U.S. patent application number 11/614212 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for antibodies against tumor necrosis factor delta (april).
This patent application is currently assigned to Human Genome Sciences, Inc.. Invention is credited to Steven M. Ruben.
Application Number | 20070160603 11/614212 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23127663 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070160603 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ruben; Steven M. |
July 12, 2007 |
Antibodies Against Tumor Necrosis Factor Delta (APRIL)
Abstract
The present invention relates to antibodies and related
molecules that immunospecifically bind to Tumor Necrosis Factor
Delta (TNF-delta; APRIL). The present invention also relates to
methods and compositions for detecting, diagnosing, prognosing,
treating, preventing, or ameliorating a disease or disorder
associated with aberrant APRIL or APRIL receptor expression or
aberrant function of APRIL or APRIL receptor, comprising antibodies
or fragments or variants thereof, or related molecules, that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL. In particular, the present
invention further relates to methods and compositions for
detecting, diagnosing, prognosing, preventing, treating or
ameliorating autoimmune diseases or disorder, such as systemic
lupus erythematosus Rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome,
or cancers of the immune system, particularly B cell cancers such
as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma, comprising
administering to an animal, preferably a human, an effective amount
of one or more antibodies or fragments or variants thereof, or
related molecules, that immunospecifically bind to APRIL.
Inventors: |
Ruben; Steven M.;
(Brookeville, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUMAN GENOME SCIENCES INC.;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPT.
14200 SHADY GROVE ROAD
ROCKVILLE
MD
20850
US
|
Assignee: |
Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
Rockville
MD
|
Family ID: |
23127663 |
Appl. No.: |
11/614212 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10151882 |
May 22, 2002 |
7189820 |
|
|
11614212 |
Dec 21, 2006 |
|
|
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60293100 |
May 24, 2001 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
424/143.1 ;
435/7.2; 530/388.22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 5/14 20180101; A61P
13/00 20180101; A61P 27/02 20180101; A61P 19/02 20180101; A61P
25/00 20180101; A61P 25/08 20180101; A61P 35/02 20180101; C07K
2317/34 20130101; C07K 2317/76 20130101; A61P 11/02 20180101; A61P
21/00 20180101; A61P 25/28 20180101; A61P 7/00 20180101; A61P 7/06
20180101; A61P 35/00 20180101; A61P 9/00 20180101; A61P 3/10
20180101; A61P 37/08 20180101; A61P 29/00 20180101; C07K 2317/21
20130101; A61P 11/06 20180101; A61P 17/00 20180101; C07K 2317/622
20130101; A61P 31/04 20180101; A61P 37/06 20180101; A61P 9/10
20180101; A61K 2039/505 20130101; C07K 16/2875 20130101; A61P 1/16
20180101; A61P 13/12 20180101; A61P 37/02 20180101; A61P 43/00
20180101; A61P 1/00 20180101; A61P 25/02 20180101; A61P 11/00
20180101; A61P 25/14 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/143.1 ;
530/388.22; 435/007.2 |
International
Class: |
A61K 39/395 20060101
A61K039/395; C07K 16/30 20060101 C07K016/30; C12P 21/08 20060101
C12P021/08 |
Claims
1. An isolated antibody or fragment thereof comprising: (a) an
amino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to a VH domain
of any one of SEQ ID NOS:13-24; (b) an amino acid sequence that is
at least 90% identical to a VL domain of any one of SEQ ID
NOS:13-24; or (c) both (a) and (b); wherein said antibody or
fragment thereof immunospecifically binds APRIL.
2. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1, wherein said
antibody or fragment thereof inhibits APRIL binding to both BCMA
and TACI.
3. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1, wherein said
antibody or fragment thereof inhibits APRIL binding to BCMA and
partially inhibits APRIL binding to TACI.
4. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1, wherein said
antibody or fragment thereof partially inhibits APRIL binding to
both BCMA and TACI.
5. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1, that binds APRIL
purified from a cell culture wherein the cells in said cell culture
comprise a polynucleotide encoding amino acids 1 to 250 of SEQ ID
NO:37 operably associated with a regulatory sequence that controls
gene expression.
6. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1 comprising: (a) the
amino acid sequence of a VH domain of any one of SEQ ID NOS:13-24;
(b) the amino acid sequence of a VL domain of any one of SEQ ID
NOS:13-24; or (c) both (a) and (b); wherein said antibody or
fragment thereof immunospecifically binds APRIL.
7. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 6(c), wherein said VH
domain and said VL domain are from the same scFv.
8. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1 wherein the antibody
or fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a
whole immunoglobulin molecule; (b) an scFv; (c) a monoclonal
antibody; (d) a human antibody; (e) a chimeric antibody; (f) a
humanized antibody; (g) a Fab fragment; (h) an Fab' fragment; (i)
an F(ab')2; (j) an Fv; and (k) a disulfide linked Fv.
9. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1 which comprises a
heavy chain immunoglobulin constant domain selected from the group
consisting of: (a) a human IgM constant domain; (b) a human IgG1
constant domain; (c) a human IgG2 constant domain; (d) a human IgG3
constant domain; (e) a human IgG4 constant domain; and (f) a human
IgA constant domain.
10. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1 which comprises a
light chain immunoglobulin constant domain selected from the group
consisting of: (a) a human Ig kappa constant domain; and (b) a
human Ig lambda constant domain.
11. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1 wherein the
antibody or fragment thereof has a dissociation constant (K.sub.D)
selected from the group consisting of: (a) a dissociation constant
(K.sub.D) between 10.sup.-7 M (inclusive) and 10.sup.-8 M; and (b)
a dissociation constant (K.sub.D) between 10.sup.-8 M (inclusive)
and 10.sup.-9 M.
12. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1 wherein the
antibody or fragment thereof is conjugated to a detectable
label.
13. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 12, wherein the
detectable label is a radiolabel, an enzyme, a fluorescent label, a
luminescent label, or a bioluminescent label.
14. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1 wherein the
antibody or fragment thereof is biotinylated.
15. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1 wherein the
antibody or fragment thereof is conjugated to a therapeutic or
cytotoxic agent.
16. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 15, wherein the
therapeutic or cytotoxic agent is selected from the group
consisting of: (a) an anti-metabolite; (b) an alkylating agent; (c)
an antibiotic; (d) a growth factor; (e) a cytokine; (f) an
anti-angiogenic agent; (g) an anti-mitotic agent; (h) an
anthracycline; (i) toxin; and (j) an apoptotic agent.
17. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1 wherein the
antibody or fragment thereof immunospecifically binds APRIL in a
Western blot or an ELISA.
18. An isolated cell that produces the antibody or fragment thereof
of claim 6.
19. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1 wherein the
antibody or fragment thereof has an activity selected from the
group consisting of: (a) diminishes or abolishes the ability of
APRIL to stimulate immunoglobulin production; (b) diminishes or
abolishes the ability of APRIL to stimulate B cell proliferation;
(c) diminishes or abolishes the ability of APRIL to stimulate B
cell differentiation; (d) diminishes or abolishes the ability of
APRIL to stimulate B cell survival; (e) enhances the ability of
APRIL to stimulate immunoglobulin production; and (f) enhances the
ability of APRIL to stimulate B cell proliferation, differentiation
or survival.
20. The antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1 in a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
21. A method of treating, preventing or ameliorating a cancer
comprising administering to an animal the antibody or fragment
thereof of claim 1 or a composition containing said antibody or
fragment thereof.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the animal is a human.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein the cancer is Non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma.
24. The method of claim 21 wherein the cancer is multiple
myeloma.
25. A method of treating, preventing or ameliorating a disease or
disorder selected from the group consisting of: (a) autoimmune
disease; and (b) graft vs. host disease (GVHD); comprising
administering to an animal the antibody or fragment thereof of
claim 1 or a composition containing said antibody or portion
thereof.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the animal is a human.
27. The method of claim 25, wherein the autoimmune disease is
systemic lupus erythematosus.
28. The method of claim 25, wherein the autoimmune disease is
rheumatoid arthritis.
29. The method of claim 25, wherein the autoimmune disease is
Sjogren'Syndrome.
30. A method of detecting expression of a APRIL polypeptide
comprising: (a) assaying the expression of a APRIL polypeptide in a
biological sample from an individual using the antibody or fragment
thereof of claim 1; and (b) comparing the level of a APRIL
polypeptide with a standard level of a APRIL polypeptide.
31. A method of detecting, diagnosing, prognosing, or monitoring
cancers and other hyperproliferative disorders comprising: (a)
assaying the expression of a APRIL polypeptide in a biological
sample from an individual using the antibody or fragment thereof of
claim 1; and (b) comparing the level of a APRIL polypeptide with a
standard level of APRIL polypeptide.
32. A kit comprising the antibody or fragment thereof of claim 1.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/151,882, filed May 22, 2002, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein. U.S. application Ser. No.
10/151,882 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/293,100, filed May 24, 2001.
INTRODUCTION
[0002] The present invention relates to antibodies and related
molecules that immunospecifically bind to Tumor Necrosis Factor
Delta (TNF-delta; APRIL). The present invention also relates to
methods and compositions for detecting, diagnosing, prognosing,
treating, preventing, or ameliorating a disease or disorder
associated with aberrant APRIL or APRIL receptor expression or
aberrant function of APRIL or APRIL receptor, comprising antibodies
or fragments or variants thereof, or related molecules, that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL. In particular, the present
invention further relates to methods and compositions for
detecting, diagnosing, prognosing, preventing, treating or
ameliorating autoimmune diseases or disorder, such as systemic
lupus erythematosus Rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren'syndrome, or
cancers of the immune system, particularly B cell cancers such as
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma, comprising
administering to an animal, preferably a human, an effective amount
of one or more antibodies or fragments or variants thereof, or
related molecules, that immunospecifically bind to APRIL.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Tumor Necrosis Factor delta (TNF-delta; APRIL) is a member
of the tumor necrosis factor ("TNF") superfamily that induces both
in vivo and in vitro B cell proliferation and differentiation (See
e.g. U.S. Patent Application Nos. 60/016,812; 60/211,537;
60/241,952; 60/254,875; 60/277,978; and 08/815,783; and
International Publication No. WO97/33902; and Yu et al., Nature
Immunol. 1(3):252-256 (2000)). APRIL is distinguishable from other
B cell growth and differentiation factors such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-5,
IL-6, IL-7, IL-13, IL-15, CD40L, or CD27L (CD70) by its
monocyte-specific gene and protein expression pattern and its
specific receptor distribution and biological activity on B
lymphocytes. APRIL expression is not detected in natural killer
("NK") cells, T cells or B cells, but is restricted to cells of
myeloid origin. The gene encoding APRIL has been mapped to
chromosome 17p 13.
[0004] APRIL is expressed as a 250 amino acid type II
membrane-bound polypeptide and a soluble 146 amino acid polypeptide
(SEQ ID NO:37). The NH.sub.2-terminus of the soluble form of APRIL
begins at Ala.sup.88 of SEQ ID NO:36 (which is equivalent to Ala
105 of SEQ ID NO:37). Soluble recombinant APRIL has been shown to
induce in vitro proliferation of murine splenic B cells and to bind
to a cell-surface receptor on these cells and also on T cells (Yu
et al., 2000 supra). Soluble APRIL administration to mice has been
shown to result in an increase in B cell numbers in the spleen and
mesenteric lymph node, and an increase in serum IgM levels (Yu et
al., 2000 supra).
[0005] Based upon its expression pattern and biological activity,
APRIL has been suggested to be involved in the exchange of signals
between B cells, T cells and monocytes or their differentiated
progeny. As such, antibodies and related molecules that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL may find medical utility in, for
example, the treatment of B cell disorders and T cell disorders
associated with for example autoimmunity, neoplasia, or
immunodeficiency syndromes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention encompasses antibodies (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically bind to a
polypeptide or polypeptide fragment of APRIL. In particular, the
invention encompasses antibodies (including molecules comprising,
or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or variants
thereof) that immunospecifically bind to a polypeptide or
polypeptide fragment of human APRIL (e.g., polypeptides encoded by
SEQ ID NO:35, polypeptides encoded by the cDNA contained in
ATCC.TM. Deposit number 97377 deposited Dec. 8, 1995, or the
polypeptides of SEQ ID Nos:36 and/or 37) or APRIL expressed on
human monocytes.
