEIASG AFLTMLPRLE ILDLSFNYIK GSYPQHINIS 360
RNFSKLLSLR ALHLRGYVFQ ELREDDFQPL MQLPNLSTIN LGINFIKQID FKLFQNFSNL
420 EIIYLSENRI SPLVKDTRQS YANSSSFQRH IRKRRSTDFE FDPHSNFYHF
TRPLIKPQCA 480 AYGKALDLSL NSIFFIGPNQ FENLPDIACL NLSANSNAQV
LSGTEFSAIP HVKYLDLTNN 540 RLDFDNASAL TELSDLEVLD LSYNSHYFRI
AGVTHHLEFI QNFTNLKVLN LSHNNIYTLT 600 DKYNLESKSL VELVFSGNRL
DILWNDDDNR YISIFKGLKN LTRLDLSLNR LKHIPNEAFL 660 NLPASLTELH
INDNMLKFFN WTLLQQFPRL ELLDLRGNKL LFLTDSLSDF TSSLRTLLLS 720
HNRISHLPSG FLSEVSSLKH LDLSSNLLKT INKSALETKT TTKLSMLELH GNPFECTCDI
780 GDFRRWMDEH LNVKIPRLVD VICASPGDQR GKSIVSLELT TCVSDVTAVI
LFFFTFFITT 840 MVMLAALAHH LFYWDVWFIY NVCLAKVKGY RSLSTSQTFY
DAYISYDTKD ASVTDWVINE 900 LRYHLEESRD KNVLLCLEER DWDPGLAIID
NLMQSINQSK KTVFVLTKKY AKSWNFKTAF 960 YLALQRLMDE NMDVIIFILL
EPVLQHSQYL RLRQRICKSS ILQWPDNPKA EGLFWQTLRN 1020 VVLTENDSRY
NNMYVDSIKQ Y 1041 SEQ ID NO: 29 Human TLR8 nucleotide ttctgcgctg
ctgcaagtta cggaatgaaa aattagaaca acagaaacat ggaaaacatg 60
ttccttcagt cgtcaatgct gacctgcatt ttcctgctaa tatctggttc ctgtgagtta
120 tgcgccgaag aaaatttttc tagaagctat ccttgtgatg agaaaaagca
aaatgactca 180 gttattgcag agtgcagcaa tcgtcgacta caggaagttc
cccaaacggt gggcaaatat 240 gtgacagaac tagacctgtc tgataatttc
atcacacaca taacgaatga atcatttcaa 300 gggctgcaaa atctcactaa
aataaatcta aaccacaacc ccaatgtaca gcaccagaac 360 ggaaatcccg
gtatacaatc aaatggcttg aatatcacag acggggcatt cctcaaccta 420
aaaaacctaa gggagttact gcttgaagac aaccagttac cccaaatacc ctctggtttg
480 ccagagtctt tgacagaact tagtctaatt caaaacaata tatacaacat
aactaaagag 540 ggcatttcaa gacttataaa cttgaaaaat ctctatttgg
cctggaactg ctattttaac 600 aaagtttgcg agaaaactaa catagaagat
ggagtatttg aaacgctgac aaatttggag 660 ttgctatcac tatctttcaa
ttctctttca cacgtgccac ccaaactgcc aagctcccta 720 cgcaaacttt
ttctgagcaa cacccagatc aaatacatta gtgaagaaga tttcaaggga 780
ttgataaatt taacattact agatttaagc gggaactgtc cgaggtgctt caatgcccca
840 tttccatgcg tgccttgtga tggtggtgct tcaattaata tagatcgttt
tgcttttcaa 900 aacttgaccc aacttcgata cctaaacctc tctagcactt
ccctcaggaa gattaatgct 960 gcctggttta aaaatatgcc tcatctgaag
gtgctggatc ttgaattcaa ctatttagtg 1020 ggagaaatag cctctggggc
atttttaacg atgctgcccc gcttagaaat acttgacttg 1080 tcttttaact
atataaaggg gagttatcca cagcatatta atatttccag aaacttctct 1140
aaacttttgt ctctacgggc attgcattta agaggttatg tgttccagga actcagagaa
1200 gatgatttcc agcccctgat gcagcttcca aacttatcga ctatcaactt
gggtattaat 1260 tttattaagc aaatcgattt caaacttttc caaaatttct
ccaatctgga aattatttac 1320 ttgtcagaaa acagaatatc accgttggta
aaagataccc ggcagagtta tgcaaatagt 1380 tcctcttttc aacgtcatat
ccggaaacga cgctcaacag attttgagtt tgacccacat 1440 tcgaactttt
atcatttcac ccgtccttta ataaagccac aatgtgctgc ttatggaaaa 1500
gccttagatt taagcctcaa cagtattttc ttcattgggc caaaccaatt tgaaaatctt
1560 cctgacattg cctgtttaaa tctgtctgca aatagcaatg ctcaagtgtt
aagtggaact 1620 gaattttcag ccattcctca tgtcaaatat ttggatttga
caaacaatag actagacttt 1680 gataatgcta gtgctcttac tgaattgtcc
gacttggaag ttctagatct cagctataat 1740 tcacactatt tcagaatagc
aggcgtaaca catcatctag aatttattca aaatttcaca 1800 aatctaaaag
ttttaaactt gagccacaac aacatttata ctttaacaga taagtataac 1860
ctggaaagca agtccctggt agaattagtt ttcagtggca atcgccttga cattttgtgg
1920 aatgatgatg acaacaggta tatctccatt ttcaaaggtc tcaagaatct
gacacgtctg 1980 gatttatccc ttaataggct gaagcacatc ccaaatgaag
cattccttaa tttgccagcg 2040 agtctcactg aactacatat aaatgataat
atgttaaagt tttttaactg gacattactc 2100 cagcagttcc ctcgtctcga
gttgcttgac ttacgtggaa acaaactact ctttttaact 2160 gatagcctat
ctgactttac atcttccctt cggacactgc tgctgagtca taacaggatt 2220
tcccacctac cctctggctt tctttctgaa gtcagtagtc tgaagcacct cgatttaagt
2280 tccaatctgc taaaaacaat caacaaatcc gcacttgaaa ctaagaccac
caccaaatta 2340 tctatgttgg aactacacgg aaaccccttt gaatgcacct
gtgacattgg agatttccga 2400 agatggatgg atgaacatct gaatgtcaaa
attcccagac tggtagatgt catttgtgcc 2460 agtcctgggg atcaaagagg
gaagagtatt gtgagtctgg agctgacaac ttgtgtttca 2520 gatgtcactg
cagtgatatt atttttcttc acgttcttta tcaccaccat ggttatgttg 2580
gctgccctgg ctcaccattt gttttactgg gatgtttggt ttatatataa tgtgtgttta
2640 gctaaggtaa aaggctacag gtctctttcc acatcccaaa ctttctatga
tgcttacatt 2700 tcttatgaca ccaaagatgc ctctgttact gactgggtga
taaatgagct gcgctaccac 2760 cttgaagaga gccgagacaa aaacgttctc
ctttgtctag aggagaggga ttgggacccg 2820 ggattggcca tcatcgacaa
cctcatgcag agcatcaacc aaagcaagaa aacagtattt 2880 gttttaacca
aaaaatatgc aaaaagctgg aactttaaaa cagcttttta cttggctttg 2940
cagaggctaa tggatgagaa catggatgtg attatattta tcctgctgga gccagtgtta
3000 cagcattctc agtatttgag gctacggcag cggatctgta agagctccat
cctccagtgg 3060 cctgacaacc cgaaggcaga aggcttgttt tggcaaactc
tgagaaatgt ggtcttgact 3120 gaaaatgatt cacggtataa caatatgtat
gtcgattcca ttaagcaata ctaactgacg 3180 ttaagtcatg atttcgcgcc
ataataaaga tgcaaaggaa tgacatttct gtattagtta 3240 tctattgcta
tgtaacaaat tatcccaaaa cttagtggtt taaaacaaca catttgctgg 3300
cccacagtttt 3311 SEQ ID NO: 30 Human TLR8 amino acid (1059)
MKESSLQNSS CSLGKETKKE NMFLQSSMLT CIFLLISGSC ELCAEENFSR SYPCDEKKQN
60 DSVIAECSNR RLQEVPQTVG KYVTELDLSD NFITHITNES FQGLQNLTKI
NLNHNPNVQH 120 QNGNPGIQSN GLNITDGAFL NLKNLRELLL EDNQLPQIPS
GLPESLTELS LIQNNIYNIT 180 KEGISRLINL KNLYLAWNCY FNKVCEKTNI
EDGVFETLTN LELLSLSFNS LSHVSPKLPS 240 SLRKLFLSNT QIKYISEEDF
KGLINLTLLD LSGNCPRCFN APFPCVPCDG GASINIDRFA 300 FQNLTQLRYL
NLSSTSLRKI NAAWFKNMPH LKVLDLEFNY LVGEIASGAF LTMLPRLEIL 360
DLSFNYIKGS YPQHINISRN FSKPLSLRAL HLRGYVFQEL REDDFQPLMQ LPNLSTINLG
420 INFIKQIDFK LFQNFSNLEI IYLSENRISP LVKDTRQSYA NSSSFQRHIR
KRRSTDFEFD 480 PHSNFYHFTR PLIKPQCAAY GKALDLSLNS IFFIGPNQFE
NLPDIACLNL SANSNAQVLS 540 GTEFSAIPHV KYLDLTNNRL DFDNASALTE
LSDLEVLDLS YNSHYFRIAG VTHHLEFIQN 600 FTNLKVLNLS HNNIYTLTDK
YNLESKSLVE LVFSGNRLDI LWNDDDNRYI SIFKGLKNLT 660 RLDLSLNRLK
HIPNEAFLNL PASLTELHIN DNMLKFFNWT LLQQFPRLEL LDLRGNKLLF 720
LTDSLSDFTS SLRTLLLSHN RISHLPSGFL SEVSSLKHLD LSSNLLKTIN KSALETKTTT
780 KLSMLELHGN PFECTCDIGD FRRWMDEHLN VKIPRLVDVI CASPGDQRGK
SIVSLELTTC 840 VSDVTAVILF FFTFFITTMV MLAALAHHLF YWDVWFIYNV
CLAKIKGYRS LSTSQTFYDA 900 YISYDTKDAS VTDWVINELR YHLEESRDKN
VLLCLEERDW DPGLAIIDNL MQSINQSKKT 960 VFVLTKKYAK SWNFKTAFYL
ALQRLMDENM DVIIFILLEP VLQHSQYLRL RQRICKSSIL 1020 QWPDNPKAEG
LFWQTLRNVV LTENDSRYNN MYVDSIKQY 1059 SEQ ID NO: 31 Human TLR8
nucleotide ctcctgcata gagggtacca ttctgcgctg ctgcaagtta cggaatgaaa
aattagaaca 60 acagaaacgt ggttctcttg acacttcagt gttagggaac
atcagcaaga cccatcccag 120 gagaccttga aggaagcctt tgaaagggag
aatgaaggag tcatctttgc aaaatagctc 180 ctgcagcctg ggaaaggaga
ctaaaaagga aaacatgttc cttcagtcgt caatgctgac 240 ctgcattttc
ctgctaatat ctggttcctg tgagttatgc gccgaagaaa atttttctag 300
aagctatcct tgtgatgaga aaaagcaaaa tgactcagtt attgcagagt gcagcaatcg
360 tcgactacag gaagttcccc aaacggtggg caaatatgtg acagaactag
acctgtctga 420 taatttcatc acacacataa cgaatgaatc atttcaaggg
ctgcaaaatc tcactaaaat 480 aaatctaaac cacaacccca atgtacagca
ccagaacgga aatcccggta tacaatcaaa 540 tggcttgaat atcacagacg
gggcattcct caacctaaaa aacctaaggg agttactgct 600 tgaagacaac
cagttacccc aaataccctc tggtttgcca gagtctttga cagaacttag 660
tctaattcaa aacaatatat acaacataac taaagagggc atttcaagac ttataaactt
720 gaaaaatctc tatttggcct ggaactgcta ttttaacaaa gtttgcgaga
aaactaacat 780 agaagatgga gtatttgaaa cgctgacaaa tttggagttg
ctatcactat ctttcaattc 840 tctttcacac gtgtcaccca aactgccaag
ctccctacgc aaactttttc tgagcaacac 900 ccagatcaaa tacattagtg
aagaagattt caagggattg ataaatttaa cattactaga 960 tttaagcggg
aactgtccga ggtgcttcaa tgccccattt ccatgcgtgc cttgtgatgg 1020
tggtgcttca attaatatag atcgttttgc ttttcaaaac ttgacccaac ttcgatacct
1080 aaacctctct agcacttccc tcaggaagat taatgctgcc tggtttaaaa
atatgcctca 1140 tctgaaggtg ctggatcttg aattcaacta tttagtggga
gaaatagcct ctggggcatt 1200 tttaacgatg ctgccccgct tagaaatact
tgacttgtct tttaactata taaaggggag 1260 ttatccacag catattaata
tttccagaaa cttctctaaa cctttgtctc tacgggcatt 1320 gcatttaaga
ggttatgtgt tccaggaact cagagaagat gatttccagc ccctgatgca 1380
gcttccaaac ttatcgacta tcaacttggg tattaatttt attaagcaaa tcgatttcaa
1440 acttttccaa aatttctcca atctggaaat tatttacttg tcagaaaaca
gaatatcacc 1500 gttggtaaaa gatacccggc agagttatgc aaatagttcc
tcttttcaac gtcatatccg 1560 gaaacgacgc tcaacagatt ttgagtttga
cccacattcg aacttttatc atttcacccg 1620 tcctttaata aagccacaat
gtgctgctta tggaaaagcc ttagatttaa gcctcaacag 1680 tattttcttc
attgggccaa accaatttga aaatcttcct gacattgcct gtttaaatct 1740
gtctgcaaat agcaatgctc aagtgttaag tggaactgaa ttttcagcca ttcctcatgt
1800 caaatatttg gatttgacaa acaatagact agactttgat aatgctagtg
ctcttactga 1860 attgtccgac ttggaagttc tagatctcag ctataattca
cactatttca gaatagcagg 1920 cgtaacacat catctagaat ttattcaaaa
tttcacaaat ctaaaagttt taaacttgag 1980 ccacaacaac atttatactt
taacagataa gtataacctg gaaagcaagt ccctggtaga 2040 attagttttc
agtggcaatc gccttgacat tttgtggaat gatgatgaca acaggtatat 2100
ctccattttc aaaggtctca agaatctgac acgtctggat ttatccctta ataggctgaa
2160 gcacatccca aatgaagcat tccttaattt gccagcgagt ctcactgaac
tacatataaa 2220 tgataatatg ttaaagtttt ttaactggac attactccag
cagtttcctc gtctcgagtt 2280 gcttgactta cgtggaaaca aactactctt
tttaactgat agcctatctg actttacatc 2340 ttcccttcgg acactgctgc
tgagtcataa caggatttcc cacctaccct ctggctttct 2400 ttctgaagtc
agtagtctga agcacctcga tttaagttcc aatctgctaa aaacaatcaa 2460
caaatccgca cttgaaacta agaccaccac caaattatct atgttggaac tacacggaaa
2520 cccctttgaa tgcacctgtg acattggaga tttccgaaga tggatggatg
aacatctgaa 2580 tgtcaaaatt cccagactgg tagatgtcat ttgtgccagt
cctggggatc aaagagggaa 2640 gagtattgtg agtctggagc taacaacttg
tgtttcagat gtcactgcag tgatattatt 2700 tttcttcacg ttctttatca
ccaccatggt tatgttggct gccctggctc accatttgtt 2760 ttactgggat
gtttggttta tatataatgt gtgtttagct aagataaaag gctacaggtc 2820
tctttccaca tcccaaactt tctatgatgc ttacatttct tatgacacca aagatgcctc
2880 tgttactgac tgggtgataa atgagctgcg ctaccacctt gaagagagcc
gagacaaaaa 2940 cgttctcctt tgtctagagg agagggattg ggacccggga
ttggccatca tcgacaacct 3000 catgcagagc atcaaccaaa gcaagaaaac
agtatttgtt ttaaccaaaa aatatgcaaa 3060 aagctggaac tttaaaacag
ctttttactt ggctttgcag aggctaatgg atgagaacat 3120 ggatgtgatt
atatttatcc tgctggagcc agtgttacag cattctcagt atttgaggct 3180
acggcagcgg atctgtaaga gctccatcct ccagtggcct gacaacccga aggcagaagg
3240 cttgttttgg caaactctga gaaatgtggt cttgactgaa aatgattcac
ggtataacaa 3300 tatgtatgtc gattccatta agcaatacta actgacgtta
agtcatgatt tcgcgccata 3360 ataaaga 3367 SEQ ID NO: 32 Murine TLR8
amino acid MENMPPQSWI LTCFCLLSSG TSAIFHKANY SRSYPCDEIR HNSLVIAECN
HRQLHEVPQT 60 IGKYVTNIDL SDNAITHITK ESFQKLQNLT KIDLNHNAKQ
QHPNENKNGM NITEGALLSL 120 RNLTVLLLED NQLYTIPAGL PESLKELSLI
QNNIFQVTKN NTFGLRNLER LYLGWNCYFK 180 CNQTFKVEDG AFKNLIHLKV
LSLSFNNLFY VPPKLPSSLR KLFLSNAKIM NITQEDFKGL 240 ENLTLLDLSG
NCPRCYNAPF PCTPCKENSS IHIHPLAFQS LTQLLYLNLS STSLRTIPST 300
WFENLSNLKE LHLEFNYLVQ EIASGAFLTK LPSLQILDLS FNFQYKEYLQ FINISSNFSK
360 LRSLKKLHLR GYVFRELKKK HFEHLQSLPN LATINLGINF IEKIDFKAFQ
NFSKLDVIYL 420 SGNRIASVLD GTDYSSWRNR LRKPLSTDDD EFDPHVNFYH
STKPLIKPQC TAYGKALDLS 480 LNNIFIIGKS QFEGFQDIAC LNLSFNANTQ
VFNGTEFSSM PHIKYLDLTN NRLDFDDNNA 540 FSDLHDLEVL DLSHNAHYFS
IAGVTHRLGF IQNLINLRVL NLSHNGIYTL TEESELKSIS 600 LKELVFSGNR
LDHLWNANDG KYWSIFKSLQ NLIRLDLSYN NLQQIPNGAF LNLPQSLQEL 660
LISGNKLRFF NWTLLQYFPH LHLLDLSRNE LYFLPNCLSK FAHSLETLLL SHNHFSHLPS
720 GFLSEARNLV HLDLSFNTIK MINKSSLQTK MKTNLSILEL HGNYFDCTCD
ISDFRSWLDE 780 NLNITIPKLV NVICSNPGDQ KSKSIMSLDL TTCVSDTTAA
VLFFLTFLTT SMVMLAALVH 840 HLFYWDVWFI YHMCSAKLKG YRTSSTSQTF
YDAYISYDTK DASVTDWVIN ELRYHLEESE 900 DKSVLLCLEE RDWDPGLPII
DNLMQSINQS KKTIFVLTKK YAKSWNFKTA FYLALQRLMD 960 ENMDVIIFIL
LEPVLQYSQY LRLRQRICKS SILQWPNNPK AENLFWQSLK NVVLTENDSR 1020
YDDLYIDSIR QY 1032 SEQ ID NO: 33 Murine TLR8 nucleotide attcagagtt
ggatgttaag agagaaacaa acgttttacc ttcctttgtc tatagaacat 60
ggaaaacatg ccccctcagt catggattct gacgtgcttt tgtctgctgt cctctggaac
120 cagtgccatc ttccataaag cgaactattc cagaagctat ccttgtgacg
agataaggca 180 caactccctt gtgattgcag aatgcaacca tcgtcaactg
catgaagttc cccaaactat 240 aggcaagtat gtgacaaaca tagacttgtc
agacaatgcc attacacata taacgaaaga 300 gtcctttcaa aagctgcaaa
acctcactaa aatcgatctg aaccacaatg ccaaacaaca 360 gcacccaaat
gaaaataaaa atggtatgaa tattacagaa ggggcacttc tcagcctaag 420
aaatctaaca gttttactgc tggaagacaa ccagttatat actatacctg ctgggttgcc
480 tgagtctttg aaagaactta gcctaattca aaacaatata tttcaggtaa
ctaaaaacaa 540 cacttttggg cttaggaact tggaaagact ctatttgggc
tggaactgct attttaaatg 600 taatcaaacc tttaaggtag aagatggggc
atttaaaaat cttatacact tgaaggtact 660 ctcattatct ttcaataacc
ttttctatgt gccccccaaa ctaccaagtt ctctaaggaa 720 actttttctg
agtaatgcca aaatcatgaa catcactcag gaagacttca aaggactgga 780
aaatttaaca ttactagatc tgagtggaaa ctgtccaagg tgttacaatg ctccatttcc
840 ttgcacacct tgcaaggaaa actcatccat ccacatacat cctctggctt
ttcaaagtct 900 cacccaactt ctctatctaa acctttccag cacttccctc
aggacgattc cttctacctg 960 gtttgaaaat ctgtcaaatc tgaaggaact
ccatcttgaa ttcaactatt tagttcaaga 1020 aattgcctcg ggggcatttt
taacaaaact acccagttta caaatccttg atttgtcctt 1080 caactttcaa
tataaggaat atttacaatt tattaatatt tcctcaaatt tctctaagct 1140
tcgttctctc aagaagttgc acttaagagg ctatgtgttc cgagaactta aaaagaagca
1200 tttcgagcat ctccagagtc ttccaaactt ggcaaccatc aacttgggca
ttaactttat 1260 tgagaaaatt gatttcaaag ctttccagaa tttttccaaa
ctcgacgtta tctatttatc 1320 aggaaatcgc atagcatctg tattagatgg
tacagattat tcctcttggc gaaatcgtct 1380 tcggaaacct ctctcaacag
acgatgatga gtttgatcca cacgtgaatt tttaccatag 1440 caccaaacct
ttaataaagc cacagtgtac tgcttatggc aaggccttgg atttaagttt 1500
gaacaatatt ttcattattg ggaaaagcca atttgaaggt tttcaggata tcgcctgctt
1560 aaatctgtcc ttcaatgcca atactcaagt gtttaatggc acagaattct
cctccatgcc 1620 ccacattaaa tatttggatt taaccaacaa cagactagac
tttgatgata acaatgcttt 1680 cagtgatctt cacgatctag aagtgctgga
cctgagccac aatgcacact atttcagtat 1740 agcaggggta acgcaccgtc
taggatttat ccagaactta ataaacctca gggtgttaaa 1800 cctgagccac
aatggcattt acaccctcac agaggaaagt gagctgaaaa gcatctcact 1860
gaaagaattg gttttcagtg gaaatcgtct tgaccatttg tggaatgcaa atgatggcaa
1920 atactggtcc atttttaaaa gtctccagaa tttgatacgc ctggacttat
catacaataa 1980 ccttcaacaa atcccaaatg gagcattcct caatttgcct
cagagcctcc aagagttact 2040 tatcagtggt aacaaattac gtttctttaa
ttggacatta ctccagtatt ttcctcacct 2100 tcacttgctg gatttatcga
gaaatgagct gtattttcta cccaattgcc tatctaagtt 2160 tgcacattcc
ctggagacac tgctactgag ccataatcat ttctctcacc taccctctgg 2220
cttcctctcc gaagccagga atctggtgca cctggatcta agtttcaaca caataaagat
2280 gatcaataaa tcctccctgc aaaccaagat gaaaacgaac ttgtctattc
tggagctaca 2340 tgggaactat tttgactgca cgtgtgacat aagtgatttt
cgaagctggc tagatgaaaa 2400 tctgaatatc acaattccta aattggtaaa
tgttatatgt tccaatcctg gggatcaaaa 2460 atcaaagagt atcatgagcc
tagatctcac gacttgtgta tcggatacca ctgcagctgt 2520 cctgtttttc
ctcacattcc ttaccacctc catggttatg ttggctgctc tggttcacca 2580
cctgttttac tgggatgttt ggtttatcta tcacatgtgc tctgctaagt taaaaggcta
2640 caggacttca tccacatccc aaactttcta tgatgcttat atttcttatg
acaccaaaga 2700 tgcatctgtt actgactggg taatcaatga actgcgctac
caccttgaag agagtgaaga 2760 caaaagtgtc ctcctttgtt tagaggagag
ggattgggat ccaggattac ccatcattga 2820 taacctcatg cagagcataa
accagagcaa gaaaacaatc tttgttttaa ccaagaaata 2880 tgccaagagc
tggaacttta aaacagcttt ctacttggcc ttgcagaggc taatggatga 2940
gaacatggat gtgattattt tcatcctcct ggaaccagtg ttacagtact cacagtacct
3000 gaggcttcgg cagaggatct gtaagagctc catcctccag tggcccaaca
atcccaaagc 3060 agaaaacttg ttttggcaaa gtctgaaaaa tgtggtcttg
actgaaaatg attcacggta 3120 tgacgatttg tacattgatt ccattaggca
atactagtga tgggaagtca cgactctgcc 3180 atcataaaaa cacacagctt
ctccttacaa tgaaccgaat 3220
Nucleotide and amino acid sequences of human and murine TLR9 are
known. See, for example, GenBank Accession Nos. NM_017442,
AF259262, AB045180, AF245704, AB045181, AF348140, AF314224,
NM_031178; and NP_059138, AAF 72189, BAB19259, AAF78037, BAB 19260,
AAK29625, AAK28488, NP_112455. Human TLR9 is reported to exist in
at least two isoforms, one 1032 amino acids long having a sequence
provided in SEQ ID NO:34, and the other 1055 amino acids long
having a sequence as provided in SEQ ID NO:36. Corresponding
nucleotide sequences are provided as SEQ ID NO:35 and SEQ ID NO:37,
respectively. The shorter of these two isoforms is believed to be
more important. Murine TLR9 is 1032 amino acids long and has a
sequence as provided in SEQ ID NO:38. A corresponding nucleotide
sequence is provided as SEQ ID NO:39. TLR9 polypeptide includes an
extracellular domain having leucine-rich repeat region, a
transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain that includes a
TIR domain.
As used herein a "TLR9 polypeptide" refers to a polypeptide
including a full-length TLR9 according to one of the sequences
above, orthologs, allelic variants, SNPs, variants incorporating
conservative amino acid substitutions, TLR9 fusion proteins, and
functional fragments of any of the foregoing. Preferred embodiments
include human TLR9 polypeptides having at least 65 percent sequence
identity, more preferably at least 80 percent sequence identity,
even more preferably with at least 90 percent sequence identity,
and most preferably with at least 95 percent sequence identity with
the human TLR9 amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:34. Preferred
embodiments also include murine TLR9 polypeptides having at least
65 percent sequence identity, more preferably at least 80 percent
sequence identity, even more preferably with at least 90 percent
sequence identity, and most preferably with at least 95 percent
sequence identity with the murine TLR9 amino acid sequence of SEQ
ID NO:38.
As used herein "TLR9 signaling" refers to an ability of a TLR9
polypeptide to activate the TLR/IL-1R (TIR) signaling pathway, also
referred to herein as the TLR signal transduction pathway. Without
meaning to be held to any particular theory, it is believed that
the TLR/IL-1R signaling pathway involves signaling via the
molecules myeloid differentiation marker 88 (MyD88) and tumor
necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), leading
to activation of kinases of the I.kappa.B kinase complex and the
c-jun NH.sub.2-terminal kinases (e.g., Jnk 1/2). Hacker H et al.
(2000) J Exp Med 192:595-600. Changes in TLR9 activity can be
measured by assays such as those disclosed herein, including
expression of genes under control of .kappa.B-sensitive promoters
and enhancers. Such naturally occurring genes include the genes
encoding IL-1.beta., IL-6, IL-8, the p40 subunit of interleukin 12
(IL-12 p40), and the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. Other
genes can be placed under the control of such regulatory elements
(see below) and thus serve to report the level of TLR9 signaling.
Additional nucleotide sequence can be added to SEQ ID NO:35 or SEQ
ID NO:39, preferably to the 5' or the 3' end of the open reading
frame of SEQ ID NO:35, to yield a nucleotide sequence encoding a
chimeric polypeptide that includes a detectable or reporter moiety,
e.g., FLAG, luciferase (luc), green fluorescent protein (GFP), and
others known by those skilled in the art.
TABLE-US-00004 SEQ ID NO: 34 Human TLR9 amino acid (1032)
MGFCRSALHP LSLLVQAIML AMTLALGTLP AFLPCELQPH GLVNCNWLFL KSVPHFSMAA
60 PRGNVTSLSL SSNRIHHLHD SDFAHLPSLR HLNLKWNCPP VGLSPMHFPC
HMTIEPSTFL 120 AVPTLEELNL SYNNIMTVPA LPKSLISLSL SHTNILMLDS
ASLAGLHALR FLFMDGNCYY 180 KNPCRQALEV APGALLGLGN LTHLSLKYNN
LTVVPRNLPS SLEYLLLSYN RIVKLAPEDL 240 ANLTALRVLD VGGNCRRCDH
APNPCMECPR HFPQLHPDTF SHLSRLEGLV LKDSSLSWLN 300 ASWFRGLGNL
RVLDLSENFL YKCITKTKAF QGLTQLRKLN LSFNYQKRVS FAHLSLAPSF 360
GSLVALKELD MHGIFFRSLD ETTLRPLARL PMLQTLRLQM NFINQAQLGI FRAFPGLRYV
420 DLSDNRISGA SELTATMGEA DGGEKVWLQP GDLAPAPVDT PSSEDFRPNC
STLNFTLDLS 480 RNNLVTVQPE MFAQLSHLQC LRLSHNCISQ AVNGSQFLPL
TGLQVLDLSH NKLDLYHEHS 540 FTELPRLEAL DLSYNSQPFG MQGVGHNFSF
VAHLRTLRHL SLAHNNIHSQ VSQQLCSTSL 600 RALDFSGNAL GHMWAEGDLY
LHFFQGLSGL IWLDLSQNRL HTLLPQTLRN LPKSLQVLRL 660 RDNYLAFFKW
WSLHFLPKLE VLDLAGNQLK ALTNGSLPAG TRLRRLDVSC NSISFVAPGF 720
FSKAKELREL NLSANALKTV DHSWFGPLAS ALQILDVSAN PLHCACGAAF MDFLLEVQAA
780 VPGLPSRVKC GSPGQLQGLS IFAQDLRLCL DEALSWDCFA LSLLAVALGL
GVPMLHHLCG 840 WDLWYCFHLC LAWLPWRGRQ SGRDEDALPY DAFVVFDKTQ
SAVADWVYNE LRGQLEECRG 900 RWALRLCLEE RDWLPGKTLF ENLWASVYGS
RKTLFVLAHT DRVSGLLRAS FLLAQQRLLE 960 DRKDVVVLVI LSPDGRRSRY
VRLRQRLCRQ SVLLWPHQPS GQRSFWAQLG MALTRDNHHF 1020 YNRNFCQGPT AE 1032
SEQ ID NO: 35 Human TLR9 nucleotide ccgctgctgc ccctgtggga
agggacctcg agtgtgaagc atccttccct gtagctgctg 60 tccagtctgc
ccgccagacc ctctggagaa gcccctgccc cccagcacgg gtttctgccg 120
cagcgccctg cacccgctgt ctctcctggt gcaggccatc atgctggcca tgaccctggc
180 cctgggtacc ttgcctgcct tcctaccctg tgagctccag ccccacggcc
tggtgaactg 240 caactggctg ttcctgaagt ctgtgcccca cttctccatg
gcagcacccc gtggcaatgt 300 caccagcctt tccttgtcct ccaaccgcat
ccaccocctc catgattctg actttgccca 360 cctgcccagc ctgcggcatc
tcaacctcaa gtggaactgc ccgccggttg gcctcagccc 420 catgcacttc
ccctgccaca tgaccatcga gcccagcacc ttcttggctg tgcccaccct 480
ggaagagcta aacctgagct acaacaacat catgactgtg cctgcgctgc ccaaatccct
540 catatccctg tccctcagcc ataccaacat cctgatgcta gactctgcca
gcctcgccgg 600 cctgcatgcc ctgcgcttcc tattcatgga cggcaactgt
tattacaaga acccctgcag 660 gcaggcactg gaggtggccc cgggtgccct
ccttggcctg ggcaacctca cccacctgtc 720 actcaagtac aacaacctca
ctgtggtgcc ccgcaacctg ccttccagcc tggagtatct 780 gctgttgtcc
tacaaccgca tcgtcaaact ggcgcctgag gacctggcca atctgaccgc 840
cctgcgtgtg ctcgatgtgg gcggaaattg ccgccgctgc gaccacgctc ccaacccctg
900 catggagtgc cctcgtcact tcccccagct acatcccgat accttcagcc
acctgagccg 960 tcttgaaggc ctggtgttga aggacagttc tctctcctgg
ctgaatgcca gttggttccg 1020 tgggctggga aacctccgag tgctggacct
gagtgagaac ttcctctaca aatgcatcac 1080 taaaaccaag gccttccagg
gcctaacaca gctgcgcaag cttaacctgt ccttcaatta 1140 ccaaaagagg
gtgtcctttg cccacctgtc tctggcccct tccttcggga gcctggtcgc 1200
cctgaaggag ctggacatgc acggcatctt cttccgctca ctcgatgaga ccacgctccg
1260 gccactggcc cgcctgccca tgctccagac tctgcgtctg cagatgaact
tcatcaacca 1320 ggcccagctc ggcatcttca gggccttccc tggcctgcgc
tacgtggacc tgtcggacaa 1380 ccgcatcagc ggagcttcgg agctgacagc
caccatgggg gaggcagatg gaggggagaa 1440 ggtctggctg cagcctgggg
accttgctcc ggccccagtg gacactccca gctctgaaga 1500 cttcaggccc
aactgcagca ccctcaactt caccttggat ctgtcacgga acaacctggt 1560
gaccgtgcag ccggagatgt ttgcccagct ctcgcacctg cagtgcctgc gcctgagcca
1620 caactgcatc tcgcaggcag tcaatggctc ccagttcctg ccgctgaccg
gtctgcaggt 1680 gctagacctg tcccacaata agctggacct ctaccacgag
cactcattca cggagctacc 1740 acgactggag gccctggacc tcagctacaa
cagccagccc tttggcatgc agggcgtggg 1800 ccacaacttc agcttcgtgg
ctcacctgcg caccctgcgc cacctcagcc tggcccacaa 1860 caacatccac
agccaagtgt cccagcagct ctgcagtacg tcgctgcggg ccctggactt 1920
cagcggcaat gcactgggcc atatgtgggc cgagggagac ctctatctgc acttcttcca
1980 aggcctgagc ggtttgatct ggctggactt gtcccagaac cgcctgcaca
ccctcctgcc 2040 ccaaaccctg cgcaacctcc ccaagagcct acaggtgctg
cgtctccgtg acaattacct 2100 ggccttcttt aagtggtgga gcctccactt
cctgcccaaa ctggaagtcc tcgacctggc 2160 aggaaaccag ctgaaggccc
tgaccaatgg cagcctgcct gctggcaccc ggctccggag 2220 gctggatgtc
agctgcaaca gcatcagctt cgtggccccc ggcttctttt ccaaggccaa 2280
ggagctgcga gagctcaacc ttagcgccaa cgccctcaag acagtggacc actcctggtt
2340 tgggcccctg gcgagtgccc tgcaaatact agatgtaagc gccaaccctc
tgcactgcgc 2400 ctgtggggcg gcctttatgg acttcctgct ggaggtgcag
gctgccgtgc ccggtctgcc 2460 cagccgggtg aagtgtggca gtccgggcca
gctccagggc ctcagcatct ttgcacagga 2520 cctgcgcctc tgcctggatg
aggccctctc ctgggactgt ttcgccctct cgctgctggc 2580 tgtggctctg
ggcctgggtg tgcccatgct gcatcacctc tgtggctggg acctctggta 2640
ctgcttccac ctgtgcctgg cctggcttcc ctggcggggg cggcaaagtg ggcgagatga
2700 ggatgccctg ccctacgatg ccttcgtggt cttcgacaaa acgcagagcg
cagtggcaga 2760 ctgggtgtac aacgagcttc gggggcagct ggaggagtgc
cgtgggcgct gggcactccg 2820 cctgtgcctg gaggaacgcg actggctgcc
tggcaaaacc ctctttgaga acctgtgggc 2880 ctcggtctat ggcagccgca
agacgctgtt tgtgctggcc cacacggacc gggtcagtgg 2940 tctcttgcgc
gccagcttcc tgctggccca gcagcgcctg ctggaggacc gcaaggacgt 3000
cgtggtgctg gtgatcctga gccctgacgg ccgccgctcc cgctacgtgc ggctgcgcca
3060 gcgcctctgc cgccagagtg tcctcctctg gccccaccag cccagtggtc
agcgcagctt 3120 ctgggcccag ctgggcatgg ccctgaccag ggacaaccac
cacttctata accggaactt 3180 ctgccaggga cccacggccg aatagccgtg
agccggaatc ctgcacggtg ccacctccac 3240 actcacctca cctctgc 3258 SEQ
ID NO: 36 Human TLR9 amino acid (1055) MPMKWSGWRW SWGPATHTAL
PPPQGFCRSA LHPLSLLVQA IMLAMTLALG TLPAFLPCEL 60 QPHGLVNCNW
LFLKSVPHFS MAAPRGNVTS LSLSSNRIHH LHDSDFAHLP SLRHLNLKWN 120
CPPVGLSPMH FPCHMTIEPS TFLAVPTLEE LNLSYNNIMT VPALPKSLIS LSLSHTNILM
180 LDSASLAGLH ALRFLFMDGN CYYKNPCRQA LEVAPGALLG LGNLTHLSLK
YNNLTVVPRN 240 LPSSLEYLLL SYNRIVKLAP EDLANLTALR VLDVGGNCRR
CDHAPNPCME CPRHFPQLHP 300 DTFSHLSRLE GLVLKDSSLS WLNASWFRGL
GNLRVLDLSE NFLYKCITKT KAFQGLTQLR 360 KLNLSFNYQK RVSFAHLSLA
PSFGSLVALK ELDMHGIFFR SLDETTLRPL ARLPMLQTLR 420 LQMNFINQAQ
LGIFRAFPGL RYVDLSDNRI SGASELTATM GEADGGEKVW LQPGDLAPAP 480
VDTPSSEDFR PNCSTLNFTL DLSRNNLVTV QPEMFAQLSH LQCLRLSHNC ISQAVNGSQF
540 LPLTGLQVLD LSHNKLDLYH EHSFTELPRL EALDLSYNSQ PFGMQGVGHN
FSFVAHLRTL 600 RHLSLAHNNI HSQVSQQLCS TSLRALDFSG NALGHMWAEG
DLYLHFFQGL SGLIWLDLSQ 660 NRLHTLLPQT LRNLPKSLQV LRLRDNYLAF
FKWWSLHFLP KLEVLDLAGN QLKALTNGSL 720 PAGTRLRRLD VSCNSISFVA
PGFFSKAKEL RELNLSANAL KTVDHSWFGP LASALQILDV 780 SANPLHCACG
AAFMDFLLEV QAAVPGLPSR VKCGSPGQLQ GLSIFAQDLR LCLDEALSWD 840
CFALSLLAVA LGLGVPMLHH LCGWDLWYCF HLCLAWLPWR GRQSGRDEDA LPYDAFVVFD
900 KTQSAVADWV YNELRGQLEE CRGRWALRLC LEERDWLPGK TLFENLWASV
YGSRKTLFVL 960 AHTDRVSGLL RASFLLAQQR LLEDRKDVVV LVILSPDGRR
SRYVRLRQRL CRQSVLLWPH 1020 QPSGQRSFWA QLGMALTRDN HHFYNRNFCQ GPTAE
1055 SEQ ID NO: 37 Human TLR9 nucleotide atgcccatga agtggagtgg
gtggaggtgg agctgggggc cggccactca cacagccctc 60 ccacccccac
agggtttctg ccgcagcgcc ctgcacccgc tgtctctcct ggtgcaggcc 120
atcatgctgg ccatgaccct ggccctgggt accttgcctg ccttcctacc ctgtgagctc
180 cagccccacg gcctggtgaa ctgcaactgg ctgttcctga agtctgtgcc
ccacttctcc 240 atggcagcac cccgtggcaa tgtcaccagc ctttccttgt
cctccaaccg catccaccac 300 ctccatgatt ctgactttgc ccacctgccc
agcctgcggc atctcaacct caagtggaac 360 tgcccgccgg ttggcctcag
ccccatgcac ttcccctgcc acatgaccat cgagcccagc 420 accttcttgg
ctgtgcccac cctggaagag ctaaacctga gctacaacaa catcatgact 480
gtgcctgcgc tgcccaaatc cctcatatcc ctgtccctca gccataccaa catcctgatg
540 ctagactctg ccagcctcgc cggcctgcat gccctgcgct tcctattcat
ggacggcaac 600 tgttattaca agaacccctg caggcaggca ctggaggtgg
ccccgggtgc cctccttggc 660 ctgggcaacc tcacccacct gtcactcaag
tacaacaacc tcactgtggt gccccgcaac 720 ctgccttcca gcctggagta
tctgctgttg tcctacaacc gcatcgtcaa actggcgcct 780 gaggacctgg
ccaatctgac cgccctgcgt gtgctcgatg tgggcggaaa ttgccgccgc 840
tgcgaccacg ctcccaaccc ctgcatggag tgccctcgtc acttccccca gctacatccc
900 gataccttca gccacctgag ccgtcttgaa ggcctggtgt tgaaggacag
ttctctctcc 960 tggctgaatg ccagttggtt ccgtgggctg ggaaacctcc
gagtgctgga cctgagtgag 1020 aacttcctct acaaatgcat cactaaaacc
aaggccttcc agggcctaac acagctgcgc 1080 aagcttaacc tgtccttcaa
ttaccaaaag agggtgtcct ttgcccacct gtctctggcc 1140 ccttccttcg
ggagcctggt cgccctgaag gagctggaca tgcacggcat cttcttccgc 1200
tcactcgatg agaccacgct ccggccactg gcccgcctgc ccatgctcca gactctgcgt
1260 ctgcagatga acttcatcaa ccaggcccag ctcggcatct tcagggcctt
ccctggcctg 1320 cgctacgtgg acctgtcgga caaccgcatc agcggagctt
cggagctgac agccaccatg 1380 ggggaggcag atggagggga gaaggtctgg
ctgcagcctg gggaccttgc tccggcccca 1440 gtggacactc ccagctctga
agacttcagg cccaactgca gcaccctcaa cttcaccttg 1500 gatctgtcac
ggaacaacct ggtgaccgtg cagccggaga tgtttgccca gctctcgcac 1560
ctgcagtgcc tgcgcctgag ccacaactgc atctcgcagg cagtcaatgg ctcccagttc
1620 ctgccgctga ccggtctgca ggtgctagac ctgtcccaca ataagctgga
cctctaccac 1680 gagcactcat tcacggagct accacgactg gaggccctgg
acctcagcta caacagccag 1720 ccctttggca tgcagggcgt gggccacaac
ttcagcttcg tggctcacct gcgcaccctg 1800
cgccacctca gcctggccca caacaacatc cacagccaag tgtcccagca gctctgcagt
1860 acgtcgctgc gggccctgga cttcagcggc aatgcactgg gccatatgtg
ggccgaggga 1920 gacctctatc tgcacttctt ccaaggcctg agcggtttga
tctggctgga cttgtcccag 1980 aaccgcctgc acaccctcct gccccaaacc
ctgcgcaacc tccccaagag cctacaggtg 2040 ctgcgtctcc gtgacaatta
cctggccttc tttaagtggt ggagcctcca cttcctgccc 2100 aaactggaag
tcctcgacct ggcaggaaac cagctgaagg ccctgaccaa tggcagcctg 2160
cctgctggca cccggctccg gaggctggat gtcagctgca acagcatcag cttcgtggcc
2220 cccggcttct tttccaaggc caaggagctg cgagagctca accttagcgc
caacgccctc 2280 aagacagtgg accactcctg gtttgggccc ctggcgagtg
ccctgcaaat actagatgta 2340 agcgccaacc ctctgcactg cgcctgtggg
gcggccttta tggacttcct gctggaggtg 2400 caggctgccg tgcccggtct
gcccagccgg gtgaagtgtg gcagtccggg ccagctccag 2460 ggcctcagca
tctttgcaca ggacctgcgc ctctgcctgg atgaggccct ctcctgggac 2520
tgtttcgccc tctcgctgct ggctgtggct ctgggcctgg gtgtgcccat gctgcatcac
2580 ctctgtggct gggacctctg gtactgcttc cacctgtgcc tggcctggct
tccctggcgg 2640 gggcggcaaa gtgggcgaga tgaggatgcc ctgccctacg
atgccttcgt ggtcttcgac 2700 aaaacgcaga gcgcagtggc agactgggtg
tacaacgagc ttcgggggca gctggaggag 2760 tgccgtgggc gctgggcact
ccgcctgtgc ctggaggaac gcgactggct gcctggcaaa 2820 accctctttg
agaacctgtg ggcctcggtc tatggcagcc gcaagacgct gtttgtgctg 2880
gcccacacgg accgggtcag tggtctcttg cgcgccagct tcctgctggc ccagcagcgc
2940 ctgctggagg accgcaagga cgtcgtggtg ctggtgatcc tgagccctga
cggccgccgc 3000 tcccgctatg tgcggctgcg ccagcgcctc tgccgccaga
gtgtcctcct ctggccccac 3060 cagcccagtg gtcagcgcag cttctgggcc
cagctgggca tggccctgac cagggacaac 3120 caccacttct ataaccggaa
cttctgccag ggacccacgg ccgaa 3165 SEQ ID NO: 38 Murine TLR9 amino
acid MVLRRRTLHP LSLLVQAAVL AETLALGTLP AFLPCELKPH GLVDCNWLFL
KSVPRFSAAA 60 SCSNITRLSL ISNRIHHLHN SDFVHLSNLR QLNLKWNCPP
TGLSPLHFSC HMTIEPRTFL 120 AMRTLEELNL SYNGITTVPR LPSSLVNLSL
SHTNILVLDA NSLAGLYSLR VLFMDGNCYY 180 KNPCTGAVKV TPGALLGLSN
LTHLSLKYNN LTKVPRQLPP SLEYLLVSYN LIVKLGPEDL 240 ANLTSLRVLD
VGGNCRRCDH APNPCIECGQ KSLHLHPETF HHLSHLEGLV LKDSSLHTLN 300
SSWFQGLVNL SVLDLSENFL YESINHTNAF QNLTRLRKLN LSFNYRKKVS FARLHLASSF
360 KNLVSLQELN MNGIFFRSLN KYTLRWLADL PKLHTLHLQM NFINQAQLSI
FGTFRALRFV 420 DLSDNRISGP STLSEATPEE ADDAEQEELL SADPHPAPLS
TPASKNFMDR CKNFKFTMDL 480 SRNNLVTIKP EMFVNLSRLQ CLSLSHNSIA
QAVNGSQFLP LTNLQVLDLS HNKLDLYHWK 540 SFSELPQLQA LDLSYNSQPF
SMKGIGHNFS FVAHLSMLHS LSLAHNDIHT RVSSHLNSNS 600 VRFLDFSGNG
MGRMWDEGGL YLHFFQGLSG LLKLDLSQNN LHILRPQNLD NLPKSLKLLS 660
LRDNYLSFFN WTSLSFLPNL EVLDLAGNQL KALTNGTLPN GTLLQKLDVS SNSIVSVVPA
720 FFALAVELKE VNLSHNILKT VDRSWFGPIV MNLTVLDVRS NPLHCACGAA
FVDLLLEVQT 780 KVPGLANGVK CGSPGQLQGR SIFAQDLRLC LDEVLSWDCF
GLSLLAVAVG MVVPILHHLC 840 GWDVWYCFHL CLAWLPLLAR SRRSAQALPY
DAFVVFDKAQ SAVADWVYNE LRVRLEERRG 900 RRALRLCLED RDWLPGQTLF
ENLWASIYGS RKTLFVLAHT DRVSGLLRTS FLLAQQRLLE 960 DRKDVVVLVI
LRPDAHRSRY VRLRQRLCRQ SVLFWPQQPN GQGGFWAQLS TALTRDNRHF 1020
YNQNFCRGPT AE 1032 SEQ ID NO: 39 Murine TLR9 nucleotide tgtcagaggg
agcctcggga gaatcctcca tctcccaaca tggttctccg tcgaaggact 60
ctgcacccct tgtccctcct ggtacaggct gcagtgctgg ctgagactct ggccctgggt
120 accctgcctg ccttcctacc ctgtgagctg aagcctcatg gcctggtgga
ctgcaattgg 180 ctgttcctga agtctgtacc ccgtttctct gcggcagcat
cctgctccaa catcacccgc 240 ctctccttga tctccaaccg tatccaccac
ctgcacaact ccgacttcgt ccacctgtcc 300 aacctgcggc agctgaacct
caagtggaac tgtccaccca ctggccttag ccccctgcac 360 ttctcttgcc
acatgaccat tgagcccaga accttcctgg ctatgcgtac actggaggag 420
ctgaacctga gctataatgg tatcaccact gtgccccgac tgcccagctc cctggtgaat
480 ctgagcctga gccacaccaa catcctggtt ctagatgcta acagcctcgc
cggcctatac 540 agcctgcgcg ttctcttcat ggacgggaac tgctactaca
agaacccctg cacaggagcg 600 gtgaaggtga ccccaggcgc cctcctgggc
ctgagcaatc tcacccatct gtctctgaag 660 tataacaacc tcacaaaggt
gccccgccaa ctgcccccca gcctggagta cctcctggtg 720 tcctataacc
tcattgtcaa gctggggcct gaagacctgg ccaatctgac ctcccttcga 780
gtacttgatg tgggtgggaa ttgccgtcgc tgcgaccatg cccccaatcc ctgtatagaa
840 tgtggccaaa agtccctcca cctgcaccct gagaccttcc atcacctgag
ccatctggaa 900 ggcctggtgc tgaaggacag ctctctccat acactgaact
cttcctggtt ccaaggtctg 960 gtcaacctct cggtgctgga cctaagcgag
aactttctct atgaaagcat caaccacacc 1020 aatgcctttc agaacctaac
ccgcctgcgc aagctcaacc tgtccttcaa ttaccgcaag 1080 aaggtatcct
ttgcccgcct ccacctggca agttccttca agaacctggt gtcactgcag 1140
gagctgaaca tgaacggcat cttcttccgc tcgctcaaca agtacacgct cagatggctg
1200 gccgatctgc ccaaactcca cactctgcat cttcaaatga acttcatcaa
ccaggcacag 1260 ctcagcatct ttggtacctt ccgagccctt cgctttgtgg
acttgtcaga caatcgcatc 1320 agtgggcctt caacgctgtc agaagccacc
cctgaagagg cagatgatgc agagcaggag 1380 gagctgttgt ctgcggatcc
tcacccagct ccactgagca cccctgcttc taagaacttc 1440 atggacaggt
gtaagaactt caagttcacc atggacctgt ctcggaacaa cctggtgact 1500
atcaagccag agatgtttgt caatctctca cgcctccagt gtcttagcct gagccacaac
1560 tccattgcac aggctgtcaa tggctctcag ttcctgccgc tgactaatct
gcaggtgctg 1620 gacctgtccc ataacaaact ggacttgtac cactggaaat
cgttcagtga gctaccacag 1680 ttgcaggccc tggacctgag ctacaacagc
cagcccttta gcatgaaggg tataggccac 1740 aatttcagtt ttgtggccca
tctgtccatg ctacacagcc ttagcctggc acacaatgac 1800 attcataccc
gtgtgtcctc acatctcaac agcaactcag tgaggtttct tgacttcagc 1860
ggcaacggta tgggccgcat gtgggatgag gggggccttt atctccattt cttccaaggc
1920 ctgagtggcc tgctgaagct ggacctgtct caaaataacc tgcatatcct
ccggccccag 1980 aaccttgaca acctccccaa gagcctgaag ctgctgagcc
tccgagacaa ctacctatct 2040 ttctttaact ggaccagtct gtccttcctg
cccaacctgg aagtcctaga cctggcaggc 2100 aaccagctaa aggccctgac
caatggcacc ctgcctaatg gcaccctcct ccagaaactg 2160 gatgtcagca
gcaacagtat cgtctctgtg gtcccagcct tcttcgctct ggcggtcgag 2220
ctgaaagagg tcaacctcag ccacaacatt ctcaagacgg tggatcgctc ctggtttggg
2280 cccattgtga tgaacctgac agttctagac gtgagaagca accctctgca
ctgtgcctgt 2340 ggggcagcct tcgtagactt actgttggag gtgcagacca
aggtgcctgg cctggctaat 2400 ggtgtgaagt gtggcagccc cggccagctg
cagggccgta gcatcttcgc acaggacctg 2460 cggctgtgcc tggatgaggt
cctctcttgg gactgctttg gcctttcact cttggctgtg 2520 gccgtgggca
tggtggtgcc tatactgcac catctctgcg gctgggacgt ctggtactgt 2580
tttcatctgt gcctggcatg gctacctttg ctggcccgca gccgacgcag cgcccaagct
2640 ctcccctatg atgccttcgt ggtgttcgat aaggcacaga gcgcagttgc
ggactgggtg 2700 tataacgagc tgcgggtgcg gctggaggag cggcgcggtc
gccgagccct acgcttgtgt 2760 ctggaggacc gagattggct gcctggccag
acgctcttcg agaacctctg ggcttccatc 2820 tatgggagcc gcaagactct
atttgtgctg gcccacacgg accgcgtcag tggcctcctg 2880 cgcaccagct
tcctgctggc tcagcagcgc ctgttggaag accgcaagga cgtggtggtg 2940
ttggtgatcc tgcgtccgga tgcccaccgc tcccgctatg tgcgactgcg ccagcgtctc
3000 tgccgccaga gtgtgctctt ctggccccag cagcccaacg ggcagggggg
cttctgggcc 3060 cagctgagta cagccctgac tagggacaac cgccacttct
ataaccagaa cttctgccgg 3120 ggacctacag cagaatagct cagagcaaca
gctggaaaca gctgcatctt catgcctggt 3180 tcccgagttg ctctgcctgc
3200
Ribonucleoside vanadyl complexes (i.e., mixtures of adenine,
cytosine, guanosine, and uracil ribonucleoside vanadyl complexes),
are well known by those of skill in the art as RNAse inhibitors.