[0007] The present invention also encompasses methods and
compositions for detecting, diagnosing, or prognosing diseases or
disorders associated with aberrant APRIL or APRIL receptor
expression or aberrant function of APRIL or APRIL receptor in an
animal, preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human,
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, use of antibodies
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically
bind to APRIL. Diseases and disorders which can be detected,
diagnosed, or prognosed with the antibodies (including molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or
variants thereof) of the invention include, but are not limited to,
immune disorders (e.g., autoimmune diseases including lupus,
rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren'Syndrome, multiple sclerosis,
myasthenia gravis, Hashimoto's disease; immunodeficiency syndrome,
and inflammatory disorders such as asthma, allergic disorders, and
rheumatoid arthritis), infectious diseases (e.g., AIDS), and
proliferative disorders (e.g., leukemia, carcinoma, and lymphoma).
The present invention further encompasses methods and compositions
for preventing, treating or ameliorating diseases or disorders
associated with aberrant APRIL or APRIL receptor expression or
aberrant function of APRIL or APRIL receptor in an animal,
preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human, comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, administering to said animal an
effective amount of one or more antibodies (including molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or
variants thereof) that immunospecifically bind to APRIL. Diseases
and disorders which can be prevented, treated or ameliorated by
administering an effective amount of an antibody of the invention
include, but are not limited to, immune disorders (e.g., autoimmune
diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren'Syndrome,
multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Hashimoto's disease;
immunodeficiency syndrome, and inflammatory disorders such as
asthma, allergic disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis), infectious
diseases (e.g., AIDS), and proliferative disorders (e.g., leukemia,
carcinoma, and lymphoma).
[0008] Using phage display technology, single chain antibody
molecules ("scFvs") that immunospecifically bind to APRIL
polypeptides have been identified (Example 1). Molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, fragments or variants
of these scFvs (e.g., including VH domains, VH CDRs, VL domains, or
VL CDRs having an amino acid sequence of any one of those referred
to in Table 1), that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides,
are also encompassed by the invention, as are nucleic acid
molecules that encode these APRIL polypeptide binding scFvs, and/or
molecules.
[0009] In particular, the invention relates to scFvs comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, an amino acid sequence selected from
the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 13-15, 16-20, and 21-24, and
most preferably SEQ ID NOs:13-14, 16, and 21-22, as referred to in
Table 1. In specific embodiments, the present invention relates to
scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides and inhibit
APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI, said scFvs comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs:
13-15, and most preferably SEQ ID NOs: 13-14, as referred to in
Table 1, below. In other embodiments, the present invention also
relates to scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides
and inhibit APRIL binding to BCMA while partially inhibiting APRIL
binding to TACI, said scFvs comprising, or alternatively consisting
of, an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 16-20, and most
preferably SEQ ID NOs: 16-17, as referred to in Table 1. In further
embodiments, the present invention relates to scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides and partially inhibit
APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI, said scFvs comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs:
21-24, and most preferably SEQ ID NOs: 21-22, as referred to in
Table 1. In yet further embodiments, the present invention relates
to scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides and do not
inhibit APRIL binding to BCMA or TACI. The invention also
encompasses molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
fragments or variants of these scFvs (e.g., including VH domains,
VH CDRs, VL domains, or VL CDRs having an amino acid sequence of
any one of those referred to in Table 1), that immunospecifically
bind APRIL polypeptides and fully and/or partially inhibit binding
of APRIL to BCMA and/or TACI. Also encompassed by the invention,
are nucleic acid molecules encoding these APRIL-binding scFvs,
and/or molecules, as described, for example, as SEQ ID NOs: 1-12,
in Table 1.
[0010] The present invention provides antibodies (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically bind to a
polypeptide or polypeptide fragment of APRIL, said antibodies
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, a polypeptide having
the amino acid sequence of any one of the variable heavy ("VH")
domains referred to in Table 1, below, or any one of the variable
light ("VL") domains referred to in Table 1. In a preferred
embodiment, antibodies of the present invention comprise, or
alternatively consist of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VH domain contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-14, 15-16,
17-20, 21-22 or 23-24, as referred to in Table 1. In another
preferred embodiment, antibodies (including molecules comprising or
alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or variants
thereof) of the present invention comprise, or alternatively
consist of, a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VL
domain contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-14, 15-16, 17-20, 21-22 or 23-24,
as referred to in Table 1. The present invention also encompasses
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, fragments or
variants of these antibodies (e.g., including VH domains, VH CDRs,
VL domains, or VL CDRs having an amino acid sequence of any one of
those referred to in Table 1), that immunospecifically bind APRIL
polypeptides. Also encompassed by the invention, are nucleic acid
molecules encoding these APRIL-binding antibodies, and/or
molecules, as described, for example, in SEQ ID NOs: 1-12, in Table
1.
[0011] The present invention also provides antibodies (including
molecules comprising or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically bind to a
polypeptide or a polypeptide fragment of APRIL, said antibodies
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, a polypeptide having
the amino acid sequence of any one of the VH domains referred to in
Table 1, below, and any one of the VL domains referred to in Table
1. In a preferred embodiment, the antibodies of the invention
comprise or alternatively consist of, a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of a VH and VL domain contained in the same
scFv referred to in Table 1. In another preferred embodiment,
antibodies of the present invention, comprise, or alternatively
consist of, a VH domain from an scFv contained in any one of SEQ ID
NOs:13-14, 15-16, 17-20, 21-22 or 23-24, as disclosed in Table 1,
and a VL domain from an scFv contained in any one of SEQ ID
NOs:13-14, 15-16, 17-20, 21-22 or 23-24, as disclosed in Table 1.
In another preferred embodiment, antibodies of the present
invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the VH and VL
domain from a single scFv contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-14, 15-16,
17-20, 21-22 or 23-24, as disclosed in Table 1. The present
invention also encompasses molecules comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, fragments or variants of these antibodies (e.g.,
including VH domains, VH CDRs, VL domains, or VL CDRs having an
amino acid sequence of any one of those referred to in Table 1),
that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides. Also encompassed
by the invention, are nucleic acid molecules encoding these
APRIL-binding antibodies, and/or molecules, as described, for
example, in SEQ ID NOs: 1-12, in Table 1.
[0012] The present invention also provides antibodies (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically bind to a
polypeptide or a polypeptide fragment of APRIL, said antibodies
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, a polypeptide having
the amino acid sequence of any one, two, three or more of the VH
complementarity determining regions ("CDRs") (i.e., VH CDR1, VH
CDR2, or VH CDR3) referred to in Table 1 and/or any one, two, three
or more of the VL CDRs (i.e., VL CDR1, VL CDR2, or VL CDR3)
referred to in Table 1. In one embodiment, antibodies of the
present invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one of the VH
CDR1 s referred to in Table 1 and/or any one of the VL CDR1 s
referred to in Table 1. In another embodiment, antibodies of the
present invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one of the VH
CDR2s referred to in Table 1 and/or any one of the VL CDR2s
referred to in Table 1. In a preferred embodiment, antibodies of
the present invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one of the VH
CDR3s referred to in Table 1 and/or any one of the VL CDR3s
referred to in Table 1. The present invention also encompasses
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, fragments or
variants of these antibodies (e.g., including VH domains, VH CDRs,
VL domains, or VL CDRs having an amino acid sequence of any one of
those referred to in Table 1), that immunospecifically bind APRIL
polypeptides. Also encompassed by the invention, are nucleic acid
molecules encoding these APRIL-binding antibodies, and/or
molecules, as described, for example, in SEQ ID NOs: 1-12, in Table
1.
[0013] In another embodiment, antibodies of the present invention
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) immunospecifically bind to
a polypeptide or polypeptide fragment of APRIL, and comprise, or
alternatively consist of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of any one of the VH CDR1s referred to in Table 1, any one
of the VH CDR2s referred to in Table 1, and/or any one of the VH
CDR3s referred to in Table 1. In another embodiment, antibodies of
the present invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one of the VL
CDR1 s referred to in Table 1, any one of the VL CDR2s referred to
in Table 1, and/or any one of the VL CDR3s referred to in Table 1.
In a preferred embodiment, antibodies of the present invention
comprise, or alternatively consist of, at least one, two, three,
four, five, six, or more CDRs that correspond to the same scFv
referred to in Table 1, more preferably where CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3
of the VL domain correspond to the same scFv or where CDR1, CDR2,
and CDR3 of the VH domain correspond to the same scFv, and most
preferably where all six CDRs correspond to the same scFv referred
to in Table 1. The present invention also encompasses molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, fragments or variants
of these antibodies (e.g., including VH domains, VH CDRs, VL
domains, or VL CDRs having an amino acid sequence of any one of
those referred to in Table 1), that immunospecifically bind APRIL
polypeptides. Also encompassed by the invention, are nucleic acid
molecules encoding these APRIL-binding antibodies, and/or
molecules, as described, for example, in SEQ ID NOs: 1-12, in Table
1.
[0014] The present invention also provides antibodies (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) that: immunospecifically bind to a
soluble form of APRIL (e.g., a polypeptide consisting of amino
acids 88-233 of SEQ ID NO:36); that immunospecifically bind to a
membrane-bound form of APRIL (e.g., a polypeptide consisting of
amino acids 1-233 of SEQ ID NO:36, 1-250 of SEQ ID NO:37 or an
APRIL polypeptide expressed on the surface of monocytes) and/or
that immunospecifically bind to both soluble and membrane-bound
forms of APRIL. In a preferred embodiment, antibodies of the
present invention immunospecifically bind to a soluble form of
APRIL and comprise, or alternatively consist of, a VH domain, VH
CDR1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3, VL domain, VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and/or VL CDR3
of one or more scFvs that immunospecifically bind to a soluble form
of APRIL. In another preferred embodiment, antibodies of the
present invention immunospecifically bind to a membrane-bound form
of APRIL and comprise, or alternatively consist of, a VH domain, VH
CDR1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3, VL domain, VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and/or VL CDR3
of one or more scFvs that immunospecifically bind to a
membrane-bound form of APRIL. In yet another preferred embodiment,
antibodies of the present invention immunospecifically bind to
soluble and membrane-bound forms of APRIL and comprise, or
alternatively consist of, a VH domain, VH CDR1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3,
VL domain, VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and/or VL CDR3 of one or more scFvs
that immunospecifically binds to soluble and membrane-bound forms
of APRIL. In another preferred embodiment, antibodies of the
present invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, a VH
domain and a VL domain of the same scFv disclosed in Table 1, which
antibodies immunospecifically bind to a soluble form of APRIL, a
membrane-bound form of APRIL, or both soluble and membrane-bound
forms of APRIL. Also encompassed by the present invention are
nucleic acid molecules encoding these antibodies, including, for
example, the polynucleotide sequences contained in SEQ ID NOs:
1-12, as described in Table 1. Molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, fragments or variants of these
antibodies (e.g., including VH domains, VH CDRs, VL domains, or VL
CDRs having an amino acid sequence of any one of those referred to
in Table 1), that immunospecifically bind a soluble form of APRIL,
a membrane-bound form of APRIL, or both soluble and membrane-bound
forms of APRIL, are also encompassed by the invention. Also
encompassed by the invention are nucleic acid molecules that encode
these antibodies, and/or molecules, including the polynucleotide
sequences SEQ ID NOs: 1-12, as described in Table 1.
[0015] A VH domain of an amino acid sequence disclosed herein may
be combined with a VL domain of an amino acid sequence disclosed
herein, or other VL domains, to provide a VH/VL pairing
representing an antigen-binding site of an antibody. Similarly, a
VL domain of an amino acid sequence disclosed herein may be
combined with a VH domain of an amino acid sequence disclosed
herein, or other VH domains. Further, one or more CDRs disclosed
herein may be taken from a VH or VL domain and incorporated into a
suitable framework as discussed infra.