Berger S L et al. (1979) Biochemistry 18:5143; Puskas R S et al.
(1982) Biochemistry 21:4602. Ribonucleoside vanadyl complexes are
commercially available from suppliers including Sigma-Aldrich,
Inc.
In one embodiment, the immunostimulatory G,U-containing RNA
oligomer of the invention does not contain a CpG dinucleotide and
is not a CpG immunostimulatory nucleic acid. In some embodiments, a
CpG immunostimulatory nucleic acid is used in the methods of the
invention.
A CpG immunostimulatory nucleic acid is a nucleic acid which
contains a CG dinucleotide, the C residue of which is unmethylated.
CpG immunostimulatory nucleic acids are known to stimulate Th1-type
immune responses. CpG sequences, while relatively rare in human DNA
are commonly found in the DNA of infectious organisms such as
bacteria. The human immune system has apparently evolved to
recognize CpG sequences as an early warning sign of infection and
to initiate an immediate and powerful immune response against
invading pathogens without causing adverse reactions frequently
seen with other immune stimulatory agents. Thus CpG containing
nucleic acids, relying on this innate immune defense mechanism can
utilize a unique and natural pathway for immune therapy. The
effects of CpG nucleic acids on immune modulation have been
described extensively in U.S. patents such as U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,194,388 B1, 6,207,646 B1, 6,239,116 B1 and No. 6,218,371 B1, and
published patent applications, such as PCT/US98/03678,
PCT/US98/10408, PCT/US98/04703, and PCT/US99/09863. The entire
contents of each of these patents and patent applications is hereby
incorporated by reference.
A CpG nucleic acid is a nucleic acid which includes at least one
unmethylated CpG dinucleotide. A nucleic acid containing at least
one unmethylated CpG dinucleotide is a nucleic acid molecule which
contains an unmethylated cytosine in a cytosine-guanine
dinucleotide sequence (i.e., "CpG DNA" or DNA containing a 5'
cytosine followed by 3' guanosine and linked by a phosphate bond)
and activates the immune system. The CpG nucleic acids can be
double-stranded or single-stranded. Generally, double-stranded
molecules are more stable in vivo, while single-stranded molecules
have increased immune activity. Thus in some aspects of the
invention it is preferred that the nucleic acid be single stranded
and in other aspects it is preferred that the nucleic acid be
double stranded. In certain embodiments, while the nucleic acid is
single stranded, it is capable of forming secondary and tertiary
structures (e.g., by folding back on itself, or by hybridizing with
itself either throughout its entirety or at select segments along
its length). Accordingly, while the primary structure of such a
nucleic acid may be single stranded, its higher order structures
may be double or triple stranded. The terms CpG nucleic acid or CpG
oligonucleotide as used herein refer to an immunostimulatory CpG
nucleic acid unless otherwise indicated. The entire
immunostimulatory nucleic acid can be unmethylated or portions may
be unmethylated but at least the C of the 5' CG 3' must be
unmethylated.
In one aspect the invention provides a method of activating an
immune cell. The method involves contacting an immune cell with an
immunostimulatory composition of the invention, described above, in
an effective amount to induce activation of the immune cell. As
used herein, an "immune cell" is cell that belongs to the immune
system. Immune cells participate in the regulation and execution of
inflammatory and immune responses. They include, without
limitation, B lymphocytes (B cells), T lymphocytes (T cells),
natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells, other tissue-specific
antigen-presenting cells (e.g., Langerhans cells), macrophages,
monocytes, granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils), and
mast cells. Splenocytes, thymocytes, and peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMCs) include immune cells. Immune cells can be
isolated from the blood, spleen, marrow, lymph nodes, thymus, and
other tissues using methods well known to those of skill in the
art. Immune cells can also include certain cell lines as well as
primary cultures maintained in vitro or ex vivo.
In one embodiment the activation of the immune cell involves
secretion of a cytokine by the immune cell. In one embodiment the
activation of the immune cell involves secretion of a chemokine by
the immune cell. In one embodiment the activation of the immune
cell involves expression of a costimulatory/accessory molecule by
the immune cell. In one embodiment the costimulatory/accessory
molecule is selected from the group consisting of intercellular
adhesion molecules (ICAMs, e.g., CD54), leukocyte
function-associated antigens (LFAs, e.g., CD58), B7s (CD80, CD86),
and CD40.
"Activation of an immune cell" shall refer to a transition of an
immune cell from a resting or quiescent state to a state of
heightened metabolic activity and phenotype associated with immune
cell function. Such immune cell function can include, for example,
secretion of soluble products such as immunoglobulins, cytokines,
and chemokines; cell surface expression of costimulatory/accessory
molecules and MHC antigens; immune cell migration; phagocytosis and
cytotoxic activity toward target cells; and immune cell maturation.
In some instances immune activation can refer to Th1 immune
activation; in other instances immune activation can refer to Th2
immune activation.
"Th1 immune activation" as used herein refers to the activation of
immune cells to express Th1-like secreted products, including
certain cytokines, chemokines, and subclasses of immunoglobulin;
and activation of certain immune cells. Th1-like secreted products
include, for example, the cytokines IFN-.gamma., IL-2, IL-12,
IL-18, TNF-.alpha., and the chemokine IP-10 (CXCL10). In the mouse,
Th1 immune activation stimulates secretion of IgG2a. Th1 immune
activation also may include activation of NK cells and dendritic
cells, i.e., cells involved in cellular immunity. Th1 immune
activation is believed to counter-regulate Th2 immune
activation.
"Th2 immune activation" as used herein refers to the activation of
immune cells to express Th2-like secreted products, including
certain cytokines and subclasses of immunoglobulin. Th2-like
secreted products include, for example, the cytokines IL-4 and
IL-10. In the mouse, Th2 immune activation stimulates secretion of
IgG1 and IgE. Th2 immune activation is believed to counter-regulate
Th1 immune activation.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of inducing an
immune response in a subject. The method entails administering to a
subject a composition of the invention in an effective amount to
induce an immune response in the subject. Thus the compositions of
the invention may be used to treat a subject in need of immune
activation. A subject in need of immune activation may include a
subject in need of Th1-like immune activation.
The compositions and methods of the invention can be used, alone or
in conjunction with other agents, to treat a subject in need of
Th1-like immune activation. A "subject in need of Th1-like immune
activation" is a subject that has or is at risk of developing a
disease, disorder, or condition that would benefit from an immune
response skewed toward Th1. Such a subject may have or be at risk
of having a Th2-mediated disorder that is susceptible to
Th1-mediated cross-regulation or suppression. Such disorders
include, for example, certain organ-specific autoimmune diseases.
Alternatively, such a subject may have or be at risk of having a
Th1-deficient state. Such disorders include, for example, tumors,
infections with intracellular pathogens, and AIDS.
As used herein, "G,U-rich RNA" shall mean RNA at least 5
nucleotides long that by base composition is at least 60 percent,
more preferably at least 80 percent, and most preferably at least
90 percent guanine (G) and uracil (U). Such base composition is
measured over the full length of the RNA if it is no more than 10
bases long, and over a stretch of at least 10 contiguous bases if
the RNA is more than 10 bases long.
As used herein, "G-rich RNA" shall mean RNA that by base
composition is at least 70 percent, more preferably at least 80
percent, even more preferably at least 90 percent, and most
preferably at least 95 percent guanine (G). Such base composition
is measured over the full length of the RNA if it is no more than
10 bases long, and over a stretch of at least 10 contiguous bases
if the RNA is more than 10 bases long.
In some embodiments the compositions of the present invention
include a DNA:RNA conjugate. A DNA:RNA conjugate shall mean a
molecule or complex that includes at least one deoxyribonucleoside
linked to at least one ribonucleoside. The deoxyribonucleoside and
ribonucleoside components may be linked by base pair interaction.
Alternatively, the deoxyribonucleoside and ribonucleoside
components may be linked by covalent linkage between the sugar
moieties of the at least one deoxyribonucleoside and the at least
one ribonucleoside. The covalent linkage between the sugar moieties
may be direct or indirect, for example through a linker. Base pair
interactions typically are, but are not limited to, non-covalent
Watson-Crick type base pair interactions. Other base pair
interactions, including non-covalent (e.g., Hoogstein base pairing)
and covalent interactions are contemplated by the invention. Base
pair interactions also typically will involve duplex formation
involving two strands, but higher order interactions are also
contemplated by the invention.
A DNA:RNA conjugate involving a covalent linkage between the sugar
moieties of the at least one deoxyribonucleoside and the at least
one ribonucleoside is referred to herein as having a chimeric
DNA:RNA backbone. The DNA:RNA conjugate having a chimeric DNA:RNA
backbone will have primary structure defined by its base sequence,
and it may further have a secondary or higher order structure. A
secondary or higher order structure will include at least one
intramolecular base pair interaction, e.g., a stem-loop structure,
or intermolecular base pair interaction.
Heteroduplex base pairing shall refer to intramolecular or
intermolecular base pair interaction between DNA and RNA. For
example, heteroduplex base pairing may occur between individual
complementary single-stranded DNA and RNA molecules. Alternatively,
as in the case of suitable DNA:RNA chimeric backbone nucleic acid
molecules, heteroduplex base pairing may occur between
complementary DNA and RNA regions within the same molecule.
In some embodiments the compositions of the present invention
include a chimeric DNA:RNA backbone having a cleavage site between
the DNA and RNA. A cleavage site refers to a structural element
along the chimeric backbone that is susceptible to cleavage by any
suitable means. The cleavage site may be a phosphodiester bond that
is relatively susceptible to cleavage by endonuclease. In this
instance the DNA and RNA each may include internucleotide linkages
that are stabilized, such that the chimeric backbone is most
susceptible to endonuclease cleavage at the phosphodiester junction
between the stabilized DNA and the stabilized RNA. The cleavage
site may be designed so that it is susceptible to cleavage under
certain pH conditions, e.g., relatively more stable at higher pH
than at lower pH, or vice versa. Such pH sensitivity may be
accomplished, for example, by preparation of the chimeric DNA:RNA
composition in liposomes. The cleavage site may involve a disulfide
linkage. Such disulfide linkage may be relatively more stable under
oxidizing conditions than under reducing conditions, e.g., the
latter conditions present within an endosome. The cleavage site may
also involve a linker that is susceptible to cleavage by an enzyme,
pH, redox condition, or the like. In some embodiments the
composition may include more than one cleavage site.
Conjugates of the invention permit selection of fixed molar ratios
of the components of the conjugates. In the case of DNA:RNA
conjugates it may be advantageous or convenient to have a 1:1 ratio
of DNA and RNA. Conjugates that are heteroduplex DNA:RNA will
commonly have a 1:1 ratio of DNA and RNA. Conjugates that have a
chimeric DNA:RNA backbone may also commonly have a 1:1 ratio of DNA
and RNA. Conjugates having other DNA:RNA ratios are contemplated by
the invention, including, but not limited to, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 2:1,
3:1, 4:1, and so on. The conjugation may stabilize one or more
components in comparison to the stability of the same component or
components alone. Conjugatation may also facilitate delivery of the
components into cells at the selected ratio.
Cleavage sites may serve any of several purposes useful in the
present invention. Once delivered to a cell of interest, the
components joined via the cleavage site (or sites) may be liberated
to become independently or optimally active within the cell or in
the vicinity of the cell. In some embodiments the cleavage sites
may be important to pharmacokinetics of at least one of the
components of the conjugate. For instance, the cleavage sites may
be designed and selected to confer an extended time release of one
of the components.
The invention generally provides efficient methods of identifying
immunostimulatory compounds and the compounds and agents so
identified. Generally, the screening methods involve assaying for
compounds which inhibit or enhance signaling through a particular
TLR. The methods employ a TLR, a suitable reference ligand for the
TLR, and a candidate immunostimulatory compound. The selected TLR
is contacted with a suitable reference compound (TLR ligand) and a
TLR-mediated reference signal is measured. The selected TLR is also
contacted with a candidate immunostimulatory compound and a
TLR-mediated test signal is measured. The test signal and the
reference signal are then compared. A favorable candidate
immunostimulatory compound may subsequently be used as a reference
compound in the assay. Such methods are adaptable to automated,
high throughput screening of candidate compounds. Examples of such
high throughput screening methods are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,103,479; 6,051,380; 6,051,373; 5,998,152; 5,876,946; 5,708,158;
5,443,791; 5,429,921; and 5,143,854.
The assay mixture comprises a candidate immunostimulatory compound.
Typically, a plurality of assay mixtures are run in parallel with
different agent concentrations to obtain a different response to
the various concentrations. Typically, one of these concentrations
serves as a negative control, i.e., at zero concentration of agent
or at a concentration of agent below the limits of assay detection.
Candidate immunostimulatory compounds encompass numerous chemical
classes, although typically they are organic compounds. Preferably,
the candidate immunostimulatory compounds are small organic
compounds, i.e., those having a molecular weight of more than 50
yet less than about 2500. Polymeric candidate immunostimulatory
compounds can have higher molecular weights, e.g., oligonucleotides
in the range of about 2500 to about 12,500. Candidate
immunostimulatory compounds comprise functional chemical groups
necessary for structural interactions with polypeptides, and may
include at least an amine, carbonyl, hydroxyl or carboxyl group,
preferably at least two of the functional chemical groups and more
preferably at least three of the functional chemical groups. The
candidate immunostimulatory compounds can comprise cyclic carbon or
heterocyclic structure and/or aromatic or polyaromatic structures
substituted with one or more of the above-identified functional
groups. Candidate immunostimulatory compounds also can be
biomolecules such as nucleic acids, peptides, saccharides, fatty
acids, sterols, isoprenoids, purines, pyrimidines, derivatives or
structural analogs of the above, or combinations thereof and the
like. Where the candidate immunostimulatory compound is a nucleic
acid, the candidate immunostimulatory compound typically is a DNA
or RNA molecule, although modified nucleic acids having non-natural
bonds or subunits are also contemplated.
Candidate immunostimulatory compounds are obtained from a wide
variety of sources, including libraries of natural, synthetic, or
semisynthetic compounds, or any combination thereof. For example,
numerous means are available for random and directed synthesis of a
wide variety of organic compounds and biomolecules, including
expression of randomized oligonucleotides, synthetic organic
combinatorial libraries, phage display libraries of random
peptides, and the like. Alternatively, libraries of natural
compounds in the form of bacterial, fungal, plant and animal
extracts are available or readily produced. Additionally, natural
and synthetically produced libraries and compounds can be readily
modified through conventional chemical, physical, and biochemical
means. Further, known pharmacological agents may be subjected to
directed or random chemical modifications such as acylation,
alkylation, esterification, amidification, etc., to produce
structural analogs of the candidate immunostimulatory
compounds.
Therefore, a source of candidate immunostimulatory compounds are
libraries of molecules based on known TLR ligands, e.g., CpG
oligonucleotides known to interact with TLR9, in which the
structure of the ligand is changed at one or more positions of the
molecule to contain more or fewer chemical moieties or different
chemical moieties. The structural changes made to the molecules in
creating the libraries of analog inhibitors can be directed,
random, or a combination of both directed and random substitutions
and/or additions. One of ordinary skill in the art in the
preparation of combinatorial libraries can readily prepare such
libraries based on existing TLR9 ligands.
A variety of other reagents also can be included in the mixture.
These include reagents such as salts, buffers, neutral proteins
(e.g., albumin), detergents, etc. which may be used to facilitate
optimal protein-protein and/or protein-nucleic acid binding. Such a
reagent may also reduce non-specific or background interactions of
the reaction components. Other reagents that improve the efficiency
of the assay such as protease inhibitors, nuclease inhibitors,
antimicrobial agents, and the like may also be used.
The order of addition of components, incubation temperature, time
of incubation, and other parameters of the assay may be readily
determined. Such experimentation merely involves optimization of
the assay parameters, not the fundamental composition of the assay.
Incubation temperatures typically are between 4.degree. C. and
40.degree. C. Incubation times preferably are minimized to
facilitate rapid, high throughput screening, and typically are
between 1 minute and 10 hours.
After incubation, the level of TLR signaling is detected by any
convenient method available to the user. For cell-free binding type
assays, a separation step is often used to separate bound from
unbound components. The separation step may be accomplished in a
variety of ways. For example, separation can be accomplished in
solution, or, conveniently, at least one of the components is
immobilized on a solid substrate, from which the unbound components
may be easily separated. The solid substrate can be made of a wide
variety of materials and in a wide variety of shapes, e.g.,
microtiter plate, microbead, dipstick, resin particle, etc. The
substrate preferably is chosen to maximize signal-to-noise ratios,
primarily to minimize background binding, as well as for ease of
separation and cost.
Separation may be effected for example, by removing a bead or
dipstick from a reservoir, emptying or diluting a reservoir such as
a microtiter plate well, rinsing a bead, particle, chromatographic
column or filter with a wash solution or solvent. The separation
step preferably includes multiple rinses or washes. For example,
when the solid substrate is a microtiter plate, the wells may be
washed several times with a washing solution, which typically
includes those components of the incubation mixture that do not
participate in specific bindings such as salts, buffer, detergent,
non-specific protein, etc. Where the solid substrate is a magnetic
bead, the beads may be washed one or more times with a washing
solution and isolated using a magnet.
Detection may be effected in any convenient way for cell-based
assays such as measurement of an induced polypeptide within, on the
surface of, or secreted by the cell. Examples of detection methods
useful in cell-based assays include fluorescence-activated cell
sorting (FACS) analysis, bioluminescence, fluorescence,
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse
transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the like.
Examples of detection methods useful in cell-free assays include
bioluminescence, fluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
(ELISA), reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR),
and the like.
A subject shall mean a human or animal including but not limited to
a dog, cat, horse, cow, pig, sheep, goat, chicken, rodent, e.g.,
rats and mice, primate, e.g., monkey, and fish or aquaculture
species such as fin fish (e.g., salmon) and shellfish (e.g., shrimp
and scallops). Subjects suitable for therapeutic or prophylactic
methods include vertebrate and invertebrate species. Subjects can
be house pets (e.g., dogs, cats, fish, etc.), agricultural stock
animals (e.g., cows, horses, pigs, chickens, etc.), laboratory
animals (e.g., mice, rats, rabbits, etc.), zoo animals (e.g.,
lions, giraffes, etc.), but are not so limited. Although many of
the embodiments described herein relate to human disorders, the
invention is also useful for treating other nonhuman
vertebrates.
As used herein, the term "treat", when used with respect to one of
the disorders described herein, refers both to a prophylactic
treatment which decreases the likelihood that a subject will
develop the disorder as well as to treatment of an established
disorder, e.g., to reduce or eliminate the disorder or symptoms of
the disorder, or to prevent the disorder or symptoms of the
disorder from becoming worse.
A subject that has a disorder refers to a subject that has an
objectively measureable manifestation of the disorder. Thus for
example a subject that has a cancer is a subject that has
detectable cancerous cells. A subject that has an infection is a
subject that has been exposed to an infectious organism and has
acute or chronic detectable levels of the organism in the body. The
infection may be latent (dormant) or active.
A subject at risk of having a disorder is defined as a subject that
has a higher than normal risk of developing the disorder. The
normal risk is generally the risk of a population of normal
individuals that do not have the disorder and that are not
identifiably predisposed, e.g., either genetically or
environmentally, to developing the disorder. Thus a subject at risk
of having a disorder may include, without limitation, a subject
that is genetically predisposed to developing the disorder, as well
as a subject that is or will be exposed to an environmental agent
known or believed to cause the disorder. Environmental agents
specifically include, but are not limited to, infectious agents
such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Other
environmental agents may include, for example, tobacco smoke,
certain organic chemicals, asbestos, and the like.
The term "effective amount" of a nucleic acid or other therapeutic
agent refers to the amount necessary or sufficient to realize a
desired biologic effect. In general, an effective amount is that
amount necessary to cause activation of the immune system,
resulting potentially in the development of an antigen-specific
immune response. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid or other
therapeutic agent are administered in an effective amount to
stimulate or induce a Th1 immune response or a general immune
response. An effective amount to stimulate a Th1 immune response
may be defined as that amount which stimulates the production of
one or more Th1-type cytokines, such as IL-2, IL-12, TNF-.alpha.,
and IFN-.gamma., and/or production of one or more Th1-type
antibodies.
In yet another aspect the invention provides a method of inducing
an immune response in a subject. The method according to this
aspect of the invention involves administering to a subject an
antigen, and administering to the subject an immunostimulatory
composition of the invention in an effective amount to induce an
immune response to the antigen. It is to be noted that the antigen
may be administered before, after, or concurrently with the
immunostimulatory composition of the invention. In addition, both
the antigen and the immunostimulatory compound can be administered
to the subject more than once.
The invention further provides, in yet another aspect, a method of
inducing an immune response in a subject. The method according to
this aspect of the invention involves isolating dendritic cells of
a subject, contacting the dendritic cells ex vivo with an
immunostimulatory composition of the invention, contacting the
dendritic cells ex vivo with an antigen, and administering the
contacted dendritic cells to the subject.
The term "antigen" refers to a molecule capable of provoking an
immune response. The term antigen broadly includes any type of
molecule that is recognized by a host system as being foreign.
Antigens include but are not limited to microbial antigens, cancer
antigens, and allergens. Antigens include, but are not limited to,
cells, cell extracts, proteins, polypeptides, peptides,
polysaccharides, polysaccharide conjugates, peptide and non-peptide
mimics of polysaccharides and other molecules, small molecules,
lipids, glycolipids, and carbohydrates. Many antigens are protein
or polypeptide in nature, as proteins and polypeptides are
generally more antigenic than carbohydrates or fats.
The antigen may be an antigen that is encoded by a nucleic acid
vector or it may not be encoded in a nucleic acid vector. In the
former case the nucleic acid vector is administered to the subject
and the antigen is expressed in vivo. In the latter case the
antigen may be administered directly to the subject. An antigen not
encoded in a nucleic acid vector as used herein refers to any type
of antigen that is not a nucleic acid. For instance, in some
aspects of the invention the antigen not encoded in a nucleic acid
vector is a peptide or a polypeptide. Minor modifications of the
primary amino acid sequences of peptide or polypeptide antigens may
also result in a polypeptide which has substantially equivalent
antigenic activity as compared to the unmodified counterpart
polypeptide. Such modifications may be deliberate, as by
site-directed mutagenesis, or may be spontaneous. All of the
polypeptides produced by these modifications are included herein as
long as antigenicity still exists. The peptide or polypeptide may
be, for example, virally derived. The antigens useful in the
invention may be any length, ranging from small peptide fragments
of a full length protein or polypeptide to the full length form.
For example, the antigen may be less than 5, less than 8, less than
10, less than 15, less than 20, less than 30, less than 50, less
than 70, less than 100, or more amino acid residues in length,
provided it stimulates a specific immune response.
The nucleic acid encoding the antigen is operatively linked to a
gene expression sequence which directs the expression of the
antigen nucleic acid within a eukaryotic cell. The gene expression
sequence is any regulatory nucleotide sequence, such as a promoter
sequence or promoter-enhancer combination, which facilitates the
efficient transcription and translation of the antigen nucleic acid
to which it is operatively linked. The gene expression sequence
may, for example, be a mammalian or viral promoter, such as a
constitutive or inducible promoter. Constitutive mammalian
promoters include, but are not limited to, the promoters for the
following genes: hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT),
adenosine deaminase, pyruvate kinase, .beta.-actin promoter and
other constitutive promoters. Exemplary viral promoters which
function constitutively in eukaryotic cells include, for example,
promoters from the cytomegalovirus (CMV), simian virus (e.g.,
SV40), papilloma virus, adenovirus, human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV), Rous sarcoma virus, the long terminal repeats (LTR) of
Moloney leukemia virus and other retroviruses, and the thymidine
kinase promoter of herpes simplex virus. Other constitutive
promoters are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The
promoters useful as gene expression sequences of the invention also
include inducible promoters. Inducible promoters are expressed in
the presence of an inducing agent. For example, the metallothionein
promoter is induced to promote transcription and translation in the
presence of certain metal ions. Other inducible promoters are known
to those of ordinary skill in the art.
In general, the gene expression sequence shall include, as
necessary, 5' non-transcribing and 5' non-translating sequences
involved with the initiation of transcription and translation,
respectively, such as a TATA box, capping sequence, CAAT sequence,
and the like. Especially, such 5' non-transcribing sequences will
include a promoter region which includes a promoter sequence for
transcriptional control of the operably joined antigen nucleic
acid. The gene expression sequences optionally include enhancer
sequences or upstream activator sequences as desired.
The antigen nucleic acid is operatively linked to the gene
expression sequence. As used herein, the antigen nucleic acid
sequence and the gene expression sequence are said to be operably
linked when they are covalently linked in such a way as to place
the expression or transcription and/or translation of the antigen
coding sequence under the influence or control of the gene
expression sequence. Two DNA sequences are said to be operably
linked if induction of a promoter in the 5' gene expression
sequence results in the transcription of the antigen sequence and
if the nature of the linkage between the two DNA sequences does not
(1) result in the introduction of a frame-shift mutation, (2)
interfere with the ability of the promoter region to direct the
transcription of the antigen sequence, or (3) interfere with the
ability of the corresponding RNA transcript to be translated into a
protein. Thus, a gene expression sequence would be operably linked
to an antigen nucleic acid sequence if the gene expression sequence
were capable of effecting transcription of that antigen nucleic
acid sequence such that the resulting transcript is translated into
the desired protein or polypeptide.
The antigen nucleic acid of the invention may be delivered to the
immune system alone or in association with a vector. In its
broadest sense, a vector is any vehicle capable of facilitating the
transfer of the antigen nucleic acid to the cells of the immune
system so that the antigen can be expressed and presented on the
surface of the immune cell. The vector generally transports the
nucleic acid to the immune cells with reduced degradation relative
to the extent of degradation that would result in the absence of
the vector. The vector optionally includes the above-described gene
expression sequence to enhance expression of the antigen nucleic
acid in immune cells. In general, the vectors useful in the
invention include, but are not limited to, plasmids, phagemids,
viruses, other vehicles derived from viral or bacterial sources
that have been manipulated by the insertion or incorporation of the
antigen nucleic acid sequences. Viral vectors are a preferred type
of vector and include, but are not limited to, nucleic acid
sequences from the following viruses: retrovirus, such as Moloney
murine leukemia virus, Harvey murine sarcoma virus, murine mammary
tumor virus, and Rous sarcoma virus; adenovirus, adeno-associated
virus; SV40-type viruses; polyoma viruses; Epstein-Barr viruses;
papilloma viruses; herpes virus; vaccinia virus; polio virus; and
RNA virus such as a retrovirus. One can readily employ other
vectors not named but known in the art.
Preferred viral vectors are based on non-cytopathic eukaryotic
viruses in which non-essential genes have been replaced with the
gene of interest. Non-cytopathic viruses include retroviruses, the
life cycle of which involves reverse transcription of genomic viral
RNA into DNA with subsequent proviral integration into host
cellular DNA. Retroviruses have been approved for human gene
therapy trials. Most useful are those retroviruses that are
replication-deficient (i.e., capable of directing synthesis of the
desired proteins, but incapable of manufacturing an infectious
particle). Such genetically altered retroviral expression vectors
have general utility for the high-efficiency transduction of genes
in vivo. Standard protocols for producing replication-deficient
retroviruses (including the steps of incorporation of exogenous
genetic material into a plasmid, transfection of a packaging cell
lined with plasmid, production of recombinant retroviruses by the
packaging cell line, collection of viral particles from tissue
culture media, and infection of the target cells with viral
particles) are provided in Kriegler, M., Gene Transfer and
Expression, A Laboratory Manual, W.H. Freeman Co., New York (1990)
and Murray, E. J. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol. 7, Humana
Press, Inc., Cliffton, N.J. (1991).
A preferred virus for certain applications is the adeno-associated
virus, a double-stranded DNA virus. The adeno-associated virus can
be engineered to be replication-deficient and is capable of
infecting a wide range of cell types and species. It further has
advantages, such as heat and lipid solvent stability; high
transduction frequencies in cells of diverse lineages, including
hemopoietic cells; and lack of superinfection inhibition thus
allowing multiple series of transductions. Reportedly, wild-type
adeno-associated virus manifest some preference for integration
sites into human cellular DNA, thereby minimizing the possibility
of insertional mutagenesis and variability of inserted gene
expression characteristic of retroviral infection. In addition,
wild-type adeno-associated virus infections have been followed in
tissue culture for greater than 100 passages in the absence of
selective pressure, implying that the adeno-associated virus
genomic integration is a relatively stable event. The
adeno-associated virus can also function in an extrachromosomal
fashion. Recombinant adeno-associated viruses that lack the
replicase protein apparently lack this integration sequence
specificity.
Other vectors include plasmid vectors. Plasmid vectors have been
extensively described in the art and are well-known to those of
skill in the art. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A
Laboratory Manual, Second Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Press, 1989. In the last few years, plasmid vectors have been found
to be particularly advantageous for delivering genes to cells in
vivo because of their inability to replicate within and integrate
into a host genome. These plasmids, however, having a promoter
compatible with the host cell, can express a peptide from a gene
operatively encoded within the plasmid. Some commonly used plasmids
include pBR322, pUC18, pUC19, pRc/CMV, SV40, and pBlueScript. Other
plasmids are well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Additionally, plasmids may be custom designed using restriction
enzymes and ligation reactions to remove and add specific fragments
of DNA.
It has recently been discovered that gene-carrying plasmids can be
delivered to the immune system using bacteria. Modified forms of
bacteria such as Salmonella can be transfected with the plasmid and
used as delivery vehicles. The bacterial delivery vehicles can be
administered to a host subject orally or by other administration
means. The bacteria deliver the plasmid to immune cells, e.g., B
cells, dendritic cells, likely by passing through the gut barrier.
High levels of immune protection have been established using this
methodology. Such methods of delivery are useful for the aspects of
the invention utilizing systemic delivery of antigen, nucleic
acids, and/or other therapeutic agent.
In some aspects of the invention, the nucleic acids are
administered along with therapeutic agents such as
disorder-specific medicaments. As used herein, a disorder-specific
medicament is a therapy or agent that is used predominately in the
treatment or prevention of a disorder.
In one aspect, the combination of nucleic acid and
disorder-specific medicaments allows for the administration of
higher doses of disorder-specific medicaments without as many side
effects as are ordinarily experienced at those high doses. In
another aspect, the combination of nucleic acid and
disorder-specific medicaments allows for the administration of
lower, sub-therapeutic doses of either compound, but with higher
efficacy than would otherwise be achieved using such low doses. As
one example, by administering a combination of an immunostimulatory
nucleic acid and a medicament, it is possible to achieve an
effective response even though the medicament is administered at a
dose which alone would not provide a therapeutic benefit (i.e., a
sub-therapeutic dose). As another example, the combined
administration achieves a response even though the nucleic acid is
administered at a dose which alone would not provide a therapeutic
benefit.
The nucleic acids and/or other therapeutic agents can also be
administered on fixed schedules or in different temporal
relationships to one another. The various combinations have many
advantages over the prior art methods of modulating immune
responses or preventing or treating disorders, particularly with
regard to decreased non-specific toxicity to normal tissues.
Cancer is a disease which involves the uncontrolled growth (i.e.,
division) of cells. Some of the known mechanisms which contribute
to the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells include growth
factor independence, failure to detect genomic mutation, and
inappropriate cell signaling. The ability of cancer cells to ignore
normal growth controls may result in an increased rate of
proliferation. Although the causes of cancer have not been firmly
established, there are some factors known to contribute, or at
least predispose a subject, to cancer. Such factors include
particular genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA gene mutation for breast
cancer, APC for colon cancer), exposure to suspected cancer-causing
agents, or carcinogens (e.g., asbestos, UV radiation) and familial
disposition for particular cancers such as breast cancer.
The cancer may be a malignant or non-malignant cancer. Cancers or
tumors include but are not limited to biliary tract cancer; brain
cancer; breast cancer; cervical cancer; choriocarcinoma; colon
cancer; endometrial cancer; esophageal cancer; gastric cancer;
intraepithelial neoplasms; lymphomas; liver cancer; lung cancer
(e.g., small cell and non-small cell); melanoma; neuroblastomas;
oral cancer; ovarian cancer; pancreas cancer; prostate cancer;
rectal cancer; sarcomas; skin cancer; testicular cancer; thyroid
cancer; and renal cancer, as well as other carcinomas and sarcomas.
In one embodiment the cancer is hairy cell leukemia, chronic
myelogenous leukemia, cutaneous T-cell leukemia, multiple myeloma,
follicular lymphoma, malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma,
renal cell carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, bladder cell carcinoma,
or colon carcinoma.
A "subject having a cancer" is a subject that has detectable
cancerous cells.
A "subject at risk of developing a cancer" is one who has a higher
than normal probability of developing cancer. These subjects
include, for instance, subjects having a genetic abnormality that
has been demonstrated to be associated with a higher likelihood of
developing a cancer, subjects having a familial disposition to
cancer, subjects exposed to cancer-causing agents (i.e.,
carcinogens) such as tobacco, asbestos, or other chemical toxins,
and subjects previously treated for cancer and in apparent
remission.
A "cancer antigen" as used herein is a compound, such as a peptide
or protein, associated with a tumor or cancer cell surface and
which is capable of provoking an immune response when expressed on
the surface of an antigen presenting cell in the context of an MHC
molecule. Cancer antigens can be prepared from cancer cells either
by preparing crude extracts of cancer cells, for example, as
described in Cohen P A et al. (1994) Cancer Res 54:1055-8, by
partially purifying the antigens, by recombinant technology, or by
de novo synthesis of known antigens. Cancer antigens include but
are not limited to antigens that are recombinantly expressed, an
immunogenic portion of, or a whole tumor or cancer. Such antigens
can be isolated or prepared recombinantly or by any other means
known in the art.
The terms "cancer antigen" and "tumor antigen" are used
interchangeably and refer to antigens which are differentially
expressed by cancer cells and can thereby be exploited in order to
target cancer cells. Cancer antigens are antigens which can
potentially stimulate apparently tumor-specific immune responses.
Some of these antigens are encoded, although not necessarily
expressed, by normal cells. These antigens can be characterized as
those which are normally silent (i.e., not expressed) in normal
cells, those that are expressed only at certain stages of
differentiation and those that are temporally expressed such as
embryonic and fetal antigens. Other cancer antigens are encoded by
mutant cellular genes, such as oncogenes (e.g., activated ras
oncogene), suppressor genes (e.g., mutant p53), fusion proteins
resulting from internal deletions or chromosomal translocations.
Still other cancer antigens can be encoded by viral genes such as
those carried on RNA and DNA tumor viruses. Examples of tumor
antigens include MAGE, MART-1/Melan-A, gp100, Dipeptidyl peptidase
IV (DPPIV), adenosine deaminase-binding protein (ADAbp),
cyclophilin b, Colorectal associated antigen (CRC)--0017-1A/GA733,
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) and its immunogenic epitopes CAP-1
and CAP-2, etv6, aml1, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and its
immunogenic epitopes PSA-1, PSA-2, and PSA-3, prostate-specific
membrane antigen (PSMA), T-cell receptor/CD3-zeta chain,
MAGE-family of tumor antigens (e.g., MAGE-A1, MAGE-A2, MAGE-A3,
MAGE-A4, MAGE-A5, MAGE-A6, MAGE-A7, MAGE-A8, MAGE-A9, MAGE-A10,
MAGE-A11, MAGE-A12, MAGE-Xp2 (MAGE-B2), MAGE-Xp3 (MAGE-B3),
MAGE-Xp4 (MAGE-B4), MAGE-C1, MAGE-C2, MAGE-C3, MAGE-C4, MAGE-C5),
GAGE-family of tumor antigens (e.g., GAGE-1, GAGE-2, GAGE-3,
GAGE-4, GAGE-5, GAGE-6, GAGE-7, GAGE-8, GAGE-9), BAGE, RAGE,
LAGE-1, NAG, GnT-V, MUM-1, CDK4, tyrosinase, p53, MUC family,
HER2/neu, p21ras, RCAS1, .alpha.-fetoprotein, E-cadherin,
.alpha.-catenin, .beta.-catenin and .gamma.-catenin, p120ctn,
gp100.sup.Pmel117, PRAME, NY-ESO-1, cdc27, adenomatous polyposis
coli protein (APC), fodrin, Connexin 37, Ig-idiotype, p15, gp75,
GM2 and GD2 gangliosides, viral products such as human papilloma
virus proteins, Smad family of tumor antigens, lmp-1, HA,
EBV-encoded nuclear antigen (EBNA)-1, brain glycogen phosphorylase,
SSX-1, SSX-2 (HOM-MEL-40), SSX-1, SSX-4, SSX-5, SCP-1 and CT-7, and
c-erbB-2.
Cancers or tumors and tumor antigens associated with such tumors
(but not exclusively), include acute lymphoblastic leukemia (etv6;
aml1; cyclophilin b), B cell lymphoma (Ig-idiotype), glioma
(E-cadherin; .alpha.-catenin; .beta.-catenin; .gamma.-catenin;
p120ctn), bladder cancer (p21ras), biliary cancer (p21ras), breast
cancer (MUC family; HER2/neu; c-erbB-2), cervical carcinoma (p53;
p21ras), colon carcinoma (p21ras; HER2/neu; c-erbB-2; MUC family),
colorectal cancer (Colorectal associated antigen
(CRC)--0017-1A/GA733; APC), choriocarcinoma (CEA), epithelial cell
cancer (cyclophilin b), gastric cancer (HER2/neu; c-erbB-2; ga733
glycoprotein), hepatocellular cancer (.alpha.-fetoprotein),
Hodgkins lymphoma (lmp-1; EBNA-1), lung cancer (CEA; MAGE-3;
NY-ESO-1), lymphoid cell-derived leukemia (cyclophilin b), melanoma
(p15 protein, gp75, oncofetal antigen, GM2 and GD2 gangliosides),
myeloma (MUC family; p21ras), non-small cell lung carcinoma
(HER2/neu; c-erbB-2), nasopharyngeal cancer (lmp-1; EBNA-1),
ovarian cancer (MUC family; HER2/neu; c-erbB-2), prostate cancer
(Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and its immunogenic epitopes
PSA-1, PSA-2, and PSA-3; PSMA; HER2/neu; c-erbB-2), pancreatic
cancer (p21ras; MUC family; HER2/neu; c-erbB-2; ga733
glycoprotein), renal cancer (HER2/neu; c-erbB-2), squamous cell
cancers of cervix and esophagus (viral products such as human
papilloma virus proteins), testicular cancer (NY-ESO-1), T-cell
leukemia (HTLV-1 epitopes), and melanoma (Melan-A/MART-1; cdc27;
MAGE-3; p21ras; gp100.sup.Pmel117).
For examples of tumor antigens which bind to either or both MHC
class I and MHC class II molecules, see the following references:
Coulie, Stem Cells 13:393-403, 1995; Traversari et al. J Exp Med
176:1453-1457, 1992; Chaux et al. J Immunol 163:2928-2936, 1999;
Fujie et al. Int J Cancer 80:169-172, 1999; Tanzarella et al.
Cancer Res 59:2668-2674, 1999; van der Bruggen et al. Eur J Immunol
24:2134-2140, 1994; Chaux et al. J Exp Med 189:767-778, 1999;
Kawashima et al. Hum Immunol 59:1-14, 1998; Tahara et al. Clin
Cancer Res 5:2236-2241, 1999; Gaugler et al. J Exp Med 179:921-930,
1994; van der Bruggen et al. Eur J Immunol 24:3038-3043, 1994;
Tanaka et al. Cancer Res 57:4465-4468, 1997; Oiso et al. Int J
Cancer 81:387-394, 1999; Herman et al. Immunogenetics 43:377-383,
1996; Manici et al. J Exp Med 189:871-876, 1999; Duffour et al. Eur
J Immunol 29:3329-3337, 1999; Zorn et al. Eur J Immunol 29:602-607,
1999; Huang et al. J Immunol 162:6849-6854, 1999; Boel et al.
Immunity 2:167-175, 1995; Van den Eynde et al. J Exp Med
182:689-698, 1995; De Backer et al. Cancer Res 59:3157-3165, 1999;
Jager et al. J Exp Med 187:265-270, 1998; Wang et al. J Immunol
161:3596-3606, 1998; Aarnoudse et al. Int J Cancer 82:442-448,
1999; Guilloux et al. J Exp Med 183:1173-1183, 1996; Lupetti et al.
J Exp Med 188:1005-1016, 1998; Wolfel et al. Eur J Immunol
24:759-764, 1994; Skipper et al. J Exp Med 183:527-534, 1996; Kang
et al. J Immunol 155:1343-1348, 1995; Morel et al. Int J Cancer
83:755-759, 1999; Brichard et al. Eur J Immunol 26:224-230, 1996;
Kittlesen et al. J Immunol 160:2099-2106, 1998; Kawakami et al. J
Immunol 161:6985-6992, 1998; Topalian et al. J Exp Med
183:1965-1971, 1996; Kobayashi et al. Cancer Research 58:296-301,
1998; Kawakami et al. J Immunol 154:3961-3968, 1995; Tsai et al. J
Immunol 158:1796-1802, 1997; Cox et al. Science 264:716-719, 1994;
Kawakami et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 91:6458-6462, 1994; Skipper
et al. J Immunol 157:5027-5033, 1996; Robbins et al. J Immunol
159:303-308, 1997; Castelli et al. J Immunol 162:1739-1748, 1999;
Kawakami et al. Exp Med 180:347-352, 1994; Castelli et al. J Exp
Med 181:363-368, 1995; Schneider et al. Int J Cancer 75:451-458,
1998; Wang et al. J Exp Med 183:1131-1140, 1996; Wang et al. J Exp
Med 184:2207-2216, 1996; Parkhurst et al. Cancer Research
58:4895-4901, 1998; Tsang et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 87:982-990,
1995; Correale et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 89:293-300, 1997; Coulie
et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 92:7976-7980, 1995; Wolfel et al.
Science 269:1281-1284, 1995; Robbins et al. J Exp Med
183:1185-1192, 1996; Brandle et al. J Exp Med 183:2501-2508, 1996;
ten Bosch et al. Blood 88:3522-3527, 1996; Mandruzzato et al. J Exp
Med 186:785-793, 1997; Gueguen et al. J Immunol 160:6188-6194,
1998; Gjertsen et al. Int J Cancer 72:784-790, 1997; Gaudin et al.
J Immunol 162:1730-1738, 1999; Chiari et al. Cancer Res
59:5785-5792, 1999; Hogan et al. Cancer Res 58:5144-5150, 1998;
Pieper et al. J Exp Med 189:757-765, 1999; Wang et al. Science
284:1351-1354, 1999; Fisk et al. J Exp Med 181:2109-2117, 1995;
Brossart et al. Cancer Res 58:732-736, 1998; Ropke et al. Proc Natl
Acad Sci USA 93:14704-14707, 1996; Ikeda et al. Immunity 6:199-208,
1997; Ronsin et al. J Immunol 163:483-490, 1999; Vonderheide et al.
Immunity 10:673-679, 1999. These antigens as well as others are
disclosed in PCT Application PCT/US98/18601
The compositions and methods of the invention can be used alone or
in conjunction with other agents and methods useful for the
treatment of cancer. Cancer is currently treated using a variety of
modalities including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
The choice of treatment modality will depend upon the type,
location and dissemination of the cancer. For example, surgery and
radiation therapy may be more appropriate in the case of solid,
well-defined tumor masses and less practical in the case of
non-solid tumor cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. One of the
advantages of surgery and radiation therapy is the ability to
control to some extent the impact of the therapy, and thus to limit
the toxicity to normal tissues in the body. However, surgery and
radiation therapy are often followed by chemotherapy to guard
against any remaining or radio-resistant cancer cells. Chemotherapy
is also the most appropriate treatment for disseminated cancers
such as leukemia and lymphoma as well as metastases.
Chemotherapy refers to therapy using chemical and/or biological
agents to attack cancer cells. Unlike localized surgery or
radiation, chemotherapy is generally administered in a systemic
fashion and thus toxicity to normal tissues is a major concern.
Because many chemotherapy agents target cancer cells based on their
proliferative profiles, tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract
and the bone marrow which are normally proliferative are also
susceptible to the effects of the chemotherapy. One of the major
side effects of chemotherapy is myelosuppression (including anemia,
neutropenia and thrombocytopenia) which results from the death of
normal hemopoietic precursors.
Many chemotherapeutic agents have been developed for the treatment
of cancer. Not all tumors, however, respond to chemotherapeutic
agents and others although initially responsive to chemotherapeutic
agents may develop resistance. As a result, the search for
effective anti-cancer drugs has intensified in an effort to find
even more effective agents with less non-specific toxicity.
Cancer medicaments function in a variety of ways. Some cancer
medicaments work by targeting physiological mechanisms that are
specific to tumor cells. Examples include the targeting of specific
genes and their gene products (i.e., proteins primarily) which are
mutated in cancers. Such genes include but are not limited to
oncogenes (e.g., Ras, Her2, bcl-2), tumor suppressor genes (e.g.,
EGF, p53, Rb), and cell cycle targets (e.g., CDK4, p21,
telomerase). Cancer medicaments can alternately target signal
transduction pathways and molecular mechanisms which are altered in
cancer cells. Targeting of cancer cells via the epitopes expressed
on their cell surface is accomplished through the use of monoclonal
antibodies. This latter type of cancer medicament is generally
referred to herein as immunotherapy.
Other cancer medicaments target cells other than cancer cells. For
example, some medicaments prime the immune system to attack tumor
cells (i.e., cancer vaccines). Still other medicaments, called
angiogenesis inhibitors, function by attacking the blood supply of
solid tumors. Since the most malignant cancers are able to
metastasize (i.e., exit the primary tumor site and seed a another
site, thereby forming a secondary tumor), medicaments that impede
this metastasis are also useful in the treatment of cancer.
Angiogenic mediators include basic FGF, VEGF, angiopoietins,
angiostatin, endostatin, TNF-.alpha., TNP-470, thrombospondin-1,
platelet factor 4, CAI, and certain members of the integrin family
of proteins. One category of this type of medicament is a
metalloproteinase inhibitor, which inhibits the enzymes used by the
cancer cells to exist the primary tumor site and extravasate into
another tissue.
Some cancer cells are antigenic and thus can be targeted by the
immune system. In one aspect, the combined administration of
nucleic acid and cancer medicaments, particularly those which are
classified as cancer immunotherapies, is useful for stimulating a
specific immune response against a cancer antigen.
The theory of immune surveillance is that a prime function of the
immune system is to detect and eliminate neoplastic cells before a
tumor forms. A basic principle of this theory is that cancer cells
are antigenically different from normal cells and thus elicit
immune reactions that are similar to those that cause rejection of
immunologically incompatible allografts. Studies have confirmed
that tumor cells differ, either qualitatively or quantitatively, in
their expression of antigens. For example, "tumor-specific
antigens" are antigens that are specifically associated with tumor
cells but not normal cells. Examples of tumor specific antigens are
viral antigens in tumors induced by DNA or RNA viruses.
"Tumor-associated" antigens are present in both tumor cells and
normal cells but are present in a different quantity or a different
form in tumor cells. Examples of such antigens are oncofetal
antigens (e.g., carcinoembryonic antigen), differentiation antigens
(e.g., T and Tn antigens), and oncogene products (e.g.,
HER/neu).
Different types of cells that can kill tumor targets in vitro and
in vivo have been identified: natural killer (NK) cells, cytolytic
T lymphocytes (CTLs), lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAKs), and
activated macrophages. NK cells can kill tumor cells without having
been previously sensitized to specific antigens, and the activity
does not require the presence of class I antigens encoded by the
major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on target cells. NK cells
are thought to participate in the control of nascent tumors and in
the control of metastatic growth. In contrast to NK cells, CTLs can
kill tumor cells only after they have been sensitized to tumor
antigens and when the target antigen is expressed on the tumor
cells that also express MHC class I. CTLs are thought to be
effector cells in the rejection of transplanted tumors and of
tumors caused by DNA viruses. LAK cells are a subset of null
lymphocytes distinct from the NK and CTL populations. Activated
macrophages can kill tumor cells in a manner that is neither
antigen-dependent nor MHC-restricted once activated. Activated
macrophages are through to decrease the growth rate of the tumors
they infiltrate. In vitro assays have identified other immune
mechanisms such as antibody-dependent, cell-mediated cytotoxic
reactions and lysis by antibody plus complement. However, these
immune effector mechanisms are thought to be less important in vivo
than the function of NK, CTLs, LAK, and macrophages in vivo (for
review see Piessens W F et al. "Tumor Immunology", In: Scientific
American Medicine, Vol. 2, Scientific American Books, N.Y., pp.
1-13, 1996).
The goal of immunotherapy is to augment a patient's immune response
to an established tumor. One method of immunotherapy includes the
use of adjuvants. Adjuvant substances derived from microorganisms,
such as bacillus Calmette-Guerin, heighten the immune response and
enhance resistance to tumors in animals.
Immunotherapeutic agents are medicaments which derive from
antibodies or antibody fragments which specifically bind or
recognize a cancer antigen. Antibody-based immunotherapies may
function by binding to the cell surface of a cancer cell and
thereby stimulate the endogenous immune system to attack the cancer
cell. Another way in which antibody-based therapy functions is as a
delivery system for the specific targeting of toxic substances to
cancer cells. Antibodies are usually conjugated to toxins such as
ricin (e.g., from castor beans), calicheamicin and maytansinoids,
to radioactive isotopes such as Iodine-131 and Yttrium-90, to
chemotherapeutic agents (as described herein), or to biological
response modifiers. In this way, the toxic substances can be
concentrated in the region of the cancer and non-specific toxicity
to normal cells can be minimized. In addition to the use of
antibodies which are specific for cancer antigens, antibodies which
bind to vasculature, such as those which bind to endothelial cells,
are also useful in the invention. This is because solid tumors
generally are dependent upon newly formed blood vessels to survive,
and thus most tumors are capable of recruiting and stimulating the
growth of new blood vessels. As a result, one strategy of many
cancer medicaments is to attack the blood vessels feeding a tumor
and/or the connective tissues (or stroma) supporting such blood
vessels.
Cancer vaccines are medicaments which are intended to stimulate an
endogenous immune response against cancer cells. Currently produced
vaccines predominantly activate the humoral immune system (i.e.,
the antibody-dependent immune response). Other vaccines currently
in development are focused on activating the cell-mediated immune
system including cytotoxic T lymphocytes which are capable of
killing tumor cells. Cancer vaccines generally enhance the
presentation of cancer antigens to both antigen presenting cells
(e.g., macrophages and dendritic cells) and/or to other immune
cells such as T cells, B cells, and NK cells.
Although cancer vaccines may take one of several forms, as
discussed infra, their purpose is to deliver cancer antigens and/or
cancer associated antigens to antigen presenting cells (APC) in
order to facilitate the endogenous processing of such antigens by
APC and the ultimate presentation of antigen presentation on the
cell surface in the context of MHC class I molecules. One form of
cancer vaccine is a whole cell vaccine which is a preparation of
cancer cells which have been removed from a subject, treated ex
vivo and then reintroduced as whole cells in the subject. Lysates
of tumor cells can also be used as cancer vaccines to elicit an
immune response. Another form cancer vaccine is a peptide vaccine
which uses cancer-specific or cancer-associated small proteins to
activate T cells. Cancer-associated proteins are proteins which are
not exclusively expressed by cancer cells (i.e., other normal cells
may still express these antigens). However, the expression of
cancer-associated antigens is generally consistently upregulated
with cancers of a particular type. Other cancer vaccines include
ganglioside vaccines, heat-shock protein vaccines, viral and
bacterial vaccines, and nucleic acid vaccines.
Yet another form of cancer vaccine is a dendritic cell vaccine
which includes whole dendritic cells which have been exposed to a
cancer antigen or a cancer-associated antigen in vitro. Lysates or
membrane fractions of dendritic cells may also be used as cancer
vaccines. Dendritic cell vaccines are able to activate APCs
directly. A dendritic cell is a professional APC. Dendritic cells
form the link between the innate and the acquired immune system by
presenting antigens and through their expression of pattern
recognition receptors which detect microbial molecules like LPS in
their local environment. Dendritic cells efficiently internalize,
process, and present soluble specific antigen to which it is
exposed. The process of internalizing and presenting antigen causes
rapid upregulation of the expression of major histocompatibility
complex (MHC) and costimulatory molecules, the production of
cytokines, and migration toward lymphatic organs where they are
believed to be involved in the activation of T cells.
As used herein, chemotherapeutic agents embrace all other forms of
cancer medicaments which do not fall into the categories of
immunotherapeutic agents or cancer vaccines. Chemotherapeutic
agents as used herein encompass both chemical and biological
agents. These agents function to inhibit a cellular activity which
the cancer cell is dependent upon for continued survival.
Categories of chemotherapeutic agents include alkylating/alkaloid
agents, antimetabolites, hormones or hormone analogs, and
miscellaneous antineoplastic drugs. Most if not all of these agents
are directly toxic to cancer cells and do not require immune
stimulation.
An "infectious disease" or, equivalently, an "infection" as used
herein, refers to a disorder arising from the invasion of a host,
superficially, locally, or systemically, by an infectious organism.
Infectious organisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and
parasites. Accordingly, "infectious disease" includes bacterial
infections, viral infections, fungal infections and parasitic
infections.
A subject having an infectious disease is a subject that has been
exposed to an infectious organism and has acute or chronic
detectable levels of the organism in the body. Exposure to the
infectious organism generally occurs with the external surface of
the subject, e.g., skin or mucosal membranes and/or refers to the
penetration of the external surface of the subject by the
infectious organism.
A subject at risk of developing an infectious disease is a subject
who has a higher than normal risk of exposure to an infection
causing pathogen. For instance, a subject at risk may be a subject
who is planning to travel to an area where a particular type of
infectious agent is found or it may be a subject who through
lifestyle or medical procedures is exposed to bodily fluids which
may contain infectious organisms or directly to the organism or a
subject living in an area where an infectious organism has been
identified. Subjects at risk of developing an infectious disease
also include general populations to which a medical agency
recommends vaccination against a particular infectious
organism.
A subject at risk of developing an infectious disease includes
those subjects that have a general risk of exposure to a
microorganism, e.g., influenza, but that do not have the active
disease during the treatment of the invention, as well as subjects
that are considered to be at specific risk of developing an
infectious disease because of medical or environmental factors that
expose the subject to a particular microorganism.
Bacteria are unicellular organisms which multiply asexually by
binary fission. They are classified and named based on their
morphology, staining reactions, nutrition and metabolic
requirements, antigenic structure, chemical composition, and
genetic homology. Bacteria can be classified into three groups
based on their morphological forms, spherical (coccus),
straight-rod (bacillus) and curved or spiral rod (vibrio,
campylobacter, spirillum, and spirochaete). Bacteria are also more
commonly characterized based on their staining reactions into two
classes of organisms, gram-positive and gram-negative. Gram refers
to the method of staining which is commonly performed in
microbiology labs. Gram-positive organisms retain the stain
following the staining procedure and appear a deep violet color.
Gram-negative organisms do not retain the stain but take up the
counter-stain and thus appear pink.
Infectious bacteria include, but are not limited to, gram negative
and gram positive bacteria. Gram positive bacteria include, but are
not limited to Pasteurella species, Staphylococci species, and
Streptococcus species. Gram negative bacteria include, but are not
limited to, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, and Salmonella
species. Specific examples of infectious bacteria include but are
not limited to: Helicobacter pyloris, Borrelia burgdorferi,
Legionella pneumophilia, Mycobacteria sps (e.g., M. tuberculosis,
M. avium, M. intracellulare, M. kansasii, M. gordonae),
Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria
meningitidis, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes (Group
A Streptococcus), Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus),
Streptococcus (viridans group), Streptococcus faecalis,
Streptococcus bovis, Streptococcus (anaerobic species),
Streptococcus pneumoniae, pathogenic Campylobacter sp.,
Enterococcus sp., Haemophilus influenzae, Bacillus anthracis,
Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Corynebacterium sp., Erysipelothrix
rhusiopathiae, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani,
Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pasturella
multocida, Bacteroides sp., Fusobacterium nucleatum,
Streptobacillus moniliformis, Treponema pallidum, Treponema
pertenue, Leptospira, Rickettsia, and Actinomyces israelli.
Viruses are small infectious agents which generally contain a
nucleic acid core and a protein coat, but are not independently
living organisms. Viruses can also take the form of infectious
nucleic acids lacking a protein. A virus cannot survive in the
absence of a living cell within which it can replicate. Viruses
enter specific living cells either by endocytosis or direct
injection of DNA (phage) and multiply, causing disease. The
multiplied virus can then be released and infect additional cells.
Some viruses are DNA-containing viruses and others are
RNA-containing viruses. In some aspects, the invention also intends
to treat diseases in which prions are implicated in disease
progression such as for example bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(i.e., mad cow disease, BSE) or scrapie infection in animals, or
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans.
Viruses include, but are not limited to, enteroviruses (including,
but not limited to, viruses that the family picornaviridae, such as
polio virus, coxsackie virus, echo virus), rotaviruses, adenovirus,
hepatitis virus. Specific examples of viruses that have been found
in humans include but are not limited to: Retroviridae (e.g., human
immunodeficiency viruses, such as HIV-1 (also referred to as
HTLV-III, LAV or HTLV-III/LAV, or HIV-III; and other isolates, such
as HIV-LP; Picornaviridae (e.g., polio viruses, hepatitis A virus;
enteroviruses, human Coxsackie viruses, rhinoviruses, echoviruses);
Calciviridae (e.g., strains that cause gastroenteritis);
Togaviridae (e.g., equine encephalitis viruses, rubella viruses);
Flaviviridae (e.g., dengue viruses, encephalitis viruses, yellow
fever viruses); Coronaviridae (e.g., coronaviruses); Rhabdoviridae
(e.g., vesicular stomatitis viruses, rabies viruses); Filoviridae
(e.g., ebola viruses); Paramyxoviridae (e.g., parainfluenza
viruses, mumps virus, measles virus, respiratory syncytial virus);
Orthomyxoviridae (e.g., influenza viruses); Bungaviridae (e.g.,
Hantaan viruses, bunga viruses, phleboviruses and Nairo viruses);
Arenaviridae (hemorrhagic fever viruses); Reoviridae (e.g.,
reoviruses, orbiviurses and rotaviruses); Birnaviridae;
Hepadnaviridae (Hepatitis B virus); Parvoviridae (parvoviruses);
Papovaviridae (papillomaviruses, polyoma viruses); Adenoviridae
(most adenoviruses); Herpesviridae (herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1
and 2, varicella zoster virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV)); Poxyiridae
(variola viruses, vaccinia viruses, pox viruses); Iridoviridae
(e.g., African swine fever virus); and unclassified viruses (e.g.,
the etiological agents of spongiform encephalopathies, the agent of
delta hepatitis (thought to be a defective satellite of hepatitis B
virus), the agents of non-A, non-B hepatitis (class 1=internally
transmitted; class 2=parenterally transmitted (i.e., Hepatitis C);
Norwalk and related viruses, and astroviruses).
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms, only a few of which cause infection
in vertebrate mammals. Because fungi are eukaryotic organisms, they
differ significantly from prokaryotic bacteria in size, structural
organization, life cycle and mechanism of multiplication. Fungi are
classified generally based on morphological features, modes of
reproduction and culture characteristics. Although fungi can cause
different types of disease in subjects, such as respiratory
allergies following inhalation of fungal antigens, fungal
intoxication due to ingestion of toxic substances, such as Amanita
phalloides toxin and phallotoxin produced by poisonous mushrooms
and aflatoxins, produced by aspergillus species, not all fungi
cause infectious disease.
Infectious fungi can cause systemic or superficial infections.
Primary systemic infection can occur in normal healthy subjects,
and opportunistic infections are most frequently found in
immunocompromised subjects. The most common fungal agents causing
primary systemic infection include Blastomyces, Coccidioides, and
Htoplasma. Common fungi causing opportunistic infection in
immunocompromised or immunosuppressed subjects include, but are not
limited to, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and various
Aspergillus species. Systemic fungal infections are invasive
infections of the internal organs. The organism usually enters the
body through the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, or intravenous
catheters. These types of infections can be caused by primary
pathogenic fungi or opportunistic fungi.
Superficial fungal infections involve growth of fungi on an
external surface without invasion of internal tissues. Typical
superficial fungal infections include cutaneous fungal infections
involving skin, hair, or nails.
Diseases associated with fungal infection include aspergillosis,
blastomycosis, candidiasis, chromoblastomycosis,
coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, fungal eye infections, fungal
hair, nail, and skin infections, histoplasmosis, lobomycosis,
mycetoma, otomycosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, disseminated
Penicillium marneffei, phaeohyphomycosis, rhinosporidioisis,
sporotrichosis, and zygomycosis.
Parasites are organisms which depend upon other organisms in order
to survive and thus must enter, or infect, another organism to
continue their life cycle. The infected organism, i.e., the host,
provides both nutrition and habitat to the parasite. Although in
its broadest sense the term parasite can include all infectious
agents (i.e., bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and helminths),
generally speaking, the term is used to refer solely to protozoa,
helminths, and ectoparasitic arthropods (e.g., ticks, mites, etc.).
Protozoa are single-celled organisms which can replicate both
intracellularly and extracellularly, particularly in the blood,
intestinal tract or the extracellular matrix of tissues. Helminths
are multicellular organisms which almost always are extracellular
(an exception being Trichinella spp.). Helminths normally require
exit from a primary host and transmission into a secondary host in
order to replicate. In contrast to these aforementioned classes,
ectoparasitic arthropods form a parasitic relationship with the
external surface of the host body.
Parasites include intracellular parasites and obligate
intracellular parasites. Examples of parasites include but are not
limited to Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium
malariae, Plasmdodium vivax, Plasmodium knowlesi, Babesia micron,
Babesia divergens, Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii,
Trichinella spiralis, Leishmania major, Leishmania donovani,
Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania tropica, Trypanosoma gambiense,
Trypanosoma rhodesiense and Schistosoma mansoni.
Other medically relevant microorganisms have been described
extensively in the literature, e.g., see C. G. A Thomas, Medical
Microbiology, Bailliere Tindall, Great Britain 1983, the entire
contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Each of the
foregoing lists is illustrative and is not intended to be
limiting.
The compositions and methods of the invention can be used alone or
in conjunction with other agents and methods useful for the
treatment of infection. Infection medicaments include but are not
limited to anti-bacterial agents, anti-viral agents, anti-fungal
agents and anti-parasitic agents. Phrases such as "anti-infective
agent", "antibiotic", "anti-bacterial agent", "anti-viral agent",
"anti-fungal agent", "anti-parasitic agent" and "parasiticide" have
well-established meanings to those of ordinary skill in the art and
are defined in standard medical texts. Briefly, anti-bacterial
agents kill or inhibit bacteria, and include antibiotics as well as
other synthetic or natural compounds having similar functions.
Anti-viral agents can be isolated from natural sources or
synthesized and are useful for killing or inhibiting viruses.
Anti-fungal agents are used to treat superficial fungal infections
as well as opportunistic and primary systemic fungal infections.
Anti-parasite agents kill or inhibit parasites. Many antibiotics
are low molecular weight molecules which are produced as secondary
metabolites by cells, such as microorganisms. In general,
antibiotics interfere with one or more functions or structures
which are specific for the microorganism and which are not present
in host cells.
One of the problems with anti-infective therapies is the side
effects occurring in the host that is treated with the
anti-infective agent. For instance, many anti-infectious agents can
kill or inhibit a broad spectrum of microorganisms and are not
specific for a particular type of species. Treatment with these
types of anti-infectious agents results in the killing of the
normal microbial flora living in the host, as well as the
infectious microorganism. The loss of the microbial flora can lead
to disease complications and predispose the host to infection by
other pathogens, since the microbial flora compete with and
function as barriers to infectious pathogens. Other side effects
may arise as a result of specific or non-specific effects of these
chemical entities on non-microbial cells or tissues of the
host.
Another problem with widespread use of anti-infectants is the
development of antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms.
Already, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, penicillin-resistant
pneumococci, multi-resistant S. aureus, and multi-resistant
tuberculosis strains have developed and are becoming major clinical
problems. Widespread use of anti-infectants will likely produce
many antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. As a result, new
anti-infective strategies will be required to combat these
microorganisms.
Antibacterial antibiotics which are effective for killing or
inhibiting a wide range of bacteria are referred to as
broad-spectrum antibiotics. Other types of antibacterial
antibiotics are predominantly effective against the bacteria of the
class gram-positive or gram-negative. These types of antibiotics
are referred to as narrow-spectrum antibiotics. Other antibiotics
which are effective against a single organism or disease and not
against other types of bacteria, are referred to as
limited-spectrum antibiotics.
Anti-bacterial agents are sometimes classified based on their
primary mode of action. In general, anti-bacterial agents are cell
wall synthesis inhibitors, cell membrane inhibitors, protein
synthesis inhibitors, nucleic acid synthesis or functional
inhibitors, and competitive inhibitors. Cell wall synthesis
inhibitors inhibit a step in the process of cell wall synthesis,
and in general in the synthesis of bacterial peptidoglycan. Cell
wall synthesis inhibitors include .beta.-lactam antibiotics,
natural penicillins, semi-synthetic penicillins, ampicillin,
clavulanic acid, cephalolsporins, and bacitracin.
The .beta.-lactams are antibiotics containing a four-membered
.beta.-lactam ring which inhibits the last step of peptidoglycan
synthesis. .beta.-lactam antibiotics can be synthesized or natural.
The .beta.-lactam antibiotics produced by penicillium are the
natural penicillins, such as penicillin G or penicillin V. These
are produced by fermentation of Penicillium chrysogenum. The
natural penicillins have a narrow spectrum of activity and are
generally effective against Streptococcus, Gonococcus, and
Staphylococcus. Other types of natural penicillins, which are also
effective against gram-positive bacteria, include penicillins F, X,
K, and O.
Semi-synthetic penicillins are generally modifications of the
molecule 6-aminopenicillanic acid produced by a mold. The
6-aminopenicillanic acid can be modified by addition of side chains
which produce penicillins having broader spectrums of activity than
natural penicillins or various other advantageous properties. Some
types of semi-synthetic penicillins have broad spectrums against
gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, but are inactivated by
penicillinase. These semi-synthetic penicillins include ampicillin,
carbenicillin, oxacillin, azlocillin, mezlocillin, and
piperacillin. Other types of semi-synthetic penicillins have
narrower activities against gram-positive bacteria, but have
developed properties such that they are not inactivated by
penicillinase. These include, for instance, methicillin,
dicloxacillin, and nafcillin. Some of the broad spectrum
semi-synthetic penicillins can be used in combination with
.beta.-lactamase inhibitors, such as clavulanic acids and
sulbactam. The .beta.-lactamase inhibitors do not have
anti-microbial action but they function to inhibit penicillinase,
thus protecting the semi-synthetic penicillin from degradation.
One of the serious side effects associated with penicillins, both
natural and semi-synthetic, is penicillin allergy. Penicillin
allergies are very serious and can cause death rapidly. In a
subject that is allergic to penicillin, the .beta.-lactam molecule
will attach to a serum protein which initiates an IgE-mediated
inflammatory response. The inflammatory response leads to
anaphylaxis and possibly death.
Another type of .beta.-lactam antibiotic is the cephalolsporins.
They are sensitive to degradation by bacterial .beta.-lactamases,
and thus, are not always effective alone. Cephalolsporins, however,
are resistant to penicillinase. They are effective against a
variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Cephalolsporins include, but are not limited to, cephalothin,
cephapirin, cephalexin, cefamandole, cefaclor, cefazolin,
cefuroxine, cefoxitin, cefotaxime, cefsulodin, cefetamet, cefixime,
ceftriaxone, cefoperazone, ceftazidine, and moxalactam.
Bacitracin is another class of antibiotics which inhibit cell wall
synthesis, by inhibiting the release of muropeptide subunits or
peptidoglycan from the molecule that delivers the subunit to the
outside of the membrane. Although bacitracin is effective against
gram-positive bacteria, its use is limited in general to topical
administration because of its high toxicity.
Carbapenems are another broad-spectrum .beta.-lactam antibiotic,
which is capable of inhibiting cell wall synthesis. Examples of
carbapenems include, but are not limited to, imipenems. Monobactams
are also broad-spectrum .beta.-lactam antibiotics, and include,
eurtreonam. An antibiotic produced by Streptomyces, vancomycin, is
also effective against gram-positive bacteria by inhibiting cell
membrane synthesis.
Another class of anti-bacterial agents is the anti-bacterial agents
that are cell membrane inhibitors. These compounds disorganize the
structure or inhibit the function of bacterial membranes. One
problem with anti-bacterial agents that are cell membrane
inhibitors is that they can produce effects in eukaryotic cells as
well as bacteria because of the similarities in phospholipids in
bacterial and eukaryotic membranes. Thus these compounds are rarely
specific enough to permit these compounds to be used systemically
and prevent the use of high doses for local administration.
One clinically useful cell membrane inhibitor is Polymyxin.
Polymyxins interfere with membrane function by binding to membrane
phospholipids. Polymyxin is effective mainly against Gram-negative
bacteria and is generally used in severe Pseudomonas infections or
Pseudomonas infections that are resistant to less toxic
antibiotics. The severe side effects associated with systemic
administration of this compound include damage to the kidney and
other organs.
Other cell membrane inhibitors include Amphotericin B and Nystatin
which are anti-fungal agents used predominantly in the treatment of
systemic fungal infections and Candida yeast infections. Imidazoles
are another class of antibiotic that is a cell membrane inhibitor.
Imidazoles are used as anti-bacterial agents as well as anti-fungal
agents, e.g., used for treatment of yeast infections, dermatophytic
infections, and systemic fungal infections. Imidazoles include but
are not limited to clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole,
itraconazole, and fluconazole.
Many anti-bacterial agents are protein synthesis inhibitors. These
compounds prevent bacteria from synthesizing structural proteins
and enzymes and thus cause inhibition of bacterial cell growth or
function or cell death. In general these compounds interfere with
the processes of transcription or translation. Anti-bacterial
agents that block transcription include but are not limited to
Rifampins and Ethambutol. Rifampins, which inhibit the enzyme RNA
polymerase, have a broad spectrum activity and are effective
against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as
Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Ethambutol is effective against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Anti-bacterial agents which block translation interfere with
bacterial ribosomes to prevent mRNA from being translated into
proteins. In general this class of compounds includes but is not
limited to tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, the macrolides (e.g.,
erythromycin) and the aminoglycosides (e.g., streptomycin).
The aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics which are produced
by the bacterium Streptomyces, such as, for instance streptomycin,
kanamycin, tobramycin, amikacin, and gentamicin Aminoglycosides
have been used against a wide variety of bacterial infections
caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Streptomycin
has been used extensively as a primary drug in the treatment of
tuberculosis. Gentamicin is used against many strains of
Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas
infections, especially in combination with Tobramycin. Kanamycin is
used against many Gram-positive bacteria, including
penicillin-resistant Staphylococci. One side effect of
aminoglycosides that has limited their use clinically is that at
dosages which are essential for efficacy, prolonged use has been
shown to impair kidney function and cause damage to the auditory
nerves leading to deafness.
Another type of translation inhibitor anti-bacterial agent is the
tetracyclines. The tetracyclines are a class of antibiotics that
are broad-spectrum and are effective against a variety of
gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Examples of tetracyclines
include tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline, and
chlortetracycline. They are important for the treatment of many
types of bacteria but are particularly important in the treatment
of Lyme disease. As a result of their low toxicity and minimal
direct side effects, the tetracyclines have been overused and
misused by the medical community, leading to problems. For
instance, their overuse has led to widespread development of
resistance.
Anti-bacterial agents such as the macrolides bind reversibly to the
50 S ribosomal subunit and inhibit elongation of the protein by
peptidyl transferase or prevent the release of uncharged tRNA from
the bacterial ribosome or both. These compounds include
erythromycin, roxithromycin, clarithromycin, oleandomycin, and
azithromycin. Erythromycin is active against most Gram-positive
bacteria, Neisseria, Legionella and Haemophilus, but not against
the Enterobacteriaceae. Lincomycin and clindamycin, which block
peptide bond formation during protein synthesis, are used against
gram-positive bacteria.
Another type of translation inhibitor is chloramphenicol.
Chloramphenicol binds the 70 S ribosome inhibiting the bacterial
enzyme peptidyl transferase thereby preventing the growth of the
polypeptide chain during protein synthesis. One serious side effect
associated with chloramphenicol is aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia
develops at doses of chloramphenicol which are effective for
treating bacteria in a small proportion (1/50,000) of patients.
Chloramphenicol which was once a highly prescribed antibiotic is
now seldom uses as a result of the deaths from anemia. Because of
its effectiveness it is still used in life-threatening situations
(e.g., typhoid fever).
Some anti-bacterial agents disrupt nucleic acid synthesis or
function, e.g., bind to DNA or RNA so that their messages cannot be
read. These include but are not limited to quinolones and
co-trimoxazole, both synthetic chemicals and rifamycins, a natural
or semi-synthetic chemical. The quinolones block bacterial DNA
replication by inhibiting the DNA gyrase, the enzyme needed by
bacteria to produce their circular DNA. They are broad spectrum and
examples include norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, nalidixic
acid and temafloxacin. Nalidixic acid is a bactericidal agent that
binds to the DNA gyrase enzyme (topoisomerase) which is essential
for DNA replication and allows supercoils to be relaxed and
reformed, inhibiting DNA gyrase activity. The main use of nalidixic
acid is in treatment of lower urinary tract infections (UTI)
because it is effective against several types of Gram-negative
bacteria such as E. coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, K. pneumoniae and
Proteus species which are common causes of UTI. Co-trimoxazole is a
combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, which blocks the
bacterial synthesis of folic acid needed to make DNA nucleotides.
Rifampicin is a derivative of rifamycin that is active against
Gram-positive bacteria (including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and
meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis) and some Gram-negative
bacteria. Rifampicin binds to the beta subunit of the polymerase
and blocks the addition of the first nucleotide which is necessary
to activate the polymerase, thereby blocking mRNA synthesis.
Another class of anti-bacterial agents is compounds that function
as competitive inhibitors of bacterial enzymes. The competitive
inhibitors are mostly all structurally similar to a bacterial
growth factor and compete for binding but do not perform the
metabolic function in the cell. These compounds include
sulfonamides and chemically modified forms of sulfanilamide which
have even higher and broader antibacterial activity. The
sulfonamides (e.g., gantrisin and trimethoprim) are useful for the
treatment of Streptococcus pneumoniae, beta-hemolytic streptococci
and E. coli, and have been used in the treatment of uncomplicated
UTI caused by E. coli, and in the treatment of meningococcal
meningitis.
Anti-viral agents are compounds which prevent infection of cells by
viruses or replication of the virus within the cell. There are many
fewer antiviral drugs than antibacterial drugs because the process
of viral replication is so closely related to DNA replication
within the host cell, that non-specific antiviral agents would
often be toxic to the host. There are several stages within the
process of viral infection which can be blocked or inhibited by
antiviral agents. These stages include, attachment of the virus to
the host cell (immunoglobulin or binding peptides), uncoating of
the virus (e.g. amantadine), synthesis or translation of viral mRNA
(e.g. interferon), replication of viral RNA or DNA (e.g. nucleoside
analogues), maturation of new virus proteins (e.g. protease
inhibitors), and budding and release of the virus.
Another category of anti-viral agents are nucleoside analogues.
Nucleoside analogues are synthetic compounds which are similar to
nucleosides, but which have an incomplete or abnormal deoxyribose
or ribose group. Once the nucleoside analogues are in the cell,
they are phosphorylated, producing the triphosphate form which
competes with normal nucleotides for incorporation into the viral
DNA or RNA. Once the triphosphate form of the nucleoside analogue
is incorporated into the growing nucleic acid chain, it causes
irreversible association with the viral polymerase and thus chain
termination. Nucleoside analogues include, but are not limited to,
acyclovir (used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus and
varicella-zoster virus), gancyclovir (useful for the treatment of
cytomegalovirus), idoxuridine, ribavirin (useful for the treatment
of respiratory syncitial virus), dideoxyinosine, dideoxycytidine,
and zidovudine (azidothymidine).
Another class of anti-viral agents includes cytokines such as
interferons. The interferons are cytokines which are secreted by
virus-infected cells as well as immune cells. The interferons
function by binding to specific receptors on cells adjacent to the
infected cells, causing the change in the cell which protects it
from infection by the virus. .alpha. and .beta.-interferon also
induce the expression of Class I and Class II MHC molecules on the
surface of infected cells, resulting in increased antigen
presentation for host immune cell recognition. .alpha. and
.beta.-interferons are available as recombinant forms and have been
used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C infection. At
the dosages which are effective for anti-viral therapy, interferons
have severe side effects such as fever, malaise and weight
loss.
Immunoglobulin therapy is used for the prevention of viral
infection. Immunoglobulin therapy for viral infections is different
from bacterial infections, because rather than being
antigen-specific, the immunoglobulin therapy functions by binding
to extracellular virions and preventing them from attaching to and
entering cells which are susceptible to the viral infection. The
therapy is useful for the prevention of viral infection for the
period of time that the antibodies are present in the host. In
general there are two types of immunoglobulin therapies, normal
immune globulin therapy and hyper-immune globulin therapy. Normal
immune globulin therapy utilizes a antibody product which is
prepared from the serum of normal blood donors and pooled. This
pooled product contains low titers of antibody to a wide range of
human viruses, such as hepatitis A, parvovirus, enterovirus
(especially in neonates). Hyper-immune globulin therapy utilizes
antibodies which are prepared from the serum of individuals who
have high titers of an antibody to a particular virus. Those
antibodies are then used against a specific virus. Examples of
hyper-immune globulins include zoster immune globulin (useful for
the prevention of varicella in immunocompromised children and
neonates), human rabies immune globulin (useful in the
post-exposure prophylaxis of a subject bitten by a rabid animal),
hepatitis B immune globulin (useful in the prevention of hepatitis
B virus, especially in a subject exposed to the virus), and RSV
immune globulin (useful in the treatment of respiratory syncitial
virus infections).
Anti-fungal agents are useful for the treatment and prevention of
infective fungi. Anti-fungal agents are sometimes classified by
their mechanism of action. Some anti-fungal agents function as cell
wall inhibitors by inhibiting glucose synthase. These include, but
are not limited to, basiungin/ECB. Other anti-fungal agents
function by destabilizing membrane integrity. These include, but
are not limited to, imidazoles, such as clotrimazole, sertaconzole,
fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, and
voriconacole, as well as FK 463, amphotericin B, BAY 38-9502, MK
991, pradimicin, UK 292, butenafine, and terbinafine. Other
anti-fungal agents function by breaking down chitin (e.g.,
chitinase) or immunosuppression (501 cream).
Parasiticides are agents that kill parasites directly. Such
compounds are known in the art and are generally commercially
available. Examples of parasiticides useful for human
administration include but are not limited to albendazole,
amphotericin B, benznidazole, bithionol, chloroquine HCl,
chloroquine phosphate, clindamycin, dehydroemetine,
diethylcarbamazine, diloxanide furoate, eflornithine,
furazolidaone, glucocorticoids, halofantrine, iodoquinol,
ivermectin, mebendazole, mefloquine, meglumine antimoniate,
melarsoprol, metrifonate, metronidazole, niclosamide, nifurtimox,
oxamniquine, paromomycin, pentamidine isethionate, piperazine,
praziquantel, primaquine phosphate, proguanil, pyrantel pamoate,
pyrimethanmine-sulfonamides, pyrimethanmine-sulfadoxine, quinacrine
HCl, quinine sulfate, quinidine gluconate, spiramycin,
stibogluconate sodium (sodium antimony gluconate), suramin,
tetracycline, doxycycline, thiabendazole, tinidazole,
trimethroprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tryparsamide.
The compositions and methods of the invention may also find use in
the treatment of allergy and asthma.
An "allergy" refers to acquired hypersensitivity to a substance
(allergen). Allergic conditions include but are not limited to
eczema, allergic rhinitis or coryza, hay fever, allergic
conjunctivitis, bronchial asthma, urticaria (hives) and food
allergies, other atopic conditions including atopic dermatitis;
anaphylaxis; drug allergy; and angioedema. Allergic diseases
include but are not limited to rhinitis (hay fever), asthma,
urticaria, and atopic dermatitis.
Allergy is a disease associated with the production of antibodies
from a particular class of immunoglobulin, IgE, against allergens.