[0016] The present invention provides antibodies (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof (including derivatives)) comprising,
or alternatively consisting of, of VH domains, VL domains and/or
CDRs described herein, which antibodies, immunospecifically bind to
APRIL (e.g., soluble APRIL and membrane-bound APRIL) and can be
routinely assayed for immunospecific binding to APRIL using methods
known in the art, such as, for example, the immunoassays disclosed
infra. Antibodies and antibody fragments or variants (including
derivatives) of the invention may include, for example, one or more
amino acid sequence alterations (addition, deletion, substitution
and/or insertion of an amino acid residue). These alterations may
be made in one or more framework regions and/or one or more CDR's.
The antibodies of the invention (including antibody fragments, and
variants and derivative thereof) can be routinely made by methods
known in the art. Molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting
of, fragments or variants of any of the VH domains, VH CDRs, VL
domains, and VL CDRs whose sequences are specifically disclosed
herein may be employed in accordance with the present invention.
Nucleic acid molecules encoding these antibodies and molecules
(including fragments, variants, and derivatives), as described, for
example, in SEQ ID NOs: 1-12, in Table 1, are also encompassed by
the invention.
[0017] The present invention also provides panels of antibodies
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants) wherein the panel members
correspond to one, two, three, four, five, ten, fifteen, twenty, or
more different antibodies of the invention (e.g., whole antibodies,
Fabs, F(ab').sub.2 fragments, Fd fragments, disulfide-linked Fvs
(sdFvs), antiidiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies, and scFvs). The
present invention further provides mixtures of antibodies, wherein
the mixture corresponds to one, two, three, four, five, ten,
fifteen, twenty, or more different antibodies of the invention
(e.g., whole antibodies, Fabs, F(ab').sub.2 fragments, Fd
fragments, disulfide-linked Fvs (sdFvs), antiidiotypic (anti-Id)
antibodies, and scFvs). The present invention also provides for
compositions comprising, or alternatively consisting of, one, two,
three, four, five, ten, fifteen, twenty, or more antibodies of the
present invention (including molecules comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, antibody fragments or variants thereof). A
composition of the invention may comprise, or alternatively consist
of, one, two, three, four, five, ten, fifteen, twenty, or more
amino acid sequences of one or more antibodies or fragments or
variants thereof. Alternatively, a composition of the invention may
comprise, or alternatively consist of, nucleic acid molecules
encoding one or more antibodies of the invention, as described, for
example, in SEQ ID NOs: 1-12, in Table 1.
[0018] The present invention also provides for fusion proteins
comprising an antibody (including molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or variants
thereof) of the invention, and a heterologous polypeptide (i.e., a
polypeptide unrelated to an antibody or antibody domain). Nucleic
acid molecules encoding these fusion proteins are also encompassed
by the invention. A composition of the present invention may
comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three, four, five,
ten, fifteen, twenty or more fusion proteins of the invention.
Alternatively, a composition of the invention may comprise, or
alternatively consist of, nucleic acid molecules encoding one, two,
three, four, five, ten, fifteen, twenty or more fusion proteins of
the invention.
[0019] The present invention also provides for a nucleic acid
molecule, generally isolated, encoding an antibody (including
molecules such as scFvs, which comprise, or alternatively consist
of, an antibody fragment or variant thereof) of the invention, as
described, for example, in SEQ ID NOs: 1-12, in Table 1. The
present invention also provides a host cell transformed with a
nucleic acid molecule of the invention and progeny thereof. The
present invention also provides a method for the production of an
antibody (including a molecule comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, an antibody fragment or variant thereof) of the
invention. The present invention further provides a method of
expressing an antibody (including a molecule comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, an antibody fragment or variant
thereof) of the invention from a nucleic acid molecule. These and
other aspects of the invention are described in further detail
below.
[0020] The present invention also encompasses methods and
compositions for detecting, diagnosing and/or prognosing diseases
or disorders associated with aberrant APRIL or APRIL receptor
expression or aberrant APRIL or APRIL receptor function in an
animal, preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human,
comprising using antibodies (including molecules which comprise, or
alternatively consist of, antibody fragments or variants thereof)
that immunospecifically bind to APRIL. Diseases and disorders which
can be detected, diagnosed or prognosed with the antibodies of the
invention include, but are not limited to, immune disorders (e.g.,
autoimmune diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis,
Sjogren'Syndrome, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis,
Hashimoto's disease; immunodeficiency syndrome, and inflammatory
disorders such as asthma, allergic disorders, and rheumatoid
arthritis), infectious diseases (e.g., AIDS), and proliferative
disorders (e.g., leukemia, carcinoma, and lymphoma).
[0021] In specific embodiments, the present invention encompasses
methods and compositions for detecting, diagnosing and/or
prognosing diseases or disorders associated with
hypergammaglobulinemia (e.g., AIDS, autoimmune diseases, and some
immunodeficiencies). In other specific embodiments, the present
invention encompasses methods and compositions for detecting,
diagnosing and/or prognosing diseases or disorders associated with
hypogammaglobulinemia (e.g., an immunodeficiency).
[0022] The present invention further encompasses methods and
compositions for preventing, treating or ameliorating diseases or
disorders associated with aberrant APRIL or APRIL receptor
expression or aberrant APRIL or APRIL receptor function in an
animal, preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human,
comprising administering to said animal an effective amount of one
or more antibodies (including molecules which comprise, or
alternatively consist of, antibody fragments or variants thereof)
that immunospecifically bind to APRIL. Diseases and disorders which
can be prevented, treated or inhibited by administering an
effective amount of one or more antibodies or molecules of the
invention include, but are not limited to, immune disorders (e.g.,
autoimmune diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis,
Sjogren'Syndrome, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis,
Hashimoto's disease; immunodeficiency syndrome, and inflammatory
disorders such as asthma, allergic disorders, and rheumatoid
arthritis), infectious diseases (e.g., AIDS), and proliferative
disorders (e.g., leukemia, carcinoma, and lymphoma).
[0023] In specific embodiments, the present invention encompasses
methods and compositions (e.g., antagonistic anti-APRIL antibodies)
for preventing, treating or ameliorating diseases or disorders
associated with hypergammaglobulinemia (e.g., AIDS, autoimmune
diseases, and some immunodeficiency syndromes). In other specific
embodiments, the present invention encompasses methods and
compositions (e.g., agonistic anti-APRIL antibodies) for
preventing, treating or ameliorating diseases or disorders
associated with hypogammaglobulinemia (e.g., an immunodeficiency
syndrome).
[0024] Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, diseases, or
conditions that may be detected, diagnosed, prognosed, or monitored
using the antibodies of the invention include, but are not limited
to, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (including, but not limited to
cryoglobinemia or Coombs positive anemia), autoimmune neonatal
thrombocytopenia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune
thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune neutropenia,
autoimmunocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, antiphospholipid syndrome,
dermatitis (e.g. atopic dermatitis), gluten-sensitive enteropathy,
allergic encephalomyelitis, myocarditis, relapsing polychondritis,
rheumatic heart disease, glomerulonephritis (e.g., primary
glomerulonephritis and IgA nephropathy), Multiple Sclerosis,
Neuritis, Uveitis Ophthalmia, Polyendocrinopathies, Purpura (e.g.,
Henloch-Schoenlein purpura), Reiter's Disease, Stiff-Man Syndrome,
Autoimmune Pulmonary Inflammation, myocarditis, IgA
glomerulonephritis, dense deposit disease, rheumatic heart disease,
Guillain-Barre Syndrome, diabetes mellitus (e.g. Type I diabetes
mellitus or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus), juvenile onset
diabetes, autoimmune inflammatory eye, autoimmune thyroiditis,
hypothyroidism (i.e., Hashimoto's thyroiditis), systemic lupus
erythematosus, discoid lupus, Goodpasture's syndrome, Pemphigus,
Receptor autoimmunities such as, for example, (a) Graves' Disease,
(b) Myasthenia Gravis, and (c) insulin resistance, rheumatoid
arthritis, scleroderma with anti-collagen antibodies, mixed
connective tissue disease, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, pernicious
anemia (Addison's disease), idiopathic Addison's disease,
infertility, bullous pemphigoid, Sjogren'syndrome, adrenergic drug
resistance (including adrenergic drug resistance with asthma or
cystic fibrosis), chronic active hepatitis, primary biliary
cirrhosis, other endocrine gland failure, vitiligo, vasculitis,
post-MI cardiotomy syndrome, urticaria, asthma, inflammatory
myopathies, and other inflammatory, granulomatous, degenerative,
and atrophic disorders, and other disorders such as inflammatory
skin diseases including psoriasis and sclerosis, responses
associated with inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease
and ulcerative colitis), respiratory distress syndrome (including
adult respiratory distress syndrome, ARDS), meningitis,
encephalitis, colitis, allergic conditions such as eczema and other
conditions involving infiltration of T cells and chronic
inflammatory responses, atherosclerosis, leukocyte adhesion
deficiency, Reynaud's syndrome, and immune responses associated
with acute and delayed hypersensitivity mediated by cytokines and
T-lymphocytes typically found in tuberculosis, sarcoidosis,
granulomatosis and diseases involving leukocyte diapedesis, central
nervous system (CNS) inflammatory disorder, multiple organ injury
syndrome, antigen-antibody complex mediated diseases,
anti-glomerular basement membrane disease, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic
syndrome, Becket's disease, giant cell arteritis, immune complex
nephritis, IgM polyneuropathies or autoimmune thrombocytopenia
etc.
[0025] Immunodeficiencies that may be detected, diagnosed,
prognosed, or monitored using the antibodies of the invention
include, but are not limited to, severe combined immunodeficiency
(SCID)-X linked, SCID-autosomal, adenosine deaminase deficiency
(ADA deficiency), X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), Bruton's
disease, congenital agammaglobulinemia, X-linked infantile
agammaglobulinemia, acquired agammaglobulinemia, adult onset
agammaglobulinemia, late-onset agammaglobulinemia,
dysgammaglobulinemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, transient
hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy, unspecified
hypogammaglobulinemia, agammaglobulinemia, common variable
immunodeficiency (CVID) (acquired), Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS),
X-linked immunodeficiency with hyper IgM, non X-linked
immunodeficiency with hyper IgM, selective IgA deficiency, IgG
subclass deficiency (with or without IgA deficiency), antibody
deficiency with normal or elevated Igs, immunodeficiency with
thymoma, Ig heavy chain deletions, kappa chain deficiency, B cell
lymphoproliferative disorder (BLPD), selective IgM
immunodeficiency, recessive agammaglobulinemia (Swiss type),
reticular dysgenesis, neonatal neutropenia, severe congenital
leukopenia, thymic alymphoplasia-aplasia or dysplasia with
immunodeficiency, ataxia-telangiectasia, short limbed dwarfism,
X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP), Nezelof
syndrome-combined immunodeficiency with Igs, purine nucleoside
phosphorylase deficiency (PNP), MHC Class II deficiency (Bare
Lymphocyte Syndrome) and severe combined immunodeficiency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1. ELISA results for two scFvs, A004G02 and A019C11,
that immunospecifically bind to APRIL, but do not bind to or
cross-react with BLyS, BCMA, TACI, LIGHT, or TNF-alpha or BSA.
[0027] FIG. 2. The results for three scFvs, A019C11, A034G03 and
A010D09, in an assay to measure the ability of the antibodies of
the invention to inhibit APRIL binding to BCMA.
[0028] FIG. 3. The results for three scFvs, A019C11, A034G03 and
A010D09, in an assay to measure the ability of the antibodies of
the invention to inhibit APRIL binding to TACI.
DEFINITIONS
[0029] The term "antibody," as used herein, refers to
immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active portions of
immunoglobulin molecules, i.e., molecules that contain an
antigen-binding site that immunospecifically binds an antigen. As
such, the term antibody encompasses not only whole antibody
molecules, but also antibody fragments as well as variants
(including derivatives) of antibodies and antibody fragments.