The development of an IgE-mediated response to common aeroallergens
is also a factor which indicates predisposition towards the
development of asthma. If an allergen encounters a specific IgE
which is bound to an IgE Fc receptor (Fc.epsilon.R) on the surface
of a basophil (circulating in the blood) or mast cell (dispersed
throughout solid tissue), the cell becomes activated, resulting in
the production and release of mediators such as histamine,
serotonin, and lipid mediators.
A subject having an allergy is a subject that is currently
experiencing or has previously experienced an allergic reaction in
response to an allergen.
A subject at risk of developing an allergy or asthma is a subject
that has been identified as having an allergy or asthma in the past
but who is not currently experiencing the active disease, as well
as a subject that is considered to be at risk of developing asthma
or allergy because of genetic or environmental factors. A subject
at risk of developing allergy or asthma can also include a subject
who has any risk of exposure to an allergen or a risk of developing
asthma, i.e., someone who has suffered from an asthmatic attack
previously or has a predisposition to asthmatic attacks. For
instance, a subject at risk may be a subject who is planning to
travel to an area where a particular type of allergen or asthmatic
initiator is found or it may even be any subject living in an area
where an allergen has been identified. If the subject develops
allergic responses to a particular antigen and the subject may be
exposed to the antigen, i.e., during pollen season, then that
subject is at risk of exposure to the antigen.
The generic name for molecules that cause an allergic reaction is
allergen. An "allergen" as used herein is a molecule capable of
provoking an immune response characterized by production of IgE. An
allergen is a substance that can induce an allergic or asthmatic
response in a susceptible subject. Thus, in the context of this
invention, the term allergen means a specific type of antigen which
can trigger an allergic response which is mediated by IgE antibody.
The method and preparations of this invention extend to a broad
class of such allergens and fragments of allergens or haptens
acting as allergens. The list of allergens is enormous and can
include pollens, insect venoms, animal dander, dust, fungal spores,
and drugs (e.g., penicillin).
There are numerous species of allergens. The allergic reaction
occurs when tissue-sensitizing immunoglobulin of the IgE type
reacts with foreign allergen. The IgE antibody is bound to mast
cells and/or basophils, and these specialized cells release
chemical mediators (vasoactive amines) of the allergic reaction
when stimulated to do so by allergens bridging the ends of the
antibody molecule. Htamine, platelet activating factor, arachidonic
acid metabolites, and serotonin are among the best known mediators
of allergic reactions in man. Htamine and the other vasoactive
amines are normally stored in mast cells and basophil leukocytes.
The mast cells are dispersed throughout animal tissue and the
basophils circulate within the vascular system. These cells
manufacture and store histamine within the cell unless the
specialized sequence of events involving IgE binding occurs to
trigger its release.
The symptoms of the allergic reaction vary, depending on the
location within the body where the IgE reacts with the antigen. If
the reaction occurs along the respiratory epithelium, the symptoms
are sneezing, coughing and asthmatic reactions. If the interaction
occurs in the digestive tract, as in the case of food allergies,
abdominal pain and diarrhea are common. Systemic reactions, for
example following a bee sting, can be severe and often
life-threatening.
Delayed-type hypersensitivity, also known as type IV allergy
reaction, is an allergic reaction characterized by a delay period
of at least 12 hours from invasion of the antigen into the allergic
subject until appearance of the inflammatory or immune reaction.
The T lymphocytes (sensitized T lymphocytes) of individuals in an
allergic condition react with the antigen, triggering the T
lymphocytes to release lymphokines (macrophage migration inhibitory
factor (MIF), macrophage activating factor (MAF), mitogenic factor
(MF), skin-reactive factor (SRF), chemotactic factor,
neovascularization-accelerating factor, etc.), which function as
inflammation mediators, and the biological activity of these
lymphokines, together with the direct and indirect effects of
locally appearing lymphocytes and other inflammatory immune cells,
give rise to the type IV allergy reaction. Delayed allergy
reactions include tuberculin type reaction, homograft rejection
reaction, cell-dependent type protective reaction, contact
dermatitis hypersensitivity reaction, and the like, which are known
to be most strongly suppressed by steroidal agents. Consequently,
steroidal agents are effective against diseases which are caused by
delayed allergy reactions. Long-term use of steroidal agents at
concentrations currently being used can, however, lead to the
serious side-effect known as steroid dependence. The methods of the
invention solve some of these problems, by providing for lower and
fewer doses to be administered.
Immediate hypersensitivity (or anaphylactic response) is a form of
allergic reaction which develops very quickly, i.e., within seconds
or minutes of exposure of the patient to the causative allergen,
and it is mediated by IgE antibodies made by B lymphocytes. In
nonallergic patients, there is no IgE antibody of clinical
relevance; but, in a person suffering with allergic diseases, IgE
antibody mediates immediate hypersensitivity by sensitizing mast
cells which are abundant in the skin, lymphoid organs, in the
membranes of the eye, nose and mouth, and in the respiratory tract
and intestines.
Mast cells have surface receptors for IgE, and the IgE antibodies
in allergy-suffering patients become bound to them. As discussed
briefly above, when the bound IgE is subsequently contacted by the
appropriate allergen, the mast cell is caused to degranulate and to
release various substances called bioactive mediators, such as
histamine, into the surrounding tissue. It is the biologic activity
of these substances which is responsible for the clinical symptoms
typical of immediate hypersensitivity; namely, contraction of
smooth muscle in the airways or the intestine, the dilation of
small blood vessels and the increase in their permeability to water
and plasma proteins, the secretion of thick sticky mucus, and in
the skin, redness, swelling and the stimulation of nerve endings
that results in itching or pain.
"Asthma" as used herein refers to a disorder of the respiratory
system characterized by inflammation, narrowing of the airways, and
increased reactivity of the airways to inhaled agents. Asthma is
frequently, although not exclusively, associated with an atopic or
allergic condition. Symptoms of asthma include recurrent episodes
of wheezing, breathlessness, and chest tightness, and coughing,
resulting from airflow obstruction. Airway inflammation associated
with asthma can be detected through observation of a number of
physiological changes, such as, denudation of airway epithelium,
collagen deposition beneath basement membrane, edema, mast cell
activation, inflammatory cell infiltration, including neutrophils,
inosineophils, and lymphocytes. As a result of the airway
inflammation, asthma patients often experience airway
hyper-responsiveness, airflow limitation, respiratory symptoms, and
disease chronicity. Airflow limitations include acute
bronchoconstriction, airway edema, mucous plug formation, and
airway remodeling, features which often lead to bronchial
obstruction. In some cases of asthma, sub-basement membrane
fibrosis may occur, leading to persistent abnormalities in lung
function.
Research over the past several years has revealed that asthma
likely results from complex interactions among inflammatory cells,
mediators, and other cells and tissues resident in the airway. Mast
cells, inosineophils, epithelial cells, macrophage, and activated
T-cells all play an important role in the inflammatory process
associated with asthma. Djukanovic R et al. (1990) Am Rev Respir
Dis 142:434-457. It is believed that these cells can influence
airway function through secretion of preformed and newly
synthesized mediators which can act directly or indirectly on the
local tissue. It has also been recognized that subpopulations of
T-lymphocytes (Th2) play an important role in regulating allergic
inflammation in the airway by releasing selective cytokines and
establishing disease chronicity. Robinson D S et al. (1992) N Engl
J Med 326:298-304.
Asthma is a complex disorder which arises at different stages in
development and can be classified based on the degree of symptoms
as acute, subacute or chronic. An acute inflammatory response is
associated with an early recruitment of cells into the airway. The
subacute inflammatory response involves the recruitment of cells as
well as the activation of resident cells causing a more persistent
pattern of inflammation. Chronic inflammatory response is
characterized by a persistent level of cell damage and an ongoing
repair process, which may result in permanent abnormalities in the
airway.
A "subject having asthma" is a subject that has a disorder of the
respiratory system characterized by inflammation, narrowing of the
airways and increased reactivity of the airways to inhaled agents.
Asthma is frequently, although not exclusively, associated with
atopic or allergic symptoms. An "initiator" as used herein refers
to a composition or environmental condition which triggers asthma.
Initiators include, but are not limited to, allergens, cold
temperatures, exercise, viral infections, SO.sub.2.
The compositions and methods of the invention can be used alone or
in conjucnction with other agents and methods useful in the
treatment of asthma. An "asthma/allergy medicament" as used herein
is a composition of matter which reduces the symptoms of, prevents
the development of, or inhibits an asthmatic or allergic reaction.
Various types of medicaments for the treatment of asthma and
allergy are described in the Guidelines For The Diagnosis and
Management of Asthma, Expert Panel Report 2, NIH Publication No.
97/4051, Jul. 19, 1997, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference. The summary of the medicaments as
described in the NIH publication is presented below. In most
embodiments the asthma/allergy medicament is useful to some degree
for treating both asthma and allergy.
Medications for the treatment of asthma are generally separated
into two categories, quick-relief medications and long-term control
medications. Asthma patients take the long-term control medications
on a daily basis to achieve and maintain control of persistent
asthma. Long-term control medications include anti-inflammatory
agents such as corticosteroids, chromolyn sodium and nedocromil;
long-acting bronchodilators, such as long-acting
.beta..sub.2-agonists and methylxanthines; and leukotriene
modifiers. The quick-relief medications include short-acting
.beta..sub.2 agonists, anti-cholinergics, and systemic
corticosteroids. There are many side effects associated with each
of these drugs and none of the drugs alone or in combination is
capable of preventing or completely treating asthma.
Asthma medicaments include, but are not limited, PDE-4 inhibitors,
bronchodilator/beta-2 agonists, K+ channel openers, VLA-4
antagonists, neurokin antagonists, thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthesis
inhibitors, xanthines, arachidonic acid antagonists, 5 lipoxygenase
inhibitors, TXA2 receptor antagonists, TXA2 antagonists, inhibitor
of 5-lipox activation proteins, and protease inhibitors.
Bronchodilator/.beta..sub.2 agonists are a class of compounds which
cause bronchodilation or smooth muscle relaxation.
Bronchodilator/.beta..sub.2 agonists include, but are not limited
to, salmeterol, salbutamol, albuterol, terbutaline,
D2522/formoterol, fenoterol, bitolterol, pirbuerol methylxanthines
and orciprenaline. Long-acting .beta..sub.2 agonists and
bronchodilators are compounds which are used for long-term
prevention of symptoms in addition to the anti-inflammatory
therapies. Long-acting .beta..sub.2 agonists include, but are not
limited to, salmeterol and albuterol. These compounds are usually
used in combination with corticosteroids and generally are not used
without any inflammatory therapy. They have been associated with
side effects such as tachycardia, skeletal muscle tremor,
hypokalemia, and prolongation of QTc interval in overdose.
Methylxanthines, including for instance theophylline, have been
used for long-term control and prevention of symptoms. These
compounds cause bronchodilation resulting from phosphodiesterase
inhibition and likely adenosine antagonism. Dose-related acute
toxicities are a particular problem with these types of compounds.
As a result, routine serum concentration must be monitored in order
to account for the toxicity and narrow therapeutic range arising
from individual differences in metabolic clearance. Side effects
include tachycardia, tachyarrhythmias, nausea and vomiting, central
nervous system stimulation, headache, seizures, hematemesis,
hyperglycemia and hypokalemia. Short-acting .beta..sub.2 agonists
include, but are not limited to, albuterol, bitolterol, pirbuterol,
and terbutaline. Some of the adverse effects associated with the
administration of short-acting .beta..sub.2 agonists include
tachycardia, skeletal muscle tremor, hypokalemia, increased lactic
acid, headache, and hyperglycemia.
Conventional methods for treating or preventing allergy have
involved the use of anti-histamines or desensitization therapies.
Anti-histamines and other drugs which block the effects of chemical
mediators of the allergic reaction help to regulate the severity of
the allergic symptoms but do not prevent the allergic reaction and
have no effect on subsequent allergic responses. Desensitization
therapies are performed by giving small doses of an allergen,
usually by injection under the skin, in order to induce an IgG-type
response against the allergen. The presence of IgG antibody helps
to neutralize the production of mediators resulting from the
induction of IgE antibodies, it is believed. Initially, the subject
is treated with a very low dose of the allergen to avoid inducing a
severe reaction and the dose is slowly increased. This type of
therapy is dangerous because the subject is actually administered
the compounds which cause the allergic response and severe allergic
reactions can result.
Allergy medicaments include, but are not limited to,
anti-histamines, steroids, and prostaglandin inducers.
Anti-histamines are compounds which counteract histamine released
by mast cells or basophils. These compounds are well known in the
art and commonly used for the treatment of allergy. Anti-histamines
include, but are not limited to, astemizole, azelastine,
betatastine, buclizine, ceterizine, cetirizine analogues, CS 560,
desloratadine, ebastine, epinastine, fexofenadine, HSR 609,
levocabastine, loratidine, mizolastine, norastemizole, terfenadine,
and tranilast.
Prostaglandin inducers are compounds which induce prostaglandin
activity. Prostaglandins function by regulating smooth muscle
relaxation. Prostaglandin inducers include, but are not limited to,
S-5751.
The asthma/allergy medicaments also include steroids and
immunomodulators. The steroids include, but are not limited to,
beclomethasone, fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide,
corticosteroids and budesonide.
Corticosteroids include, but are not limited to, beclomethasome
dipropionate, budesonide, flunisolide, fluticaosone propionate, and
triamcinolone acetonide. Although dexamethasone is a corticosteroid
having anti-inflammatory action, it is not regularly used for the
treatment of asthma/allergy in an inhaled form because it is highly
absorbed and it has long-term suppressive side effects at an
effective dose. Dexamethasone, however, can be used according to
the invention for the treating of asthma/allergy because when
administered in combination with nucleic acids of the invention it
can be administered at a low dose to reduce the side effects. Some
of the side effects associated with corticosteroid include cough,
dysphonia, oral thrush (candidiasis), and in higher doses, systemic
effects, such as adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, growth
suppression, skin thinning and easy bruising. Barnes & Peterson
(1993) Am Rev Respir Dis 148:S1-S26; and Kamada A K et al. (1996)
Am J Respir Crit. Care Med 153:1739-48.
Systemic corticosteroids include, but are not limited to,
methylprednisolone, prednisolone and prednisone. Cortosteroids are
associated with reversible abnormalities in glucose metabolism,
increased appetite, fluid retention, weight gain, mood alteration,
hypertension, peptic ulcer, and aseptic necrosis of bone. These
compounds are useful for short-term (3-10 days) prevention of the
inflammatory reaction in inadequately controlled persistent asthma.
They also function in a long-term prevention of symptoms in severe
persistent asthma to suppress and control and actually reverse
inflammation. Some side effects associated with longer term use
include adrenal axis suppression, growth suppression, dermal
thinning, hypertension, diabetes, Cushing's syndrome, cataracts,
muscle weakness, and in rare instances, impaired immune function.
It is recommended that these types of compounds be used at their
lowest effective dose (guidelines for the diagnosis and management
of asthma; expert panel report to; NIH Publication No. 97-4051;
July 1997).
The immunomodulators include, but are not limited to, the group
consisting of anti-inflammatory agents, leukotriene antagonists,
IL-4 muteins, soluble IL-4 receptors, immunosuppressants (such as
tolerizing peptide vaccine), anti-IL-4 antibodies, IL-4
antagonists, anti-IL-5 antibodies, soluble IL-13 receptor-Fc fusion
proteins, anti-IL-9 antibodies, CCR3 antagonists, CCR5 antagonists,
VLA-4 inhibitors, and downregulators of IgE.
Leukotriene modifiers are often used for long-term control and
prevention of symptoms in mild persistent asthma. Leukotriene
modifiers function as leukotriene receptor antagonists by
selectively competing for LTD-4 and LTE-4 receptors. These
compounds include, but are not limited to, zafirlukast tablets and
zileuton tablets. Zileuton tablets function as 5-lipoxygenase
inhibitors. These drugs have been associated with the elevation of
liver enzymes and some cases of reversible hepatitis and
hyperbilirubinemia. Leukotrienes are biochemical mediators that are
released from mast cells, inosineophils, and basophils that cause
contraction of airway smooth muscle and increase vascular
permeability, mucous secretions and activate inflammatory cells in
the airways of patients with asthma.
Other immunomodulators include neuropeptides that have been shown
to have immunomodulating properties. Functional studies have shown
that substance P, for instance, can influence lymphocyte function
by specific receptor-mediated mechanisms. Substance P also has been
shown to modulate distinct immediate hypersensitivity responses by
stimulating the generation of arachidonic acid-derived mediators
from mucosal mast cells. McGillies J et al. (1987) Fed Proc
46:196-9 (1987). Substance P is a neuropeptide first identified in
1931. Von Euler and Gaddum J Physiol (London) 72:74-87 (1931). Its
amino acid sequence was reported by Chang et al. in 1971. Chang M M
et al. (1971) Nature New Biol 232:86-87. The immunoregulatory
activity of fragments of substance P has been studied by Siemion I
Z et al. (1990) Molec Immunol 27:887-890 (1990).
Another class of compounds is the down-regulators of IgE. These
compounds include peptides or other molecules with the ability to
bind to the IgE receptor and thereby prevent binding of
antigen-specific IgE. Another type of downregulator of IgE is a
monoclonal antibody directed against the IgE receptor-binding
region of the human IgE molecule. Thus, one type of downregulator
of IgE is an anti-IgE antibody or antibody fragment. Anti-IgE is
being developed by Genentech. One of skill in the art could prepare
functionally active antibody fragments of binding peptides which
have the same function. Other types of IgE downregulators are
polypeptides capable of blocking the binding of the IgE antibody to
the Fc receptors on the cell surfaces and displacing IgE from
binding sites upon which IgE is already bound.
One problem associated with downregulators of IgE is that many
molecules do not have a binding strength to the receptor
corresponding to the very strong interaction between the native IgE
molecule and its receptor. The molecules having this strength tend
to bind irreversibly to the receptor. However, such substances are
relatively toxic since they can bind covalently and block other
structurally similar molecules in the body. Of interest in this
context is that the .alpha. chain of the IgE receptor belongs to a
larger gene family where, e.g., several of the different IgG Fc
receptors are contained. These receptors are absolutely essential
for the defense of the body against, e.g., bacterial infections.
Molecules activated for covalent binding are, furthermore, often
relatively unstable and therefore they probably have to be
administered several times a day and then in relatively high
concentrations in order to make it possible to block completely the
continuously renewing pool of IgE receptors on mast cells and
basophilic leukocytes.
Chromolyn sodium and nedocromil are used as long-term control
medications for preventing primarily asthma symptoms arising from
exercise or allergic symptoms arising from allergens. These
compounds are believed to block early and late reactions to
allergens by interfering with chloride channel function. They also
stabilize mast cell membranes and inhibit activation and release of
mediators from inosineophils and epithelial cells. A four to six
week period of administration is generally required to achieve a
maximum benefit.
Anticholinergics are generally used for the relief of acute
bronchospasm. These compounds are believed to function by
competitive inhibition of muscarinic cholinergic receptors.
Anticholinergics include, but are not limited to, ipratropium
bromide. These compounds reverse only cholinerigically-mediated
bronchospasm and do not modify any reaction to antigen. Side
effects include drying of the mouth and respiratory secretions,
increased wheezing in some individuals, and blurred vision if
sprayed in the eyes.
In addition to standard asthma/allergy medicaments, other methods
for treating asthma/allergy have been used either alone or in
combination with established medicaments. One preferred, but
frequently impossible, method of relieving allergies is allergen or
initiator avoidance. Another method currently used for treating
allergic disease involves the injection of increasing doses of
allergen to induce tolerance to the allergen and to prevent further
allergic reactions.
Allergen injection therapy (allergen immunotherapy) is known to
reduce the severity of allergic rhinitis. This treatment has been
theorized to involve the production of a different form of
antibody, a protective antibody which is termed a "blocking
antibody". Cooke R A et al. (1935) Serologic Evidence of Immunity
with Coexisting Sensitization in a Type of Human Allergy, Exp Med
62:733. Other attempts to treat allergy involve modifying the
allergen chemically so that its ability to cause an immune response
in the patient is unchanged, while its ability to cause an allergic
reaction is substantially altered. These methods, however, can take
several years to be effective and are associated with the risk of
side effects such as anaphylactic shock.
The compositions and methods of the invention can be used to
modulate an immune response. The ability to modulate an immune
response allows for the prevention and/or treatment of particular
disorders that can be affected via immune system modulation.
Treatment after a disorder has started aims to reduce, ameliorate,
or altogether eliminate the disorder, and/or its associated
symptoms, or prevent it from becoming worse. Treatment of subjects
before a disorder has started (i.e., prophylactic treatment) aims
to reduce the risk of developing the disorder. As used herein, the
term "prevent" refers to the prophylactic treatment of patients who
are at risk of developing a disorder (resulting in a decrease in
the probability that the subject will develop the disorder), and to
the inhibition of further development of an already established
disorder.
Different doses may be necessary for treatment of a subject,
depending on activity of the compound, manner of administration,
purpose of the immunization (i.e., prophylactic or therapeutic),
nature and severity of the disorder, age and body weight of the
subject. The administration of a given dose can be carried out both
by single administration in the form of an individual dose unit or
else several smaller dose units. Multiple administration of doses
at specific intervals of weeks or months apart is usual for
boosting antigen-specific immune responses.
Combined with the teachings provided herein, by choosing among the
various active compounds and weighing factors such as potency,
relative bioavailability, patient body weight, severity of adverse
side-effects and preferred mode of administration, an effective
prophylactic or therapeutic treatment regimen can be planned which
does not cause substantial toxicity and yet is entirely effective
to treat the particular subject. The effective amount for any
particular application can vary depending on such factors as the
disease or condition being treated, the particular therapeutic
agent being administered (e.g., in the case of an immunostimulatory
nucleic acid, the type of nucleic acid, i.e., a CpG nucleic acid,
the number of unmethylated CpG motifs or their location in the
nucleic acid, the degree of modification of the backbone to the
oligonucleotide, etc.), the size of the subject, or the severity of
the disease or condition. One of ordinary skill in the art can
empirically determine the effective amount of a particular nucleic
acid and/or other therapeutic agent without necessitating undue
experimentation.
Subject doses of the compounds described herein typically range
from about 0.1 .mu.g to 10,000 mg, more typically from about 1
.mu.g/day to 8000 mg, and most typically from about 10 .mu.g to 100
.mu.g. Stated in terms of subject body weight, typical dosages
range from about 0.1 .mu.g to 20 mg/kg/day, more typically from
about 1 to 10 mg/kg/day, and most typically from about 1 to 5
mg/kg/day.
The pharmaceutical compositions containing nucleic acids and/or
other compounds can be administered by any suitable route for
administering medications. A variety of administration routes are
available. The particular mode selected will depend, of course,
upon the particular agent or agents selected, the particular
condition being treated, and the dosage required for therapeutic
efficacy. The methods of this invention, generally speaking, may be
practiced using any mode of administration that is medically
acceptable, meaning any mode that produces effective levels of an
immune response without causing clinically unacceptable adverse
effects. Preferred modes of administration are discussed herein.
For use in therapy, an effective amount of the nucleic acid and/or
other therapeutic agent can be administered to a subject by any
mode that delivers the agent to the desired surface, e.g., mucosal,
systemic.
Administering the pharmaceutical composition of the present
invention may be accomplished by any means known to the skilled
artisan. Routes of administration include but are not limited to
oral, parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, intranasal,
sublingual, intratracheal, inhalation, subcutaneous, ocular,
vaginal, and rectal. For the treatment or prevention of asthma or
allergy, such compounds are preferably inhaled, ingested or
administered by systemic routes. Systemic routes include oral and
parenteral. Inhaled medications are preferred in some embodiments
because of the direct delivery to the lung, the site of
inflammation, primarily in asthmatic patients. Several types of
devices are regularly used for administration by inhalation. These
types of devices include metered dose inhalers (MDI),
breath-actuated MDI, dry powder inhaler (DPI), spacer/holding
chambers in combination with MDI, and nebulizers.
The therapeutic agents of the invention may be delivered to a
particular tissue, cell type, or to the immune system, or both,
with the aid of a vector. In its broadest sense, a "vector" is any
vehicle capable of facilitating the transfer of the compositions to
the target cells. The vector generally transports the
immunostimulatory nucleic acid, antibody, antigen, and/or
disorder-specific medicament to the target cells with reduced
degradation relative to the extent of degradation that would result
in the absence of the vector.
In general, the vectors useful in the invention are divided into
two classes: biological vectors and chemical/physical vectors.
Biological vectors and chemical/physical vectors are useful in the
delivery and/or uptake of therapeutic agents of the invention.
Most biological vectors are used for delivery of nucleic acids and
this would be most appropriate in the delivery of therapeutic
agents that are or that include immunostimulatory nucleic
acids.
In addition to the biological vectors discussed herein,
chemical/physical vectors may be used to deliver therapeutic agents
including immunostimulatory nucleic acids, antibodies, antigens,
and disorder-specific medicaments. As used herein, a
"chemical/physical vector" refers to a natural or synthetic
molecule, other than those derived from bacteriological or viral
sources, capable of delivering the nucleic acid and/or other
medicament.
A preferred chemical/physical vector of the invention is a
colloidal dispersion system. Colloidal dispersion systems include
lipid-based systems including oil-in-water emulsions, micelles,
mixed micelles, and liposomes. A preferred colloidal system of the
invention is a liposome. Liposomes are artificial membrane vessels
which are useful as a delivery vector in vivo or in vitro. It has
been shown that large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs), which range in
size from 0.2-4.0 .mu.m can encapsulate large macromolecules. RNA,
DNA and intact virions can be encapsulated within the aqueous
interior and be delivered to cells in a biologically active form.
Fraley et al. (1981) Trends Biochem Sci 6:77.
Liposomes may be targeted to a particular tissue by coupling the
liposome to a specific ligand such as a monoclonal antibody, sugar,
glycolipid, or protein. Ligands which may be useful for targeting a
liposome to an immune cell include, but are not limited to: intact
or fragments of molecules which interact with immune cell specific
receptors and molecules, such as antibodies, which interact with
the cell surface markers of immune cells. Such ligands may easily
be identified by binding assays well known to those of skill in the
art. In still other embodiments, the liposome may be targeted to
the cancer by coupling it to a one of the immunotherapeutic
antibodies discussed earlier. Additionally, the vector may be
coupled to a nuclear targeting peptide, which will direct the
vector to the nucleus of the host cell.
Lipid formulations for transfection are commercially available from
QIAGEN, for example, as EFFECTENE.TM. (a non-liposomal lipid with a
special DNA condensing enhancer) and SUPERFECT.TM. (a novel acting
dendrimeric technology).
Liposomes are commercially available from Gibco BRL, for example,
as LIPOFECTIN.TM. and LIPOFECTACE.TM., which are formed of cationic
lipids such as N-[1-(2,3
dioleyloxy)-propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA) and
dimethyl dioctadecylammonium bromide (DDAB). Methods for making
liposomes are well known in the art and have been described in many
publications. Liposomes also have been reviewed by Gregoriadis G
(1985) Trends Biotechnol 3:235-241.
In one embodiment, the vehicle is a biocompatible microparticle or
implant that is suitable for implantation or administration to the
mammalian recipient. Exemplary bioerodible implants that are useful
in accordance with this method are described in PCT International
application no. PCT/US/03307 (Publication No. WO95/24929, entitled
"Polymeric Gene Delivery System". PCT/US/0307 describes a
biocompatible, preferably biodegradable polymeric matrix for
containing an exogenous gene under the control of an appropriate
promoter. The polymeric matrix can be used to achieve sustained
release of the therapeutic agent in the subject.
The polymeric matrix preferably is in the form of a microparticle
such as a microsphere (wherein the nucleic acid and/or the other
therapeutic agent is dispersed throughout a solid polymeric matrix)
or a microcapsule (wherein the nucleic acid and/or the other
therapeutic agent is stored in the core of a polymeric shell).
Other forms of the polymeric matrix for containing the therapeutic
agent include films, coatings, gels, implants, and stents. The size
and composition of the polymeric matrix device is selected to
result in favorable release kinetics in the tissue into which the
matrix is introduced. The size of the polymeric matrix further is
selected according to the method of delivery which is to be used,
typically injection into a tissue or administration of a suspension
by aerosol into the nasal and/or pulmonary areas. Preferably when
an aerosol route is used the polymeric matrix and the nucleic acid
and/or the other therapeutic agent are encompassed in a surfactant
vehicle. The polymeric matrix composition can be selected to have
both favorable degradation rates and also to be formed of a
material which is bioadhesive, to further increase the
effectiveness of transfer when the matrix is administered to a
nasal and/or pulmonary surface that has sustained an injury. The
matrix composition also can be selected not to degrade, but rather,
to release by diffusion over an extended period of time. In some
preferred embodiments, the nucleic acid are administered to the
subject via an implant while the other therapeutic agent is
administered acutely. Biocompatible microspheres that are suitable
for delivery, such as oral or mucosal delivery, are disclosed in
Chickering et al. (1996) Biotech Bioeng 52:96-101 and Mathiowitz E
et al. (1997) Nature 386:410-414 and PCT Pat. Application
WO97/03702.
Both non-biodegradable and biodegradable polymeric matrices can be
used to deliver the nucleic acid and/or the other therapeutic agent
to the subject. Biodegradable matrices are preferred. Such polymers
may be natural or synthetic polymers. The polymer is selected based
on the period of time over which release is desired, generally in
the order of a few hours to a year or longer. Typically, release
over a period ranging from between a few hours and three to twelve
months is most desirable, particularly for the nucleic acid agents.
The polymer optionally is in the form of a hydrogel that can absorb
up to about 90% of its weight in water and further, optionally is
cross-linked with multi-valent ions or other polymers.
Bioadhesive polymers of particular interest include bioerodible
hydrogels described by H. S. Sawhney, C. P. Pathak and J. A. Hubell
in Macromolecules, (1993) 26:581-587, the teachings of which are
incorporated herein. These include polyhyaluronic acids, casein,
gelatin, glutin, polyanhydrides, polyacrylic acid, alginate,
chitosan, poly(methyl methacrylates), poly(ethyl methacrylates),
poly(butylmethacrylate), poly(isobutyl methacrylate),
poly(hexylmethacrylate), poly(isodecyl methacrylate), poly(lauryl
methacrylate), poly(phenyl methacrylate), poly(methyl acrylate),
poly(isopropyl acrylate), poly(isobutyl acrylate), and
poly(octadecyl acrylate).
If the therapeutic agent is a nucleic acid, the use of compaction
agents may also be desirable. Compaction agents also can be used
alone, or in combination with, a biological or chemical/physical
vector. A "compaction agent", as used herein, refers to an agent,
such as a histone, that neutralizes the negative charges on the
nucleic acid and thereby permits compaction of the nucleic acid
into a fine granule. Compaction of the nucleic acid facilitates the
uptake of the nucleic acid by the target cell. The compaction
agents can be used alone, i.e., to deliver a nucleic acid in a form
that is more efficiently taken up by the cell or, more preferably,
in combination with one or more of the above-described vectors.
Other exemplary compositions that can be used to facilitate uptake
of a nucleic acid include calcium phosphate and other chemical
mediators of intracellular transport, microinjection compositions,
electroporation and homologous recombination compositions (e.g.,
for integrating a nucleic acid into a preselected location within
the target cell chromosome).
The compounds may be administered alone (e.g., in saline or buffer)
or using any delivery vectors known in the art. For instance the
following delivery vehicles have been described: cochleates
(Gould-Fogerite et al., 1994, 1996); Emulsomes (Vancott et al.,
1998, Lowell et al., 1997); ISCOMs (Mowat et al., 1993, Carlsson et
al., 1991, Hu et., 1998, Morein et al., 1999); liposomes (Childers
et al., 1999, Michalek et al., 1989, 1992, de Haan 1995a, 1995b);
live bacterial vectors (e.g., Salmonella, Escherichia coli,
Bacillus calmatte-guerin, Shigella, Lactobacillus) (Hone et al.,
1996, Pouwels et al., 1998, Chatfield et al., 1993, Stover et al.,
1991, Nugent et al., 1998); live viral vectors (e.g., Vaccinia,
adenovirus, Herpes Simplex) (Gallichan et al., 1993, 1995, Moss et
al., 1996, Nugent et al., 1998, Flexner et al., 1988, Morrow et
al., 1999); microspheres (Gupta et al., 1998, Jones et al., 1996,
Maloy et al., 1994, Moore et al., 1995, O'Hagan et al., 1994,
Eldridge et al., 1989); nucleic acid vaccines (Fynan et al., 1993,
Kuklin et al., 1997, Sasaki et al., 1998, Okada et al., 1997, Ishii
et al., 1997); polymers (e.g. carboxymethylcellulose, chitosan)
(Hamajima et al., 1998, Jabbal-Gill et al., 1998); polymer rings
(Wyatt et al., 1998); proteosomes (Vancott et al., 1998, Lowell et
al., 1988, 1996, 1997); sodium fluoride (Hashi et al., 1998);
transgenic plants (Tacket et al., 1998, Mason et al., 1998, Haq et
al., 1995); virosomes (Gluck et al., 1992, Mengiardi et al., 1995,
Cryz et al., 1998); and, virus-like particles (Jiang et al., 1999,
Leibl et al., 1998).
The formulations of the invention are administered in
pharmaceutically acceptable solutions, which may routinely contain
pharmaceutically acceptable concentrations of salt, buffering
agents, preservatives, compatible carriers, adjuvants, and
optionally other therapeutic ingredients.
The term pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier means one or more
compatible solid or liquid filler, diluents or encapsulating
substances which are suitable for administration to a human or
other vertebrate animal. The term carrier denotes an organic or
inorganic ingredient, natural or synthetic, with which the active
ingredient is combined to facilitate the application. The
components of the pharmaceutical compositions also are capable of
being commingled with the compounds of the present invention, and
with each other, in a manner such that there is no interaction
which would substantially impair the desired pharmaceutical
efficiency.
For oral administration, the compounds (i.e., nucleic acids,
antigens, antibodies, and other therapeutic agents) can be
formulated readily by combining the active compound(s) with
pharmaceutically acceptable carriers well known in the art. Such
carriers enable the compounds of the invention to be formulated as
tablets, pills, dragees, capsules, liquids, gels, syrups, slurries,
suspensions and the like, for oral ingestion by a subject to be
treated. Pharmaceutical preparations for oral use can be obtained
as solid excipient, optionally grinding a resulting mixture, and
processing the mixture of granules, after adding suitable
auxiliaries, if desired, to obtain tablets or dragee cores.
Suitable excipients are, in particular, fillers such as sugars,
including lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol; cellulose
preparations such as, for example, maize starch, wheat starch, rice
starch, potato starch, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methyl cellulose,
hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose,
and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). If desired, disintegrating
agents may be added, such as the cross-linked polyvinyl
pyrrolidone, agar, or alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodium
alginate. Optionally the oral formulations may also be formulated
in saline or buffers for neutralizing internal acid conditions or
may be administered without any carriers.
Dragee cores are provided with suitable coatings. For this purpose,
concentrated sugar solutions may be used, which may optionally
contain gum arabic, talc, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carbopol gel,
polyethylene glycol, and/or titanium dioxide, lacquer solutions,
and suitable organic solvents or solvent mixtures. Dyestuffs or
pigments may be added to the tablets or dragee coatings for
identification or to characterize different combinations of active
compound doses.
Pharmaceutical preparations which can be used orally include
push-fit capsules made of gelatin, as well as soft, sealed capsules
made of gelatin and a plasticizer, such as glycerol or sorbitol.
The push-fit capsules can contain the active ingredients in
admixture with filler such as lactose, binders such as starches,
and/or lubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate and,
optionally, stabilizers. In soft capsules, the active compounds may
be dissolved or suspended in suitable liquids, such as fatty oils,
liquid paraffin, or liquid polyethylene glycols. In addition,
stabilizers may be added. Microspheres formulated for oral
administration may also be used. Such microspheres have been well
defined in the art. All formulations for oral administration should
be in dosages suitable for such administration.
For buccal administration, the compositions may take the form of
tablets or lozenges formulated in conventional manner.
For administration by inhalation, the compounds for use according
to the present invention may be conveniently delivered in the form
of an aerosol spray presentation from pressurized packs or a
nebulizer, with the use of a suitable propellant, e.g.,
dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane,
dichlorotetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. In
the case of a pressurized aerosol the dosage unit may be determined
by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount. Capsules and
cartridges of e.g. gelatin for use in an inhaler or insufflator may
be formulated containing a powder mix of the compound and a
suitable powder base such as lactose or starch.
The compounds, when it is desirable to deliver them systemically,
may be formulated for parenteral administration by injection, e.g.,
by bolus injection or continuous infusion. Formulations for
injection may be presented in unit dosage form, e.g., in ampoules
or in multi-dose containers, with an added preservative. The
compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions or
emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formulatory
agents such as suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing
agents.
Pharmaceutical formulations for parenteral administration include
aqueous solutions of the active compounds in water-soluble form.
Additionally, suspensions of the active compounds may be prepared
as appropriate oily injection suspensions. Suitable lipophilic
solvents or vehicles include fatty oils such as sesame oil, or
synthetic fatty acid esters, such as ethyl oleate or triglycerides,
or liposomes. Aqueous injection suspensions may contain substances
which increase the viscosity of the suspension, such as sodium
carboxymethyl cellulose, sorbitol, or dextran. Optionally, the
suspension may also contain suitable stabilizers or agents which
increase the solubility of the compounds to allow for the
preparation of highly concentrated solutions.
Alternatively, the active compounds may be in powder form for
constitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g., sterile pyrogen-free
water, before use.
The compounds may also be formulated in rectal or vaginal
compositions such as suppositories or retention enemas, e.g.,
containing conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter or
other glycerides.
In addition to the formulations described previously, the compounds
may also be formulated as a depot preparation. Such long-acting
formulations may be formulated with suitable polymeric or
hydrophobic materials (for example as an emulsion in an acceptable
oil) or ion exchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives,
for example, as a sparingly soluble salt.
The pharmaceutical compositions also may comprise suitable solid or
gel phase carriers or excipients. Examples of such carriers or
excipients include but are not limited to calcium carbonate,
calcium phosphate, various sugars, starches, cellulose derivatives,
gelatin, and polymers such as polyethylene glycols.
Suitable liquid or solid pharmaceutical preparation forms are, for
example, aqueous or saline solutions for inhalation,
microencapsulated, encochleated, coated onto microscopic gold
particles, contained in liposomes, nebulized, aerosols, pellets for
implantation into the skin, or dried onto a sharp object to be
scratched into the skin. The pharmaceutical compositions also
include granules, powders, tablets, coated tablets,
(micro)capsules, suppositories, syrups, emulsions, suspensions,
creams, drops or preparations with protracted release of active
compounds, in whose preparation excipients and additives and/or
auxiliaries such as disintegrants, binders, coating agents,
swelling agents, lubricants, flavorings, sweeteners or solubilizers
are customarily used as described above. The pharmaceutical
compositions are suitable for use in a variety of drug delivery
systems. For a brief review of methods for drug delivery, see
Langer R (1990) Science 249:1527-1533, which is incorporated herein
by reference.
The nucleic acids and optionally other therapeutics and/or antigens
may be administered per se (neat) or in the form of a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt. When used in medicine the salts
should be pharmaceutically acceptable, but non-pharmaceutically
acceptable salts may conveniently be used to prepare
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Such salts include, but
are not limited to, those prepared from the following acids:
hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulphuric, nitric, phosphoric, maleic,
acetic, salicylic, p-toluene sulphonic, tartaric, citric, methane
sulphonic, formic, malonic, succinic, naphthalene-2-sulphonic, and
benzene sulphonic. Also, such salts can be prepared as alkaline
metal or alkaline earth salts, such as sodium, potassium or calcium
salts of the carboxylic acid group.
Suitable buffering agents include: acetic acid and a salt (1-2%
w/v); citric acid and a salt (1-3% w/v); boric acid and a salt
(0.5-2.5% w/v); and phosphoric acid and a salt (0.8-2% w/v).
Suitable preservatives include benzalkonium chloride (0.003-0.03%
w/v); chlorobutanol (0.3-0.9% w/v); parabens (0.01-0.25% w/v) and
thimerosal (0.004-0.02% w/v).
The compositions may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form
and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of
pharmacy. All methods include the step of bringing the compounds
into association with a carrier which constitutes one or more
accessory ingredients. In general, the compositions are prepared by
uniformly and intimately bringing the compounds into association
with a liquid carrier, a finely divided solid carrier, or both, and
then, if necessary, shaping the product. Liquid dose units are
vials or ampoules. Solid dose units are tablets, capsules and
suppositories.
Other delivery systems can include time-release, delayed release or
sustained release delivery systems. Such systems can avoid repeated
administrations of the compounds, increasing convenience to the
subject and the physician. Many types of release delivery systems
are available and known to those of ordinary skill in the art. They
include polymer base systems such as poly(lactide-glycolide),
copolyoxalates, polycaprolactones, polyesteramides,
polyorthoesters, polyhydroxybutyric acid, and polyanhydrides.
Microcapsules of the foregoing polymers containing drugs are
described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,109. Delivery
systems also include non-polymer systems that are: lipids including
sterols such as cholesterol, cholesterol esters and fatty acids or
neutral fats such as mono-, di-, and tri-glycerides; hydrogel
release systems; silastic systems; peptide-based systems; wax
coatings; compressed tablets using conventional binders and
excipients; partially fused implants; and the like. Specific
examples include, but are not limited to: (a) erosional systems in
which an agent of the invention is contained in a form within a
matrix such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,452,775,
4,675,189, and 5,736,152, and (b) diffusional systems in which an
active component permeates at a controlled rate from a polymer such
as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,854,480, 5,133,974 and 5,407,686.
In addition, pump-based hardware delivery systems can be used, some
of which are adapted for implantation.
The invention also provides efficient methods of identifying
immunostimulatory compounds and optimizing the compounds and agents
so identified. Generally, the screening methods involve assaying
for compounds which inhibit or enhance signaling through a
particular TLR. The methods employ a TLR, a suitable reference
ligand for the TLR, and a candidate immunostimulatory compound. The
selected TLR is contacted with a suitable reference compound (TLR
ligand) and a TLR-mediated reference signal is measured. The
selected TLR is also contacted with a candidate immunostimulatory
compound and a TLR-mediated test signal is measured. The test
signal and the reference signal are then compared. A favorable
candidate immunostimulatory compound may subsequently be used as a
reference compound in the assay. Such methods are adaptable to
automated, high throughput screening of candidate compounds.
Examples of such high throughput screening methods are described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,103,479; 6,051,380; 6,051,373; 5,998,152;
5,876,946; 5,708,158; 5,443,791; 5,429,921; and 5,143,854.
As used herein "TLR signaling" refers to an ability of a TLR
polypeptide to activate the Toll/IL-1R (TIR) signaling pathway,
also referred to herein as the TLR signal transduction pathway.
Changes in TLR activity can be measured by assays designed to
measure expression of genes under control of .kappa.B-sensitive
promoters and enhancers. Such genes can be naturally occurring
genes or they can be genes artificially introduced into a cell.
Naturally occurring reporter genes include the genes encoding
IL-1.beta., IL-6, IL-8, the p40 subunit of interleukin 12 (IL-12
p40), and the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. Other genes
can be placed under the control of such regulatory elements and
thus serve to report the level of TLR signaling.
The assay mixture comprises a candidate immunostimulatory compound.
Typically, a plurality of assay mixtures are run in parallel with
different agent concentrations to obtain a different response to
the various concentrations. Typically, one of these concentrations
serves as a negative control, i.e., at zero concentration of agent
or at a concentration of agent below the limits of assay detection.
Candidate immunostimulatory compounds may encompass numerous
chemical classes, although typically they are organic compounds. In
some embodiments, the candidate immunostimulatory compounds are
small RNAs or small organic compounds, i.e., organic compounds
having a molecular weight of more than 50 yet less than about 2500
Daltons. Polymeric candidate immunostimulatory compounds can have
higher molecular weights, e.g., oligonucleotides in the range of
about 2500 to about 12,500. Candidate immunostimulatory compounds
also may be biomolecules such as nucleic acids, peptides,
saccharides, fatty acids, sterols, isoprenoids, purines,
pyrimidines, derivatives or structural analogs of the above, or
combinations thereof and the like. Where the candidate
immunostimulatory compound is a nucleic acid, the candidate
immunostimulatory compound typically is a DNA or RNA molecule,
although modified nucleic acids having non-natural bonds or
subunits are also contemplated.
Candidate immunostimulatory compounds may be obtained from a wide
variety of sources, including libraries of natural, synthetic, or
semisynthetic compounds, or any combination thereof. For example,
numerous means are available for random and directed synthesis of a
wide variety of organic compounds and biomolecules, including
expression of randomized oligonucleotides, synthetic organic
combinatorial libraries, phage display libraries of random
peptides, and the like. Alternatively, libraries of natural
compounds in the form of bacterial, fungal, plant and animal
extracts are available or readily produced. Additionally, natural
and synthetically produced libraries and compounds can be readily
modified through conventional chemical, physical, and biochemical
means. Further, known pharmacological agents may be subjected to
directed or random chemical modifications such as acylation,
alkylation, esterification, amidification, etc., to produce
structural analogs of the candidate immunostimulatory
compounds.