Examples of molecules which are described by the term "antibody" in
this application include, but are not limited to: single chain Fvs
(scFvs), Fab fragments, Fab' fragments, F(ab').sub.2, disulfide
linked Fvs (sdFvs), Fvs, and fragments comprising or alternatively
consisting of, either a VL or a VH domain. The term "single chain
Fv" or "scFv" as used herein refers to a polypeptide comprising a
VL domain of antibody linked to a VH domain of an antibody.
Antibodies that immunospecifically bind to APRIL may have
cross-reactivity with other antigens. Preferably, antibodies that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL do not cross-react with other
antigens. Antibodies that immunospecifically bind to APRIL can be
identified, for example, by immunoassays or other techniques known
to those of skill in the art, e.g., the immunoassays described in
the Examples below.
[0030] Antibodies of the invention include, but are not limited to,
monoclonal, multispecific, human or chimeric antibodies, single
chain antibodies, Fab fragments, F(ab') fragments, antiidiotypic
(anti-Id) antibodies (including, e.g., anti-Id antibodies to
antibodies of the invention), and epitope-binding fragments of any
of the above. The immunoglobulin molecules of the invention can be
of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA and IgY), class (e.g.,
IgG.sub.1, IgG.sub.2, IgG.sub.3, IgG.sub.4, IgA.sub.1, and
IgA.sub.2) or subclass of immunoglobulin molecule.
[0031] Preferably, an antibody of the invention comprises, or
alternatively consists of, a VH domain, VH CDR, VL domain, or VL
CDR having an amino acid sequence of any one of those referred to
in Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof.
[0032] The term "variant" as used herein refers to a polypeptide
that possesses a similar or identical function as an antibody
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically
binds to a polypeptide or polypeptide fragment of APRIL, but does
not necessarily comprise a similar or identical amino acid sequence
as an anti-APRIL antibody or antibody fragment thereof, or possess
a similar or identical structure as an anti-APRIL antibody or
antibody fragment thereof. A variant having a similar amino acid
refers to a polypeptide that satisfies at least one of the
following: (a) a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, an amino acid sequence that is at least 30%, at
least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%,
at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least
80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 99%
identical to the amino acid sequence of an anti-APRIL antibody or
antibody fragment thereof (including a VH domain, VHCDR, VL domain,
or VLCDR) having an amino acid sequence of any one of those
referred to in Table 1 described herein; (b) a polypeptide encoded
by a nucleotide sequence, the complementary sequence of which
hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleotide sequence
encoding an antibody (including molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or variants
thereof) that immunospecifically binds to a polypeptide or
polypeptide fragment of APRIL (e.g., SEQ ID NOs:1-12); and (c) a
polypeptide encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least 30%,
at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least
55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at
least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least
99%, identical to the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-APRIL
antibody or antibody fragment thereof (including a VH domain,
VHCDR, VL domain, or VLCDR) having an amino acid sequence of any
one of those referred to in Table 1, described herein. A
polypeptide with similar structure to an anti-APRIL antibody or
antibody fragment thereof, described herein refers to a polypeptide
that has a similar secondary, tertiary or quaternary structure of
an anti-APRIL antibody, or antibody fragment thereof, described
herein. The structure of a polypeptide can be determined by methods
known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to,
X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and
crystallographic electron microscopy.
[0033] To determine the percent identity of two amino acid
sequences or of two nucleic acid sequences, the sequences are
aligned for optimal comparison purposes (e.g., gaps can be
introduced in the sequence of a first amino acid or nucleic acid
sequence for optimal alignment with a second amino acid or nucleic
acid sequence). The amino acid residues or nucleotides at
corresponding amino acid positions or nucleotide positions are then
compared. When a position in the first sequence is occupied by the
same amino acid residue or nucleotide at the corresponding position
in the second sequence, then the molecules are identical at that
position. The percent identity between the two sequences is a
function of the number of identical positions shared by the
sequences (i.e., % identity=number of identical overlapping
positions/total number of positions.times.100%). In one embodiment,
the two sequences are the same length.
[0034] The determination of percent identity between two sequences
can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm known to those
of skill in the art. An example of a mathematical algorithm for
comparing two sequences is the algorithm of Karlin and Altschul
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:2264-2268 (1990), modified as in
Karlin and Altschul Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:5873-5877 (1993).
The BLASTn and BLASTx programs of Altschul, et al. J. Mol. Biol.
215:403-410 (1990) have incorporated such an algorithm. BLAST
nucleotide searches can be performed with the BLASTn program,
score=100, wordlength=12 to obtain nucleotide sequences homologous
to a nucleic acid molecules of the invention. BLAST protein
searches can be performed with the BLASTx program, score=50,
wordlength=3 to obtain amino acid sequences homologous to a protein
molecules of the invention. To obtain gapped alignments for
comparison purposes, Gapped BLAST can be utilized as described in
Altschul et al. Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389-3402 (1997).
Alternatively, PSI-BLAST can be used to perform an iterated search
which detects distant relationships between molecules (Id.). When
utilizing BLAST, Gapped BLAST, and PSI-BLAST programs, the default
parameters of the respective programs (e.g., BLASTx and BLASTn) can
be used. (See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.)
[0035] Another example of a mathematical algorithm utilized for the
comparison of sequences is the algorithm of Myers and Miller,
CABIOS (1989). The ALIGN program (version 2.0) which is part of the
GCG sequence alignment software package has incorporated such an
algorithm. Other algorithms for sequence analysis known in the art
include ADVANCE and ADAM as described in Torellis and Robotti
Comput. Appl. Biosci., 10 :3-5 (1994); and FASTA described in
Pearson and Lipman Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 85:2444-8 (1988). Within
FASTA, ktup is a control option that sets the sensitivity and speed
of the search.
[0036] The term "derivative" as used herein, refers to a variant
polypeptide of the invention that comprises, or alternatively
consists of, an antibody of the invention that immunospecifically
binds to APRIL, or a fragment or variant thereof, which has been
altered by the introduction of amino acid residue substitutions,
deletions or additions. The term "derivative" as used herein also
refers to an antibody of the invention, that immunospecifically
binds to APRIL, or a fragment or variant thereof, which has been
modified, e.g., by the covalent attachment of any type of molecule
to the polypeptide. For example, but not by way of limitation, an
anti-APRIL antibody, may be modified, e.g., by glycosylation,
acetylation, pegylation, phosphorylation, amidation, derivatization
by known protecting/blocking groups, proteolytic cleavage, linkage
to a cellular ligand or other protein, etc. A derivative of an
anti-APRIL antibody, may be modified by chemical modifications
using techniques known to those of skill in the art, including, but
not limited to, specific chemical cleavage, acetylation,
formylation, metabolic synthesis of tunicamycin, etc. Further, a
derivative of an anti-APRIL antibody, may contain one or more
non-classical amino acids. A polypeptide derivative possesses a
similar or identical function as an anti-APRIL antibody, or
fragment or variant thereof, described herein.
[0037] The term "epitopes" as used herein refers to portions of
APRIL having antigenic or immunogenic activity in an animal,
preferably a mammal. An epitope having immunogenic activity is a
portion of APRIL that elicits an antibody response in an animal. An
epitope having antigenic activity is a portion of APRIL to which an
antibody immunospecifically binds as determined by any method known
in the art, for example, by the immunoassays described herein.
Antigenic epitopes need not necessarily be immunogenic.
[0038] The term "fragment" as used herein refers to a polypeptide
comprising an amino acid sequence of at least 5 amino acid
residues, at least 10 amino acid residues, at least 15 amino acid
residues, at least 20 amino acid residues, at least 25 amino acid
residues, at least 30 amino acid residues, at least 35 amino acid
residues, at least 40 amino acid residues, at least 45 amino acid
residues, at least 50 amino acid residues, at least 60 amino
residues, at least 70 amino acid residues, at least 80 amino acid
residues, at least 90 amino acid residues, at least 100 amino acid
residues, at least 125 amino acid residues, at least 150 amino acid
residues, at least 175 amino acid residues, at least 200 amino acid
residues, or at least 250 amino acid residues, of the amino acid
sequence of APRIL, or an anti-APRIL antibody (including molecules
such as scFv's, that comprise, or alternatively consist of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically
binds to APRIL.
[0039] The term "fusion protein" as used herein refers to a
polypeptide that comprises, or alternatively consists of, an amino
acid sequence of an anti-APRIL antibody of the invention and an
amino acid sequence of a heterologous polypeptide (i.e., a
polypeptide unrelated to an antibody or antibody domain).
[0040] The term "host cell" as used herein refers to the particular
subject cell transfected with a nucleic acid molecule and the
progeny or potential progeny of such a cell. Progeny may not be
identical to the parent cell transfected with the nucleic acid
molecule due to mutations or environmental influences that may
occur in succeeding generations or integration of the nucleic acid
molecule into the host cell genome.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] The present invention encompasses antibodies (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically bind to
APRIL or a fragment of APRIL. In particular, the invention provides
antibodies such as, for example, single chain Fvs (scFvs) having an
amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs:13-24, as referred to
in Table 1. In particular, the present invention encompasses
antibodies that immunospecifically bind to a polypeptide, a
polypeptide fragment, or an epitope of human APRIL (e.g.,
polypeptides encoded by SEQ ID NO:35, polypeptides encoded by the
cDNA contained in ATCC.TM. Deposit number 97377 deposited Dec. 8,
1995, or the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOs:36, and/or 37) or APRIL
expressed on human monocytes (as determined by immunoassays known
in the art for assaying specific antibody-antigen binding).
[0042] The antibodies of the invention may bind APRIL polypeptides
wherein said polypeptides are monomers or multimers (i.e., dimers,
trimers, tetramers and higher multimers). Accordingly, the present
invention relates to antibodies that bind monomers and multimers of
the APRIL polypeptides of the invention, their preparation, and
compositions (preferably, pharmaceutical compositions) containing
them. In specific embodiments, the APRIL polypeptides bound by the
antibodies of the invention are monomers, dimers, trimers or
tetramers. In additional embodiments, the polypeptides bound by the
antibodies of the invention of the invention are at least dimers,
at least trimers, or at least tetramers.
[0043] APRIL multimers bound by the antibodies of the invention may
be the result of hydrophobic, hydrophilic, ionic and/or covalent
associations and/or may be indirectly linked, by for example,
liposome formation. Thus, in one embodiment, APRIL multimers, such
as, for example, homodimers or homotrimers, are formed when
polypeptides of the invention contact one another in solution. In
another embodiment, APRIL heteromultimers, such as, for example,
APRIL heterotrimers or APRIL heterotetramers, are formed when
polypeptides of the invention contact antibodies to the
polypeptides of the invention (including antibodies to the
heterologous polypeptide sequence in a fusion protein of the
invention) in solution. In other embodiments, APRIL multimers are
formed by covalent associations with and/or between the APRIL
polypeptides of the invention. Such covalent associations may
involve one or more amino acid residues contained in the
polypeptide sequence (e.g., that recited in SEQ ID NO:36 or SEQ ID
NO:37). In one instance, the covalent associations are
cross-linking between cysteine residues located within the
polypeptide sequences which interact in the native (i.e., naturally
occurring) polypeptide. In another instance, the covalent
associations are the consequence of chemical or recombinant
manipulation. Alternatively, such covalent associations may involve
one or more amino acid residues contained in the heterologous
polypeptide sequence in an APRIL fusion protein. In one example,
covalent associations are between the heterologous sequence
contained in a fusion protein (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,925).
In a specific example, the covalent associations are between the
heterologous sequence contained in an APRIL-Fc fusion protein. In
another specific example, covalent associations of fusion proteins
of the invention are between the heterologous polypeptide sequence
from another TNF family ligand/receptor member that is capable of
forming covalently associated multimers, such as for example,
oseteoprotegerin (see, e.g., International Publication No. WO
98/49305, the contents of which are herein incorporated by
reference in their entirety). In another specific example, covalent
associations of fusion proteins of the invention are between
heterologous polypeptide sequence from CD40L, or a soluble fragment
thereof. In another embodiment, two or more APRIL polypeptides are
joined through synthetic linkers (e.g., peptide, carbohydrate or
soluble polymer linkers). Examples include those peptide linkers
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,627 (hereby incorporated by
reference). Proteins comprising multiple APRIL polypeptides
separated by peptide linkers may be produced using conventional
recombinant DNA technology.
[0044] Antibodies of the invention may bind APRIL polypeptides
where said polypeptides are monomers or multimers (i.e., dimers,
trimers, tetramers and higher multimers). Accordingly, the present
invention relates to antibodies that bind monomers and multimers of
the APRIL polypeptides of the invention, their preparation, and
compositions (preferably, pharmaceutical compositions) containing
them. In specific embodiments, the antibodies of the invention bind
APRIL polypeptides where said polypeptides are monomers, dimers,
trimers or tetramers. In additional embodiments, the antibodies of
the invention bind APRIL polypeptides where said polypeptides are
at least dimers, at least trimers, or at least tetramers.
[0045] Antibodies of the invention may bind multimeric APRIL
polypeptides where said polypeptides are homomers. An APRIL homomer
refers to a multimer containing only APRIL polypeptides (including
APRIL fragments, variants, and fusion proteins, as described
herein). These homomers may contain APRIL polypeptides having
identical or different amino acid sequences, e.g., as contained in
SEQ ID NOs:36 and 37. In specific embodiments, the antibodies of
the invention bind an APRIL multimer where said multimer is a
homodimer (e.g., containing two APRIL polypeptides having identical
or different amino acid sequences) or a homotrimer (e.g.,
containing three APRIL polypeptides having identical or different
amino acid sequences). In a preferred embodiment, the antibodies of
the invention bind homotrimers of APRIL. In additional embodiments,
the antibodies of the invention bind a homomeric APRIL multimer
where said multimer is at least a homodimer, at least a homotrimer,
or at least a homotetramer.
[0046] Antibodies of the invention may bind multimeric APRIL
polypeptides where said polypeptides are heteromers. Heteromeric
APRIL refers to a multimer containing heterologous polypeptides
(i.e., polypeptides of a different protein) in addition to APRIL
polypeptides having identical or different amino acid sequences, as
contained in SEQ ID NO:36 and SEQ ID NO:37. In a specific
embodiment, the antibodies of the invention bind an APRIL multimer
where said multimer is a heterodimer, a heterotrimer, or a
heterotetramer, containing APRIL polypeptides having identical or
different amino acid sequences. In additional embodiments, the
antibodies of the invention bind a heteromeric APRIL multimer where
said multimer is at least a heterodimer, at least a heterotrimer,
or at least a heterotetramer. In highly preferred embodiments, the
antibodies of the invention bind a heteromeric APRIL multimer where
said multimers is a heterotrimer comprising both APRIL
polypeptides, (having identical or different amino acid sequences,
e.g., as contained in SEQ ID NOs: 36 and 37), and BLyS polypeptides
(SEQ ID NO:38, GenBank Accession No. AF132600; Moore et al, Science
285(5425):260-263 (1999)). In one highly preferred embodiment, the
antibodies of the invention bind a heteromeric APRIL multimer where
said multimer is a heterotrimer comprising one APRIL polypeptide
and two BLyS polypeptides. In another highly preferred embodiment,
the antibodies of the invention bind a heteromeric APRIL multimer
where said multimer is a heterotrimer comprising two APRIL
polypeptides and one BLyS polypeptide. In other preferred
embodiments, antibodies of the invention bind APRIL/BLyS heteromers
comprising at least one APRIL polypeptide and at least one BLyS
polypeptide. In a further nonexclusive embodiment, the antibodies
of the invention bind APRIL heteromers where said heteromers
contain CD40 ligand polypeptide sequence(s), or biologically active
fragment(s) or variant(s) thereof.
[0047] Antibodies that bind APRIL polypeptides may bind them as
isolated polypeptides or in their naturally occurring state. For,
example antibodies of the present invention may bind recombinantly
produced APRIL polypeptides. In a specific embodiment, antibodies
of the present invention bind an APRIL polypeptide purified from a
cell culture wherein the cells in said cell culture comprise a
polynucleotide encoding amino acids 1 to 250 of SEQ ID NO:37. In
alternative embodiments antibodies of the present invention may
bind APRIL/BLyS heteromers, particularly, APRIL/BLyS heterotrimers,
heterotrimers purified from a cell culture wherein the cells in
said cell culture comprise a polynucleotide encoding amino acids 1
to 250 of SEQ ID NO:37 and 1-285 of SEQ ID NO:38 operably
associated with a regulatory sequence that controls gene
expression.
[0048] The antibodies of the invention, in binding APRIL
polypeptides, whether they exist as monomers, homomultimers (i.e.,
homodimers, homotrimers, homotetramers and higher homomultimers),
or heteromultimers (i.e., heterodimers, heterotrimers,
heterotetramers and higher heteromultimers), may regulate
interaction of APRIL monomers, homomultimers, and/or
heteromultimers with their receptors. In specific embodiments, the
antibodies of the invention inhibit binding of APRIL to BCMA
(GenBank Accession Nos. AX087843 and NP.sub.--001183; International
Publication Nos. WO 01/12812 and WO 01/24811). In further specific
embodiments, the antibodies of the invention inhibit binding of
APRIL to TACI (GenBank Accession Nos. AF023614 and AAC51790;
International Publication Nos. WO WO98/39361 and WO00/58362, each
of which are hereby incorporated in their entireties). In further
specific embodiments, the antibodies of the invention inhibit
binding of APRIL to both BCMA and TACI. In yet further specific
embodiments, the antibodies of the invention inhibit binding of
APRIL to BCMA and partially inhibit APRIL binding to TACI. In yet
further specific embodiments, the antibodies of the invention
inhibit binding of APRIL to TACI and partially inhibit APRIL
binding to BCMA. In yet further specific embodiments, the
antibodies of the invention inhibit binding of APRIL to BCMA but do
not inhibit APRIL binding to TACI. In yet further specific
embodiments, the antibodies of the invention inhibit binding of
APRIL to TACI but do not inhibit APRIL binding to BCMA. In yet
further specific embodiments, the antibodies of the invention do
not inhibit binding of APRIL to BCMA or TACI. Exemplary assays for
assessing the ability of an antibody of the invention to inhibit
APRIL binding to BCMA and/or TACI are described in Example 2.
[0049] In other specific embodiments, the antibodies of the
invention partially inhibit binding of APRIL to BCMA. In further
specific embodiments, the antibodies of the invention partially
inhibit binding of APRIL to TACI. In further specific embodiments,
the antibodies of the invention partially inhibit binding of APRIL
to both BCMA and TACI. In yet further specific embodiments, the
antibodies of the invention partially inhibit binding of APRIL to
BCMA but do not inhibit APRIL binding to TACI. In yet further
specific embodiments, the antibodies of the invention partially
inhibit binding of APRIL to TACI but do not inhibit APRIL binding
to BCMA. In further specific embodiments, the antibodies of the
invention do not inhibit binding of APRIL to BCMA or TACI.
[0050] The present invention also encompasses antibodies (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically bind to
APRIL polypeptides, which antibodies comprise, or alternatively
consist of, all or a portion of a heavy and/or light chain variable
domain of the scFvs referred to in Table 1.
[0051] The present invention also encompasses methods and
compositions for detecting, diagnosing and/or prognosing diseases
or disorders associated with aberrant APRIL or APRIL receptor
expression or aberrant APRIL or APRIL receptor function in an
animal, preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human,
comprising using antibodies (including molecules which comprise, or
alternatively consist of, antibody fragments or variants thereof)
that immunospecifically bind to APRIL. Diseases and disorders which
can be detected, diagnosed or prognosed with the antibodies of the
invention include, but are not limited to, immune disorders (e.g.,
autoimmune diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis,
Sjogren'Syndrome, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis,
Hashimoto's disease; immunodeficiency syndrome, and inflammatory
disorders such as asthma, allergic disorders, and rheumatoid
arthritis), infectious diseases (e.g., AIDS), and proliferative
disorders (e.g., leukemia, carcinoma, and lymphoma).
[0052] The present invention further encompasses methods and
compositions for preventing, treating or ameliorating diseases or
disorders associated with aberrant APRIL or APRIL receptor
expression or aberrant APRIL or APRIL receptor function in an
animal, preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human,
comprising administering to said animal an effective amount of one
or more antibodies (including molecules which comprise, or
alternatively consist of, antibody fragments or variants thereof)
that immunospecifically bind to APRIL. Diseases and disorders which
can be prevented, treated or inhibited by administering an
effective amount of one or more antibodies or molecules of the
invention include, but are not limited to, immune disorders (e.g.,
autoimmune diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis,
Sjogren'Syndrome, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis,
Hashimoto's disease; immunodeficiency syndrome, and inflammatory
disorders such as asthma, allergic disorders, and rheumatoid
arthritis), infectious diseases (e.g., AIDS), and proliferative
disorders (e.g., leukemia, carcinoma, and lymphoma).
Anti-APRIL Antibodies
[0053] The antibodies of the present invention were discovered, in
part, using phage display technology. Single chain antibody
molecules ("scFvs") displayed on the surface of phage particles
were screened to identify those scFvs that immunospecifically bind
to APRIL polypeptides. The present invention encompasses the scFvs
and portions thereof that were identified to immunospecifically
bind to APRIL polypeptides, including fragments and variants
thereof. In particular, the present invention encompasses scFvs
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, an amino acid sequence
of SEQ ID NOs: 13-24, as referred to in Table 1. Preferably, the
scFvs of the present invention comprise, or alternatively consist
of, an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs:13, 16, 21, or 22. The
scFvs include scFvs that bind APRIL polypeptides and inhibit APRIL
binding to BCMA and to TACI (e.g., scFvs comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs:
13-15), scFvs that bind to APRIL polypeptides and inhibit APRIL
binding to BCMA and partially inhibit APRIL binding to TACI (e.g.,
scFvs comprising, or alternatively consisting of, an amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 16-20), scFvs that bind to APRIL
polypeptides and partially inhibit binding of APRIL to BCMA and to
TACI (e.g., scFvs comprising, or alternatively consisting of, an
amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 21-24), and scFvs that bind to
APRIL polypeptides and do not inhibit APRIL binding to BCMA or
TACI. Molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
fragments or variants of these scFvs, that immunospecifically bind
to APRIL are also encompassed by the invention, as are nucleic acid
molecules encoding these scFvs, molecules, fragments and/or
variants, as recited, for example, as SEQ ID NOs:1-12 in Table
1.
[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL comprise a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of any one of the VH domains referred to in
Table 1 and/or any one of the VL domains referred to in Table 1. In
preferred embodiments, scFvs of the present invention comprise the
amino acid sequence of a VH domain and VL domain from the same scFv
referred to in Table 1. In alternative embodiments, scFvs of the
present invention comprise the amino acid sequence of a VH domain
and VL domain from different scFvs referred to in Table 1. In
another embodiment, scFvs that immunospecifically bind to APRIL,
comprise a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one,
two, three, or more of the VH CDRs referred to in Table 1 and/or
any one, two, three, or more of the VL CDRs referred to in Table 1.