A variety of other reagents also can be included in the mixture.
These include reagents such as salts, buffers, neutral proteins
(e.g., albumin), detergents, etc., which may be used to facilitate
optimal protein-protein and/or protein-nucleic acid binding. Such a
reagent may also reduce non-specific or background interactions of
the reaction components. Other reagents that improve the efficiency
of the assay such as protease inhibitors, nuclease inhibitors,
antimicrobial agents, and the like may also be used.
The order of addition of components, incubation temperature, time
of incubation, and other parameters of the assay may be readily
determined. Such experimentation merely involves optimization of
the assay parameters, not the fundamental composition of the assay.
Incubation temperatures typically are between 4.degree. C. and
40.degree. C., more typically about 37.degree. C. Incubation times
preferably are minimized to facilitate rapid, high throughput
screening, and typically are between 1 minute and 10 hours.
After incubation, the level of TLR signaling is detected by any
convenient method available to the user. For cell-free binding type
assays, a separation step is often used to separate bound from
unbound components. The separation step may be accomplished in a
variety of ways. For example, separation can be accomplished in
solution, or, conveniently, at least one of the components is
immobilized on a solid substrate, from which the unbound components
may be easily separated. The solid substrate can be made of a wide
variety of materials and in a wide variety of shapes, e.g.,
microtiter plate, microbead, dipstick, resin particle, etc. The
substrate preferably is chosen to maximize signal-to-noise ratios,
primarily to minimize background binding, as well as for ease of
separation and cost.
Separation may be effected, for example, by removing a bead or
dipstick from a reservoir, emptying or diluting a reservoir such as
a microtiter plate well, rinsing a bead, particle, chromatographic
column or filter with a wash solution or solvent. The separation
step preferably includes multiple rinses or washes. For example,
when the solid substrate is a microtiter plate, the wells may be
washed several times with a washing solution, which typically
includes those components of the incubation mixture that do not
participate in specific bindings such as salts, buffer, detergent,
non-specific protein, etc. Where the solid substrate is a magnetic
bead, the beads may be washed one or more times with a washing
solution and isolated using a magnet.
Detection may be effected in any convenient way for cell-based
assays such as measurement of an induced polypeptide within, on the
surface of, or secreted by the cell. Examples of detection methods
useful in cell-based assays include fluorescence-activated cell
sorting (FACS) analysis, bioluminescence, fluorescence,
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse
transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the like.
Examples of detection methods useful in cell-free assays include
bioluminescence, fluorescence, ELISA, RT-PCR, and the like.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Responsiveness of Human PBMC to G,U-Containing
Oligoribonucleotides
Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from
healthy donors, plated at 3.times.10.sup.5 cells/well, stimulated
in vitro with various test and control immunostimulatory agents for
16 hours, and then analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
(ELISA) using matched antibody pairs from BD-Pharmingen for
secreted cytokines IL-12 p40 and TNF-.alpha., performed according
to the manufacturer's protocol. Also included were certain negative
controls, including medium alone and DOTAP (10 .mu.g/200 .mu.l
culture well; "Liposomes") alone. The control immunostimulatory
agents included the imidazoquinolone R-848 (2 .mu.g/ml),
lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 .mu.g/ml), Pam3Cys (5 .mu.g/ml), poly IC
(50 .mu.g/ml), and CpG DNA (50 .mu.g/ml). These are reported
ligands for TLR7, TLR4, TLR2, TLR3, and TLR9, respectively. Test
immunostimulatory agents included the following RNA molecules, each
at 50 .mu.g/ml, with and without DOTAP (10 .mu.g total "with
Liposomes" and "without Liposomes", respectively): GUGUUUAC alone;
GUAGGCAC alone; GUGUUUAC in combination with GUAGGCAC; GUAGGA;
GAAGGCAC; CUAGGCAC; CUCGGCAC; and CCCCCCCC. These RNA
oligonucleotides each contained a phosphorothioate linkage between
the penultimate and 3' terminal nucleoside.
FIG. 1 depicts the responsiveness of human PBMC to the test and
control agents listed above, as measured by secreted amounts of
IL-12 p40 (pg/ml). As can be seen in FIG. 1, PBMCs were responsive
to R-848, LPS, Pam3Cys, and poly IC, while they were unresponsive
to DOTAP alone. Significantly, human PBMC secreted large amounts of
IL-12 p40 (10-20 ng/ml) in response to G,U-containing RNA
oligonucleotides GUGUUUAC alone; GUAGGCAC alone; GUGUUUAC in
combination with GUAGGCAC; CUAGGCAC; and CUCGGCAC, each in
combination with DOTAP. Also significantly, human PBMC did not
secrete significant amounts of IL-12 p40 in response to G,U-free
RNA oligonucleotides GAAGGCAC and CCCCCCCC. The immunostimulatory
effect of the G,U-containing RNA molecules appeared to be greatly
enhanced by the inclusion of DOTAP. In this experiment, the
G,U-containing 6-mer RNA GUAGGA appeared to exert little, if any
immunostimulatory effect either with or without DOTAP.
FIG. 2 depicts the responsiveness of human PBMC to the test and
control agents listed above, as measured by secreted amounts of
TNF-.alpha.. A similar pattern of results was observed as in FIG.
1, i.e., human PBMC secreted large amounts of TNF-.alpha. (40-100
ng/ml) in response to G,U-containing RNA oligonucleotides GUGUUUAC
alone; GUAGGCAC alone; GUGUUUAC in combination with GUAGGCAC;
CUAGGCAC; and CUCGGCAC, each in combination with DOTAP. Also
similar to the results in FIG. 1, human PBMC did not secrete
significant amounts of TNF-.alpha. in response to G,U-free RNA
oligonucleotides GAAGGCAC and CCCCCCCC, or in response to the
G,U-containing 6-mer RNA GUAGGA. The immunostimulatory effect of
the G,U-containing RNA molecules appeared to be greatly enhanced by
the inclusion of DOTAP.
It will be appreciated in this example that the following partial
self-complementarity basepairing is possible, where G-U wobble
basepairs are shown joined with a dot and G-C and A-U basepairs are
shown joined by a line:
##STR00001##
Example 2
Dose-Response Behavior of Human PBMC to G,U-Containing
Oligoribonucleotides
The experiments described in the preceding example were repeated
with varied concentrations of RNA oligonucleotides in order to
assess the dose-response behavior of human PBMCs to G,U-containing
RNA oligonucleotides of the invention. A total of 10, 3 or 1 .mu.g
RNA was added to 10 .mu.g DOTAP and then added to the 200 .mu.l
culture wells. After 16 hours IL-12 p40 and TNF-.alpha. ELISAs were
performed as described in Example 1.
FIG. 3 depicts the dose-response of human PBMC to the various RNAs
as measured by secreted amounts of IL-12 p40 (ng/ml). As can be
seen from FIG. 3, human PBMC secreted increasing amounts of IL-12
p40 in response to increasing amounts of G,U-containing RNA
oligomers GUGUUUAC; GUAGGCAC; CUAGGCAC; and CUCGGCAC, each in
combination with DOTAP. Conversely, FIG. 3 also shows that human
PBMC appeared not to secrete IL-12 p40 in response to any of the
tested amounts of G,U-free RNA oligomers GAAGGCAC or CCCCCCCC.
Corresponding dose-response of human PBMC to the various RNAs was
measured by secreted amounts of TNF-.alpha.. A similar pattern of
results was observed as in FIG. 3, i.e., human PBMC secreted
increasing amounts of TNF-.alpha. in response to increasing amounts
G,U-containing RNA oligonucleotides GUGUUUAC; GUAGGCAC; CUAGGCAC;
and CUCGGCAC, each in combination with DOTAP. Also similar to the
results in FIG. 3, human PBMC did not appear to secrete significant
amounts of TNF-.alpha. in response to any of the tested amounts of
G,U-free RNA oligonucleotides GAAGGCAC and CCCCCCCC.
Example 3
Base Sequence Sensitivity of RNA Oligomers
Point mutations were made to the RNA oligonucleotide GUAGGCAC by
substituting A or C at selected positions. The various
oligoribonucleotides included the following: GUAGGCAC; GUAGGA;
GAAGGCAC; AUAAACAC; AUAGACAC; AUAAGCAC; GUAAACAC; CUAGGCAC;
CUCGGCAC; and GUGUUUAC. The oligonucleotides were titrated onto
human PBMC isolated from healthy donors and plated at
3.times.10.sup.5 cells/well. A total of 10 .mu.g RNA was added to
10 .mu.g DOTAP and then added to the 200 .mu.l culture wells. Human
TNF-.alpha. was measured by ELISA using matched antibody pairs from
BD-Pharmingen according to the manufacturer's protocol. Results are
shown in FIG. 4.
Example 4
Effect of DOTAP on Human PBMC Response to Various Stimuli
In order to characterize further the role of DOTAP in the
immunostimulatory effects of the G,U-containing RNA oligomers
observed in the previous examples, human PBMCs were isolated from
healthy donors, plated at 3.times.10.sup.5 cells/well, and
stimulated in the presence of known TLR ligands, either with or
without DOTAP ("with Liposomes" or "without Liposomes",
respectively). The known TLR ligands examined were total RNA
prepared from hyphae (hyphae), total RNA prepared from yeast
(yeast), total RNA prepared from promyelocytic cell line HL-60
(HL60), in vitro transcribed ribosomal RNA for E. coli Sp6, in
vitro transcribed ribosomal RNA for E. coli T7, LPS, poly IC,
Pam3Cys, and R-848. Medium alone and DOTAP alone were used as
negative controls. The panel of RNAs from the previous examples,
again at 10 .mu.g/ml and without DOTAP, was also included.
Total RNA was isolated from the human promyelocytic cell line HL-60
using Trizol (Sigma). Prior to isolation, cells were treated for 4
hours with 500 .mu.M hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2), which
induces apoptosis in this cell line (HL60 500). Untreated cells
served as control (HL60 0).
Candida albicans RNA was isolated from yeast or hyphae (induced by
4 h incubation with 10% fetal calf serum). Cells from a 100 ml
culture were pelleted, washed and resuspended in 10 ml of Tris/EDTA
buffer (10 mM, 1 mM). RNA was isolated by extraction with hot
acidic phenol according to methods described in Ausubel F M et al.,
eds., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley &
Sons, New York.
The genomic fragment of E. coli 16S RNA was amplified with the
primers 5'-ATTGAAGAGTTTGATCATGGCTCAGATTGAACG-3' (SEQ ID NO:5) and
5'-TAAGGAGGTGATCCAACCGCAGGTTCC-3' (SEQ ID NO:6) from genomic E.
coli DNA and cloned into the pGEM T easy vector. In vitro
transcription was performed using T7 or Sp6 RNA polymerase.
Transcribed RNA was further purified by chloroform/phenol
extraction, precipitated, and used at 10 .mu.g.
Following 16 hour incubation, ELISAs were performed as before to
assess secretion of IL-12 p40 and TNF-.alpha.. Representative
results are shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 5 depicts the effect of DOTAP on the amount of IL-12 p40
secreted by human PBMC following incubation with and without DOTAP.
As can be seen from the figure, the following stimuli appeared to
exert greater immunostimultory effect in the presence of DOTAP than
in its absence: hyphae, yeast, E. coli Sp6, and E. coli T7. The
following stimuli appeared to exert reduced immunostimultory effect
in the presence of DOTAP than in its absence: LPS, poly IC. The
following stimuli appeared to exert about the same immunostimultory
effect in the presence or absence of DOTAP: HL60, Pam3Cys and
R-848.
Example 5
Immunostimulatory Effect of G,U-Containing RNA Oligomers is
Species- and MyD88-Dependent
The following murine cells were isolated and incubated with various
RNAs and other known TLR ligands in order to assess species-, cell
type-, and signaling pathway-specificity: wild type macrophages in
the presence of IFN-.gamma.; MyD88-deficient macrophages in the
presence of IFN-.gamma.; J774 (mouse macrophage cell line); and RAW
264.7 (mouse macrophage cell line, e.g., ATCC TIB-71). Murine bone
macrophages were generated from wild type or MyD88-deficient
C57BL/6 mice by culturing bone marrow cells with 50 ng/ml M-CSF for
5 days. Cells were seeded at 25,000 cells/well and treated with 20
ng/ml IFN-.gamma. for 16 hours. The murine macrophage cell lines
RAW and J774 were seeded at 10,000 cells/well.
The following test and control agents were examined: R-848 (2
.mu.g/ml), ODN 1668 (CpG DNA; 5'-TCCATGACGTTCCTGATGCT-3'; SEQ ID
NO:7); LPS (1 .mu.g/ml); poly IC (50 .mu.g/ml); Pam3Cys (5
.mu.g/ml); Ionomycin/TPA; the following RNA molecules, each with
("+Lipo") and without DOTAP (10 .mu.g/200 .mu.l culture well):
GUGUUUAC alone (RNA1); GUAGGCAC alone (RNA2); GUGUUUAC in
combination with GUAGGCAC (RNA1/2); UCCGCAAUGGACGAAAGUCUGACGGA
(RNA6; SEQ ID NO:8); GAGAUGGGUGCGAGAGCGUCAGUAUU (RNA9; SEQ ID
NO:9); and the following DNA molecules, corresponding to RNA1,
RNA2, and RNA1/2: GTGTTTAC alone (DNA1); GTAGGCAC alone (DNA2); and
GTGTTTAC in combination with GTAGGCAC (DNA1/2). These RNA and DNA
oligonucleotides each contained a phosphorothioate linkage between
the penultimate and 3' terminal nucleoside. RNA6 and RNA9 each
contained in addition a phosphorothioate linkage between the
penultimate and 5' terminal nucleoside. RNA6 corresponds to a
ribosomal RNA stem loop derived from Listeria monocytogenes. RNA9
corresponds to a stem loop derived from human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV, an RNA retrovirus). The cells were cultured for 12
hours and supernatants were harvested. Murine IL-12 p40, IL-6, and
TNF-.alpha. were measured by ELISA using matched antibody pairs
from BD-Pharmingen according to the manufacturer's protocol.
Representative results are shown in FIG. 6.
Panel A of FIG. 6 shows that wild type murine macrophages in the
presence of IFN-.gamma. secrete significant amounts of IL-12 p40 in
response to R-848; ODN 1668 (CpG DNA); LPS; poly IC; Pam3Cys; and
G,U-containing RNA oligomers GUGUUUAC in combination with GUAGGCAC
(with DOTAP). In contrast, Panel B of FIG. 6 shows that
MyD88-deficient murine macrophages in the presence of IFN-.gamma.
secrete little or no IL-12 p40 in response to any of the test and
control agents examined, thus demonstrating a dependence on MyD88
for immunostimulatory response to these compounds. Such a result is
consistent with participation by a TLR in the immunostimulatory
response to any of these compounds, including in particular the
G,U-containing RNA oligonucleotides of the invention. Panels C and
D of FIG. 6 show generally similar, if somewhat attenuated,
response patterns of J774 and RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cell lines
as for wild type murine macrophages in the presence of IFN-.gamma.,
as shown in Panel A. Essentially similar results were found in
parallel ELISAs measuring IL-6 and TNF-.alpha..
In additional studies involving MyD88 wild-type cells, it was
observed that addition of bafilomycin largely or completely
abrogated the immunostimulatory effect of the RNA oligomers.
Together with the MyD88-dependence, this observation is consistent
with involvement of at least one of TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9.
Example 6
Use of Cholesteryl Ester in Place of Cationic Lipid
In order to investigate the possibility of using cholesteryl
ester-modified RNA oligomer in place of RNA oligomer plus cationic
lipid, RNA oligomer GUGUGUGU was prepared with (R 1058) and without
(R 1006) a 3' cholesteryl ester modification. These two RNA
oligomers with and without DOTAP, were added over a range of
concentrations to overnight cultures of human PBMC. Culture
supernatants were harvested, and human TNF-.alpha., IL-12 p40, and
IFN-.alpha. were measured by ELISA using matched antibody pairs
from BD-Pharmingen according to the manufacturer's protocol.
Representative results for experiments including DOTAP are shown in
Table 1.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 1 Cholesteryl Ester Modification in Place of
DOTAP TNF-.alpha. + TNF-.alpha. - IFN-.alpha. + IFN-.alpha. - DOTAP
DOTAP DOTAP DOTAP EC50 max EC50, max EC50 max EC50 max ID .mu.M
pg/ml .mu.M pg/ml .mu.M pg/ml .mu.M pg/ml R 1006 2.8 40000 7.8 2200
4.5 5000 -- -- R 1058 0.2 75000 1.0 3000 0.5 3800 0.5 1500
The results indicate that R 1058, with the cholesteryl ester
modification, is more potent than R 1006, having the same base
sequence but without cholesterol, both with and without DOTAP.
Example 7
Effect of Oligomer Length
RNA oligomers GUGUGUGU, GUGUGUG, GUGUGU, GUGUG, GUGU, GUG, and GU,
with and without DOTAP, were added over a range of concentrations
to overnight cultures of human PBMC. Culture supernatants were
harvested, and human TNF-.alpha., IL-12 p40, and IFN-.alpha. were
measured by ELISA using matched antibody pairs from BD-Pharmingen
according to the manufacturer's protocol. Representative results
for experiments including DOTAP are shown in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 2 Effect of RNA Oligomer Length TNF-.alpha.
IL-12 p40 IFN-.alpha. ID SEQ EC50, .mu.M max pg/ml EC50, .mu.M max
pg/ml EC50, .mu.M max pg/ml R 1006 GUGUGUGU 2.8 40000 1.6 7000 4.5
5000 R 1048 GUGUGUG 2.2 30000 2.6 10000 4.6 2700 R 1049 GUGUGU 6.7
30000 2.1 8000 4.8 3400 R 1050 GUGUG 7.6 40000 3.9 14000 6.9 400 R
1051 GUGU -- -- >20 14000 -- -- R 1052 GUG -- -- >20 6000 5.5
800 R 1053 GU -- -- >20 5000 -- --
Example 8
Effect of Stabilization of Internucleoside Linkages
GUGUGUGU RNA oligomers were synthesized with specific
phosphorothioate and phosphodiester linkages as shown in Table 2,
where "*" represents phosphorothioate and "_" represents
phosphodiester. RNA oligomers, with and without DOTAP, were added
over a range of concentrations to overnight cultures of human PBMC.
Culture supernatants were harvested, and human TNF-.alpha., IL-12
p40, and IFN-.alpha. were measured by ELISA using matched antibody
pairs from BD-Pharmingen according to the manufacturer's protocol.
Representative results for experiments including DOTAP are shown in
Table 3.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 3 Effect of Stabilization of Internucleoside
Linkages TNF-.alpha. IFN-.alpha. EC50, max, EC50, max, ID SEQ .mu.M
pg/ml .mu.M pg/ml R 1006 G*U*G*U*G*U*G*U 2.8 40000 4.5 5000 R 1054
G*U_G*U*G*U*G*U 5.6 40000 6.7 3700 R 1055 G*U_G*U_G*U*G*U >20
20000 -- -- R 1056 G*U_G*U_G*U_G*U >20 12000 -- -- R 1057
G_U_G_U_G_U_G_U -- -- 0.1 6000
In like manner, an all-phosphodiester 40-mer capable of forming a
stem-loop structure and having a base sequence as provided by
5'-CACACACUGCUUAAGCGCUUGCCUGCUUAAGUAGUGUGUG-3' (R 1041; SEQ ID
NO:10) was synthesized and tested in overnight culture with human
PBMC. This RNA oligomer was found to be very potent in its ability
to induce IFN-.alpha., with an EC50 of <0.1 .mu.M and a maximum
of 5000 pg/ml.
Example 9
DNA:RNA Conjugates
A series of DNA:RNA conjugates, each containing the RNA sequence
GUGUGUGU and a poly-dT or a poly-dG sequence, was prepared. The
oligomers were as follows, where again "*" represents
phosphorothioate and "_" represents phosphodiester:
TABLE-US-00008 (R 1060; SEQ ID NO: 11)
G*U*G*U*G*U*G*U_dG_dG*dG*dG*dG*dG (R 1061; SEQ ID NO: 12)
dG*dG*dG*dG_dG_G*U*G*U*G*U*G*U (R 1062; SEQ ID NO: 13)
G*U*G*U*G*U*G*U*dT*dT*dT*dT*dT*dT (R 1063; SEQ ID NO: 14)
dT*dT*dT*dT*dT*G*U*G*U*G*U*G*U
Human PBMC were cultured overnight in the presence of added DNA:RNA
conjugate, with and without DOTAP. Culture supernatants were
harvested and human TNF-.alpha., IL-6, IL-12 p40, IP-10, and
IFN-.alpha. were measured by ELISA using matched antibody pairs
from BD-Pharmingen according to the manufacturer's protocol.
Representative results for experiments including DOTAP are shown in
Table 4.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 4 Immunostimulatory DNA:RNA Conjugates
TNF-.alpha. IL-6 IP-10 EC50, max EC50, max EC50, max ID .mu.M pg/ml
.mu.M pg/ml .mu.M pg/ml R 1060 4.9 20000 -- -- -- -- R 1061 4.3
20000 >20 10000 1.1 180 R 1062 0.3 80000 0.4 28000 0.1 400 R
1063 0.3 60000 0.8 28000 0.1 250
Example 10
Transfer RNA
Human PBMC were cultured overnight in the presence of various
concentrations (1, 3, and 10 .mu.g/ml) of tRNA obtained from wheat
germ, bovine, yeast, and E. coli sources, added to the culture
medium with and without DOTAP. Culture supernatants were harvested
and human TNF-.alpha. and IL-12 p40 were measured by ELISA using
matched antibody pairs from BD-Pharmingen according to the
manufacturer's protocol. Yeast and E. coli tRNAs, and to a lesser
extent bovine tRNA, induced TNF-.alpha. and IL-12 p40 when DOTAP
was also present. In addition, E. coli tRNA at 3 and 10 .mu.g/ml
induced minor amounts of both cytokines even without DOTAP.
Example 11
HIV RNA
Human PBMC were incubated overnight with either of two key G,U-rich
sequences, namely 5'-GUAGUGUGUG-3' (SEQ ID NO:2) and
5'-GUCUGUUGUGUG-3' (SEQ ID NO:3), corresponding to nt 99-108 and
112-123 of HIV-1 strain BH10, respectively, each with and without
DOTAP. Culture supernatants were harvested, and human IL-12 p40 and
TNF-.alpha. were measured by ELISA using matched antibody pairs
from BD-Pharmingen according to the manufacturer's protocol.
Representative results are shown in FIG. 7. The figure shows that
both of these RNA molecules, at micromolar concentrations in the
presence of DOTAP, induced 50-100 ng/ml of TNF and 50-200 ng/ml of
IL-12 p40.
Example 12
Responsiveness of Human PBMC to Stringent Response Factor
When bacteria are starved they enter into a programmed response
termed the stringent response. This involves the production of
nucleic acid alarmones and ribosomal loss. Bacteria growing at high
rates contain 70,000-80,000 ribosomes accounting for as much as 50%
of their dry weight. As growth slows, unneeded ribosomes are
hydrolyzed. It was hypothesized that rapidly growing cells in their
early stationary phase contain large amounts of
oligoribonucleotides that are released into the media when the
cells enter a neutral pH environment.
FIG. 10 depicts the responsiveness of human PBMC to stringent
response factor (SRF). SRF is produced by rapidly growing bacteria
(in this case Listeria monocytogenes) in rich media until their
late log phase. The bacteria were pelleted and resuspended in an
equal volume of PBS for 24 h. The mixture is centrifuged to remove
the bacteria. The supernatant is sterilized by passing it through a
0.2 .mu.m filter. The sterilized solution was passed through a
molecular filter with a cutoff of 10 kDa. This fraction was
separated on a C18 column and the eluant was tested. At a
concentration of 5 .mu.g/ml SRF induced TNF from human PBMC. If SRF
was treated with any of three RNAses the activity was destroyed.
The activity was not due to substances other than RNA because the
RNase-treated SRF had near background stimulatory ability. This
implied activity was due to RNA.
Example 13
Responsiveness of Human PBMC to Ribonucleoside Vanadyl
Complexes
During studies of SRF it was surprisingly determined that the RNAse
inhibitor, ribonucleoside vanadyl complexes (RVCs), could stimulate
human PBMC to produce TNF (FIG. 11) and IL-6.
FIG. 11 depicts the responsiveness of human PBMC to the
ribonucleoside vanadyl complexes (RVCs). It was unexpectedly
discovered during testing of RNAse inhibitors that RVCs were
stimulatory for human PBMC. 2 mM RVC induced the release of
substantial TNF. Also tested was the anti-viral imidazoquinoline,
resiquimod (R-848) denoted as X and used at 0.1 .mu.g/ml.
Example 14
Responsiveness of Human TLR7 and Human TLR8 to Ribonucleosides
The observations of Example 13 could be extended to 293 cells
genetically reconstituted with TLR7 and TLR8 but not
non-transfected 293 cells (FIG. 12). During analysis of individual
ribonucleoside vanadyl complexes, it was unexpectedly determined
that a mixture of the ribonucleosides A, U, C, and G or the single
ribonucleoside G was effective in the absence of vanadate at
stimulating PBMC to produce TNF and TLR7 or TLR8 to activate
NF-.kappa.B (FIG. 12).
FIG. 12 depicts the responsiveness of human TLR7 and human TLR8 to
ribonucleosides. It was determined that the response by human PBMC
to RNA or RVC was mediated by TLR7 or TLR8 and further that the
response could be driven by ribonucleosides only. Human 293 cells
were either mock-transfected or transfected with human TLR7 or
human TLR8 and monitored for responsiveness to ribonucleosides. The
open reading frames of human TLR7 (hTLR7) and human TLR8 (hTLR8)
were amplified by PCR from a cDNA library of human PBMC using the
following primers pairs: for TLR7, 5'-CACCTCTCATGCTCTGCTCTCTTC-3'
(SEQ ID NO:15) and 5'-GCTAGACCGTTTCCTTGAACACCTG-3' (SEQ ID NO:16);
and for TLR8, 5'-CTGCGCTGCTGCAAGTTACGGAATG-3' (SEQ ID NO:17) and
5'-GCGCGAAATCATGACTTAACGTCAG-3' (SEQ ID NO:18). The sequence
information for primer selection was obtained from Genbank
accession numbers AF240467 and AF245703. All full-length TLR
fragments were cloned into pGEM-T Easy vector (Promega, Mannheim,
Germany), excised with NotI, cloned into the expression vector
pcDNA 3.1(-) (Invitrogen, Karlsruhe, Germany) and sequenced.
Sequences of the coding region of hTLR7 and hTLR8 correspond to the
accession numbers AF240467 (SEQ ID NO:25) and AF245703,
respectively (SEQ ID NO:29).
For monitoring transient NF-.kappa.B activation, 3.times.10.sup.6
293 HEK cells (ATCC, VA, USA) were electroporated at 200 volt and
960 .mu.F with 1 .mu.g TLR expression plasmid, 20 ng NF-.kappa.B
luciferase reporter-plasmid and 14 .mu.g of pcDNA3.1(-) plasmid as
carrier in 400 .mu.l RPMI medium supplemented with 25% fetal bovine
serum (FCS). Cells were seeded at 10.sup.5 cells per well and after
over night culture stimulated with R-848 (denoted in FIG. 12 as X;
commercially synthesized by GLSynthesis Inc., Worcester, Mass.,
USA), RVCs or ribonucleosides for a further 7 hours. Stimulated
cells were lysed using reporter lysis buffer (Promega, Mannheim,
Germany), and lysate was assayed for luciferase activity using a
Berthold luminometer (Wildbad, Germany).
As depicted in FIG. 12, TLR7 transfectants responded to R-848,
RVCs, a mixture of ribonucleosides (A, G, C, U at 0.5 mM) and the
ribonucleoside guanosine. Likewise TLR8 showed a similar response
pattern.
Example 16
Responsiveness of TLR7 and TLR8 to Mixtures of Two
Ribonucleosides
FIG. 13 depicts the responsiveness of TLR7 and TLR8 to mixtures of
two ribonucleosides. In an experiment conducted as in FIG. 11 it
was determined that TLR 8 responded best to a combination of the
ribonucleosides G and U, however, TLR7 responded best to G alone.
Additionally it can be seen that a minor response was given by a
combination of C and U. These data show that ribonucleosides of the
proper composition serve as ligands for TLR7 and TLR8. The
nonspecific stimulus of TPA served as a control only. X denotes
R-848.
Example 17
Human PBMC Respond to a Mixture of the Ribonucleosides G and U
FIG. 14 depicts the response of human PBMC to a mixture of the
ribonucleosides G and U. It can be appreciated that the
ribonucleosides G and U act synergistically to induce TNF from
human PBMC. In this example the ratio of G:U of 1:10 was
optimal.
Example 18
Human PBMC Respond to G,U-Rich Oligoribonucleotides
FIG. 15 depicts how human PBMC respond to RNA G,U-rich
oligonucleotides. Both RNA and DNA oligonucleotides
5'-GUUGUGGUUGUGGUUGUG-3' (SEQ ID NOs:1 and 19) were tested at 30
.mu.M on human PBMC and TNF was monitored. Human PBMC were
responsive to G,U-rich RNA oligonucleotides and not G,U-rich DNA
oligonucleotides.
Example 19
Human PBMC Respond to Oxidized RNA
FIG. 16 depicts the response of human PBMC to oxidized RNA.
Ribosomal 16S RNA was isolated from E. coli and subjected to
chemical oxidation. The treatments were (mod A) 0.2 mM ascorbic
acid plus 0.2 mM CuCl.sub.2 for 30 min at 37'C or (mod B) 0.2 mM
ascorbic acid plus 0.02 mM CuCl.sub.2 for 30 min at 37'C. This
treatment induces oxidation at the 8 position of guanosine and also
induces strand breaks 3' of the modified guanosine. It was shown
that ribosomal RNA induced TNF production from human PBMC. It was
also evident that oxidation of ribosomal RNA greatly potentiates
the response.
Example 20
Human TLR7Responds to Oxidized Guanosine Ribonucleoside
FIG. 17 depicts human TLR7 and TLR8 responses to the oxidized
guanosine ribonucleoside. Cells mock-transfected or transfected
with human TLR 7 or human TLR8, as in Example 14, were tested for
responsiveness to 7-allyl-8-oxoguanosine (loxoribine) at 1 mM. It
can be clearly shown that human TLR7 is responsive to
7-allyl-8-oxoguanosine. Thus it appears that a ligand for TLR 7 is
oxidized nucleic acids.
Example 21
Human TLR7Responds to Other Modified Guanosine Ribonucleoside
FIG. 18 depicts human TLR7 responses to the other modified
guanosine ribonucleoside. Cells transfected with human TLR7, as in
Example 14, were tested for a dose-dependent response to
7-allyl-8-oxoguanosine (loxoribine). Additionally other modified
guanosines were tested. It can be clearly shown that human TLR 7
was responsive to 7-allyl-8-oxoguanosine in a dose-dependent manor.
As shown above, human TLR7 was responsive to guanosine; however
FIG. 18 also shows that human TLR7 responded mildly to the deoxy
form of guanosine as well as to 8-bromo-guanosine.
Example 22
Distribution of Human TLRs
FIG. 19 depicts the distribution of human TLR1-TLR9. Various
purified human immune cells were screened by PCR for TLR1 through 9
expression. It was shown that human lymphoid CD123+ dendritic cells
(DC) were strongly positive for TLR9 and TLR7 while weaker for
TLR8. The converse was shown however for myeloid CD11c+DC. This is
very relevant because the two types of DC have very different
functions in the immune system. Significantly, FIG. 19 also shows
that human neutrophils were strongly positive for human TLR8 while
very weak for TLR9 and negative for TLR7. This is also relevant
because neutrophils are very often the first cells to engage
infectious pathogens and thus believed to initiate responses.
Example 23
HEK-293 cell were stably transfected with human TLR7 or human TLR8.
Additionally, the cells were stably transfected with
NF-.kappa.B-luciferase reporter construct. The cells were titrated
with varing amounts of RNA oligonucleotides and cultured for 16 h.
Luciferase activity was measured by standard methods and
normalizied versus mock-stimulated transfectants. Luciferase
activity measured for the mock-stimulated transfectant was set to a
value of 1-fold NF-.kappa.B induction. Results are shown in FIG.
20, where old NF-.kappa.B induced by the stimulating RNA
oligonucleotide is plotted versus the concentration of test
ribonucleotide. Stimulation with GUGUGUGU is shown for human TLR8.
Stimulation with GUAGUCAC is shown for human TLR7 and human
TLR8.
Equivalents
The foregoing written specification is considered to be sufficient
to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. The
present invention is not to be limited in scope by examples
provided, since the examples are intended as a single illustration
of one aspect of the invention and other functionally equivalent
embodiments are within the scope of the invention. Various
modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and
described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art
from the foregoing description and fall within the scope of the
appended claims. The advantages and objects of the invention are
not necessarily encompassed by each embodiment of the
invention.
All references, patents and patent publications that are recited in
this application are incorporated in their entirety herein by
reference.