In preferred embodiments, scFvs of the present invention comprise
the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR and VL CDR from the same scFv
referred to in Table 1. In alternative embodiments, scFvs of the
present invention comprise the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR and
VL CDR from different scFvs referred to in Table 1. Molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or
variants of the scFvs referred to in Table 1 that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL are also encompassed by the
invention. The present invention further encompasses nucleic acid
molecules encoding these scFvs, molecules, fragments and/or
variants, as described, for example, in Table 1. TABLE-US-00001
TABLE 1 scFvs that Immunospecifically Bind to APRIL scFv scFv VH nt
AA CDR3 SEQ SEQ AAs AAs AAs AAs AAs AAs SEQ Clone ID ID AAs of VL
of VL of VL AAs of VH of VH of VH ID ID NO NO of VL CDR1 CDR2 CDR3
of VH CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 VHCDR3 Sequence NO: A019C11 1 13 142-252
164-176 192-198 231-241 1-125 26-35 50-66 99-114 GGRLAGSTVFTPAFEY
25 A013B07 2 14 142-252 164-176 192-198 231-241 1-125 26-35 50-66
99-114 GGRLAGSTVFTPAFEY 25 A020F03 1 13 142-252 164-176 192-198
231-241 1-125 26-35 50-66 99-114 GGRLAGSTVFTPAFEY 25 A004G02 3 15
135-245 157-169 185-191 224-234 1-119 26-35 50-66 99-108 SNPQYDAFDI
26 A027A11 4 16 132-242 154-167 183-189 222-231 1-116 26-35 50-66
99-105 GSQAFEI 27 A034G03 5 17 136-248 158-171 187-193 226-237
1-119 26-35 50-66 99-108 GNTGPRPFDP 28 A034H05 6 18 139-249 161-173
189-195 228-238 1-122 26-35 50-66 99-111 SGGDGYRDYGMDL 29 A053H04 7
19 136-248 158-171 187-193 226-237 1-119 26-35 50-66 99-108
GNTGPRPFDP 28 A030D09 8 20 142-250 164-174 190-196 229-239 1-127
26-35 50-66 99-116 SWYYDILTGYWDYYY 30 A010D09 9 21 134-241 157-167
183-189 222-230 1-118 26-35 50-66 99-107 DLSRLGMDV 31 A027B01 10 22
133-240 156-166 182-188 221-229 1-117 26-35 50-66 99-106 GISAGMDV
32 A027H08 11 23 132-239 155-165 181-187 220-228 1-117 26-35 50-66
99-106 GISGGMDV 33 A024G01 12 24 148-254 170-180 196-202 235-243
1-131 26-35 50-66 99-120 VSRTSYYDVLTDNNRYS 34 YYMDV
[0055] In another embodiment of the present invention, an scFv that
immunospecifically binds to APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting binding
of APRIL to both BCMA and TACI, comprises, or alternatively
consists of, an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs:13-15 as referred
to in Table 1. In a preferred embodiment, an scFv that
immunospecifically binds to APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting binding
of APRIL to both BCMA and TACI, comprises, or alternatively
consists of, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:15. In an even
more preferred embodiment, an scFv that immunospecifically binds to
APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting binding of APRIL to both BCMA and
TACI, comprises, or alternatively consists of, the amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO:14. In a most preferred embodiment, an scFv
that immunospecifically binds to APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting
binding of APRIL to both BCMA and TACI, comprises, or alternatively
consists of, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:13. Molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, fragments or variants
of these scFvs, that immunospecifically bind to APRIL polypeptides,
inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA and TACI, are also encompassed by
the invention. Also encompassed by the invention are nucleic acid
molecules encoding these scFvs, molecules, fragments and/or
variants, for example, SEQ ID NOs:1-3 referred to in Table 1.
[0056] In another embodiment of the present invention, an scFv that
immunospecifically binds APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL
binding to BCMA and partially inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI,
comprises, or alternatively consists of, an amino acid sequence of
SEQ ID NOs:16-20 as referred to in Table 1. In a preferred
embodiment, an scFv that immunospecifically binds APRIL
polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA while partially
inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI, comprises, or alternatively
consists of, an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs:17-20. In an even
more preferred embodiment, an scFv that immunospecifically binds
APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA while
partially inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI, comprises, or
alternatively consists of, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:16.
Molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, fragments or
variants of these scFvs, that immunospecifically bind to APRIL
polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA and partially
inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI, are also encompassed by the
invention. Also encompassed by the invention are nucleic acid
molecules encoding these scFvs, molecules, fragments and/or
variants, for example, SEQ ID NOs:4-8 referred to in Table 1.
[0057] In another embodiment of the present invention, an scFv that
immunospecifically binds APRIL polypeptides, partially inhibiting
binding of APRIL to both BCMA and TACI, comprises, or alternatively
consists of, an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs:21-24 as referred
to in Table 1. In a preferred embodiment, an scFv that
immunospecifically binds APRIL polypeptides, partially inhibiting
binding of APRIL to both BCMA and TACI, comprises, or alternatively
consists of, an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs:23-24. In a most
preferred embodiment, an scFv that immunospecifically binds APRIL
polypeptides, partially inhibiting binding of APRIL to both BCMA
and TACI, comprises, or alternatively consists of, an amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NOs:21-22._Molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, fragments or variants of these scFvs,
that immunospecifically bind to APRIL polypeptides, partially
inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA and TACI, are also encompassed by
the invention. Also encompassed by the invention are nucleic acid
molecules encoding these scFvs, molecules, fragments and/or
variants, for example, SEQ ID NOs:9-12 referred to in Table 1.
[0058] In another embodiment of the present invention, an scFv that
immunospecifically binds APRIL polypeptides, without inhibiting
binding of APRIL to BCMA or TACI, comprises, or alternatively
consists of, an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs:13-24 as referred
to in Table 1. Molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting
of, fragments or variants of these scFvs, that immunospecifically
bind to APRIL polypeptides, without inhibiting APRIL binding to
BCMA or TACI, are also encompassed by the invention. Also
encompassed by the invention are nucleic acid molecules encoding
these scFvs, molecules, fragments and/or variants, for example, SEQ
ID NOs:1-12 referred to in Table 1.
[0059] In another embodiment of the present invention, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL
binding to both BCMA and TACI, comprise a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of any one of the VH domains contained in SEQ
ID NOs:13-15 as disclosed in Table 1 and/or any one of the VL
domains contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15 as disclosed in Table 1. In
preferred embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL
polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI,
comprise a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH
domain and a VL domain from the same scFv referred to in Table 1.
In alternative embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind
APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI,
comprise a polypeptide having amino acid sequence of a VH domain
and VL domain from different scFvs referred to in Table 1.
[0060] In another embodiment of the present invention, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL
binding to both BCMA and TACI, comprise a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of any one of the VH CDRs contained in SEQ ID
NOs:13-15 as disclosed in Table 1 and/or any one of the VL CDRs
contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15 as disclosed in Table 1. In preferred
embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides,
inhibiting APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI, comprise a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR and a VL CDR
from the same scFv referred to in Table 1. In alternative
embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides,
inhibiting APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI, comprise a
polypeptide having amino acid sequence of a VH CDR and VL CDR from
different scFvs referred to in Table 1. In another embodiment,
scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting
APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI, comprise a polypeptide having
the amino acid sequence of any one, two, three, or more of the VH
CDRs contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15 as disclosed in Table 1 and/or
any one, two, three, or more of the VL CDRs contained in contained
SEQ ID NOs:13-15, as disclosed in Table 1. In a preferred
embodiment, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides,
inhibiting APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI, comprise a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one of the VH
CDR3s contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15 as disclosed in Table 1 and/or
any one of the VL CDR3s contained in SEQ ID NOs: 13-15 as disclosed
in Table 1. In preferred embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically
bind APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL binding to both BCMA and
TACI, comprise a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH
CDR3 and VL CDR3 from the same scFv referred to in Table 1. In
alternative embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL
polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI,
comprise a polypeptide having the of the amino acid sequence of a
VH CDR3 and VL CDR3 from different scFvs referred to in Table 1.
Molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, fragments or
variants of these scFvs, that immunospecifically bind to APRIL
polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA and TACI, are also
encompassed by the invention, as are nucleic acid molecules
encoding these scFvs, molecules, fragments and/or variants, as
described, for example, in Table 1.
[0061] In another embodiment of the present invention, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL
binding to BCMA and partially inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI,
comprise a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one of
the VH domains contained in SEQ ID NOs:16-20 as disclosed in Table
1 and/or any one of the VL domains contained in SEQ ID NOs:16-20 as
disclosed in Table 1. In preferred embodiments, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL
binding to BCMA and partially inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI,
comprise a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH
domain and a VL domain from the same scFv referred to in Table 1.
In alternative embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind
APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA and partially
inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI, comprise a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of a VH domain and VL domain from different
scFvs referred to in Table 1.
[0062] In another embodiment of the present invention, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL
binding to BCMA and partially inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI,
comprise a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one of
the VH CDRs contained in SEQ ID NOs:16-20 as disclosed in Table 1
and/or any one of the VL CDRs contained in SEQ ID NOs:16-20 as
disclosed in Table 1. In preferred embodiments, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL
binding to BCMA and partially inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI,
comprise a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR
and a VL CDR from the same scFv referred to in Table 1. In
alternative embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL
polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA and partially
inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI, comprise a polypeptide having
amino acid sequence of a VH CDR and VL CDR from different scFvs
referred to in Table 1. In another embodiment, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL
binding to BCMA and partially inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI,
comprise a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one,
two, three, or more of the VH CDRs contained in SEQ ID NOs:16-20 as
disclosed in Table 1 and/or any one, two, three, or more of the VL
CDRs contained in contained SEQ ID NOs:16-20, as disclosed in Table
1. In a preferred embodiment, scFvs that immunospecifically bind
APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA and partially
inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI, comprise a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of any one of the VH CDR3s contained in SEQ ID
NOs:16-20 as disclosed in Table 1 and/or any one of the VL CDR3s
contained in SEQ ID NOs: 16-20 as disclosed in Table 1. In
preferred embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL
polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA and partially
inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI, comprise a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of a VH CDR3 and VL CDR3 from the same scFv
referred to in Table 1. In alternative embodiments, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL
binding to BCMA and partially inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI,
comprise a polypeptide having the of the amino acid sequence of a
VH CDR3 and VL CDR3 from different scFvs referred to in Table 1.
Molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, fragments or
variants of these scFvs, that immunospecifically bind to APRIL
polypeptides, inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA and partially
inhibiting APRIL binding to TACI, are also encompassed by the
invention, as are nucleic acid molecules encoding these scFvs,
molecules, fragments and/or variants, as described, for example, in
Table 1.
[0063] In another embodiment of the present invention, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, partially inhibiting
APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI, comprise a polypeptide having
the amino acid sequence of any one of the VH domains contained in
SEQ ID NOs:21-24 as disclosed in Table 1 and/or any one of the VL
domains contained in SEQ ID NOs:21-24 as disclosed in Table 1. In
preferred embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL
polypeptides, partially inhibiting APRIL binding to both BCMA and
TACI, comprise a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH
domain and a VL domain from the same scFv referred to in Table 1.
In alternative embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind
APRIL polypeptides, partially inhibiting APRIL binding to both BCMA
and TACI, comprise a polypeptide having amino acid sequence of a VH
domain and VL domain from different scFvs referred to in Table
1.
[0064] In another embodiment of the present invention, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, partially inhibiting
APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI, comprise a polypeptide having
the amino acid sequence of any one of the VH CDRs contained in SEQ
ID NOs:21-24 as disclosed in Table 1 and/or any one of the VL CDRs
contained in SEQ ID NOs:21-24 as disclosed in Table 1. In preferred
embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides,
partially inhibiting APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI, comprise
a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR and a VL
CDR from the same scFv referred to in Table 1. In alternative
embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides,
partially inhibiting APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI, comprise
a polypeptide having amino acid sequence of a VH CDR and VL CDR
from different scFvs referred to in Table 1. In another embodiment,
scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, partially
inhibiting APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI, comprise a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one, two, three,
or more of the VH CDRs contained in SEQ ID NOs:21-24 as disclosed
in Table 1 and/or any one, two, three, or more of the VL CDRs
contained in contained SEQ ID NOs:21-24, as disclosed in Table 1.
In a preferred embodiment, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL
polypeptides, partially inhibiting APRIL binding to both BCMA and
TACI, comprise a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any
one of the VH CDR3s contained in SEQ ID NOs:21-24 as disclosed in
Table 1 and/or any one of the VL CDR3s contained in SEQ ID NOs:
21-24 as disclosed in Table 1. In preferred embodiments, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, partially inhibiting
APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI, comprise a polypeptide having
the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR3 and VL CDR3 from the same scFv
referred to in Table 1. In alternative embodiments, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, partially inhibiting
APRIL binding to both BCMA and TACI, comprise a polypeptide having
the of the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR3 and VL CDR3 from
different scFvs referred to in Table 1. Molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, fragments or variants of these scFvs,
that immunospecifically bind to APRIL polypeptides, partially
inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA and TACI, are also encompassed by
the invention, as are nucleic acid molecules encoding these scFvs,
molecules, fragments and/or variants, as described, for example, in
Table 1.