SEQUENCE LISTINGS
1
39118RNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic oligonucleotide 1guugugguug
ugguugug 18210RNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic oligonucleotide
2guagugugug 10312RNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic oligonucleotide
3gucuguugug ug 12427RNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic oligonucleotide
4gccgaguagu guugggucgc gaaaggc 27533DNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic
oligonucleotide 5attgaagagt ttgatcatgg ctcagattga acg
33627DNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic oligonucleotide 6taaggaggtg
atccaaccgc aggttcc 27720DNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic
oligonucleotide 7tccatgacgt tcctgatgct 20826RNAArtificial
sequenceSynthetic oligonucleotide 8uccgcaaugg acgaaagucu gacgga
26926RNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic oligonucleotide 9gagaugggug
cgagagcguc aguauu 261040RNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic
oligonucleotide 10cacacacugc uuaagcgcuu gccugcuuaa guagugugug
401114DNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic oligonucleotide 11gugugugugg
gggg 141213DNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic oligonucleotide
12ggggggugug ugu 131314DNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic
oligonucleotide 13gugugugutt tttt 141413DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthetic oligonucleotide 14tttttgugug ugu
131524DNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic oligonucleotide 15cacctctcat
gctctgctct cttc 241625DNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic
oligonucleotide 16gctagaccgt ttccttgaac acctg 251725DNAArtificial
sequenceSynthetic oligonucleotide 17ctgcgctgct gcaagttacg gaatg
251825DNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic oligonucleotide 18gcgcgaaatc
atgacttaac gtcag 251918DNAArtificial sequenceSynthetic
oligonucleotide 19guugugguug ugguugug 1820904PRTHomo sapiens 20Met
Arg Gln Thr Leu Pro Cys Ile Tyr Phe Trp Gly Gly Leu Leu Pro 1 5 10
15 Phe Gly Met Leu Cys Ala Ser Ser Thr Thr Lys Cys Thr Val Ser His
20 25 30 Glu Val Ala Asp Cys Ser His Leu Lys Leu Thr Gln Val Pro
Asp Asp 35 40 45 Leu Pro Thr Asn Ile Thr Val Leu Asn Leu Thr His
Asn Gln Leu Arg 50 55 60 Arg Leu Pro Ala Ala Asn Phe Thr Arg Tyr
Ser Gln Leu Thr Ser Leu 65 70 75 80 Asp Val Gly Phe Asn Thr Ile Ser
Lys Leu Glu Pro Glu Leu Cys Gln 85 90 95 Lys Leu Pro Met Leu Lys
Val Leu Asn Leu Gln His Asn Glu Leu Ser 100 105 110 Gln Leu Ser Asp
Lys Thr Phe Ala Phe Cys Thr Asn Leu Thr Glu Leu 115 120 125 His Leu
Met Ser Asn Ser Ile Gln Lys Ile Lys Asn Asn Pro Phe Val 130 135 140
Lys Gln Lys Asn Leu Ile Thr Leu Asp Leu Ser His Asn Gly Leu Ser 145
150 155 160 Ser Thr Lys Leu Gly Thr Gln Val Gln Leu Glu Asn Leu Gln
Glu Leu 165 170 175 Leu Leu Ser Asn Asn Lys Ile Gln Ala Leu Lys Ser
Glu Glu Leu Asp 180 185 190 Ile Phe Ala Asn Ser Ser Leu Lys Lys Leu
Glu Leu Ser Ser Asn Gln 195 200 205 Ile Lys Glu Phe Ser Pro Gly Cys
Phe His Ala Ile Gly Arg Leu Phe 210 215 220 Gly Leu Phe Leu Asn Asn
Val Gln Leu Gly Pro Ser Leu Thr Glu Lys 225 230 235 240 Leu Cys Leu
Glu Leu Ala Asn Thr Ser Ile Arg Asn Leu Ser Leu Ser 245 250 255 Asn
Ser Gln Leu Ser Thr Thr Ser Asn Thr Thr Phe Leu Gly Leu Lys 260 265
270 Trp Thr Asn Leu Thr Met Leu Asp Leu Ser Tyr Asn Asn Leu Asn Val
275 280 285 Val Gly Asn Asp Ser Phe Ala Trp Leu Pro Gln Leu Glu Tyr
Phe Phe 290 295 300 Leu Glu Tyr Asn Asn Ile Gln His Leu Phe Ser His
Ser Leu His Gly 305 310 315 320 Leu Phe Asn Val Arg Tyr Leu Asn Leu
Lys Arg Ser Phe Thr Lys Gln 325 330 335 Ser Ile Ser Leu Ala Ser Leu
Pro Lys Ile Asp Asp Phe Ser Phe Gln 340 345 350 Trp Leu Lys Cys Leu
Glu His Leu Asn Met Glu Asp Asn Asp Ile Pro 355 360 365 Gly Ile Lys
Ser Asn Met Phe Thr Gly Leu Ile Asn Leu Lys Tyr Leu 370 375 380 Ser
Leu Ser Asn Ser Phe Thr Ser Leu Arg Thr Leu Thr Asn Glu Thr 385 390
395 400 Phe Val Ser Leu Ala His Ser Pro Leu His Ile Leu Asn Leu Thr
Lys 405 410 415 Asn Lys Ile Ser Lys Ile Glu Ser Asp Ala Phe Ser Trp
Leu Gly His 420 425 430 Leu Glu Val Leu Asp Leu Gly Leu Asn Glu Ile
Gly Gln Glu Leu Thr 435 440 445 Gly Gln Glu Trp Arg Gly Leu Glu Asn
Ile Phe Glu Ile Tyr Leu Ser 450 455 460 Tyr Asn Lys Tyr Leu Gln Leu
Thr Arg Asn Ser Phe Ala Leu Val Pro 465 470 475 480 Ser Leu Gln Arg
Leu Met Leu Arg Arg Val Ala Leu Lys Asn Val Asp 485 490 495 Ser Ser
Pro Ser Pro Phe Gln Pro Leu Arg Asn Leu Thr Ile Leu Asp 500 505 510
Leu Ser Asn Asn Asn Ile Ala Asn Ile Asn Asp Asp Met Leu Glu Gly 515
520 525 Leu Glu Lys Leu Glu Ile Leu Asp Leu Gln His Asn Asn Leu Ala
Arg 530 535 540 Leu Trp Lys His Ala Asn Pro Gly Gly Pro Ile Tyr Phe
Leu Lys Gly 545 550 555 560 Leu Ser His Leu His Ile Leu Asn Leu Glu
Ser Asn Gly Phe Asp Glu 565 570 575 Ile Pro Val Glu Val Phe Lys Asp
Leu Phe Glu Leu Lys Ile Ile Asp 580 585 590 Leu Gly Leu Asn Asn Leu
Asn Thr Leu Pro Ala Ser Val Phe Asn Asn 595 600 605 Gln Val Ser Leu
Lys Ser Leu Asn Leu Gln Lys Asn Leu Ile Thr Ser 610 615 620 Val Glu
Lys Lys Val Phe Gly Pro Ala Phe Arg Asn Leu Thr Glu Leu 625 630 635
640 Asp Met Arg Phe Asn Pro Phe Asp Cys Thr Cys Glu Ser Ile Ala Trp
645 650 655 Phe Val Asn Trp Ile Asn Glu Thr His Thr Asn Ile Pro Glu
Leu Ser 660 665 670 Ser His Tyr Leu Cys Asn Thr Pro Pro His Tyr His
Gly Phe Pro Val 675 680 685 Arg Leu Phe Asp Thr Ser Ser Cys Lys Asp
Ser Ala Pro Phe Glu Leu 690 695 700 Phe Phe Met Ile Asn Thr Ser Ile
Leu Leu Ile Phe Ile Phe Ile Val 705 710 715 720 Leu Leu Ile His Phe
Glu Gly Trp Arg Ile Ser Phe Tyr Trp Asn Val 725 730 735 Ser Val His
Arg Val Leu Gly Phe Lys Glu Ile Asp Arg Gln Thr Glu 740 745 750 Gln
Phe Glu Tyr Ala Ala Tyr Ile Ile His Ala Tyr Lys Asp Lys Asp 755 760
765 Trp Val Trp Glu His Phe Ser Ser Met Glu Lys Glu Asp Gln Ser Leu
770 775 780 Lys Phe Cys Leu Glu Glu Arg Asp Phe Glu Ala Gly Val Phe
Glu Leu 785 790 795 800 Glu Ala Ile Val Asn Ser Ile Lys Arg Ser Arg
Lys Ile Ile Phe Val 805 810 815 Ile Thr His His Leu Leu Lys Asp Pro
Leu Cys Lys Arg Phe Lys Val 820 825 830 His His Ala Val Gln Gln Ala
Ile Glu Gln Asn Leu Asp Ser Ile Ile 835 840 845 Leu Val Phe Leu Glu
Glu Ile Pro Asp Tyr Lys Leu Asn His Ala Leu 850 855 860 Cys Leu Arg
Arg Gly Met Phe Lys Ser His Cys Ile Leu Asn Trp Pro 865 870 875 880
Val Gln Lys Glu Arg Ile Gly Ala Phe Arg His Lys Leu Gln Val Ala 885
890 895 Leu Gly Ser Lys Asn Ser Val His 900 213057DNAHomo sapiens
21cactttcgag agtgccgtct atttgccaca cacttccctg atgaaatgtc tggatttgga
60ctaaagaaaa aaggaaaggc tagcagtcat ccaacagaat catgagacag actttgcctt
120gtatctactt ttgggggggc cttttgccct ttgggatgct gtgtgcatcc
tccaccacca 180agtgcactgt tagccatgaa gttgctgact gcagccacct
gaagttgact caggtacccg 240atgatctacc cacaaacata acagtgttga
accttaccca taatcaactc agaagattac 300cagccgccaa cttcacaagg
tatagccagc taactagctt ggatgtagga tttaacacca 360tctcaaaact
ggagccagaa ttgtgccaga aacttcccat gttaaaagtt ttgaacctcc
420agcacaatga gctatctcaa ctttctgata aaacctttgc cttctgcacg
aatttgactg 480aactccatct catgtccaac tcaatccaga aaattaaaaa
taatcccttt gtcaagcaga 540agaatttaat cacattagat ctgtctcata
atggcttgtc atctacaaaa ttaggaactc 600aggttcagct ggaaaatctc
caagagcttc tattatcaaa caataaaatt caagcgctaa 660aaagtgaaga
actggatatc tttgccaatt catctttaaa aaaattagag ttgtcatcga
720atcaaattaa agagttttct ccagggtgtt ttcacgcaat tggaagatta
tttggcctct 780ttctgaacaa tgtccagctg ggtcccagcc ttacagagaa
gctatgtttg gaattagcaa 840acacaagcat tcggaatctg tctctgagta
acagccagct gtccaccacc agcaatacaa 900ctttcttggg actaaagtgg
acaaatctca ctatgctcga tctttcctac aacaacttaa 960atgtggttgg
taacgattcc tttgcttggc ttccacaact agaatatttc ttcctagagt
1020ataataatat acagcatttg ttttctcact ctttgcacgg gcttttcaat
gtgaggtacc 1080tgaatttgaa acggtctttt actaaacaaa gtatttccct
tgcctcactc cccaagattg 1140atgatttttc ttttcagtgg ctaaaatgtt
tggagcacct taacatggaa gataatgata 1200ttccaggcat aaaaagcaat
atgttcacag gattgataaa cctgaaatac ttaagtctat 1260ccaactcctt
tacaagtttg cgaactttga caaatgaaac atttgtatca cttgctcatt
1320ctcccttaca catactcaac ctaaccaaga ataaaatctc aaaaatagag
agtgatgctt 1380tctcttggtt gggccaccta gaagtacttg acctgggcct
taatgaaatt gggcaagaac 1440tcacaggcca ggaatggaga ggtctagaaa
atattttcga aatctatctt tcctacaaca 1500agtacctgca gctgactagg
aactcctttg ccttggtccc aagccttcaa cgactgatgc 1560tccgaagggt
ggcccttaaa aatgtggata gctctccttc accattccag cctcttcgta
1620acttgaccat tctggatcta agcaacaaca acatagccaa cataaatgat
gacatgttgg 1680agggtcttga gaaactagaa attctcgatt tgcagcataa
caacttagca cggctctgga 1740aacacgcaaa ccctggtggt cccatttatt
tcctaaaggg tctgtctcac ctccacatcc 1800ttaacttgga gtccaacggc
tttgacgaga tcccagttga ggtcttcaag gatttatttg 1860aactaaagat
catcgattta ggattgaata atttaaacac acttccagca tctgtcttta
1920ataatcaggt gtctctaaag tcattgaacc ttcagaagaa tctcataaca
tccgttgaga 1980agaaggtttt cgggccagct ttcaggaacc tgactgagtt
agatatgcgc tttaatccct 2040ttgattgcac gtgtgaaagt attgcctggt
ttgttaattg gattaacgag acccatacca 2100acatccctga gctgtcaagc
cactaccttt gcaacactcc acctcactat catgggttcc 2160cagtgagact
ttttgataca tcatcttgca aagacagtgc cccctttgaa ctctttttca
2220tgatcaatac cagtatcctg ttgattttta tctttattgt acttctcatc
cactttgagg 2280gctggaggat atctttttat tggaatgttt cagtacatcg
agttcttggt ttcaaagaaa 2340tagacagaca gacagaacag tttgaatatg
cagcatatat aattcatgcc tataaagata 2400aggattgggt ctgggaacat
ttctcttcaa tggaaaagga agaccaatct ctcaaatttt 2460gtctggaaga
aagggacttt gaggcgggtg tttttgaact agaagcaatt gttaacagca
2520tcaaaagaag cagaaaaatt atttttgtta taacacacca tctattaaaa
gacccattat 2580gcaaaagatt caaggtacat catgcagttc aacaagctat
tgaacaaaat ctggattcca 2640ttatattggt tttccttgag gagattccag
attataaact gaaccatgca ctctgtttgc 2700gaagaggaat gtttaaatct
cactgcatct tgaactggcc agttcagaaa gaacggatag 2760gtgcctttcg
tcataaattg caagtagcac ttggatccaa aaactctgta cattaaattt
2820atttaaatat tcaattagca aaggagaaac tttctcaatt taaaaagttc
tatggcaaat 2880ttaagttttc cataaaggtg ttataatttg tttattcata
tttgtaaatg attatattct 2940atcacaatta catctcttct aggaaaatgt
gtctccttat ttcaggccta tttttgacaa 3000ttgacttaat tttacccaaa
ataaaacata taagcacgta aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaa 305722905PRTMus musculus
22Met Lys Gly Cys Ser Ser Tyr Leu Met Tyr Ser Phe Gly Gly Leu Leu 1
5 10 15 Ser Leu Trp Ile Leu Leu Val Ser Ser Thr Asn Gln Cys Thr Val
Arg 20 25 30 Tyr Asn Val Ala Asp Cys Ser His Leu Lys Leu Thr His
Ile Pro Asp 35 40 45 Asp Leu Pro Ser Asn Ile Thr Val Leu Asn Leu
Thr His Asn Gln Leu 50 55 60 Arg Arg Leu Pro Pro Thr Asn Phe Thr
Arg Tyr Ser Gln Leu Ala Ile 65 70 75 80 Leu Asp Ala Gly Phe Asn Ser
Ile Ser Lys Leu Glu Pro Glu Leu Cys 85 90 95 Gln Ile Leu Pro Leu
Leu Lys Val Leu Asn Leu Gln His Asn Glu Leu 100 105 110 Ser Gln Ile
Ser Asp Gln Thr Phe Val Phe Cys Thr Asn Leu Thr Glu 115 120 125 Leu
Asp Leu Met Ser Asn Ser Ile His Lys Ile Lys Ser Asn Pro Phe 130 135
140 Lys Asn Gln Lys Asn Leu Ile Lys Leu Asp Leu Ser His Asn Gly Leu
145 150 155 160 Ser Ser Thr Lys Leu Gly Thr Gly Val Gln Leu Glu Asn
Leu Gln Glu 165 170 175 Leu Leu Leu Ala Lys Asn Lys Ile Leu Ala Leu
Arg Ser Glu Glu Leu 180 185 190 Glu Phe Leu Gly Asn Ser Ser Leu Arg
Lys Leu Asp Leu Ser Ser Asn 195 200 205 Pro Leu Lys Glu Phe Ser Pro
Gly Cys Phe Gln Thr Ile Gly Lys Leu 210 215 220 Phe Ala Leu Leu Leu
Asn Asn Ala Gln Leu Asn Pro His Leu Thr Glu 225 230 235 240 Lys Leu
Cys Trp Glu Leu Ser Asn Thr Ser Ile Gln Asn Leu Ser Leu 245 250 255
Ala Asn Asn Gln Leu Leu Ala Thr Ser Glu Ser Thr Phe Ser Gly Leu 260
265 270 Lys Trp Thr Asn Leu Thr Gln Leu Asp Leu Ser Tyr Asn Asn Leu
His 275 280 285 Asp Val Gly Asn Gly Ser Phe Ser Tyr Leu Pro Ser Leu
Arg Tyr Leu 290 295 300 Ser Leu Glu Tyr Asn Asn Ile Gln Arg Leu Ser
Pro Arg Ser Phe Tyr 305 310 315 320 Gly Leu Ser Asn Leu Arg Tyr Leu
Ser Leu Lys Arg Ala Phe Thr Lys 325 330 335 Gln Ser Val Ser Leu Ala
Ser His Pro Asn Ile Asp Asp Phe Ser Phe 340 345 350 Gln Trp Leu Lys
Tyr Leu Glu Tyr Leu Asn Met Asp Asp Asn Asn Ile 355 360 365 Pro Ser
Thr Lys Ser Asn Thr Phe Thr Gly Leu Val Ser Leu Lys Tyr 370 375 380
Leu Ser Leu Ser Lys Thr Phe Thr Ser Leu Gln Thr Leu Thr Asn Glu 385
390 395 400 Thr Phe Val Ser Leu Ala His Ser Pro Leu Leu Thr Leu Asn
Leu Thr 405 410 415 Lys Asn His Ile Ser Lys Ile Ala Asn Gly Thr Phe
Ser Trp Leu Gly 420 425 430 Gln Leu Arg Ile Leu Asp Leu Gly Leu Asn
Glu Ile Glu Gln Lys Leu 435 440 445 Ser Gly Gln Glu Trp Arg Gly Leu
Arg Asn Ile Phe Glu Ile Tyr Leu 450 455 460 Ser Tyr Asn Lys Tyr Leu
Gln Leu Ser Thr Ser Ser Phe Ala Leu Val 465 470 475 480 Pro Ser Leu
Gln Arg Leu Met Leu Arg Arg Val Ala Leu Lys Asn Val 485 490 495 Asp
Ile Ser Pro Ser Pro Phe Arg Pro Leu Arg Asn Leu Thr Ile Leu 500 505
510 Asp Leu Ser Asn Asn Asn Ile Ala Asn Ile Asn Glu Asp Leu Leu Glu
515 520 525 Gly Leu Glu Asn Leu Glu Ile Leu Asp Phe Gln His Asn Asn
Leu Ala 530 535 540 Arg Leu Trp Lys Arg Ala Asn Pro Gly Gly Pro Val
Asn Phe Leu Lys 545 550 555 560 Gly Leu Ser His Leu His Ile Leu Asn
Leu Glu Ser Asn Gly Leu Asp 565 570 575 Glu Ile Pro Val Gly Val Phe
Lys Asn Leu Phe Glu Leu Lys Ser Ile 580 585 590 Asn Leu Gly Leu Asn
Asn Leu
Asn Lys Leu Glu Pro Phe Ile Phe Asp 595 600 605 Asp Gln Thr Ser Leu
Arg Ser Leu Asn Leu Gln Lys Asn Leu Ile Thr 610 615 620 Ser Val Glu
Lys Asp Val Phe Gly Pro Pro Phe Gln Asn Leu Asn Ser 625 630 635 640
Leu Asp Met Arg Phe Asn Pro Phe Asp Cys Thr Cys Glu Ser Ile Ser 645
650 655 Trp Phe Val Asn Trp Ile Asn Gln Thr His Thr Asn Ile Phe Glu
Leu 660 665 670 Ser Thr His Tyr Leu Cys Asn Thr Pro His His Tyr Tyr
Gly Phe Pro 675 680 685 Leu Lys Leu Phe Asp Thr Ser Ser Cys Lys Asp
Ser Ala Pro Phe Glu 690 695 700 Leu Leu Phe Ile Ile Ser Thr Ser Met
Leu Leu Val Phe Ile Leu Val 705 710 715 720 Val Leu Leu Ile His Ile
Glu Gly Trp Arg Ile Ser Phe Tyr Trp Asn 725 730 735 Val Ser Val His
Arg Ile Leu Gly Phe Lys Glu Ile Asp Thr Gln Ala 740 745 750 Glu Gln
Phe Glu Tyr Thr Ala Tyr Ile Ile His Ala His Lys Asp Arg 755 760 765
Asp Trp Val Trp Glu His Phe Ser Pro Met Glu Glu Gln Asp Gln Ser 770
775 780 Leu Lys Phe Cys Leu Glu Glu Arg Asp Phe Glu Ala Gly Val Leu
Gly 785 790 795 800 Leu Glu Ala Ile Val Asn Ser Ile Lys Arg Ser Arg
Lys Ile Ile Phe 805 810 815 Val Ile Thr His His Leu Leu Lys Asp Pro
Leu Cys Arg Arg Phe Lys 820 825 830 Val His His Ala Val Gln Gln Ala
Ile Glu Gln Asn Leu Asp Ser Ile 835 840 845 Ile Leu Ile Phe Leu Gln
Asn Ile Pro Asp Tyr Lys Leu Asn His Ala 850 855 860 Leu Cys Leu Arg
Arg Gly Met Phe Lys Ser His Cys Ile Leu Asn Trp 865 870 875 880 Pro
Val Gln Lys Glu Arg Ile Asn Ala Phe His His Lys Leu Gln Val 885 890
895 Ala Leu Gly Ser Arg Asn Ser Ala His 900 905 233310DNAMus
musculus 23tagaatatga tacagggatt gcacccataa tctgggctga atcatgaaag
ggtgttcctc 60ttatctaatg tactcctttg ggggactttt gtccctatgg attcttctgg
tgtcttccac 120aaaccaatgc actgtgagat acaacgtagc tgactgcagc
catttgaagc taacacacat 180acctgatgat cttccctcta acataacagt
gttgaatctt actcacaacc aactcagaag 240attaccacct accaacttta
caagatacag ccaacttgct atcttggatg caggatttaa 300ctccatttca
aaactggagc cagaactgtg ccaaatactc cctttgttga aagtattgaa
360cctgcaacat aatgagctct ctcagatttc tgatcaaacc tttgtcttct
gcacgaacct 420gacagaactc gatctaatgt ctaactcaat acacaaaatt
aaaagcaacc ctttcaaaaa 480ccagaagaat ctaatcaaat tagatttgtc
tcataatggt ttatcatcta caaagttggg 540aacgggggtc caactggaga
acctccaaga actgctctta gcaaaaaata aaatccttgc 600gttgcgaagt
gaagaacttg agtttcttgg caattcttct ttacgaaagt tggacttgtc
660atcaaatcca cttaaagagt tctccccggg gtgtttccag acaattggca
agttattcgc 720cctcctcttg aacaacgccc aactgaaccc ccacctcaca
gagaagcttt gctgggaact 780ttcaaacaca agcatccaga atctctctct
ggctaacaac cagctgctgg ccaccagcga 840gagcactttc tctgggctga
agtggacaaa tctcacccag ctcgatcttt cctacaacaa 900cctccatgat
gtcggcaacg gttccttctc ctatctccca agcctgaggt atctgtctct
960ggagtacaac aatatacagc gtctgtcccc tcgctctttt tatggactct
ccaacctgag 1020gtacctgagt ttgaagcgag catttactaa gcaaagtgtt
tcacttgctt cacatcccaa 1080cattgacgat ttttcctttc aatggttaaa
atatttggaa tatctcaaca tggatgacaa 1140taatattcca agtaccaaaa
gcaatacctt cacgggattg gtgagtctga agtacctaag 1200tctttccaaa
actttcacaa gtttgcaaac tttaacaaat gaaacatttg tgtcacttgc
1260tcattctccc ttgctcactc tcaacttaac gaaaaatcac atctcaaaaa
tagcaaatgg 1320tactttctct tggttaggcc aactcaggat acttgatctc
ggccttaatg aaattgaaca 1380aaaactcagc ggccaggaat ggagaggtct
gagaaatata tttgagatct acctatccta 1440taacaaatac ctccaactgt
ctaccagttc ctttgcattg gtccccagcc ttcaaagact 1500gatgctcagg
agggtggccc ttaaaaatgt ggatatctcc ccttcacctt tccgccctct
1560tcgtaacttg accattctgg acttaagcaa caacaacata gccaacataa
atgaggactt 1620gctggagggt cttgagaatc tagaaatcct ggattttcag
cacaataact tagccaggct 1680ctggaaacgc gcaaaccccg gtggtcccgt
taatttcctg aaggggctgt ctcacctcca 1740catcttgaat ttagagtcca
acggcttaga tgaaatccca gtcggggttt tcaagaactt 1800attcgaacta
aagagcatca atctaggact gaataactta aacaaacttg aaccattcat
1860ttttgatgac cagacatctc taaggtcact gaacctccag aagaacctca
taacatctgt 1920tgagaaggat gttttcgggc cgccttttca aaacctgaac
agtttagata tgcgcttcaa 1980tccgttcgac tgcacgtgtg aaagtatttc
ctggtttgtt aactggatca accagaccca 2040cactaatatc tttgagctgt
ccactcacta cctctgtaac actccacatc attattatgg 2100cttccccctg
aagcttttcg atacatcatc ctgtaaagac agcgccccct ttgaactcct
2160cttcataatc agcaccagta tgctcctggt ttttatactt gtggtactgc
tcattcacat 2220cgagggctgg aggatctctt tttactggaa tgtttcagtg
catcggattc ttggtttcaa 2280ggaaatagac acacaggctg agcagtttga
atatacagcc tacataattc atgcccataa 2340agacagagac tgggtctggg
aacatttctc cccaatggaa gaacaagacc aatctctcaa 2400attttgccta
gaagaaaggg actttgaagc aggcgtcctt ggacttgaag caattgttaa
2460tagcatcaaa agaagccgaa aaatcatttt cgttatcaca caccatttat
taaaagaccc 2520tctgtgcaga agattcaagg tacatcacgc agttcagcaa
gctattgagc aaaatctgga 2580ttcaattata ctgatttttc tccagaatat
tccagattat aaactaaacc atgcactctg 2640tttgcgaaga ggaatgttta
aatctcattg catcttgaac tggccagttc agaaagaacg 2700gataaatgcc
tttcatcata aattgcaagt agcacttgga tctcggaatt cagcacatta
2760aactcatttg aagatttgga gtcggtaaag ggatagatcc aatttataaa
ggtccatcat 2820gaatctaagt tttacttgaa agttttgtat atttatttat
atgtatagat gatgatatta 2880catcacaatc caatctcagt tttgaaatat
ttcggcttat ttcattgaca tctggtttat 2940tcactccaaa taaacacatg
ggcagttaaa aacatcctct attaatagat tacccattaa 3000ttcttgaggt
gtatcacagc tttaaagggt tttaaatatt tttatataaa taagactgag
3060agttttataa atgtaatttt ttaaaactcg agtcttactg tgtagctcag
aaaggcctgg 3120aaattaatat attagagagt catgtcttga acttatttat
ctctgcctcc ctctgtctcc 3180agagtgttgc ttttaagggc atgtagcacc
acacccagct atgtacgtgt gggattttat 3240aatgctcatt tttgagacgt
ttatagaata aaagataatt gcttttatgg tataaggcta 3300cttgaggtaa
3310241049PRTHomo sapiens 24Met Val Phe Pro Met Trp Thr Leu Lys Arg
Gln Ile Leu Ile Leu Phe 1 5 10 15 Asn Ile Ile Leu Ile Ser Lys Leu
Leu Gly Ala Arg Trp Phe Pro Lys 20 25 30 Thr Leu Pro Cys Asp Val
Thr Leu Asp Val Pro Lys Asn His Val Ile 35 40 45 Val Asp Cys Thr
Asp Lys His Leu Thr Glu Ile Pro Gly Gly Ile Pro 50 55 60 Thr Asn
Thr Thr Asn Leu Thr Leu Thr Ile Asn His Ile Pro Asp Ile 65 70 75 80
Ser Pro Ala Ser Phe His Arg Leu Asp His Leu Val Glu Ile Asp Phe 85
90 95 Arg Cys Asn Cys Val Pro Ile Pro Leu Gly Ser Lys Asn Asn Met
Cys 100 105 110 Ile Lys Arg Leu Gln Ile Lys Pro Arg Ser Phe Ser Gly
Leu Thr Tyr 115 120 125 Leu Lys Ser Leu Tyr Leu Asp Gly Asn Gln Leu
Leu Glu Ile Pro Gln 130 135 140 Gly Leu Pro Pro Ser Leu Gln Leu Leu
Ser Leu Glu Ala Asn Asn Ile 145 150 155 160 Phe Ser Ile Arg Lys Glu
Asn Leu Thr Glu Leu Ala Asn Ile Glu Ile 165 170 175 Leu Tyr Leu Gly
Gln Asn Cys Tyr Tyr Arg Asn Pro Cys Tyr Val Ser 180 185 190 Tyr Ser
Ile Glu Lys Asp Ala Phe Leu Asn Leu Thr Lys Leu Lys Val 195 200 205
Leu Ser Leu Lys Asp Asn Asn Val Thr Ala Val Pro Thr Val Leu Pro 210
215 220 Ser Thr Leu Thr Glu Leu Tyr Leu Tyr Asn Asn Met Ile Ala Lys
Ile 225 230 235 240 Gln Glu Asp Asp Phe Asn Asn Leu Asn Gln Leu Gln
Ile Leu Asp Leu 245 250 255 Ser Gly Asn Cys Pro Arg Cys Tyr Asn Ala
Pro Phe Pro Cys Ala Pro 260 265 270 Cys Lys Asn Asn Ser Pro Leu Gln
Ile Pro Val Asn Ala Phe Asp Ala 275 280 285 Leu Thr Glu Leu Lys Val
Leu Arg Leu His Ser Asn Ser Leu Gln His 290 295 300 Val Pro Pro Arg
Trp Phe Lys Asn Ile Asn Lys Leu Gln Glu Leu Asp 305 310 315 320 Leu
Ser Gln Asn Phe Leu Ala Lys Glu Ile Gly Asp Ala Lys Phe Leu 325 330
335 His Phe Leu Pro Ser Leu Ile Gln Leu Asp Leu Ser Phe Asn Phe Glu
340 345 350 Leu Gln Val Tyr Arg Ala Ser Met Asn Leu Ser Gln Ala Phe
Ser Ser 355 360 365 Leu Lys Ser Leu Lys Ile Leu Arg Ile Arg Gly Tyr
Val Phe Lys Glu 370 375 380 Leu Lys Ser Phe Asn Leu Ser Pro Leu His
Asn Leu Gln Asn Leu Glu 385 390 395 400 Val Leu Asp Leu Gly Thr Asn
Phe Ile Lys Ile Ala Asn Leu Ser Met 405 410 415 Phe Lys Gln Phe Lys
Arg Leu Lys Val Ile Asp Leu Ser Val Asn Lys 420 425 430 Ile Ser Pro
Ser Gly Asp Ser Ser Glu Val Gly Phe Cys Ser Asn Ala 435 440 445 Arg
Thr Ser Val Glu Ser Tyr Glu Pro Gln Val Leu Glu Gln Leu His 450 455
460 Tyr Phe Arg Tyr Asp Lys Tyr Ala Arg Ser Cys Arg Phe Lys Asn Lys
465 470 475 480 Glu Ala Ser Phe Met Ser Val Asn Glu Ser Cys Tyr Lys
Tyr Gly Gln 485 490 495 Thr Leu Asp Leu Ser Lys Asn Ser Ile Phe Phe
Val Lys Ser Ser Asp 500 505 510 Phe Gln His Leu Ser Phe Leu Lys Cys
Leu Asn Leu Ser Gly Asn Leu 515 520 525 Ile Ser Gln Thr Leu Asn Gly
Ser Glu Phe Gln Pro Leu Ala Glu Leu 530 535 540 Arg Tyr Leu Asp Phe
Ser Asn Asn Arg Leu Asp Leu Leu His Ser Thr 545 550 555 560 Ala Phe
Glu Glu Leu His Lys Leu Glu Val Leu Asp Ile Ser Ser Asn 565 570 575
Ser His Tyr Phe Gln Ser Glu Gly Ile Thr His Met Leu Asn Phe Thr 580
585 590 Lys Asn Leu Lys Val Leu Gln Lys Leu Met Met Asn Asp Asn Asp
Ile 595 600 605 Ser Ser Ser Thr Ser Arg Thr Met Glu Ser Glu Ser Leu
Arg Thr Leu 610 615 620 Glu Phe Arg Gly Asn His Leu Asp Val Leu Trp
Arg Glu Gly Asp Asn 625 630 635 640 Arg Tyr Leu Gln Leu Phe Lys Asn
Leu Leu Lys Leu Glu Glu Leu Asp 645 650 655 Ile Ser Lys Asn Ser Leu
Ser Phe Leu Pro Ser Gly Val Phe Asp Gly 660 665 670 Met Pro Pro Asn
Leu Lys Asn Leu Ser Leu Ala Lys Asn Gly Leu Lys 675 680 685 Ser Phe
Ser Trp Lys Lys Leu Gln Cys Leu Lys Asn Leu Glu Thr Leu 690 695 700
Asp Leu Ser His Asn Gln Leu Thr Thr Val Pro Glu Arg Leu Ser Asn 705
710 715 720 Cys Ser Arg Ser Leu Lys Asn Leu Ile Leu Lys Asn Asn Gln
Ile Arg 725 730 735 Ser Leu Thr Lys Tyr Phe Leu Gln Asp Ala Phe Gln
Leu Arg Tyr Leu 740 745 750 Asp Leu Ser Ser Asn Lys Ile Gln Met Ile
Gln Lys Thr Ser Phe Pro 755 760 765 Glu Asn Val Leu Asn Asn Leu Lys
Met Leu Leu Leu His His Asn Arg 770 775 780 Phe Leu Cys Thr Cys Asp
Ala Val Trp Phe Val Trp Trp Val Asn His 785 790 795 800 Thr Glu Val
Thr Ile Pro Tyr Leu Ala Thr Asp Val Thr Cys Val Gly 805 810 815 Pro
Gly Ala His Lys Gly Gln Ser Val Ile Ser Leu Asp Leu Tyr Thr 820 825
830 Cys Glu Leu Asp Leu Thr Asn Leu Ile Leu Phe Ser Leu Ser Ile Ser
835 840 845 Val Ser Leu Phe Leu Met Val Met Met Thr Ala Ser His Leu
Tyr Phe 850 855 860 Trp Asp Val Trp Tyr Ile Tyr His Phe Cys Lys Ala
Lys Ile Lys Gly 865 870 875 880 Tyr Gln Arg Leu Ile Ser Pro Asp Cys
Cys Tyr Asp Ala Phe Ile Val 885 890 895 Tyr Asp Thr Lys Asp Pro Ala
Val Thr Glu Trp Val Leu Ala Glu Leu 900 905 910 Val Ala Lys Leu Glu
Asp Pro Arg Glu Lys His Phe Asn Leu Cys Leu 915 920 925 Glu Glu Arg
Asp Trp Leu Pro Gly Gln Pro Val Leu Glu Asn Leu Ser 930 935 940 Gln
Ser Ile Gln Leu Ser Lys Lys Thr Val Phe Val Met Thr Asp Lys 945 950
955 960 Tyr Ala Lys Thr Glu Asn Phe Lys Ile Ala Phe Tyr Leu Ser His
Gln 965 970 975 Arg Leu Met Asp Glu Lys Val Asp Val Ile Ile Leu Ile
Phe Leu Glu 980 985 990 Lys Pro Phe Gln Lys Ser Lys Phe Leu Gln Leu
Arg Lys Arg Leu Cys 995 1000 1005 Gly Ser Ser Val Leu Glu Trp Pro
Thr Asn Pro Gln Ala His Pro 1010 1015 1020 Tyr Phe Trp Gln Cys Leu
Lys Asn Ala Leu Ala Thr Asp Asn His 1025 1030 1035 Val Ala Tyr Ser
Gln Val Phe Lys Glu Thr Val 1040 1045 255007DNAHomo sapiens
25actccagata taggatcact ccatgccatc aagaaagttg atgctattgg gcccatctca
60agctgatctt ggcacctctc atgctctgct ctcttcaacc agacctctac attccatttt
120ggaagaagac taaaaatggt gtttccaatg tggacactga agagacaaat
tcttatcctt 180tttaacataa tcctaatttc caaactcctt ggggctagat
ggtttcctaa aactctgccc 240tgtgatgtca ctctggatgt tccaaagaac
catgtgatcg tggactgcac agacaagcat 300ttgacagaaa ttcctggagg
tattcccacg aacaccacga acctcaccct caccattaac 360cacataccag
acatctcccc agcgtccttt cacagactgg accatctggt agagatcgat
420ttcagatgca actgtgtacc tattccactg gggtcaaaaa acaacatgtg
catcaagagg 480ctgcagatta aacccagaag ctttagtgga ctcacttatt
taaaatccct ttacctggat 540ggaaaccagc tactagagat accgcagggc
ctcccgccta gcttacagct tctcagcctt 600gaggccaaca acatcttttc
catcagaaaa gagaatctaa cagaactggc caacatagaa 660atactctacc
tgggccaaaa ctgttattat cgaaatcctt gttatgtttc atattcaata
720gagaaagatg ccttcctaaa cttgacaaag ttaaaagtgc tctccctgaa
agataacaat 780gtcacagccg tccctactgt tttgccatct actttaacag
aactatatct ctacaacaac 840atgattgcaa aaatccaaga agatgatttt
aataacctca accaattaca aattcttgac 900ctaagtggaa attgccctcg
ttgttataat gccccatttc cttgtgcgcc gtgtaaaaat 960aattctcccc
tacagatccc tgtaaatgct tttgatgcgc tgacagaatt aaaagtttta
1020cgtctacaca gtaactctct tcagcatgtg cccccaagat ggtttaagaa
catcaacaaa 1080ctccaggaac tggatctgtc ccaaaacttc ttggccaaag
aaattgggga tgctaaattt 1140ctgcattttc tccccagcct catccaattg
gatctgtctt tcaattttga acttcaggtc 1200tatcgtgcat ctatgaatct
atcacaagca ttttcttcac tgaaaagcct gaaaattctg 1260cggatcagag
gatatgtctt taaagagttg aaaagcttta acctctcgcc attacataat
1320cttcaaaatc ttgaagttct tgatcttggc actaacttta taaaaattgc
taacctcagc 1380atgtttaaac aatttaaaag actgaaagtc atagatcttt
cagtgaataa aatatcacct 1440tcaggagatt caagtgaagt tggcttctgc
tcaaatgcca gaacttctgt agaaagttat 1500gaaccccagg tcctggaaca
attacattat ttcagatatg ataagtatgc aaggagttgc 1560agattcaaaa
acaaagaggc ttctttcatg tctgttaatg aaagctgcta caagtatggg
1620cagaccttgg atctaagtaa aaatagtata ttttttgtca agtcctctga
ttttcagcat 1680ctttctttcc tcaaatgcct gaatctgtca ggaaatctca
ttagccaaac tcttaatggc 1740agtgaattcc aacctttagc agagctgaga
tatttggact tctccaacaa ccggcttgat 1800ttactccatt caacagcatt
tgaagagctt cacaaactgg aagttctgga tataagcagt 1860aatagccatt
attttcaatc agaaggaatt actcatatgc taaactttac caagaaccta
1920aaggttctgc agaaactgat gatgaacgac aatgacatct cttcctccac
cagcaggacc 1980atggagagtg agtctcttag aactctggaa ttcagaggaa
atcacttaga tgttttatgg 2040agagaaggtg ataacagata cttacaatta
ttcaagaatc tgctaaaatt agaggaatta 2100gacatctcta aaaattccct
aagtttcttg ccttctggag tttttgatgg tatgcctcca 2160aatctaaaga
atctctcttt ggccaaaaat gggctcaaat ctttcagttg gaagaaactc
2220cagtgtctaa agaacctgga aactttggac ctcagccaca accaactgac
cactgtccct 2280gagagattat ccaactgttc cagaagcctc aagaatctga
ttcttaagaa taatcaaatc 2340aggagtctga cgaagtattt tctacaagat
gccttccagt tgcgatatct ggatctcagc 2400tcaaataaaa tccagatgat
ccaaaagacc agcttcccag aaaatgtcct caacaatctg 2460aagatgttgc
ttttgcatca taatcggttt ctgtgcacct gtgatgctgt gtggtttgtc
2520tggtgggtta accatacgga ggtgactatt ccttacctgg ccacagatgt
gacttgtgtg 2580gggccaggag cacacaaggg ccaaagtgtg atctccctgg
atctgtacac ctgtgagtta 2640gatctgacta acctgattct gttctcactt
tccatatctg tatctctctt tctcatggtg 2700atgatgacag caagtcacct
ctatttctgg gatgtgtggt
atatttacca tttctgtaag 2760gccaagataa aggggtatca gcgtctaata
tcaccagact gttgctatga tgcttttatt 2820gtgtatgaca ctaaagaccc
agctgtgacc gagtgggttt tggctgagct ggtggccaaa 2880ctggaagacc
caagagagaa acattttaat ttatgtctcg aggaaaggga ctggttacca
2940gggcagccag ttctggaaaa cctttcccag agcatacagc ttagcaaaaa
gacagtgttt 3000gtgatgacag acaagtatgc aaagactgaa aattttaaga
tagcatttta cttgtcccat 3060cagaggctca tggatgaaaa agttgatgtg
attatcttga tatttcttga gaagcccttt 3120cagaagtcca agttcctcca
gctccggaaa aggctctgtg ggagttctgt ccttgagtgg 3180ccaacaaacc
cgcaagctca cccatacttc tggcagtgtc taaagaacgc cctggccaca
3240gacaatcatg tggcctatag tcaggtgttc aaggaaacgg tctagccctt
ctttgcaaaa 3300cacaactgcc tagtttacca aggagaggcc tggctgttta
aattgttttc atatatatca 3360caccaaaagc gtgttttgaa attcttcaag
aaatgagatt gcccatattt caggggagcc 3420accaacgtct gtcacaggag
ttggaaagat ggggtttata taatgcatca agtcttcttt 3480cttatctctc
tgtgtctcta tttgcacttg agtctctcac ctcagctcct gtaaaagagt
3540ggcaagtaaa aaacatgggg ctctgattct cctgtaattg tgataattaa
atatacacac 3600aatcatgaca ttgagaagaa ctgcatttct acccttaaaa
agtactggta tatacagaaa 3660tagggttaaa aaaaactcaa gctctctcta
tatgagacca aaatgtacta gagttagttt 3720agtgaaataa aaaaccagtc
agctggccgg gcatggtggc tcatgcttgt aatcccagca 3780ctttgggagg
ccgaggcagg tggatcacga ggtcaggagt ttgagaccag tctggccaac
3840atggtgaaac cccgtctgta ctaaaaatac aaaaattagc tgggcgtggt
ggtgggtgcc 3900tgtaatccca gctacttggg aggctgaggc aggagaatcg
cttgaacccg ggaggtggag 3960gtggcagtga gccgagatca cgccactgca
atgcagcccg ggcaacagag ctagactgtc 4020tcaaaagaac aaaaaaaaaa
aaacacaaaa aaactcagtc agcttcttaa ccaattgctt 4080ccgtgtcatc
cagggcccca ttctgtgcag attgagtgtg ggcaccacac aggtggttgc
4140tgcttcagtg cttcctgctc tttttccttg ggcctgcttc tgggttccat
agggaaacag 4200taagaaagaa agacacatcc ttaccataaa tgcatatggt
ccacctacaa atagaaaaat 4260atttaaatga tctgccttta tacaaagtga
tattctctac ctttgataat ttacctgctt 4320aaatgttttt atctgcactg
caaagtactg tatccaaagt aaaatttcct catccaatat 4380ctttcaaact
gttttgttaa ctaatgccat atatttgtaa gtatctgcac acttgataca
4440gcaacgttag atggttttga tggtaaaccc taaaggagga ctccaagagt
gtgtatttat 4500ttatagtttt atcagagatg acaattattt gaatgccaat
tatatggatt cctttcattt 4560tttgctggag gatgggagaa gaaaccaaag
tttatagacc ttcacattga gaaagcttca 4620gttttgaact tcagctatca
gattcaaaaa caacagaaag aaccaagaca ttcttaagat 4680gcctgtactt
tcagctgggt ataaattcat gagttcaaag attgaaacct gaccaatttg
4740ctttatttca tggaagaagt gatctacaaa ggtgtttgtg ccatttggaa
aacagcgtgc 4800atgtgttcaa gccttagatt ggcgatgtcg tattttcctc
acgtgtggca atgccaaagg 4860ctttacttta cctgtgagta cacactatat
gaattatttc caacgtacat ttaatcaata 4920agggtcacaa attcccaaat
caatctctgg aataaataga gaggtaatta aattgctgga 4980gccaactatt
tcacaacttc tgtaagc 5007261050PRTMus musculus 26Met Val Phe Ser Met
Trp Thr Arg Lys Arg Gln Ile Leu Ile Phe Leu 1 5 10 15 Asn Met Leu
Leu Val Ser Arg Val Phe Gly Phe Arg Trp Phe Pro Lys 20 25 30 Thr
Leu Pro Cys Glu Val Lys Val Asn Ile Pro Glu Ala His Val Ile 35 40
45 Val Asp Cys Thr Asp Lys His Leu Thr Glu Ile Pro Glu Gly Ile Pro
50 55 60 Thr Asn Thr Thr Asn Leu Thr Leu Thr Ile Asn His Ile Pro
Ser Ile 65 70 75 80 Ser Pro Asp Ser Phe Arg Arg Leu Asn His Leu Glu
Glu Ile Asp Leu 85 90 95 Arg Cys Asn Cys Val Pro Val Leu Leu Gly
Ser Lys Ala Asn Val Cys 100 105 110 Thr Lys Arg Leu Gln Ile Arg Pro
Gly Ser Phe Ser Gly Leu Ser Asp 115 120 125 Leu Lys Ala Leu Tyr Leu
Asp Gly Asn Gln Leu Leu Glu Ile Pro Gln 130 135 140 Asp Leu Pro Ser
Ser Leu His Leu Leu Ser Leu Glu Ala Asn Asn Ile 145 150 155 160 Phe
Ser Ile Thr Lys Glu Asn Leu Thr Glu Leu Val Asn Ile Glu Thr 165 170
175 Leu Tyr Leu Gly Gln Asn Cys Tyr Tyr Arg Asn Pro Cys Asn Val Ser
180 185 190 Tyr Ser Ile Glu Lys Asp Ala Phe Leu Val Met Arg Asn Leu
Lys Val 195 200 205 Leu Ser Leu Lys Asp Asn Asn Val Thr Ala Val Pro
Thr Thr Leu Pro 210 215 220 Pro Asn Leu Leu Glu Leu Tyr Leu Tyr Asn
Asn Ile Ile Lys Lys Ile 225 230 235 240 Gln Glu Asn Asp Phe Asn Asn
Leu Asn Glu Leu Gln Val Leu Asp Leu 245 250 255 Ser Gly Asn Cys Pro
Arg Cys Tyr Asn Val Pro Tyr Pro Cys Thr Pro 260 265 270 Cys Glu Asn
Asn Ser Pro Leu Gln Ile His Asp Asn Ala Phe Asn Ser 275 280 285 Leu
Thr Glu Leu Lys Val Leu Arg Leu His Ser Asn Ser Leu Gln His 290 295
300 Val Pro Pro Thr Trp Phe Lys Asn Met Arg Asn Leu Gln Glu Leu Asp
305 310 315 320 Leu Ser Gln Asn Tyr Leu Ala Arg Glu Ile Glu Glu Ala
Lys Phe Leu 325 330 335 His Phe Leu Pro Asn Leu Val Glu Leu Asp Phe
Ser Phe Asn Tyr Glu 340 345 350 Leu Gln Val Tyr His Ala Ser Ile Thr
Leu Pro His Ser Leu Ser Ser 355 360 365 Leu Glu Asn Leu Lys Ile Leu
Arg Val Lys Gly Tyr Val Phe Lys Glu 370 375 380 Leu Lys Asn Ser Ser
Leu Ser Val Leu His Lys Leu Pro Arg Leu Glu 385 390 395 400 Val Leu
Asp Leu Gly Thr Asn Phe Ile Lys Ile Ala Asp Leu Asn Ile 405 410 415
Phe Lys His Phe Glu Asn Leu Lys Leu Ile Asp Leu Ser Val Asn Lys 420
425 430 Ile Ser Pro Ser Glu Glu Ser Arg Glu Val Gly Phe Cys Pro Asn
Ala 435 440 445 Gln Thr Ser Val Asp Arg His Gly Pro Gln Val Leu Glu
Ala Leu His 450 455 460 Tyr Phe Arg Tyr Asp Glu Tyr Ala Arg Ser Cys
Arg Phe Lys Asn Lys 465 470 475 480 Glu Pro Pro Ser Phe Leu Pro Leu
Asn Ala Asp Cys His Ile Tyr Gly 485 490 495 Gln Thr Leu Asp Leu Ser
Arg Asn Asn Ile Phe Phe Ile Lys Pro Ser 500 505 510 Asp Phe Gln His
Leu Ser Phe Leu Lys Cys Leu Asn Leu Ser Gly Asn 515 520 525 Thr Ile
Gly Gln Thr Leu Asn Gly Ser Glu Leu Trp Pro Leu Arg Glu 530 535 540
Leu Arg Tyr Leu Asp Phe Ser Asn Asn Arg Leu Asp Leu Leu Tyr Ser 545
550 555 560 Thr Ala Phe Glu Glu Leu Gln Ser Leu Glu Val Leu Asp Leu
Ser Ser 565 570 575 Asn Ser His Tyr Phe Gln Ala Glu Gly Ile Thr His
Met Leu Asn Phe 580 585 590 Thr Lys Lys Leu Arg Leu Leu Asp Lys Leu
Met Met Asn Asp Asn Asp 595 600 605 Ile Ser Thr Ser Ala Ser Arg Thr
Met Glu Ser Asp Ser Leu Arg Ile 610 615 620 Leu Glu Phe Arg Gly Asn
His Leu Asp Val Leu Trp Arg Ala Gly Asp 625 630 635 640 Asn Arg Tyr
Leu Asp Phe Phe Lys Asn Leu Phe Asn Leu Glu Val Leu 645 650 655 Asp
Ile Ser Arg Asn Ser Leu Asn Ser Leu Pro Pro Glu Val Phe Glu 660 665
670 Gly Met Pro Pro Asn Leu Lys Asn Leu Ser Leu Ala Lys Asn Gly Leu
675 680 685 Lys Ser Phe Phe Trp Asp Arg Leu Gln Leu Leu Lys His Leu
Glu Ile 690 695 700 Leu Asp Leu Ser His Asn Gln Leu Thr Lys Val Pro
Glu Arg Leu Ala 705 710 715 720 Asn Cys Ser Lys Ser Leu Thr Thr Leu
Ile Leu Lys His Asn Gln Ile 725 730 735 Arg Gln Leu Thr Lys Tyr Phe
Leu Glu Asp Ala Leu Gln Leu Arg Tyr 740 745 750 Leu Asp Ile Ser Ser
Asn Lys Ile Gln Val Ile Gln Lys Thr Ser Phe 755 760 765 Pro Glu Asn
Val Leu Asn Asn Leu Glu Met Leu Val Leu His His Asn 770 775 780 Arg
Phe Leu Cys Asn Cys Asp Ala Val Trp Phe Val Trp Trp Val Asn 785 790
795 800 His Thr Asp Val Thr Ile Pro Tyr Leu Ala Thr Asp Val Thr Cys
Val 805 810 815 Gly Pro Gly Ala His Lys Gly Gln Ser Val Ile Ser Leu
Asp Leu Tyr 820 825 830 Thr Cys Glu Leu Asp Leu Thr Asn Leu Ile Leu
Phe Ser Val Ser Ile 835 840 845 Ser Ser Val Leu Phe Leu Met Val Val
Met Thr Thr Ser His Leu Phe 850 855 860 Phe Trp Asp Met Trp Tyr Ile
Tyr Tyr Phe Trp Lys Ala Lys Ile Lys 865 870 875 880 Gly Tyr Gln His
Leu Gln Ser Met Glu Ser Cys Tyr Asp Ala Phe Ile 885 890 895 Val Tyr
Asp Thr Lys Asn Ser Ala Val Thr Glu Trp Val Leu Gln Glu 900 905 910
Leu Val Ala Lys Leu Glu Asp Pro Arg Glu Lys His Phe Asn Leu Cys 915
920 925 Leu Glu Glu Arg Asp Trp Leu Pro Gly Gln Pro Val Leu Glu Asn
Leu 930 935 940 Ser Gln Ser Ile Gln Leu Ser Lys Lys Thr Val Phe Val
Met Thr Gln 945 950 955 960 Lys Tyr Ala Lys Thr Glu Ser Phe Lys Met
Ala Phe Tyr Leu Ser His 965 970 975 Gln Arg Leu Leu Asp Glu Lys Val
Asp Val Ile Ile Leu Ile Phe Leu 980 985 990 Glu Lys Pro Leu Gln Lys
Ser Lys Phe Leu Gln Leu Arg Lys Arg Leu 995 1000 1005 Cys Arg Ser
Ser Val Leu Glu Trp Pro Ala Asn Pro Gln Ala His 1010 1015 1020 Pro
Tyr Phe Trp Gln Cys Leu Lys Asn Ala Leu Thr Thr Asp Asn 1025 1030
1035 His Val Ala Tyr Ser Gln Met Phe Lys Glu Thr Val 1040 1045 1050
273243DNAMus musculus 27attctcctcc accagacctc ttgattccat tttgaaagaa
aactgaaaat ggtgttttcg 60atgtggacac ggaagagaca aattttgatc tttttaaata
tgctcttagt ttctagagtc 120tttgggtttc gatggtttcc taaaactcta
ccttgtgaag ttaaagtaaa tatcccagag 180gcccatgtga tcgtggactg
cacagacaag catttgacag aaatccctga gggcattccc 240actaacacca
ccaatcttac ccttaccatc aaccacatac caagcatctc tccagattcc
300ttccgtaggc tgaaccatct ggaagaaatc gatttaagat gcaattgtgt
acctgttcta 360ctggggtcca aagccaatgt gtgtaccaag aggctgcaga
ttagacctgg aagctttagt 420ggactctctg acttaaaagc cctttacctg
gatggaaacc aacttctgga gataccacag 480gatctgccat ccagcttaca
tcttctgagc cttgaggcta acaacatctt ctccatcacg 540aaggagaatc
taacagaact ggtcaacatt gaaacactct acctgggtca aaactgttat
600tatcgaaatc cttgcaatgt ttcctattct attgaaaaag atgctttcct
agttatgaga 660aatttgaagg ttctctcact aaaagataac aatgtcacag
ctgtccccac cactttgcca 720cctaatttac tagagctcta tctttataac
aatatcatta agaaaatcca agaaaatgat 780tttaataacc tcaatgagtt
gcaagttctt gacctaagtg gaaattgccc tcgatgttat 840aatgtcccat
atccgtgtac accgtgtgaa aataattccc ccttacagat ccatgacaat
900gctttcaatt cattgacaga attaaaagtt ttacgtttac acagtaattc
tcttcagcat 960gtgcccccaa catggtttaa aaacatgaga aacctccagg
aactagacct ctcccaaaac 1020tacttggcca gagaaattga ggaggccaaa
tttttgcatt ttcttcccaa ccttgttgag 1080ttggattttt ctttcaatta
tgagctgcag gtctaccatg catctataac tttaccacat 1140tcactctctt
cattggaaaa cttgaaaatt ctgcgtgtca aggggtatgt ctttaaagag
1200ctgaaaaact ccagtctttc tgtattgcac aagcttccca ggctggaagt
tcttgacctt 1260ggcactaact tcataaaaat tgctgacctc aacatattca
aacattttga aaacctcaaa 1320ctcatagacc tttcagtgaa taagatatct
ccttcagaag agtcaagaga agttggcttt 1380tgtcctaatg ctcaaacttc
tgtagaccgt catgggcccc aggtccttga ggccttacac 1440tatttccgat
acgatgaata tgcacggagc tgcaggttca aaaacaaaga gccaccttct
1500ttcttgcctt tgaatgcaga ctgccacata tatgggcaga ccttagactt
aagtagaaat 1560aacatatttt ttattaaacc ttctgatttt cagcatcttt
cattcctcaa atgcctcaac 1620ttatcaggaa acaccattgg ccaaactctt
aatggcagtg aactctggcc gttgagagag 1680ttgcggtact tagacttctc
caacaaccgg cttgatttac tctactcaac agcctttgaa 1740gagctccaga
gtcttgaagt tctggatcta agtagtaaca gccactattt tcaagcagaa
1800ggaattactc acatgctaaa ctttaccaag aaattacggc ttctggacaa
actcatgatg 1860aatgataatg acatctctac ttcggccagc aggaccatgg
aaagtgactc tcttcgaatt 1920ctggagttca gaggcaacca tttagatgtt
ctatggagag ccggtgataa cagatacttg 1980gacttcttca agaatttgtt
caatttagag gtattagata tctccagaaa ttccctgaat 2040tccttgcctc
ctgaggtttt tgagggtatg ccgccaaatc taaagaatct ctccttggcc
2100aaaaatgggc tcaaatcttt cttttgggac agactccagt tactgaagca
tttggaaatt 2160ttggacctca gccataacca gctgacaaaa gtacctgaga
gattggccaa ctgttccaaa 2220agtctcacaa cactgattct taagcataat
caaatcaggc aattgacaaa atattttcta 2280gaagatgctt tgcaattgcg
ctatctagac atcagttcaa ataaaatcca ggtcattcag 2340aagactagct
tcccagaaaa tgtcctcaac aatctggaga tgttggtttt acatcacaat
2400cgctttcttt gcaactgtga tgctgtgtgg tttgtctggt gggttaacca
tacagatgtt 2460actattccat acctggccac tgatgtgact tgtgtaggtc
caggagcaca caaaggtcaa 2520agtgtcatat cccttgatct gtatacgtgt
gagttagatc tcacaaacct gattctgttc 2580tcagtttcca tatcatcagt
cctctttctt atggtagtta tgacaacaag tcacctcttt 2640ttctgggata
tgtggtacat ttattatttt tggaaagcaa agataaaggg gtatcagcat
2700ctgcaatcca tggagtcttg ttatgatgct tttattgtgt atgacactaa
aaactcagct 2760gtgacagaat gggttttgca ggagctggtg gcaaaattgg
aagatccaag agaaaaacac 2820ttcaatttgt gtctagaaga aagagactgg
ctaccaggac agccagttct agaaaacctt 2880tcccagagca tacagctcag
caaaaagaca gtgtttgtga tgacacagaa atatgctaag 2940actgagagtt
ttaagatggc attttatttg tctcatcaga ggctcctgga tgaaaaagtg
3000gatgtgatta tcttgatatt cttggaaaag cctcttcaga agtctaagtt
tcttcagctc 3060aggaagagac tctgcaggag ctctgtcctt gagtggcctg
caaatccaca ggctcaccca 3120tacttctggc agtgcctgaa aaatgccctg
accacagaca atcatgtggc ttatagtcaa 3180atgttcaagg aaacagtcta
gctctctgaa gaatgtcacc acctaggaca tgccttgaat 3240cga
3243281041PRTHomo sapiens 28Met Glu Asn Met Phe Leu Gln Ser Ser Met
Leu Thr Cys Ile Phe Leu 1 5 10 15 Leu Ile Ser Gly Ser Cys Glu Leu
Cys Ala Glu Glu Asn Phe Ser Arg 20 25 30 Ser Tyr Pro Cys Asp Glu
Lys Lys Gln Asn Asp Ser Val Ile Ala Glu 35 40 45 Cys Ser Asn Arg
Arg Leu Gln Glu Val Pro Gln Thr Val Gly Lys Tyr 50 55 60 Val Thr
Glu Leu Asp Leu Ser Asp Asn Phe Ile Thr His Ile Thr Asn 65 70 75 80
Glu Ser Phe Gln Gly Leu Gln Asn Leu Thr Lys Ile Asn Leu Asn His 85
90 95 Asn Pro Asn Val Gln His Gln Asn Gly Asn Pro Gly Ile Gln Ser
Asn 100 105 110 Gly Leu Asn Ile Thr Asp Gly Ala Phe Leu Asn Leu Lys
Asn Leu Arg 115 120 125 Glu Leu Leu Leu Glu Asp Asn Gln Leu Pro Gln
Ile Pro Ser Gly Leu 130 135 140 Pro Glu Ser Leu Thr Glu Leu Ser Leu
Ile Gln Asn Asn Ile Tyr Asn 145 150 155 160 Ile Thr Lys Glu Gly Ile
Ser Arg Leu Ile Asn Leu Lys Asn Leu Tyr 165 170 175 Leu Ala Trp Asn
Cys Tyr Phe Asn Lys Val Cys Glu Lys Thr Asn Ile 180 185 190 Glu Asp
Gly Val Phe Glu Thr Leu Thr Asn Leu Glu Leu Leu Ser Leu 195 200 205
Ser Phe Asn Ser Leu Ser His Val Pro Pro Lys Leu Pro Ser Ser Leu 210
215 220 Arg Lys Leu Phe Leu Ser Asn Thr Gln Ile Lys Tyr Ile Ser Glu
Glu 225 230 235 240 Asp Phe Lys Gly Leu Ile Asn Leu Thr Leu Leu Asp
Leu Ser Gly Asn 245 250 255 Cys Pro Arg Cys Phe Asn Ala Pro Phe Pro
Cys Val Pro Cys Asp Gly 260 265 270 Gly Ala Ser Ile Asn Ile Asp Arg
Phe Ala Phe Gln Asn Leu Thr Gln 275 280 285 Leu Arg Tyr Leu Asn Leu
Ser Ser Thr Ser Leu Arg Lys Ile Asn Ala 290 295 300 Ala Trp Phe Lys
Asn Met Pro His Leu Lys Val Leu Asp Leu Glu Phe 305 310 315 320 Asn
Tyr Leu Val Gly Glu Ile Ala Ser Gly Ala Phe Leu Thr Met Leu 325 330
335 Pro Arg Leu Glu Ile Leu Asp Leu Ser Phe Asn Tyr Ile Lys Gly Ser
340 345 350 Tyr Pro Gln His Ile Asn Ile Ser Arg Asn Phe Ser Lys Leu
Leu Ser 355 360 365 Leu Arg Ala Leu His Leu Arg Gly Tyr Val Phe Gln
Glu Leu Arg Glu 370 375 380 Asp Asp Phe Gln Pro Leu
Met Gln Leu Pro Asn Leu Ser Thr Ile Asn 385 390 395 400 Leu Gly Ile
Asn Phe Ile Lys Gln Ile Asp Phe Lys Leu Phe Gln Asn 405 410 415 Phe
Ser Asn Leu Glu Ile Ile Tyr Leu Ser Glu Asn Arg Ile Ser Pro 420 425
430 Leu Val Lys Asp Thr Arg Gln Ser Tyr Ala Asn Ser Ser Ser Phe Gln
435 440 445 Arg His Ile Arg Lys Arg Arg Ser Thr Asp Phe Glu Phe Asp
Pro His 450 455 460 Ser Asn Phe Tyr His Phe Thr Arg Pro Leu Ile Lys
Pro Gln Cys Ala 465 470 475 480 Ala Tyr Gly Lys Ala Leu Asp Leu Ser
Leu Asn Ser Ile Phe Phe Ile 485 490 495 Gly Pro Asn Gln Phe Glu Asn
Leu Pro Asp Ile Ala Cys Leu Asn Leu 500 505 510 Ser Ala Asn Ser Asn
Ala Gln Val Leu Ser Gly Thr Glu Phe Ser Ala 515 520 525 Ile Pro His
Val Lys Tyr Leu Asp Leu Thr Asn Asn Arg Leu Asp Phe 530 535 540 Asp
Asn Ala Ser Ala Leu Thr Glu Leu Ser Asp Leu Glu Val Leu Asp 545 550
555 560 Leu Ser Tyr Asn Ser His Tyr Phe Arg Ile Ala Gly Val Thr His
His 565 570 575 Leu Glu Phe Ile Gln Asn Phe Thr Asn Leu Lys Val Leu
Asn Leu Ser 580 585 590 His Asn Asn Ile Tyr Thr Leu Thr Asp Lys Tyr
Asn Leu Glu Ser Lys 595 600 605 Ser Leu Val Glu Leu Val Phe Ser Gly
Asn Arg Leu Asp Ile Leu Trp 610 615 620 Asn Asp Asp Asp Asn Arg Tyr
Ile Ser Ile Phe Lys Gly Leu Lys Asn 625 630 635 640 Leu Thr Arg Leu
Asp Leu Ser Leu Asn Arg Leu Lys His Ile Pro Asn 645 650 655 Glu Ala
Phe Leu Asn Leu Pro Ala Ser Leu Thr Glu Leu His Ile Asn 660 665 670
Asp Asn Met Leu Lys Phe Phe Asn Trp Thr Leu Leu Gln Gln Phe Pro 675
680 685 Arg Leu Glu Leu Leu Asp Leu Arg Gly Asn Lys Leu Leu Phe Leu
Thr 690 695 700 Asp Ser Leu Ser Asp Phe Thr Ser Ser Leu Arg Thr Leu
Leu Leu Ser 705 710 715 720 His Asn Arg Ile Ser His Leu Pro Ser Gly
Phe Leu Ser Glu Val Ser 725 730 735 Ser Leu Lys His Leu Asp Leu Ser
Ser Asn Leu Leu Lys Thr Ile Asn 740 745 750 Lys Ser Ala Leu Glu Thr
Lys Thr Thr Thr Lys Leu Ser Met Leu Glu 755 760 765 Leu His Gly Asn
Pro Phe Glu Cys Thr Cys Asp Ile Gly Asp Phe Arg 770 775 780 Arg Trp
Met Asp Glu His Leu Asn Val Lys Ile Pro Arg Leu Val Asp 785 790 795
800 Val Ile Cys Ala Ser Pro Gly Asp Gln Arg Gly Lys Ser Ile Val Ser
805 810 815 Leu Glu Leu Thr Thr Cys Val Ser Asp Val Thr Ala Val Ile
Leu Phe 820 825 830 Phe Phe Thr Phe Phe Ile Thr Thr Met Val Met Leu
Ala Ala Leu Ala 835 840 845 His His Leu Phe Tyr Trp Asp Val Trp Phe
Ile Tyr Asn Val Cys Leu 850 855 860 Ala Lys Val Lys Gly Tyr Arg Ser
Leu Ser Thr Ser Gln Thr Phe Tyr 865 870 875 880 Asp Ala Tyr Ile Ser
Tyr Asp Thr Lys Asp Ala Ser Val Thr Asp Trp 885 890 895 Val Ile Asn
Glu Leu Arg Tyr His Leu Glu Glu Ser Arg Asp Lys Asn 900 905 910 Val
Leu Leu Cys Leu Glu Glu Arg Asp Trp Asp Pro Gly Leu Ala Ile 915 920
925 Ile Asp Asn Leu Met Gln Ser Ile Asn Gln Ser Lys Lys Thr Val Phe
930 935 940 Val Leu Thr Lys Lys Tyr Ala Lys Ser Trp Asn Phe Lys Thr
Ala Phe 945 950 955 960 Tyr Leu Ala Leu Gln Arg Leu Met Asp Glu Asn
Met Asp Val Ile Ile 965 970 975 Phe Ile Leu Leu Glu Pro Val Leu Gln
His Ser Gln Tyr Leu Arg Leu 980 985 990 Arg Gln Arg Ile Cys Lys Ser
Ser Ile Leu Gln Trp Pro Asp Asn Pro 995 1000 1005 Lys Ala Glu Gly
Leu Phe Trp Gln Thr Leu Arg Asn Val Val Leu 1010 1015 1020 Thr Glu
Asn Asp Ser Arg Tyr Asn Asn Met Tyr Val Asp Ser Ile 1025 1030 1035
Lys Gln Tyr 1040 293311DNAHomo sapiens 29ttctgcgctg ctgcaagtta
cggaatgaaa aattagaaca acagaaacat ggaaaacatg 60ttccttcagt cgtcaatgct
gacctgcatt ttcctgctaa tatctggttc ctgtgagtta 120tgcgccgaag
aaaatttttc tagaagctat ccttgtgatg agaaaaagca aaatgactca
180gttattgcag agtgcagcaa tcgtcgacta caggaagttc cccaaacggt
gggcaaatat 240gtgacagaac tagacctgtc tgataatttc atcacacaca
taacgaatga atcatttcaa 300gggctgcaaa atctcactaa aataaatcta
aaccacaacc ccaatgtaca gcaccagaac 360ggaaatcccg gtatacaatc
aaatggcttg aatatcacag acggggcatt cctcaaccta 420aaaaacctaa
gggagttact gcttgaagac aaccagttac cccaaatacc ctctggtttg
480ccagagtctt tgacagaact tagtctaatt caaaacaata tatacaacat
aactaaagag 540ggcatttcaa gacttataaa cttgaaaaat ctctatttgg
cctggaactg ctattttaac 600aaagtttgcg agaaaactaa catagaagat
ggagtatttg aaacgctgac aaatttggag 660ttgctatcac tatctttcaa
ttctctttca cacgtgccac ccaaactgcc aagctcccta 720cgcaaacttt
ttctgagcaa cacccagatc aaatacatta gtgaagaaga tttcaaggga
780ttgataaatt taacattact agatttaagc gggaactgtc cgaggtgctt
caatgcccca 840tttccatgcg tgccttgtga tggtggtgct tcaattaata
tagatcgttt tgcttttcaa 900aacttgaccc aacttcgata cctaaacctc
tctagcactt ccctcaggaa gattaatgct 960gcctggttta aaaatatgcc
tcatctgaag gtgctggatc ttgaattcaa ctatttagtg 1020ggagaaatag
cctctggggc atttttaacg atgctgcccc gcttagaaat acttgacttg
1080tcttttaact atataaaggg gagttatcca cagcatatta atatttccag
aaacttctct 1140aaacttttgt ctctacgggc attgcattta agaggttatg
tgttccagga actcagagaa 1200gatgatttcc agcccctgat gcagcttcca
aacttatcga ctatcaactt gggtattaat 1260tttattaagc aaatcgattt
caaacttttc caaaatttct ccaatctgga aattatttac 1320ttgtcagaaa
acagaatatc accgttggta aaagataccc ggcagagtta tgcaaatagt
1380tcctcttttc aacgtcatat ccggaaacga cgctcaacag attttgagtt
tgacccacat 1440tcgaactttt atcatttcac ccgtccttta ataaagccac
aatgtgctgc ttatggaaaa 1500gccttagatt taagcctcaa cagtattttc
ttcattgggc caaaccaatt tgaaaatctt 1560cctgacattg cctgtttaaa
tctgtctgca aatagcaatg ctcaagtgtt aagtggaact 1620gaattttcag
ccattcctca tgtcaaatat ttggatttga caaacaatag actagacttt
1680gataatgcta gtgctcttac tgaattgtcc gacttggaag ttctagatct
cagctataat 1740tcacactatt tcagaatagc aggcgtaaca catcatctag
aatttattca aaatttcaca 1800aatctaaaag ttttaaactt gagccacaac
aacatttata ctttaacaga taagtataac 1860ctggaaagca agtccctggt
agaattagtt ttcagtggca atcgccttga cattttgtgg 1920aatgatgatg
acaacaggta tatctccatt ttcaaaggtc tcaagaatct gacacgtctg
1980gatttatccc ttaataggct gaagcacatc ccaaatgaag cattccttaa
tttgccagcg 2040agtctcactg aactacatat aaatgataat atgttaaagt
tttttaactg gacattactc 2100cagcagttcc ctcgtctcga gttgcttgac
ttacgtggaa acaaactact ctttttaact 2160gatagcctat ctgactttac
atcttccctt cggacactgc tgctgagtca taacaggatt 2220tcccacctac
cctctggctt tctttctgaa gtcagtagtc tgaagcacct cgatttaagt
2280tccaatctgc taaaaacaat caacaaatcc gcacttgaaa ctaagaccac
caccaaatta 2340tctatgttgg aactacacgg aaaccccttt gaatgcacct
gtgacattgg agatttccga 2400agatggatgg atgaacatct gaatgtcaaa
attcccagac tggtagatgt catttgtgcc 2460agtcctgggg atcaaagagg
gaagagtatt gtgagtctgg agctgacaac ttgtgtttca 2520gatgtcactg
cagtgatatt atttttcttc acgttcttta tcaccaccat ggttatgttg
2580gctgccctgg ctcaccattt gttttactgg gatgtttggt ttatatataa
tgtgtgttta 2640gctaaggtaa aaggctacag gtctctttcc acatcccaaa
ctttctatga tgcttacatt 2700tcttatgaca ccaaagatgc ctctgttact
gactgggtga taaatgagct gcgctaccac 2760cttgaagaga gccgagacaa
aaacgttctc ctttgtctag aggagaggga ttgggacccg 2820ggattggcca
tcatcgacaa cctcatgcag agcatcaacc aaagcaagaa aacagtattt
2880gttttaacca aaaaatatgc aaaaagctgg aactttaaaa cagcttttta
cttggctttg 2940cagaggctaa tggatgagaa catggatgtg attatattta
tcctgctgga gccagtgtta 3000cagcattctc agtatttgag gctacggcag
cggatctgta agagctccat cctccagtgg 3060cctgacaacc cgaaggcaga
aggcttgttt tggcaaactc tgagaaatgt ggtcttgact 3120gaaaatgatt
cacggtataa caatatgtat gtcgattcca ttaagcaata ctaactgacg
3180ttaagtcatg atttcgcgcc ataataaaga tgcaaaggaa tgacatttct
gtattagtta 3240tctattgcta tgtaacaaat tatcccaaaa cttagtggtt
taaaacaaca catttgctgg 3300cccacagttt t 3311301059PRTHomo sapiens
30Met Lys Glu Ser Ser Leu Gln Asn Ser Ser Cys Ser Leu Gly Lys Glu 1
5 10 15 Thr Lys Lys Glu Asn Met Phe Leu Gln Ser Ser Met Leu Thr Cys
Ile 20 25 30 Phe Leu Leu Ile Ser Gly Ser Cys Glu Leu Cys Ala Glu
Glu Asn Phe 35 40 45 Ser Arg Ser Tyr Pro Cys Asp Glu Lys Lys Gln
Asn Asp Ser Val Ile 50 55 60 Ala Glu Cys Ser Asn Arg Arg Leu Gln
Glu Val Pro Gln Thr Val Gly 65 70 75 80 Lys Tyr Val Thr Glu Leu Asp
Leu Ser Asp Asn Phe Ile Thr His Ile 85 90 95 Thr Asn Glu Ser Phe
Gln Gly Leu Gln Asn Leu Thr Lys Ile Asn Leu 100 105 110 Asn His Asn
Pro Asn Val Gln His Gln Asn Gly Asn Pro Gly Ile Gln 115 120 125 Ser
Asn Gly Leu Asn Ile Thr Asp Gly Ala Phe Leu Asn Leu Lys Asn 130 135
140 Leu Arg Glu Leu Leu Leu Glu Asp Asn Gln Leu Pro Gln Ile Pro Ser
145 150 155 160 Gly Leu Pro Glu Ser Leu Thr Glu Leu Ser Leu Ile Gln
Asn Asn Ile 165 170 175 Tyr Asn Ile Thr Lys Glu Gly Ile Ser Arg Leu
Ile Asn Leu Lys Asn 180 185 190 Leu Tyr Leu Ala Trp Asn Cys Tyr Phe
Asn Lys Val Cys Glu Lys Thr 195 200 205 Asn Ile Glu Asp Gly Val Phe
Glu Thr Leu Thr Asn Leu Glu Leu Leu 210 215 220 Ser Leu Ser Phe Asn
Ser Leu Ser His Val Ser Pro Lys Leu Pro Ser 225 230 235 240 Ser Leu
Arg Lys Leu Phe Leu Ser Asn Thr Gln Ile Lys Tyr Ile Ser 245 250 255
Glu Glu Asp Phe Lys Gly Leu Ile Asn Leu Thr Leu Leu Asp Leu Ser 260
265 270 Gly Asn Cys Pro Arg Cys Phe Asn Ala Pro Phe Pro Cys Val Pro
Cys 275 280 285 Asp Gly Gly Ala Ser Ile Asn Ile Asp Arg Phe Ala Phe
Gln Asn Leu 290 295 300 Thr Gln Leu Arg Tyr Leu Asn Leu Ser Ser Thr
Ser Leu Arg Lys Ile 305 310 315 320 Asn Ala Ala Trp Phe Lys Asn Met
Pro His Leu Lys Val Leu Asp Leu 325 330 335 Glu Phe Asn Tyr Leu Val
Gly Glu Ile Ala Ser Gly Ala Phe Leu Thr 340 345 350 Met Leu Pro Arg
Leu Glu Ile Leu Asp Leu Ser Phe Asn Tyr Ile Lys 355 360 365 Gly Ser
Tyr Pro Gln His Ile Asn Ile Ser Arg Asn Phe Ser Lys Pro 370 375 380
Leu Ser Leu Arg Ala Leu His Leu Arg Gly Tyr Val Phe Gln Glu Leu 385
390 395 400 Arg Glu Asp Asp Phe Gln Pro Leu Met Gln Leu Pro Asn Leu
Ser Thr 405 410 415 Ile Asn Leu Gly Ile Asn Phe Ile Lys Gln Ile Asp
Phe Lys Leu Phe 420 425 430 Gln Asn Phe Ser Asn Leu Glu Ile Ile Tyr
Leu Ser Glu Asn Arg Ile 435 440 445 Ser Pro Leu Val Lys Asp Thr Arg
Gln Ser Tyr Ala Asn Ser Ser Ser 450 455 460 Phe Gln Arg His Ile Arg
Lys Arg Arg Ser Thr Asp Phe Glu Phe Asp 465 470 475 480 Pro His Ser
Asn Phe Tyr His Phe Thr Arg Pro Leu Ile Lys Pro Gln 485 490 495 Cys
Ala Ala Tyr Gly Lys Ala Leu Asp Leu Ser Leu Asn Ser Ile Phe 500 505
510 Phe Ile Gly Pro Asn Gln Phe Glu Asn Leu Pro Asp Ile Ala Cys Leu
515 520 525 Asn Leu Ser Ala Asn Ser Asn Ala Gln Val Leu Ser Gly Thr
Glu Phe 530 535 540 Ser Ala Ile Pro His Val Lys Tyr Leu Asp Leu Thr
Asn Asn Arg Leu 545 550 555 560 Asp Phe Asp Asn Ala Ser Ala Leu Thr
Glu Leu Ser Asp Leu Glu Val 565 570 575 Leu Asp Leu Ser Tyr Asn Ser
His Tyr Phe Arg Ile Ala Gly Val Thr 580 585 590 His His Leu Glu Phe
Ile Gln Asn Phe Thr Asn Leu Lys Val Leu Asn 595 600 605 Leu Ser His
Asn Asn Ile Tyr Thr Leu Thr Asp Lys Tyr Asn Leu Glu 610 615 620 Ser
Lys Ser Leu Val Glu Leu Val Phe Ser Gly Asn Arg Leu Asp Ile 625 630
635 640 Leu Trp Asn Asp Asp Asp Asn Arg Tyr Ile Ser Ile Phe Lys Gly
Leu 645 650 655 Lys Asn Leu Thr Arg Leu Asp Leu Ser Leu Asn Arg Leu
Lys His Ile 660 665 670 Pro Asn Glu Ala Phe Leu Asn Leu Pro Ala Ser
Leu Thr Glu Leu His 675 680 685 Ile Asn Asp Asn Met Leu Lys Phe Phe
Asn Trp Thr Leu Leu Gln Gln 690 695 700 Phe Pro Arg Leu Glu Leu Leu
Asp Leu Arg Gly Asn Lys Leu Leu Phe 705 710 715 720 Leu Thr Asp Ser
Leu Ser Asp Phe Thr Ser Ser Leu Arg Thr Leu Leu 725 730 735 Leu Ser
His Asn Arg Ile Ser His Leu Pro Ser Gly Phe Leu Ser Glu 740 745 750
Val Ser Ser Leu Lys His Leu Asp Leu Ser Ser Asn Leu Leu Lys Thr 755
760 765 Ile Asn Lys Ser Ala Leu Glu Thr Lys Thr Thr Thr Lys Leu Ser
Met 770 775 780 Leu Glu Leu His Gly Asn Pro Phe Glu Cys Thr Cys Asp
Ile Gly Asp 785 790 795 800 Phe Arg Arg Trp Met Asp Glu His Leu Asn
Val Lys Ile Pro Arg Leu 805 810 815 Val Asp Val Ile Cys Ala Ser Pro
Gly Asp Gln Arg Gly Lys Ser Ile 820 825 830 Val Ser Leu Glu Leu Thr
Thr Cys Val Ser Asp Val Thr Ala Val Ile 835 840 845 Leu Phe Phe Phe
Thr Phe Phe Ile Thr Thr Met Val Met Leu Ala Ala 850 855 860 Leu Ala
His His Leu Phe Tyr Trp Asp Val Trp Phe Ile Tyr Asn Val 865 870 875
880 Cys Leu Ala Lys Ile Lys Gly Tyr Arg Ser Leu Ser Thr Ser Gln Thr
885 890 895 Phe Tyr Asp Ala Tyr Ile Ser Tyr Asp Thr Lys Asp Ala Ser
Val Thr 900 905 910 Asp Trp Val Ile Asn Glu Leu Arg Tyr His Leu Glu
Glu Ser Arg Asp 915 920 925 Lys Asn Val Leu Leu Cys Leu Glu Glu Arg
Asp Trp Asp Pro Gly Leu 930 935 940 Ala Ile Ile Asp Asn Leu Met Gln
Ser Ile Asn Gln Ser Lys Lys Thr 945 950 955 960 Val Phe Val Leu Thr
Lys Lys Tyr Ala Lys Ser Trp Asn Phe Lys Thr 965 970 975 Ala Phe Tyr
Leu Ala Leu Gln Arg Leu Met Asp Glu Asn Met Asp Val 980 985 990 Ile
Ile Phe Ile Leu Leu Glu Pro Val Leu Gln His Ser Gln Tyr Leu 995
1000 1005 Arg Leu Arg Gln Arg Ile Cys Lys Ser Ser Ile Leu Gln Trp
Pro 1010 1015 1020 Asp Asn Pro Lys Ala Glu Gly Leu Phe Trp Gln Thr
Leu Arg Asn 1025 1030 1035 Val Val Leu Thr Glu Asn Asp Ser Arg Tyr
Asn Asn Met Tyr Val 1040 1045 1050 Asp Ser Ile Lys Gln Tyr 1055
313367DNAHomo sapiens 31ctcctgcata gagggtacca ttctgcgctg ctgcaagtta
cggaatgaaa aattagaaca 60acagaaacgt ggttctcttg acacttcagt gttagggaac
atcagcaaga cccatcccag 120gagaccttga aggaagcctt tgaaagggag
aatgaaggag tcatctttgc aaaatagctc 180ctgcagcctg ggaaaggaga
ctaaaaagga aaacatgttc cttcagtcgt caatgctgac 240ctgcattttc
ctgctaatat ctggttcctg tgagttatgc gccgaagaaa atttttctag
300aagctatcct tgtgatgaga aaaagcaaaa tgactcagtt attgcagagt
gcagcaatcg 360tcgactacag gaagttcccc aaacggtggg caaatatgtg
acagaactag acctgtctga
420taatttcatc acacacataa cgaatgaatc atttcaaggg ctgcaaaatc
tcactaaaat 480aaatctaaac cacaacccca atgtacagca ccagaacgga
aatcccggta tacaatcaaa 540tggcttgaat atcacagacg gggcattcct
caacctaaaa aacctaaggg agttactgct 600tgaagacaac cagttacccc
aaataccctc tggtttgcca gagtctttga cagaacttag 660tctaattcaa
aacaatatat acaacataac taaagagggc atttcaagac ttataaactt
720gaaaaatctc tatttggcct ggaactgcta ttttaacaaa gtttgcgaga
aaactaacat 780agaagatgga gtatttgaaa cgctgacaaa tttggagttg
ctatcactat ctttcaattc 840tctttcacac gtgtcaccca aactgccaag
ctccctacgc aaactttttc tgagcaacac 900ccagatcaaa tacattagtg
aagaagattt caagggattg ataaatttaa cattactaga 960tttaagcggg
aactgtccga ggtgcttcaa tgccccattt ccatgcgtgc cttgtgatgg
1020tggtgcttca attaatatag atcgttttgc ttttcaaaac ttgacccaac
ttcgatacct 1080aaacctctct agcacttccc tcaggaagat taatgctgcc
tggtttaaaa atatgcctca 1140tctgaaggtg ctggatcttg aattcaacta
tttagtggga gaaatagcct ctggggcatt 1200tttaacgatg ctgccccgct
tagaaatact tgacttgtct tttaactata taaaggggag 1260ttatccacag
catattaata tttccagaaa cttctctaaa cctttgtctc tacgggcatt
1320gcatttaaga ggttatgtgt tccaggaact cagagaagat gatttccagc
ccctgatgca 1380gcttccaaac ttatcgacta tcaacttggg tattaatttt
attaagcaaa tcgatttcaa 1440acttttccaa aatttctcca atctggaaat
tatttacttg tcagaaaaca gaatatcacc 1500gttggtaaaa gatacccggc
agagttatgc aaatagttcc tcttttcaac gtcatatccg 1560gaaacgacgc
tcaacagatt ttgagtttga cccacattcg aacttttatc atttcacccg
1620tcctttaata aagccacaat gtgctgctta tggaaaagcc ttagatttaa
gcctcaacag 1680tattttcttc attgggccaa accaatttga aaatcttcct
gacattgcct gtttaaatct 1740gtctgcaaat agcaatgctc aagtgttaag
tggaactgaa ttttcagcca ttcctcatgt 1800caaatatttg gatttgacaa
acaatagact agactttgat aatgctagtg ctcttactga 1860attgtccgac
ttggaagttc tagatctcag ctataattca cactatttca gaatagcagg
1920cgtaacacat catctagaat ttattcaaaa tttcacaaat ctaaaagttt
taaacttgag 1980ccacaacaac atttatactt taacagataa gtataacctg
gaaagcaagt ccctggtaga 2040attagttttc agtggcaatc gccttgacat
tttgtggaat gatgatgaca acaggtatat 2100ctccattttc aaaggtctca
agaatctgac acgtctggat ttatccctta ataggctgaa 2160gcacatccca
aatgaagcat tccttaattt gccagcgagt ctcactgaac tacatataaa
2220tgataatatg ttaaagtttt ttaactggac attactccag cagtttcctc
gtctcgagtt 2280gcttgactta cgtggaaaca aactactctt tttaactgat
agcctatctg actttacatc 2340ttcccttcgg acactgctgc tgagtcataa
caggatttcc cacctaccct ctggctttct 2400ttctgaagtc agtagtctga
agcacctcga tttaagttcc aatctgctaa aaacaatcaa 2460caaatccgca
cttgaaacta agaccaccac caaattatct atgttggaac tacacggaaa
2520cccctttgaa tgcacctgtg acattggaga tttccgaaga tggatggatg
aacatctgaa 2580tgtcaaaatt cccagactgg tagatgtcat ttgtgccagt
cctggggatc aaagagggaa 2640gagtattgtg agtctggagc taacaacttg
tgtttcagat gtcactgcag tgatattatt 2700tttcttcacg ttctttatca
ccaccatggt tatgttggct gccctggctc accatttgtt 2760ttactgggat
gtttggttta tatataatgt gtgtttagct aagataaaag gctacaggtc
2820tctttccaca tcccaaactt tctatgatgc ttacatttct tatgacacca
aagatgcctc 2880tgttactgac tgggtgataa atgagctgcg ctaccacctt
gaagagagcc gagacaaaaa 2940cgttctcctt tgtctagagg agagggattg
ggacccggga ttggccatca tcgacaacct 3000catgcagagc atcaaccaaa
gcaagaaaac agtatttgtt ttaaccaaaa aatatgcaaa 3060aagctggaac
tttaaaacag ctttttactt ggctttgcag aggctaatgg atgagaacat
3120ggatgtgatt atatttatcc tgctggagcc agtgttacag cattctcagt
atttgaggct 3180acggcagcgg atctgtaaga gctccatcct ccagtggcct
gacaacccga aggcagaagg 3240cttgttttgg caaactctga gaaatgtggt
cttgactgaa aatgattcac ggtataacaa 3300tatgtatgtc gattccatta
agcaatacta actgacgtta agtcatgatt tcgcgccata 3360ataaaga
3367321032PRTMus musculus 32Met Glu Asn Met Pro Pro Gln Ser Trp Ile
Leu Thr Cys Phe Cys Leu 1 5 10 15 Leu Ser Ser Gly Thr Ser Ala Ile
Phe His Lys Ala Asn Tyr Ser Arg 20 25 30 Ser Tyr Pro Cys Asp Glu
Ile Arg His Asn Ser Leu Val Ile Ala Glu 35 40 45 Cys Asn His Arg
Gln Leu His Glu Val Pro Gln Thr Ile Gly Lys Tyr 50 55 60 Val Thr
Asn Ile Asp Leu Ser Asp Asn Ala Ile Thr His Ile Thr Lys 65 70 75 80
Glu Ser Phe Gln Lys Leu Gln Asn Leu Thr Lys Ile Asp Leu Asn His 85
90 95 Asn Ala Lys Gln Gln His Pro Asn Glu Asn Lys Asn Gly Met Asn
Ile 100 105 110 Thr Glu Gly Ala Leu Leu Ser Leu Arg Asn Leu Thr Val
Leu Leu Leu 115 120 125 Glu Asp Asn Gln Leu Tyr Thr Ile Pro Ala Gly
Leu Pro Glu Ser Leu 130 135 140 Lys Glu Leu Ser Leu Ile Gln Asn Asn
Ile Phe Gln Val Thr Lys Asn 145 150 155 160 Asn Thr Phe Gly Leu Arg
Asn Leu Glu Arg Leu Tyr Leu Gly Trp Asn 165 170 175 Cys Tyr Phe Lys
Cys Asn Gln Thr Phe Lys Val Glu Asp Gly Ala Phe 180 185 190 Lys Asn
Leu Ile His Leu Lys Val Leu Ser Leu Ser Phe Asn Asn Leu 195 200 205
Phe Tyr Val Pro Pro Lys Leu Pro Ser Ser Leu Arg Lys Leu Phe Leu 210
215 220 Ser Asn Ala Lys Ile Met Asn Ile Thr Gln Glu Asp Phe Lys Gly
Leu 225 230 235 240 Glu Asn Leu Thr Leu Leu Asp Leu Ser Gly Asn Cys
Pro Arg Cys Tyr 245 250 255 Asn Ala Pro Phe Pro Cys Thr Pro Cys Lys
Glu Asn Ser Ser Ile His 260 265 270 Ile His Pro Leu Ala Phe Gln Ser
Leu Thr Gln Leu Leu Tyr Leu Asn 275 280 285 Leu Ser Ser Thr Ser Leu
Arg Thr Ile Pro Ser Thr Trp Phe Glu Asn 290 295 300 Leu Ser Asn Leu
Lys Glu Leu His Leu Glu Phe Asn Tyr Leu Val Gln 305 310 315 320 Glu
Ile Ala Ser Gly Ala Phe Leu Thr Lys Leu Pro Ser Leu Gln Ile 325 330
335 Leu Asp Leu Ser Phe Asn Phe Gln Tyr Lys Glu Tyr Leu Gln Phe Ile
340 345 350 Asn Ile Ser Ser Asn Phe Ser Lys Leu Arg Ser Leu Lys Lys
Leu His 355 360 365 Leu Arg Gly Tyr Val Phe Arg Glu Leu Lys Lys Lys
His Phe Glu His 370 375 380 Leu Gln Ser Leu Pro Asn Leu Ala Thr Ile
Asn Leu Gly Ile Asn Phe 385 390 395 400 Ile Glu Lys Ile Asp Phe Lys
Ala Phe Gln Asn Phe Ser Lys Leu Asp 405 410 415 Val Ile Tyr Leu Ser
Gly Asn Arg Ile Ala Ser Val Leu Asp Gly Thr 420 425 430 Asp Tyr Ser
Ser Trp Arg Asn Arg Leu Arg Lys Pro Leu Ser Thr Asp 435 440 445 Asp
Asp Glu Phe Asp Pro His Val Asn Phe Tyr His Ser Thr Lys Pro 450 455
460 Leu Ile Lys Pro Gln Cys Thr Ala Tyr Gly Lys Ala Leu Asp Leu Ser
465 470 475 480 Leu Asn Asn Ile Phe Ile Ile Gly Lys Ser Gln Phe Glu
Gly Phe Gln 485 490 495 Asp Ile Ala Cys Leu Asn Leu Ser Phe Asn Ala
Asn Thr Gln Val Phe 500 505 510 Asn Gly Thr Glu Phe Ser Ser Met Pro
His Ile Lys Tyr Leu Asp Leu 515 520 525 Thr Asn Asn Arg Leu Asp Phe
Asp Asp Asn Asn Ala Phe Ser Asp Leu 530 535 540 His Asp Leu Glu Val
Leu Asp Leu Ser His Asn Ala His Tyr Phe Ser 545 550 555 560 Ile Ala
Gly Val Thr His Arg Leu Gly Phe Ile Gln Asn Leu Ile Asn 565 570 575
Leu Arg Val Leu Asn Leu Ser His Asn Gly Ile Tyr Thr Leu Thr Glu 580
585 590 Glu Ser Glu Leu Lys Ser Ile Ser Leu Lys Glu Leu Val Phe Ser
Gly 595 600 605 Asn Arg Leu Asp His Leu Trp Asn Ala Asn Asp Gly Lys
Tyr Trp Ser 610 615 620 Ile Phe Lys Ser Leu Gln Asn Leu Ile Arg Leu
Asp Leu Ser Tyr Asn 625 630 635 640 Asn Leu Gln Gln Ile Pro Asn Gly
Ala Phe Leu Asn Leu Pro Gln Ser 645 650 655 Leu Gln Glu Leu Leu Ile
Ser Gly Asn Lys Leu Arg Phe Phe Asn Trp 660 665 670 Thr Leu Leu Gln
Tyr Phe Pro His Leu His Leu Leu Asp Leu Ser Arg 675 680 685 Asn Glu
Leu Tyr Phe Leu Pro Asn Cys Leu Ser Lys Phe Ala His Ser 690 695 700
Leu Glu Thr Leu Leu Leu Ser His Asn His Phe Ser His Leu Pro Ser 705
710 715 720 Gly Phe Leu Ser Glu Ala Arg Asn Leu Val His Leu Asp Leu
Ser Phe 725 730 735 Asn Thr Ile Lys Met Ile Asn Lys Ser Ser Leu Gln
Thr Lys Met Lys 740 745 750 Thr Asn Leu Ser Ile Leu Glu Leu His Gly
Asn Tyr Phe Asp Cys Thr 755 760 765 Cys Asp Ile Ser Asp Phe Arg Ser
Trp Leu Asp Glu Asn Leu Asn Ile 770 775 780 Thr Ile Pro Lys Leu Val
Asn Val Ile Cys Ser Asn Pro Gly Asp Gln 785 790 795 800 Lys Ser Lys
Ser Ile Met Ser Leu Asp Leu Thr Thr Cys Val Ser Asp 805 810 815 Thr
Thr Ala Ala Val Leu Phe Phe Leu Thr Phe Leu Thr Thr Ser Met 820 825
830 Val Met Leu Ala Ala Leu Val His His Leu Phe Tyr Trp Asp Val Trp
835 840 845 Phe Ile Tyr His Met Cys Ser Ala Lys Leu Lys Gly Tyr Arg
Thr Ser 850 855 860 Ser Thr Ser Gln Thr Phe Tyr Asp Ala Tyr Ile Ser
Tyr Asp Thr Lys 865 870 875 880 Asp Ala Ser Val Thr Asp Trp Val Ile
Asn Glu Leu Arg Tyr His Leu 885 890 895 Glu Glu Ser Glu Asp Lys Ser
Val Leu Leu Cys Leu Glu Glu Arg Asp 900 905 910 Trp Asp Pro Gly Leu
Pro Ile Ile Asp Asn Leu Met Gln Ser Ile Asn 915 920 925 Gln Ser Lys
Lys Thr Ile Phe Val Leu Thr Lys Lys Tyr Ala Lys Ser 930 935 940 Trp
Asn Phe Lys Thr Ala Phe Tyr Leu Ala Leu Gln Arg Leu Met Asp 945 950
955 960 Glu Asn Met Asp Val Ile Ile Phe Ile Leu Leu Glu Pro Val Leu
Gln 965 970 975 Tyr Ser Gln Tyr Leu Arg Leu Arg Gln Arg Ile Cys Lys
Ser Ser Ile 980 985 990 Leu Gln Trp Pro Asn Asn Pro Lys Ala Glu Asn