[0065] In another embodiment of the present invention, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, without inhibiting
APRIL binding to BCMA or TACI, comprise a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of any one of the VH domains contained in SEQ
ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed in Table 1 and/or any one of the VL
domains contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed in Table 1. In
preferred embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL
polypeptides, without inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA or TACI,
comprise a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH
domain and a VL domain from the same scFv referred to in Table 1.
In alternative embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind
APRIL polypeptides, without inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA or
TACI, comprise a polypeptide having amino acid sequence of a VH
domain and VL domain from different scFvs referred to in Table
1.
[0066] In another embodiment of the present invention, scFvs that
immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, without inhibiting
APRIL binding to BCMA or TACI, comprise a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of any one of the VH CDRs contained in SEQ ID
NOs:13-24 as disclosed in Table 1 and/or any one of the VL CDRs
contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed in Table 1. In preferred
embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides,
without inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA or TACI, comprise a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR and a VL CDR
from the same scFv referred to in Table 1. In alternative
embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides,
without inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA or TACI, comprise a
polypeptide having amino acid sequence of a VH CDR and VL CDR from
different scFvs referred to in Table 1. In another embodiment,
scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides, without
inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA or TACI, comprise a polypeptide
having the amino acid sequence of any one, two, three, or more of
the VH CDRs contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed in Table 1
and/or any one, two, three, or more of the VL CDRs contained in
contained SEQ ID NOs:13-24, as disclosed in Table 1. In a preferred
embodiment, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL polypeptides,
without inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA or TACI, comprise a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one of the VH
CDR3s contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed in Table 1 and/or
any one of the VL CDR3s contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed
in Table 1. In preferred embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically
bind APRIL polypeptides, without inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA
or TACI, comprise a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a
VH CDR3 and VL CDR3 from the same scFv referred to in Table 1. In
alternative embodiments, scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL
polypeptides, without inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA or TACI,
comprise a polypeptide having the of the amino acid sequence of a
VH CDR3 and VL CDR3 from different scFvs referred to in Table 1.
Molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, fragments or
variants of these scFvs, that immunospecifically bind to APRIL
polypeptides, without inhibiting APRIL binding to BCMA or TACI, are
also encompassed by the invention, as are nucleic acid molecules
encoding these scFvs, molecules, fragments and/or variants, as
described, for example, in Table 1.
[0067] The present invention provides antibodies (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically bind to a
polypeptide or a polypeptide fragment of APRIL. In particular, the
invention provides antibodies corresponding to the scFvs referred
to in Table 1, such scFvs may routinely be "converted" to
immunoglobulin molecules by inserting, for example, the nucleotide
sequences encoding the VH and/or VL domains of the scFv into an
expression vector containing the constant domain sequences and
engineered to direct the expression of the immunoglobulin molecule,
as described in more detail in Example 4.
[0068] In one embodiment, the invention provides antibodies
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) wherein said antibodies
comprise, or alternatively consist of, a polypeptide having an
amino acid sequence of any one of the VH domains contained in the
sequences referred to in Table 1. The present invention also
provides antibodies that immunospecifically bind to a polypeptide,
or polypeptide fragment of APRIL, wherein said antibodies comprise,
or alternatively consist of, a polypeptide having an amino acid
sequence of any one, two, three, or more of the VH CDRs contained
in the sequences referred to in Table 1. Molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, these antibodies, or antibody
fragments or variants thereof, that immunospecifically bind to
APRIL or an APRIL fragment are also encompassed by the invention,
as are nucleic acid molecules encoding these antibodies, molecules,
fragments and/or variants.
[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, antibodies
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically
bind APRIL, comprise, or alternatively consist of, a polypeptide
having the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR referred to in Table 1.
In particular, the invention provides antibodies that
immunospecifically bind APRIL, comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH
CDR1 contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in
Table 1. In another embodiment, antibodies that immunospecifically
bind APRIL, comprise, or alternatively consist of, a polypeptide
having the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR2 contained in SEQ ID
NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1. In a preferred
embodiment, antibodies that immunospecifically bind APRIL,
comprise, or alternatively consist of a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of a VH CDR3 contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15,
16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1. In yet another embodiment,
antibodies that immunospecifically bind APRIL, comprise, or
alternatively consist of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VH CDR1 contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or
21-24 as disclosed in Table 1; and/or a VH CDR2 contained in SEQ ID
NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1; and/or a VH
CDR3 contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in
Table 1. Preferably, antibodies of the invention comprise, or
alternatively consist of, VH CDRs that are derived from the same
scFv as disclosed in Table 1. Molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, fragments or variants of these
antibodies that immunospecifically bind to APRIL are also
encompassed by the invention, as are nucleic acid molecules
encoding these antibodies, molecules, fragments or variants, as
described, for example, in Table 1.
[0070] The present invention provides antibodies (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants) that immunospecifically bind to a
polypeptide, or polypeptide fragment of APRIL. In particular, the
invention provides antibodies wherein said antibodies comprise, or
alternatively consist of, a VL domain having an amino acid sequence
of any one of the VL domains referred to in Table 1. The present
invention also provides antibodies that immunospecifically bind to
a polypeptide or polypeptide fragment of APRIL, wherein said
antibodies comprise, or alternatively consist of, a VL CDR having
an amino acid sequence of any one, two, three, or more of the VL
CDRs contained in the sequences referred to in Table 1. Molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, fragments or variants
of these antibodies that immunospecifically bind to APRIL are also
encompassed by the invention, as are nucleic acid molecules
encoding these antibodies, molecules, fragments or variants.
[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, antibodies
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically
bind APRIL, comprise, or alternatively consist of, a polypeptide
having the amino acid sequence of a VL CDR referred to in Table 1.
In particular, the invention provides antibodies that
immunospecifically bind APRIL, comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VL
CDR1 contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in
Table 1. In another embodiment, antibodies that immunospecifically
bind APRIL comprise, or alternatively consist of, a polypeptide
having the amino acid sequence of a VL CDR2 contained in SEQ ID
NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1. In a preferred
embodiment, antibodies comprise, or alternatively consist of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VL CDR3 contained
in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1. In
yet another embodiment, antibodies that immunospecifically bind
APRIL comprise, or alternatively consist of: a polypeptide having
the amino acid sequence of a VL CDR1 contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15,
16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1; and/or a VL CDR2 contained
in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1;
and/or a VL CDR3 contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as
disclosed in Table 1. Preferably, antibodies of the invention
comprise, or alternatively consist of, VL CDRs that are derived
from the same scFv as disclosed in Table 1. Molecules comprising,
or alternatively consisting of, fragments or variants of these
antibodies, that immunospecifically bind to APRIL are also
encompassed by the invention, as are nucleic acid molecules
encoding these antibodies, molecules, fragments or variants,
referred to in Table 1.
[0072] The present invention also provides antibodies (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically bind to a
polypeptide or a polypeptide fragment of APRIL, wherein said
antibodies comprise, or alternatively consist of, a VH domain of
one of the scFvs referred to in Table 1 combined with a VL domain
of one of the scFvs referred to in Table 1, or other VL domain. The
present invention further provides antibodies (including molecules
comprise, or alternatively consist of, antibody fragments or
variants thereof) that immunospecifically bind to a polypeptide or
a polypeptide fragment of APRIL, wherein said antibodies comprise,
or alternatively consist of, a VL domain of one of the scFvs
referred to in Table 1 combined with a VH domain of one of the
scFvs referred to in Table 1, or other VH domain. In a preferred
embodiment, antibodies that immunospecifically bind to a
polypeptide or a polypeptide fragment of APRIL, comprise, or
alternatively consist of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VH domain contained SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24
as disclosed in Table 1 and a VL domain contained in contained SEQ
ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1. In a further
preferred embodiment, the antibodies of the invention comprise, or
alternatively consist of, a VH and a VL domain from the same scFv
as disclosed in Table 1. Molecules comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, fragments or variants of these antibodies, that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL are also encompassed by the
invention, as are nucleic acid molecules encoding these antibodies,
molecules, fragments or variants, as described, for example, in
Table 1.
[0073] The present invention also provides antibodies (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants) that immunospecifically bind to a
polypeptide or polypeptide fragment of APRIL, wherein said
antibodies comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three,
or more VH CDRs and one, two, three or more VL CDRs, as referred to
in Table 1. In particular, the invention provides for antibodies
that immunospecifically bind to a polypeptide or polypeptide
fragment of APRIL, wherein said antibodies comprise, or
alternatively consist of, a VH CDR1 and a VL CDR1, a VH CDR1 and a
VL CDR2, a VH CDR1 and a VL CDR3, a VH CDR2 and a VL CDR1, VH CDR2
and VL CDR2, a VH CDR2 and a VL CDR3, a VH CDR3 and a VH CDR1, a VH
CDR3 and a VL CDR2, a VH CDR3 and a VL CDR3, or any combination
thereof, of the VH CDRs and VL CDRs referred to in Table 1. In a
preferred embodiment, one or more of these combinations are from
the same scFv as disclosed in Table 1. Molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, fragments or variants of these
antibodies, that immunospecifically bind to APRIL are also
encompassed by the invention, as are nucleic acid molecules
encoding these antibodies, molecules, fragments or variants.
[0074] In a preferred embodiment the invention provides antibodies
wherein the VH CDRX (where X=1, 2, or 3) and VL CDRY (where Y=1, 2,
or 3) are from scFvs with the same specificity (e.g., from scFvs
that bind APRIL polypeptides and inhibit, partially inhibit, or do
not inhibit APRIL binding to BCMA and/or TACI). Molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, fragments or variants
of these antibodies, that immunospecifically bind to APRIL are also
encompassed by the invention, as are nucleic acid molecules
encoding these antibodies, molecules, fragments or variants.
[0075] The term "antibody," as used herein, refers to
immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active portions of
immunoglobulin molecules, i.e., molecules that contain an
antigen-binding site that immunospecifically bind an antigen. As
such, the term "antibody" encompasses not only whole antibody
molecules, but also antibody fragments, as well as variants
(including derivatives) of antibodies and antibody fragments.
Antibodies of the invention include, but are not limited to,
monoclonal, multispecific, human or chimeric antibodies, single
chain antibodies, single chain Fvs (scFvs), Fab fragments,
F(ab').sub.2 fragments, Fd fragments, disulfide-linked Fvs (sdFvs),
antiidiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies (including, e.g., anti-Id
antibodies to antibodies of the invention), and epitope-binding
fragments of any of the above. The immunoglobulin molecules of the
invention can be of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA and
IgY), class (e.g., IgG.sub.1, IgG.sub.2, IgG.sub.3, IgG.sub.4,
IgA.sub.1 and IgA.sub.2) or subclass of immunoglobulin molecule.
The antibodies of the present invention also include molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, a polypeptide having an
amino acid sequence of a portion of an amino acid sequence
contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24. Preferably, an
antibody of the invention comprises, or alternatively consists of,
a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of a VH domain, VH CDR,
VL domain, or VL CDR of any one those contained in the sequences
referred to in Table 1. Antibodies of the invention also include
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, fragments or
variants of the above antibodies that immunospecifically bind
APRIL.
[0076] Most preferably the antibodies of the present invention are
whole antibodies or antibody fragments that immunospecifically bind
human APRIL. Antibody fragments of the invention that
immunospecifically bind human APRIL include, but are not limited
to, Fab, Fab' and F(ab').sub.2, Fd fragments, single-chain Fvs
(scFv), single-chain antibodies, disulfide-linked Fvs (sdFvs),
fragments comprising, or alternatively consisting of, either a VL
or VH domain, and epitope binding fragments of any of the
above.