Leu Phe Trp Gln Ser 995 1000 1005 Leu Lys Asn Val Val Leu Thr Glu
Asn Asp Ser Arg Tyr Asp Asp 1010 1015 1020 Leu Tyr Ile Asp Ser Ile
Arg Gln Tyr 1025 1030 333220DNAMus musculus 33attcagagtt ggatgttaag
agagaaacaa acgttttacc ttcctttgtc tatagaacat 60ggaaaacatg ccccctcagt
catggattct gacgtgcttt tgtctgctgt cctctggaac 120cagtgccatc
ttccataaag cgaactattc cagaagctat ccttgtgacg agataaggca
180caactccctt gtgattgcag aatgcaacca tcgtcaactg catgaagttc
cccaaactat 240aggcaagtat gtgacaaaca tagacttgtc agacaatgcc
attacacata taacgaaaga 300gtcctttcaa aagctgcaaa acctcactaa
aatcgatctg aaccacaatg ccaaacaaca 360gcacccaaat gaaaataaaa
atggtatgaa tattacagaa ggggcacttc tcagcctaag 420aaatctaaca
gttttactgc tggaagacaa ccagttatat actatacctg ctgggttgcc
480tgagtctttg aaagaactta gcctaattca aaacaatata tttcaggtaa
ctaaaaacaa 540cacttttggg cttaggaact tggaaagact ctatttgggc
tggaactgct attttaaatg 600taatcaaacc tttaaggtag aagatggggc
atttaaaaat cttatacact tgaaggtact 660ctcattatct ttcaataacc
ttttctatgt gccccccaaa ctaccaagtt ctctaaggaa 720actttttctg
agtaatgcca aaatcatgaa catcactcag gaagacttca aaggactgga
780aaatttaaca ttactagatc tgagtggaaa ctgtccaagg tgttacaatg
ctccatttcc 840ttgcacacct tgcaaggaaa actcatccat ccacatacat
cctctggctt ttcaaagtct 900cacccaactt ctctatctaa acctttccag
cacttccctc aggacgattc cttctacctg 960gtttgaaaat ctgtcaaatc
tgaaggaact ccatcttgaa ttcaactatt tagttcaaga 1020aattgcctcg
ggggcatttt taacaaaact acccagttta caaatccttg atttgtcctt
1080caactttcaa tataaggaat atttacaatt tattaatatt tcctcaaatt
tctctaagct 1140tcgttctctc aagaagttgc acttaagagg ctatgtgttc
cgagaactta aaaagaagca 1200tttcgagcat ctccagagtc ttccaaactt
ggcaaccatc aacttgggca ttaactttat 1260tgagaaaatt gatttcaaag
ctttccagaa tttttccaaa ctcgacgtta tctatttatc 1320aggaaatcgc
atagcatctg tattagatgg tacagattat tcctcttggc gaaatcgtct
1380tcggaaacct ctctcaacag acgatgatga gtttgatcca cacgtgaatt
tttaccatag 1440caccaaacct ttaataaagc cacagtgtac tgcttatggc
aaggccttgg atttaagttt 1500gaacaatatt ttcattattg ggaaaagcca
atttgaaggt tttcaggata tcgcctgctt 1560aaatctgtcc ttcaatgcca
atactcaagt gtttaatggc acagaattct cctccatgcc 1620ccacattaaa
tatttggatt taaccaacaa cagactagac tttgatgata acaatgcttt
1680cagtgatctt cacgatctag aagtgctgga cctgagccac aatgcacact
atttcagtat 1740agcaggggta acgcaccgtc taggatttat ccagaactta
ataaacctca gggtgttaaa 1800cctgagccac aatggcattt acaccctcac
agaggaaagt gagctgaaaa gcatctcact 1860gaaagaattg gttttcagtg
gaaatcgtct tgaccatttg tggaatgcaa atgatggcaa 1920atactggtcc
atttttaaaa gtctccagaa tttgatacgc ctggacttat catacaataa
1980ccttcaacaa atcccaaatg gagcattcct caatttgcct cagagcctcc
aagagttact 2040tatcagtggt aacaaattac gtttctttaa ttggacatta
ctccagtatt ttcctcacct 2100tcacttgctg gatttatcga gaaatgagct
gtattttcta cccaattgcc tatctaagtt 2160tgcacattcc ctggagacac
tgctactgag ccataatcat ttctctcacc taccctctgg 2220cttcctctcc
gaagccagga atctggtgca cctggatcta agtttcaaca caataaagat
2280gatcaataaa tcctccctgc aaaccaagat gaaaacgaac ttgtctattc
tggagctaca 2340tgggaactat tttgactgca cgtgtgacat aagtgatttt
cgaagctggc tagatgaaaa 2400tctgaatatc acaattccta aattggtaaa
tgttatatgt tccaatcctg gggatcaaaa 2460atcaaagagt atcatgagcc
tagatctcac gacttgtgta tcggatacca ctgcagctgt 2520cctgtttttc
ctcacattcc ttaccacctc catggttatg ttggctgctc tggttcacca
2580cctgttttac tgggatgttt ggtttatcta tcacatgtgc tctgctaagt
taaaaggcta 2640caggacttca tccacatccc aaactttcta tgatgcttat
atttcttatg acaccaaaga 2700tgcatctgtt actgactggg taatcaatga
actgcgctac caccttgaag agagtgaaga 2760caaaagtgtc ctcctttgtt
tagaggagag ggattgggat ccaggattac ccatcattga 2820taacctcatg
cagagcataa accagagcaa gaaaacaatc tttgttttaa ccaagaaata
2880tgccaagagc tggaacttta aaacagcttt ctacttggcc ttgcagaggc
taatggatga 2940gaacatggat gtgattattt tcatcctcct ggaaccagtg
ttacagtact cacagtacct 3000gaggcttcgg cagaggatct gtaagagctc
catcctccag tggcccaaca atcccaaagc 3060agaaaacttg ttttggcaaa
gtctgaaaaa tgtggtcttg actgaaaatg attcacggta 3120tgacgatttg
tacattgatt ccattaggca atactagtga tgggaagtca cgactctgcc
3180atcataaaaa cacacagctt ctccttacaa tgaaccgaat 3220341032PRTHomo
sapiens 34Met Gly Phe Cys Arg Ser Ala Leu His Pro Leu Ser Leu Leu
Val Gln 1 5 10 15 Ala Ile Met Leu Ala Met Thr Leu Ala Leu Gly Thr
Leu Pro Ala Phe 20 25 30 Leu Pro Cys Glu Leu Gln Pro His Gly Leu
Val Asn Cys Asn Trp Leu 35 40 45 Phe Leu Lys Ser Val Pro His Phe
Ser Met Ala Ala Pro Arg Gly Asn 50 55 60 Val Thr Ser Leu Ser Leu
Ser Ser Asn Arg Ile His His Leu His Asp 65 70 75 80 Ser Asp Phe Ala
His Leu Pro Ser Leu Arg His Leu Asn Leu Lys Trp 85 90 95 Asn Cys
Pro Pro Val Gly Leu Ser Pro Met His Phe Pro Cys His Met 100 105 110
Thr Ile Glu Pro Ser Thr Phe Leu Ala Val Pro Thr Leu Glu Glu Leu 115
120 125 Asn Leu Ser Tyr Asn Asn Ile Met Thr Val Pro Ala Leu Pro Lys
Ser 130 135 140 Leu Ile Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser His Thr Asn Ile Leu Met
Leu Asp Ser 145 150 155 160 Ala Ser Leu Ala Gly Leu His Ala Leu Arg
Phe Leu Phe Met Asp Gly 165 170 175 Asn Cys Tyr Tyr Lys Asn Pro Cys
Arg Gln Ala Leu Glu Val Ala Pro 180 185 190 Gly Ala Leu Leu Gly Leu
Gly Asn Leu Thr His Leu Ser Leu Lys Tyr 195 200 205 Asn Asn Leu Thr
Val Val Pro Arg Asn Leu Pro Ser Ser Leu Glu Tyr 210 215 220 Leu Leu
Leu Ser Tyr Asn Arg Ile Val Lys Leu Ala Pro Glu Asp Leu 225 230 235
240 Ala Asn Leu Thr Ala Leu Arg Val Leu Asp Val Gly Gly Asn Cys Arg
245 250 255 Arg Cys Asp His Ala Pro Asn Pro Cys Met Glu Cys Pro Arg
His Phe 260 265 270 Pro Gln Leu His Pro Asp Thr Phe Ser His Leu Ser
Arg Leu Glu Gly 275 280 285 Leu Val Leu Lys Asp Ser Ser Leu Ser Trp
Leu Asn Ala Ser Trp Phe 290 295 300 Arg Gly Leu Gly Asn
Leu Arg Val Leu Asp Leu Ser Glu Asn Phe Leu 305 310 315 320 Tyr Lys
Cys Ile Thr Lys Thr Lys Ala Phe Gln Gly Leu Thr Gln Leu 325 330 335
Arg Lys Leu Asn Leu Ser Phe Asn Tyr Gln Lys Arg Val Ser Phe Ala 340
345 350 His Leu Ser Leu Ala Pro Ser Phe Gly Ser Leu Val Ala Leu Lys
Glu 355 360 365 Leu Asp Met His Gly Ile Phe Phe Arg Ser Leu Asp Glu
Thr Thr Leu 370 375 380 Arg Pro Leu Ala Arg Leu Pro Met Leu Gln Thr
Leu Arg Leu Gln Met 385 390 395 400 Asn Phe Ile Asn Gln Ala Gln Leu
Gly Ile Phe Arg Ala Phe Pro Gly 405 410 415 Leu Arg Tyr Val Asp Leu
Ser Asp Asn Arg Ile Ser Gly Ala Ser Glu 420 425 430 Leu Thr Ala Thr
Met Gly Glu Ala Asp Gly Gly Glu Lys Val Trp Leu 435 440 445 Gln Pro
Gly Asp Leu Ala Pro Ala Pro Val Asp Thr Pro Ser Ser Glu 450 455 460
Asp Phe Arg Pro Asn Cys Ser Thr Leu Asn Phe Thr Leu Asp Leu Ser 465
470 475 480 Arg Asn Asn Leu Val Thr Val Gln Pro Glu Met Phe Ala Gln
Leu Ser 485 490 495 His Leu Gln Cys Leu Arg Leu Ser His Asn Cys Ile
Ser Gln Ala Val 500 505 510 Asn Gly Ser Gln Phe Leu Pro Leu Thr Gly
Leu Gln Val Leu Asp Leu 515 520 525 Ser His Asn Lys Leu Asp Leu Tyr
His Glu His Ser Phe Thr Glu Leu 530 535 540 Pro Arg Leu Glu Ala Leu
Asp Leu Ser Tyr Asn Ser Gln Pro Phe Gly 545 550 555 560 Met Gln Gly
Val Gly His Asn Phe Ser Phe Val Ala His Leu Arg Thr 565 570 575 Leu
Arg His Leu Ser Leu Ala His Asn Asn Ile His Ser Gln Val Ser 580 585
590 Gln Gln Leu Cys Ser Thr Ser Leu Arg Ala Leu Asp Phe Ser Gly Asn
595 600 605 Ala Leu Gly His Met Trp Ala Glu Gly Asp Leu Tyr Leu His
Phe Phe 610 615 620 Gln Gly Leu Ser Gly Leu Ile Trp Leu Asp Leu Ser
Gln Asn Arg Leu 625 630 635 640 His Thr Leu Leu Pro Gln Thr Leu Arg
Asn Leu Pro Lys Ser Leu Gln 645 650 655 Val Leu Arg Leu Arg Asp Asn
Tyr Leu Ala Phe Phe Lys Trp Trp Ser 660 665 670 Leu His Phe Leu Pro
Lys Leu Glu Val Leu Asp Leu Ala Gly Asn Gln 675 680 685 Leu Lys Ala
Leu Thr Asn Gly Ser Leu Pro Ala Gly Thr Arg Leu Arg 690 695 700 Arg
Leu Asp Val Ser Cys Asn Ser Ile Ser Phe Val Ala Pro Gly Phe 705 710
715 720 Phe Ser Lys Ala Lys Glu Leu Arg Glu Leu Asn Leu Ser Ala Asn
Ala 725 730 735 Leu Lys Thr Val Asp His Ser Trp Phe Gly Pro Leu Ala
Ser Ala Leu 740 745 750 Gln Ile Leu Asp Val Ser Ala Asn Pro Leu His
Cys Ala Cys Gly Ala 755 760 765 Ala Phe Met Asp Phe Leu Leu Glu Val
Gln Ala Ala Val Pro Gly Leu 770 775 780 Pro Ser Arg Val Lys Cys Gly
Ser Pro Gly Gln Leu Gln Gly Leu Ser 785 790 795 800 Ile Phe Ala Gln
Asp Leu Arg Leu Cys Leu Asp Glu Ala Leu Ser Trp 805 810 815 Asp Cys
Phe Ala Leu Ser Leu Leu Ala Val Ala Leu Gly Leu Gly Val 820 825 830
Pro Met Leu His His Leu Cys Gly Trp Asp Leu Trp Tyr Cys Phe His 835
840 845 Leu Cys Leu Ala Trp Leu Pro Trp Arg Gly Arg Gln Ser Gly Arg
Asp 850 855 860 Glu Asp Ala Leu Pro Tyr Asp Ala Phe Val Val Phe Asp
Lys Thr Gln 865 870 875 880 Ser Ala Val Ala Asp Trp Val Tyr Asn Glu
Leu Arg Gly Gln Leu Glu 885 890 895 Glu Cys Arg Gly Arg Trp Ala Leu
Arg Leu Cys Leu Glu Glu Arg Asp 900 905 910 Trp Leu Pro Gly Lys Thr
Leu Phe Glu Asn Leu Trp Ala Ser Val Tyr 915 920 925 Gly Ser Arg Lys
Thr Leu Phe Val Leu Ala His Thr Asp Arg Val Ser 930 935 940 Gly Leu
Leu Arg Ala Ser Phe Leu Leu Ala Gln Gln Arg Leu Leu Glu 945 950 955
960 Asp Arg Lys Asp Val Val Val Leu Val Ile Leu Ser Pro Asp Gly Arg
965 970 975 Arg Ser Arg Tyr Val Arg Leu Arg Gln Arg Leu Cys Arg Gln
Ser Val 980 985 990 Leu Leu Trp Pro His Gln Pro Ser Gly Gln Arg Ser
Phe Trp Ala Gln 995 1000 1005 Leu Gly Met Ala Leu Thr Arg Asp Asn
His His Phe Tyr Asn Arg 1010 1015 1020 Asn Phe Cys Gln Gly Pro Thr
Ala Glu 1025 1030 353257DNAHomo sapiens 35ccgctgctgc ccctgtggga
agggacctcg agtgtgaagc atccttccct gtagctgctg 60tccagtctgc ccgccagacc
ctctggagaa gcccctgccc cccagcatgg gtttctgccg 120cagcgccctg
cacccgctgt ctctcctggt gcaggccatc atgctggcca tgaccctggc
180cctgggtacc ttgcctgcct tcctaccctg tgagctccag ccccacggcc
tggtgaactg 240caactggctg ttcctgaagt ctgtgcccca cttctccatg
gcagcacccc gtggcaatgt 300caccagcctt tccttgtcct ccaaccgcat
ccaccacctc catgattctg actttgccca 360cctgcccagc ctgcggcatc
tcaacctcaa gtggaactgc ccgccggttg gcctcagccc 420catgcacttc
ccctgccaca tgaccatcga gcccagcacc ttcttggctg tgcccaccct
480ggaagagcta aacctgagct acaacaacat catgactgtg cctgcgctgc
ccaaatccct 540catatccctg tccctcagcc ataccaacat cctgatgcta
gactctgcca gcctcgccgg 600cctgcatgcc ctgcgcttcc tattcatgga
cggcaactgt tattacaaga acccctgcag 660gcaggcactg gaggtggccc
cgggtgccct ccttggcctg ggcaacctca cccacctgtc 720actcaagtac
aacaacctca ctgtggtgcc ccgcaacctg ccttccagcc tggagtatct
780gctgttgtcc tacaaccgca tcgtcaaact ggcgcctgag gacctggcca
atctgaccgc 840cctgcgtgtg ctcgatgtgg gcggaaattg ccgccgctgc
gaccacgctc ccaacccctg 900catggagtgc cctcgtcact tcccccagct
acatcccgat accttcagcc acctgagccg 960tcttgaaggc ctggtgttga
aggacagttc tctctcctgg ctgaatgcca gttggttccg 1020tgggctggga
aacctccgag tgctggacct gagtgagaac ttcctctaca aatgcatcac
1080taaaaccaag gccttccagg gcctaacaca gctgcgcaag cttaacctgt
ccttcaatta 1140ccaaaagagg gtgtcctttg cccacctgtc tctggcccct
tccttcggga gcctggtcgc 1200cctgaaggag ctggacatgc acggcatctt
cttccgctca ctcgatgaga ccacgctccg 1260gccactggcc cgcctgccca
tgctccagac tctgcgtctg cagatgaact tcatcaacca 1320ggcccagctc
ggcatcttca gggccttccc tggcctgcgc tacgtggacc tgtcggacaa
1380ccgcatcagc ggagcttcgg agctgacagc caccatgggg gaggcagatg
gaggggagaa 1440ggtctggctg cagcctgggg accttgctcc ggccccagtg
gacactccca gctctgaaga 1500cttcaggccc aactgcagca ccctcaactt
caccttggat ctgtcacgga acaacctggt 1560gaccgtgcag ccggagatgt
ttgcccagct ctcgcacctg cagtgcctgc gcctgagcca 1620caactgcatc
tcgcaggcag tcaatggctc ccagttcctg ccgctgaccg gtctgcaggt
1680gctagacctg tcccacaata agctggacct ctaccacgag cactcattca
cggagctacc 1740acgactggag gccctggacc tcagctacaa cagccagccc
tttggcatgc agggcgtggg 1800ccacaacttc agcttcgtgg ctcacctgcg
caccctgcgc cacctcagcc tggcccacaa 1860caacatccac agccaagtgt
cccagcagct ctgcagtacg tcgctgcggg ccctggactt 1920cagcggcaat
gcactgggcc atatgtgggc cgagggagac ctctatctgc acttcttcca
1980aggcctgagc ggtttgatct ggctggactt gtcccagaac cgcctgcaca
ccctcctgcc 2040ccaaaccctg cgcaacctcc ccaagagcct acaggtgctg
cgtctccgtg acaattacct 2100ggccttcttt aagtggtgga gcctccactt
cctgcccaaa ctggaagtcc tcgacctggc 2160aggaaaccag ctgaaggccc
tgaccaatgg cagcctgcct gctggcaccc ggctccggag 2220gctggatgtc
agctgcaaca gcatcagctt cgtggccccc ggcttctttt ccaaggccaa
2280ggagctgcga gagctcaacc ttagcgccaa cgccctcaag acagtggacc
actcctggtt 2340tgggcccctg gcgagtgccc tgcaaatact agatgtaagc
gccaaccctc tgcactgcgc 2400ctgtggggcg gcctttatgg acttcctgct
ggaggtgcag gctgccgtgc ccggtctgcc 2460cagccgggtg aagtgtggca
gtccgggcca gctccagggc ctcagcatct ttgcacagga 2520cctgcgcctc
tgcctggatg aggccctctc ctgggactgt ttcgccctct cgctgctggc
2580tgtggctctg ggcctgggtg tgcccatgct gcatcacctc tgtggctggg
acctctggta 2640ctgcttccac ctgtgcctgg cctggcttcc ctggcggggg
cggcaaagtg ggcgagatga 2700ggatgccctg ccctacgatg ccttcgtggt
cttcgacaaa acgcagagcg cagtggcaga 2760ctgggtgtac aacgagcttc
gggggcagct ggaggagtgc cgtgggcgct gggcactccg 2820cctgtgcctg
gaggaacgcg actggctgcc tggcaaaacc ctctttgaga acctgtgggc
2880ctcggtctat ggcagccgca agacgctgtt tgtgctggcc cacacggacc
gggtcagtgg 2940tctcttgcgc gccagcttcc tgctggccca gcagcgcctg
ctggaggacc gcaaggacgt 3000cgtggtgctg gtgatcctga gccctgacgg
ccgccgctcc cgctacgtgc ggctgcgcca 3060gcgcctctgc cgccagagtg
tcctcctctg gccccaccag cccagtggtc agcgcagctt 3120ctgggcccag
ctgggcatgg ccctgaccag ggacaaccac cacttctata accggaactt
3180ctgccaggga cccacggccg aatagccgtg agccggaatc ctgcacggtg
ccacctccac 3240actcacctca cctctgc 3257361055PRTHomo sapiens 36Met
Pro Met Lys Trp Ser Gly Trp Arg Trp Ser Trp Gly Pro Ala Thr 1 5 10
15 His Thr Ala Leu Pro Pro Pro Gln Gly Phe Cys Arg Ser Ala Leu His
20 25 30 Pro Leu Ser Leu Leu Val Gln Ala Ile Met Leu Ala Met Thr
Leu Ala 35 40 45 Leu Gly Thr Leu Pro Ala Phe Leu Pro Cys Glu Leu
Gln Pro His Gly 50 55 60 Leu Val Asn Cys Asn Trp Leu Phe Leu Lys
Ser Val Pro His Phe Ser 65 70 75 80 Met Ala Ala Pro Arg Gly Asn Val
Thr Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Ser Asn 85 90 95 Arg Ile His His Leu His
Asp Ser Asp Phe Ala His Leu Pro Ser Leu 100 105 110 Arg His Leu Asn
Leu Lys Trp Asn Cys Pro Pro Val Gly Leu Ser Pro 115 120 125 Met His
Phe Pro Cys His Met Thr Ile Glu Pro Ser Thr Phe Leu Ala 130 135 140
Val Pro Thr Leu Glu Glu Leu Asn Leu Ser Tyr Asn Asn Ile Met Thr 145
150 155 160 Val Pro Ala Leu Pro Lys Ser Leu Ile Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser
His Thr 165 170 175 Asn Ile Leu Met Leu Asp Ser Ala Ser Leu Ala Gly
Leu His Ala Leu 180 185 190 Arg Phe Leu Phe Met Asp Gly Asn Cys Tyr
Tyr Lys Asn Pro Cys Arg 195 200 205 Gln Ala Leu Glu Val Ala Pro Gly
Ala Leu Leu Gly Leu Gly Asn Leu 210 215 220 Thr His Leu Ser Leu Lys
Tyr Asn Asn Leu Thr Val Val Pro Arg Asn 225 230 235 240 Leu Pro Ser
Ser Leu Glu Tyr Leu Leu Leu Ser Tyr Asn Arg Ile Val 245 250 255 Lys
Leu Ala Pro Glu Asp Leu Ala Asn Leu Thr Ala Leu Arg Val Leu 260 265
270 Asp Val Gly Gly Asn Cys Arg Arg Cys Asp His Ala Pro Asn Pro Cys
275 280 285 Met Glu Cys Pro Arg His Phe Pro Gln Leu His Pro Asp Thr
Phe Ser 290 295 300 His Leu Ser Arg Leu Glu Gly Leu Val Leu Lys Asp
Ser Ser Leu Ser 305 310 315 320 Trp Leu Asn Ala Ser Trp Phe Arg Gly
Leu Gly Asn Leu Arg Val Leu 325 330 335 Asp Leu Ser Glu Asn Phe Leu
Tyr Lys Cys Ile Thr Lys Thr Lys Ala 340 345 350 Phe Gln Gly Leu Thr
Gln Leu Arg Lys Leu Asn Leu Ser Phe Asn Tyr 355 360 365 Gln Lys Arg
Val Ser Phe Ala His Leu Ser Leu Ala Pro Ser Phe Gly 370 375 380 Ser
Leu Val Ala Leu Lys Glu Leu Asp Met His Gly Ile Phe Phe Arg 385 390
395 400 Ser Leu Asp Glu Thr Thr Leu Arg Pro Leu Ala Arg Leu Pro Met
Leu 405 410 415 Gln Thr Leu Arg Leu Gln Met Asn Phe Ile Asn Gln Ala
Gln Leu Gly 420 425 430 Ile Phe Arg Ala Phe Pro Gly Leu Arg Tyr Val
Asp Leu Ser Asp Asn 435 440 445 Arg Ile Ser Gly Ala Ser Glu Leu Thr
Ala Thr Met Gly Glu Ala Asp 450 455 460 Gly Gly Glu Lys Val Trp Leu
Gln Pro Gly Asp Leu Ala Pro Ala Pro 465 470 475 480 Val Asp Thr Pro
Ser Ser Glu Asp Phe Arg Pro Asn Cys Ser Thr Leu 485 490 495 Asn Phe
Thr Leu Asp Leu Ser Arg Asn Asn Leu Val Thr Val Gln Pro 500 505 510
Glu Met Phe Ala Gln Leu Ser His Leu Gln Cys Leu Arg Leu Ser His 515
520 525 Asn Cys Ile Ser Gln Ala Val Asn Gly Ser Gln Phe Leu Pro Leu
Thr 530 535 540 Gly Leu Gln Val Leu Asp Leu Ser His Asn Lys Leu Asp
Leu Tyr His 545 550 555 560 Glu His Ser Phe Thr Glu Leu Pro Arg Leu
Glu Ala Leu Asp Leu Ser 565 570 575 Tyr Asn Ser Gln Pro Phe Gly Met
Gln Gly Val Gly His Asn Phe Ser 580 585 590 Phe Val Ala His Leu Arg
Thr Leu Arg His Leu Ser Leu Ala His Asn 595 600 605 Asn Ile His Ser
Gln Val Ser Gln Gln Leu Cys Ser Thr Ser Leu Arg 610 615 620 Ala Leu
Asp Phe Ser Gly Asn Ala Leu Gly His Met Trp Ala Glu Gly 625 630 635
640 Asp Leu Tyr Leu His Phe Phe Gln Gly Leu Ser Gly Leu Ile Trp Leu
645 650 655 Asp Leu Ser Gln Asn Arg Leu His Thr Leu Leu Pro Gln Thr
Leu Arg 660 665 670 Asn Leu Pro Lys Ser Leu Gln Val Leu Arg Leu Arg
Asp Asn Tyr Leu 675 680 685 Ala Phe Phe Lys Trp Trp Ser Leu His Phe
Leu Pro Lys Leu Glu Val 690 695 700 Leu Asp Leu Ala Gly Asn Gln Leu
Lys Ala Leu Thr Asn Gly Ser Leu 705 710 715 720 Pro Ala Gly Thr Arg
Leu Arg Arg Leu Asp Val Ser Cys Asn Ser Ile 725 730 735 Ser Phe Val
Ala Pro Gly Phe Phe Ser Lys Ala Lys Glu Leu Arg Glu 740 745 750 Leu
Asn Leu Ser Ala Asn Ala Leu Lys Thr Val Asp His Ser Trp Phe 755 760
765 Gly Pro Leu Ala Ser Ala Leu Gln Ile Leu Asp Val Ser Ala Asn Pro
770 775 780 Leu His Cys Ala Cys Gly Ala Ala Phe Met Asp Phe Leu Leu
Glu Val 785 790 795 800 Gln Ala Ala Val Pro Gly Leu Pro Ser Arg Val
Lys Cys Gly Ser Pro 805 810 815 Gly Gln Leu Gln Gly Leu Ser Ile Phe
Ala Gln Asp Leu Arg Leu Cys 820 825 830 Leu Asp Glu Ala Leu Ser Trp
Asp Cys Phe Ala Leu Ser Leu Leu Ala 835 840 845 Val Ala Leu Gly Leu
Gly Val Pro Met Leu His His Leu Cys Gly Trp 850 855 860 Asp Leu Trp
Tyr Cys Phe His Leu Cys Leu Ala Trp Leu Pro Trp Arg 865 870 875 880
Gly Arg Gln Ser Gly Arg Asp Glu Asp Ala Leu Pro Tyr Asp Ala Phe 885
890 895 Val Val Phe Asp Lys Thr Gln Ser Ala Val Ala Asp Trp Val Tyr
Asn 900 905 910 Glu Leu Arg Gly Gln Leu Glu Glu Cys Arg Gly Arg Trp
Ala Leu Arg 915 920 925 Leu Cys Leu Glu Glu Arg Asp Trp Leu Pro Gly
Lys Thr Leu Phe Glu 930 935 940 Asn Leu Trp Ala Ser Val Tyr Gly Ser
Arg Lys Thr Leu Phe Val Leu 945 950 955 960 Ala His Thr Asp Arg Val
Ser Gly Leu Leu Arg Ala Ser Phe Leu Leu 965 970 975 Ala Gln Gln Arg
Leu Leu Glu Asp Arg Lys Asp Val Val Val Leu Val 980 985 990 Ile Leu
Ser Pro Asp Gly Arg Arg Ser Arg Tyr Val Arg Leu Arg Gln 995 1000
1005 Arg Leu Cys Arg Gln Ser Val Leu Leu Trp Pro His Gln Pro Ser
1010 1015 1020 Gly Gln Arg Ser Phe Trp Ala Gln Leu Gly Met Ala Leu
Thr Arg 1025 1030 1035 Asp Asn His His Phe Tyr Asn Arg Asn Phe Cys
Gln Gly Pro Thr 1040 1045 1050 Ala Glu 1055 373165DNAHomo sapiens
37atgcccatga agtggagtgg gtggaggtgg agctgggggc
cggccactca cacagccctc 60ccacccccac agggtttctg ccgcagcgcc ctgcacccgc
tgtctctcct ggtgcaggcc 120atcatgctgg ccatgaccct ggccctgggt
accttgcctg ccttcctacc ctgtgagctc 180cagccccacg gcctggtgaa
ctgcaactgg ctgttcctga agtctgtgcc ccacttctcc 240atggcagcac
cccgtggcaa tgtcaccagc ctttccttgt cctccaaccg catccaccac
300ctccatgatt ctgactttgc ccacctgccc agcctgcggc atctcaacct
caagtggaac 360tgcccgccgg ttggcctcag ccccatgcac ttcccctgcc
acatgaccat cgagcccagc 420accttcttgg ctgtgcccac cctggaagag
ctaaacctga gctacaacaa catcatgact 480gtgcctgcgc tgcccaaatc
cctcatatcc ctgtccctca gccataccaa catcctgatg 540ctagactctg
ccagcctcgc cggcctgcat gccctgcgct tcctattcat ggacggcaac
600tgttattaca agaacccctg caggcaggca ctggaggtgg ccccgggtgc
cctccttggc 660ctgggcaacc tcacccacct gtcactcaag tacaacaacc
tcactgtggt gccccgcaac 720ctgccttcca gcctggagta tctgctgttg
tcctacaacc gcatcgtcaa actggcgcct 780gaggacctgg ccaatctgac
cgccctgcgt gtgctcgatg tgggcggaaa ttgccgccgc 840tgcgaccacg
ctcccaaccc ctgcatggag tgccctcgtc acttccccca gctacatccc
900gataccttca gccacctgag ccgtcttgaa ggcctggtgt tgaaggacag
ttctctctcc 960tggctgaatg ccagttggtt ccgtgggctg ggaaacctcc
gagtgctgga cctgagtgag 1020aacttcctct acaaatgcat cactaaaacc
aaggccttcc agggcctaac acagctgcgc 1080aagcttaacc tgtccttcaa
ttaccaaaag agggtgtcct ttgcccacct gtctctggcc 1140ccttccttcg
ggagcctggt cgccctgaag gagctggaca tgcacggcat cttcttccgc
1200tcactcgatg agaccacgct ccggccactg gcccgcctgc ccatgctcca
gactctgcgt 1260ctgcagatga acttcatcaa ccaggcccag ctcggcatct
tcagggcctt ccctggcctg 1320cgctacgtgg acctgtcgga caaccgcatc
agcggagctt cggagctgac agccaccatg 1380ggggaggcag atggagggga
gaaggtctgg ctgcagcctg gggaccttgc tccggcccca 1440gtggacactc
ccagctctga agacttcagg cccaactgca gcaccctcaa cttcaccttg
1500gatctgtcac ggaacaacct ggtgaccgtg cagccggaga tgtttgccca
gctctcgcac 1560ctgcagtgcc tgcgcctgag ccacaactgc atctcgcagg
cagtcaatgg ctcccagttc 1620ctgccgctga ccggtctgca ggtgctagac
ctgtcccaca ataagctgga cctctaccac 1680gagcactcat tcacggagct
accacgactg gaggccctgg acctcagcta caacagccag 1740ccctttggca
tgcagggcgt gggccacaac ttcagcttcg tggctcacct gcgcaccctg
1800cgccacctca gcctggccca caacaacatc cacagccaag tgtcccagca
gctctgcagt 1860acgtcgctgc gggccctgga cttcagcggc aatgcactgg
gccatatgtg ggccgaggga 1920gacctctatc tgcacttctt ccaaggcctg
agcggtttga tctggctgga cttgtcccag 1980aaccgcctgc acaccctcct
gccccaaacc ctgcgcaacc tccccaagag cctacaggtg 2040ctgcgtctcc
gtgacaatta cctggccttc tttaagtggt ggagcctcca cttcctgccc
2100aaactggaag tcctcgacct ggcaggaaac cagctgaagg ccctgaccaa
tggcagcctg 2160cctgctggca cccggctccg gaggctggat gtcagctgca
acagcatcag cttcgtggcc 2220cccggcttct tttccaaggc caaggagctg
cgagagctca accttagcgc caacgccctc 2280aagacagtgg accactcctg
gtttgggccc ctggcgagtg ccctgcaaat actagatgta 2340agcgccaacc
ctctgcactg cgcctgtggg gcggccttta tggacttcct gctggaggtg
2400caggctgccg tgcccggtct gcccagccgg gtgaagtgtg gcagtccggg
ccagctccag 2460ggcctcagca tctttgcaca ggacctgcgc ctctgcctgg
atgaggccct ctcctgggac 2520tgtttcgccc tctcgctgct ggctgtggct
ctgggcctgg gtgtgcccat gctgcatcac 2580ctctgtggct gggacctctg
gtactgcttc cacctgtgcc tggcctggct tccctggcgg 2640gggcggcaaa
gtgggcgaga tgaggatgcc ctgccctacg atgccttcgt ggtcttcgac
2700aaaacgcaga gcgcagtggc agactgggtg tacaacgagc ttcgggggca
gctggaggag 2760tgccgtgggc gctgggcact ccgcctgtgc ctggaggaac
gcgactggct gcctggcaaa 2820accctctttg agaacctgtg ggcctcggtc
tatggcagcc gcaagacgct gtttgtgctg 2880gcccacacgg accgggtcag
tggtctcttg cgcgccagct tcctgctggc ccagcagcgc 2940ctgctggagg
accgcaagga cgtcgtggtg ctggtgatcc tgagccctga cggccgccgc
3000tcccgctatg tgcggctgcg ccagcgcctc tgccgccaga gtgtcctcct
ctggccccac 3060cagcccagtg gtcagcgcag cttctgggcc cagctgggca
tggccctgac cagggacaac 3120caccacttct ataaccggaa cttctgccag
ggacccacgg ccgaa 3165381032PRTMus musculus 38Met Val Leu Arg Arg
Arg Thr Leu His Pro Leu Ser Leu Leu Val Gln 1 5 10 15 Ala Ala Val
Leu Ala Glu Thr Leu Ala Leu Gly Thr Leu Pro Ala Phe 20 25 30 Leu
Pro Cys Glu Leu Lys Pro His Gly Leu Val Asp Cys Asn Trp Leu 35 40
45 Phe Leu Lys Ser Val Pro Arg Phe Ser Ala Ala Ala Ser Cys Ser Asn
50 55 60 Ile Thr Arg Leu Ser Leu Ile Ser Asn Arg Ile His His Leu
His Asn 65 70 75 80 Ser Asp Phe Val His Leu Ser Asn Leu Arg Gln Leu
Asn Leu Lys Trp 85 90 95 Asn Cys Pro Pro Thr Gly Leu Ser Pro Leu
His Phe Ser Cys His Met 100 105 110 Thr Ile Glu Pro Arg Thr Phe Leu
Ala Met Arg Thr Leu Glu Glu Leu 115 120 125 Asn Leu Ser Tyr Asn Gly
Ile Thr Thr Val Pro Arg Leu Pro Ser Ser 130 135 140 Leu Val Asn Leu
Ser Leu Ser His Thr Asn Ile Leu Val Leu Asp Ala 145 150 155 160 Asn
Ser Leu Ala Gly Leu Tyr Ser Leu Arg Val Leu Phe Met Asp Gly 165 170
175 Asn Cys Tyr Tyr Lys Asn Pro Cys Thr Gly Ala Val Lys Val Thr Pro
180 185 190 Gly Ala Leu Leu Gly Leu Ser Asn Leu Thr His Leu Ser Leu
Lys Tyr 195 200 205 Asn Asn Leu Thr Lys Val Pro Arg Gln Leu Pro Pro
Ser Leu Glu Tyr 210 215 220 Leu Leu Val Ser Tyr Asn Leu Ile Val Lys
Leu Gly Pro Glu Asp Leu 225 230 235 240 Ala Asn Leu Thr Ser Leu Arg
Val Leu Asp Val Gly Gly Asn Cys Arg 245 250 255 Arg Cys Asp His Ala
Pro Asn Pro Cys Ile Glu Cys Gly Gln Lys Ser 260 265 270 Leu His Leu
His Pro Glu Thr Phe His His Leu Ser His Leu Glu Gly 275 280 285 Leu
Val Leu Lys Asp Ser Ser Leu His Thr Leu Asn Ser Ser Trp Phe 290 295
300 Gln Gly Leu Val Asn Leu Ser Val Leu Asp Leu Ser Glu Asn Phe Leu
305 310 315 320 Tyr Glu Ser Ile Asn His Thr Asn Ala Phe Gln Asn Leu
Thr Arg Leu 325 330 335 Arg Lys Leu Asn Leu Ser Phe Asn Tyr Arg Lys
Lys Val Ser Phe Ala 340 345 350 Arg Leu His Leu Ala Ser Ser Phe Lys
Asn Leu Val Ser Leu Gln Glu 355 360 365 Leu Asn Met Asn Gly Ile Phe
Phe Arg Ser Leu Asn Lys Tyr Thr Leu 370 375 380 Arg Trp Leu Ala Asp
Leu Pro Lys Leu His Thr Leu His Leu Gln Met 385 390 395 400 Asn Phe
Ile Asn Gln Ala Gln Leu Ser Ile Phe Gly Thr Phe Arg Ala 405 410 415
Leu Arg Phe Val Asp Leu Ser Asp Asn Arg Ile Ser Gly Pro Ser Thr 420
425 430 Leu Ser Glu Ala Thr Pro Glu Glu Ala Asp Asp Ala Glu Gln Glu
Glu 435 440 445 Leu Leu Ser Ala Asp Pro His Pro Ala Pro Leu Ser Thr
Pro Ala Ser 450 455 460 Lys Asn Phe Met Asp Arg Cys Lys Asn Phe Lys
Phe Thr Met Asp Leu 465 470 475 480 Ser Arg Asn Asn Leu Val Thr Ile
Lys Pro Glu Met Phe Val Asn Leu 485 490 495 Ser Arg Leu Gln Cys Leu
Ser Leu Ser His Asn Ser Ile Ala Gln Ala 500 505 510 Val Asn Gly Ser
Gln Phe Leu Pro Leu Thr Asn Leu Gln Val Leu Asp 515 520 525 Leu Ser
His Asn Lys Leu Asp Leu Tyr His Trp Lys Ser Phe Ser Glu 530 535 540
Leu Pro Gln Leu Gln Ala Leu Asp Leu Ser Tyr Asn Ser Gln Pro Phe 545
550 555 560 Ser Met Lys Gly Ile Gly His Asn Phe Ser Phe Val Ala His
Leu Ser 565 570 575 Met Leu His Ser Leu Ser Leu Ala His Asn Asp Ile
His Thr Arg Val 580 585 590 Ser Ser His Leu Asn Ser Asn Ser Val Arg
Phe Leu Asp Phe Ser Gly 595 600 605 Asn Gly Met Gly Arg Met Trp Asp
Glu Gly Gly Leu Tyr Leu His Phe 610 615 620 Phe Gln Gly Leu Ser Gly
Leu Leu Lys Leu Asp Leu Ser Gln Asn Asn 625 630 635 640 Leu His Ile
Leu Arg Pro Gln Asn Leu Asp Asn Leu Pro Lys Ser Leu 645 650 655 Lys
Leu Leu Ser Leu Arg Asp Asn Tyr Leu Ser Phe Phe Asn Trp Thr 660 665
670 Ser Leu Ser Phe Leu Pro Asn Leu Glu Val Leu Asp Leu Ala Gly Asn
675 680 685 Gln Leu Lys Ala Leu Thr Asn Gly Thr Leu Pro Asn Gly Thr
Leu Leu 690 695 700 Gln Lys Leu Asp Val Ser Ser Asn Ser Ile Val Ser
Val Val Pro Ala 705 710 715 720 Phe Phe Ala Leu Ala Val Glu Leu Lys
Glu Val Asn Leu Ser His Asn 725 730 735 Ile Leu Lys Thr Val Asp Arg
Ser Trp Phe Gly Pro Ile Val Met Asn 740 745 750 Leu Thr Val Leu Asp
Val Arg Ser Asn Pro Leu His Cys Ala Cys Gly 755 760 765 Ala Ala Phe
Val Asp Leu Leu Leu Glu Val Gln Thr Lys Val Pro Gly 770 775 780 Leu
Ala Asn Gly Val Lys Cys Gly Ser Pro Gly Gln Leu Gln Gly Arg 785 790
795 800 Ser Ile Phe Ala Gln Asp Leu Arg Leu Cys Leu Asp Glu Val Leu
Ser 805 810 815 Trp Asp Cys Phe Gly Leu Ser Leu Leu Ala Val Ala Val
Gly Met Val 820 825 830 Val Pro Ile Leu His His Leu Cys Gly Trp Asp
Val Trp Tyr Cys Phe 835 840 845 His Leu Cys Leu Ala Trp Leu Pro Leu
Leu Ala Arg Ser Arg Arg Ser 850 855 860 Ala Gln Ala Leu Pro Tyr Asp
Ala Phe Val Val Phe Asp Lys Ala Gln 865 870 875 880 Ser Ala Val Ala
Asp Trp Val Tyr Asn Glu Leu Arg Val Arg Leu Glu 885 890 895 Glu Arg
Arg Gly Arg Arg Ala Leu Arg Leu Cys Leu Glu Asp Arg Asp 900 905 910
Trp Leu Pro Gly Gln Thr Leu Phe Glu Asn Leu Trp Ala Ser Ile Tyr 915
920 925 Gly Ser Arg Lys Thr Leu Phe Val Leu Ala His Thr Asp Arg Val
Ser 930 935 940 Gly Leu Leu Arg Thr Ser Phe Leu Leu Ala Gln Gln Arg
Leu Leu Glu 945 950 955 960 Asp Arg Lys Asp Val Val Val Leu Val Ile
Leu Arg Pro Asp Ala His 965 970 975 Arg Ser Arg Tyr Val Arg Leu Arg
Gln Arg Leu Cys Arg Gln Ser Val 980 985 990 Leu Phe Trp Pro Gln Gln
Pro Asn Gly Gln Gly Gly Phe Trp Ala Gln 995 1000 1005 Leu Ser Thr
Ala Leu Thr Arg Asp Asn Arg His Phe Tyr Asn Gln 1010 1015 1020 Asn
Phe Cys Arg Gly Pro Thr Ala Glu 1025 1030 393200DNAMus musculus
39tgtcagaggg agcctcggga gaatcctcca tctcccaaca tggttctccg tcgaaggact
60ctgcacccct tgtccctcct ggtacaggct gcagtgctgg ctgagactct ggccctgggt
120accctgcctg ccttcctacc ctgtgagctg aagcctcatg gcctggtgga
ctgcaattgg 180ctgttcctga agtctgtacc ccgtttctct gcggcagcat
cctgctccaa catcacccgc 240ctctccttga tctccaaccg tatccaccac
ctgcacaact ccgacttcgt ccacctgtcc 300aacctgcggc agctgaacct
caagtggaac tgtccaccca ctggccttag ccccctgcac 360ttctcttgcc
acatgaccat tgagcccaga accttcctgg ctatgcgtac actggaggag
420ctgaacctga gctataatgg tatcaccact gtgccccgac tgcccagctc
cctggtgaat 480ctgagcctga gccacaccaa catcctggtt ctagatgcta
acagcctcgc cggcctatac 540agcctgcgcg ttctcttcat ggacgggaac
tgctactaca agaacccctg cacaggagcg 600gtgaaggtga ccccaggcgc
cctcctgggc ctgagcaatc tcacccatct gtctctgaag 660tataacaacc
tcacaaaggt gccccgccaa ctgcccccca gcctggagta cctcctggtg
720tcctataacc tcattgtcaa gctggggcct gaagacctgg ccaatctgac
ctcccttcga 780gtacttgatg tgggtgggaa ttgccgtcgc tgcgaccatg
cccccaatcc ctgtatagaa 840tgtggccaaa agtccctcca cctgcaccct
gagaccttcc atcacctgag ccatctggaa 900ggcctggtgc tgaaggacag
ctctctccat acactgaact cttcctggtt ccaaggtctg 960gtcaacctct
cggtgctgga cctaagcgag aactttctct atgaaagcat caaccacacc
1020aatgcctttc agaacctaac ccgcctgcgc aagctcaacc tgtccttcaa
ttaccgcaag 1080aaggtatcct ttgcccgcct ccacctggca agttccttca
agaacctggt gtcactgcag 1140gagctgaaca tgaacggcat cttcttccgc
tcgctcaaca agtacacgct cagatggctg 1200gccgatctgc ccaaactcca
cactctgcat cttcaaatga acttcatcaa ccaggcacag 1260ctcagcatct
ttggtacctt ccgagccctt cgctttgtgg acttgtcaga caatcgcatc
1320agtgggcctt caacgctgtc agaagccacc cctgaagagg cagatgatgc
agagcaggag 1380gagctgttgt ctgcggatcc tcacccagct ccactgagca
cccctgcttc taagaacttc 1440atggacaggt gtaagaactt caagttcacc
atggacctgt ctcggaacaa cctggtgact 1500atcaagccag agatgtttgt
caatctctca cgcctccagt gtcttagcct gagccacaac 1560tccattgcac
aggctgtcaa tggctctcag ttcctgccgc tgactaatct gcaggtgctg
1620gacctgtccc ataacaaact ggacttgtac cactggaaat cgttcagtga
gctaccacag 1680ttgcaggccc tggacctgag ctacaacagc cagcccttta
gcatgaaggg tataggccac 1740aatttcagtt ttgtggccca tctgtccatg
ctacacagcc ttagcctggc acacaatgac 1800attcataccc gtgtgtcctc
acatctcaac agcaactcag tgaggtttct tgacttcagc 1860ggcaacggta
tgggccgcat gtgggatgag gggggccttt atctccattt cttccaaggc
1920ctgagtggcc tgctgaagct ggacctgtct caaaataacc tgcatatcct
ccggccccag 1980aaccttgaca acctccccaa gagcctgaag ctgctgagcc
tccgagacaa ctacctatct 2040ttctttaact ggaccagtct gtccttcctg
cccaacctgg aagtcctaga cctggcaggc 2100aaccagctaa aggccctgac
caatggcacc ctgcctaatg gcaccctcct ccagaaactg 2160gatgtcagca
gcaacagtat cgtctctgtg gtcccagcct tcttcgctct ggcggtcgag
2220ctgaaagagg tcaacctcag ccacaacatt ctcaagacgg tggatcgctc
ctggtttggg 2280cccattgtga tgaacctgac agttctagac gtgagaagca
accctctgca ctgtgcctgt 2340ggggcagcct tcgtagactt actgttggag
gtgcagacca aggtgcctgg cctggctaat 2400ggtgtgaagt gtggcagccc
cggccagctg cagggccgta gcatcttcgc acaggacctg 2460cggctgtgcc
tggatgaggt cctctcttgg gactgctttg gcctttcact cttggctgtg
2520gccgtgggca tggtggtgcc tatactgcac catctctgcg gctgggacgt
ctggtactgt 2580tttcatctgt gcctggcatg gctacctttg ctggcccgca
gccgacgcag cgcccaagct 2640ctcccctatg atgccttcgt ggtgttcgat
aaggcacaga gcgcagttgc ggactgggtg 2700tataacgagc tgcgggtgcg
gctggaggag cggcgcggtc gccgagccct acgcttgtgt 2760ctggaggacc
gagattggct gcctggccag acgctcttcg agaacctctg ggcttccatc
2820tatgggagcc gcaagactct atttgtgctg gcccacacgg accgcgtcag
tggcctcctg 2880cgcaccagct tcctgctggc tcagcagcgc ctgttggaag
accgcaagga cgtggtggtg 2940ttggtgatcc tgcgtccgga tgcccaccgc
tcccgctatg tgcgactgcg ccagcgtctc 3000tgccgccaga gtgtgctctt
ctggccccag cagcccaacg ggcagggggg cttctgggcc 3060cagctgagta
cagccctgac tagggacaac cgccacttct ataaccagaa cttctgccgg
3120ggacctacag cagaatagct cagagcaaca gctggaaaca gctgcatctt
catgcctggt 3180tcccgagttg ctctgcctgc 3200
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