[0077] APRIL-binding antibody fragments, including single-chain
antibodies, may comprise, or alternatively consist of, the variable
region(s) alone or in combination with the entirety or a portion of
the following: hinge region, CH1, CH2, and CH3 domains. In a
preferred embodiment, the antibodies of the invention comprise, or
alternatively consist of, a polypeptide that immunospecifically
binds to APRIL, said polypeptide comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, one, two, three, four, five, six or more CDRs
referred to in Table 1, preferably a polypeptide having an amino
acid sequence of a VH CDR3 and/or a VL CDR3 contained in SEQ ID
NOs:13-15, 16-20, 21-24, 25-26, 27-30 or 31-34 as disclosed in
Table 1. Most preferably, antibodies of the invention comprise, or
alternatively consist of, one, two, three, four, five, six or more
CDRs from the same scFv, as referred to in Table 1. The antibodies
of the invention may be from any animal origin, including birds and
mammals. Preferably, the antibodies are human, murine (e.g., mouse
and rat), donkey, sheep, rabbit, goat, guinea pig, camel, horse, or
chicken. Most preferably, the antibodies are human antibodies. As
used herein, "human" antibodies include antibodies having the amino
acid sequence of a human immunoglobulin and include antibodies
isolated from human immunoglobulin libraries and xenomice or other
organisms that have been genetically engineered to produce human
antibodies. For a detailed discussion of a few of the technologies
for producing human antibodies and human monoclonal antibodies and
protocols for producing such antibodies, see, e.g., PCT
publications WO 98/24893; WO 92/01047; WO 96/34096; WO 96/33735;
European Patent No. 0 598 877; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,413,923; 5,625,126;
5,633,425; 5,569,825; 5,661,016; 5,545,806; 5,814,318; 5,885,793;
5,916,771; and 5,939,598; and Lonberg and Huszar, Int. Rev.
Immunol. 13:65-93 (1995), which are incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety. Human antibodies or "humanized" chimeric
monoclonal antibodies can be produced using techniques described
herein or otherwise known in the art. For example, methods for
producing chimeric antibodies are known in the art. See, for
review, the following references which are hereby incorporated in
their entirety: Morrison, Science 229:1202 (1985); Oi et al.,
BioTechniques 4:214 (1986); Cabilly et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,816,567; Taniguchi et al., EP 171496; Morrison et al., EP 173494;
Neuberger et al., WO 8601533; Robinson et al., WO 8702671;
Boulianne et al, Nature 312:643 (1984); Neuberger et al, Nature
314:268 (1985). In addition, companies such as ABGENIX.TM., Inc.
(Freemont, Calif.) and Genpharm (San Jose, Calif.) can be engaged
to provide human antibodies directed against a selected antigen
using technology similar to that described above.
[0078] The antibodies of the present invention may be monovalent,
bivalent, trivalent or multivalent. For example, monovalent scFvs
can be multimerized either chemically or by association with
another protein or substance. An scFv that is fused to a
hexahistidine tag or a Flag tag can be multimerized using Ni-NTA
agarose (Qiagen) or using anti-Flag antibodies (STRATAGENE.TM.,
Inc.).
[0079] The antibodies of the present invention may be monospecific,
bispecific, trispecific or of greater multispecificity.
Multispecific antibodies may be specific for different epitopes of
an APRIL polypeptide, or fragment thereof, or may be specific for
both an APRIL polypeptide, or fragment thereof, and a heterologous
epitope, such as a heterologous polypeptide or solid support
material. See, e.g., PCT publications WO 93/17715; WO 92/08802; WO
91/00360; WO 92/05793; Tutt, et al., J. Immunol. 147:60-69 (1991);
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,474,893; 4,714,681; 4,925,648; 5,573,920;
5,601,819; Kostelny et al., J. Immunol. 148:1547-1553 (1992).
[0080] The antibodies of the invention (including molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or
variants thereof) may bind immunospecifically to human APRIL (e.g.,
a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of human APRIL (SEQ ID
NOs:36 and/or 37) or APRIL expressed on human monocytes.
Preferably, the antibodies of the invention bind immunospecifically
to human and monkey APRIL. Also preferably, the antibodies of the
invention bind immunospecifically to human APRIL and murine APRIL.
More preferably, antibodies of the invention, bind
immunospecifically and with higher affinity to human APRIL than to
murine APRIL.
[0081] Antibodies of the present invention may also be described or
specified in terms of their cross-reactivity. Antibodies that do
not bind any other analog, ortholog, or homolog of a polypeptide of
the present invention are included. Antibodies that bind
polypeptides with at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at
least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%, at least 65%, at least 60%,
at least 55%, and at least 50% identity (as calculated using
methods known in the art and described herein) to a polypeptide of
the present invention are also included in the present invention.
In a specific embodiment, antibodies of the present invention cross
react with BLyS. In specific embodiments, antibodies of the present
invention cross-react with murine, rat and/or rabbit homologs of
human proteins and the corresponding epitopes thereof. Antibodies
that do not bind polypeptides with less than 95%, less than 90%,
less than 85%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than 70%, less
than 65%, less than 60%, less than 55%, and less than 50% identity
(as calculated using methods known in the art and described herein)
to a polypeptide of the present invention are also included in the
present invention. In a specific embodiment, the above-described
cross-reactivity is with respect to any single specific antigenic
or immunogenic polypeptide, or combination(s) of 2, 3, 4, 5, or
more of the specific antigenic and/or immunogenic polypeptides
disclosed herein. Further included in the present invention are
antibodies which bind polypeptides encoded by polynucleotides which
hybridize to a polynucleotide of the present invention under
hybridization conditions (as described herein).
[0082] In preferred embodiments, the antibodies of the present
invention (including molecules comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, antibody fragments or variants thereof),
immunospecifically bind to APRIL and do not cross-react with any
other antigens. In more preferred embodiments, the antibodies of
the invention immunospecifically bind to APRIL and do not
cross-react with TRAIL, BLyS, Endokine-alpha, TNF-alpha, TNF-beta,
Fas-L or LIGHT, TACI, or BCMA (see, for example, Example 2). In
further preferred embodiments, the antibodies of the invention
immunospecifically bind to APRIL and BLyS and do not cross-react
with any other antigens. In yet further preferred embodiments, the
antibodies of the invention immunospecifically bind to APRIL and
BLyS and do not cross-react with TRAIL, Endokine-alpha, TNF-alpha,
TNF-beta, Fas-L or LIGHT.
[0083] The present invention also provides for a nucleic acid
molecule, generally isolated, encoding an antibody of the invention
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof), as contained, for example,
in SEQ ID NOs:1-12 in Table 1. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid
molecule of the invention encodes an antibody comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, a VH domain having an amino acid
sequence of any one of the VH domains referred to in Table 1. In
another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the present
invention encodes an antibody comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of any one
of the VH CDR1s referred to in Table 1. In another embodiment, a
nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes an antibody
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, a VH CDR2 having an
amino acid sequence of any one of the VH CDR2s referred to in Table
1. In yet another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the
present invention encodes an antibody comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of any one
of the VH CDR3s referred to in Table 1. Nucleic acid molecules
encoding antibodies that immunospecifically bind APRIL and
comprise, or alternatively consist of, fragments or variants of the
VH domains and/or VH CDRs are also encompassed by the
invention.
[0084] In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the
invention encodes an antibody (including molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or variants
thereof), comprising, or alternatively consisting of, a VL domain
having an amino acid sequence of any one of the VL domains referred
to in Table 1. In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of
the present invention encodes an antibody comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, a VL CDR1 having amino acid sequence
of any one of the VL CDR1s referred to in Table 1. In another
embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention
encodes an antibody comprising, or alternatively consisting of, a
VL CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of any one of the VL CDR2s
referred to in Table 1. In yet another embodiment, a nucleic acid
molecule of the present invention encodes an antibody comprising,
or alternatively consisting of, a VL CDR3 having an amino acid
sequence of any one of the VL CDR3s referred to in Table 1. Nucleic
acid encoding antibodies that immunospecifically bind APRIL and
comprise, or alternatively consist of, fragments or variants of the
VL domains and/or VLCDR(s) are also encompassed by the
invention.
[0085] In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the
invention encodes an antibody (including molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or variants
thereof), comprising, or alternatively consisting of, a VH domain
having an amino acid sequence of any one of the VH domains referred
to in Table 1 and a VL domain having an amino acid sequence of any
one of the VL domains referred to in Table 1. In another
embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes an
antibody comprising, or alternatively consisting of, a VH CDR1, a
VL CDR1, a VH CDR2, a VL CDR2, a VH CDR3, a VL CDR3, or any
combination thereof having an amino acid sequence referred to in
Table 1. Nucleic acid encoding antibodies that immunospecifically
bind APRIL and comprise, or alternatively consist of, fragments or
variants of the VL and/or domains and/or VHCDR(s) and/or VLCDR(s)
are also encompassed by the invention.
[0086] The present invention also provides antibodies that
comprise, or alternatively consist of, variants (including
derivatives) of the VH domains, VH CDRs, VL domains, and VL CDRs
described herein, which antibodies immunospecifically bind to
APRIL. Standard techniques known to those of skill in the art can
be used to introduce mutations in the nucleotide sequence encoding
a molecule of the invention, including, for example, site-directed
mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis which result in amino acid
substitutions. Preferably, the variants (including derivatives)
encode less than 50 amino acid substitutions, less than 40 amino
acid substitutions, less than 30 amino acid substitutions, less
than 25 amino acid substitutions, less than 20 amino acid
substitutions, less than 15 amino acid substitutions, less than 10
amino acid substitutions, less than 5 amino acid substitutions,
less than 4 amino acid substitutions, less than 3 amino acid
substitutions, or less than 2 amino acid substitutions relative to
the reference VH domain, VHCDR1, VHCDR2, VHCDR3, VL domain, VLCDR1,
VLCDR2, or VLCDR3. In specific embodiments, the variants encode
substitutions of VHCDR3. In a preferred embodiment, the variants
have conservative amino acid substitutions at one or more predicted
non-essential amino acid residues. A "conservative amino acid
substitution" is one in which the amino acid residue is replaced
with an amino acid residue having a side chain with a similar
charge. Families of amino acid residues having side chains with
similar charges have been defined in the art. These families
include amino acids with basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine,
histidine), acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic
acid), uncharged polar side chains (e.g., glycine, asparagine,
glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine), nonpolar side
chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline,
phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan), beta-branched side chains
(e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) and aromatic side chains
(e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine).
Alternatively, mutations can be introduced randomly along all or
part of the coding sequence, such as by saturation mutagenesis, and
the resultant mutants can be screened for biological activity to
identify mutants that retain activity (e.g., the ability to bind
APRIL). Following mutagenesis, the encoded protein may routinely be
expressed and the functional and/or biological activity of the
encoded protein, (e.g., ability to immunospecifically bind APRIL)
can be determined using techniques described herein or by routinely
modifying techniques known in the art.
[0087] The antibodies of the invention include derivatives (i.e.,
variants) that are modified, e.g., by the covalent attachment of
any type of molecule to the antibody such that covalent attachment
does not affect the ability of the antibody to immunospecifically
bind to APRIL. For example, but not by way of limitation,
derivatives of the invention include antibodies that have been
modified, e.g., by glycosylation, acetylation, pegylation,
phosphorylation, amidation, derivatization by known
protecting/blocking groups, proteolytic cleavage, linkage to a
cellular ligand or other protein, etc. Any of numerous chemical
modifications may be carried out by known techniques, including,
but not limited to, specific chemical cleavage, acetylation,
formylation, metabolic synthesis of tunicamycin, etc. Additionally,
the derivative may contain one or more non-classical amino
acids.
[0088] In a specific embodiment, an antibody of the invention
(including a molecule comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
an antibody fragment or variant thereof), that immunospecifically
binds APRIL, comprises, or alternatively consists of, an amino acid
sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes to a
nucleotide sequence that is complementary to that encoding one of
the VH or VL domains referred to in Table 1 under stringent
conditions, e.g., hybridization to filter-bound DNA in 6.times.
sodium chloride/sodium citrate (SSC) at about 45.degree. C.
followed by one or more washes in 0.2.times.SSC/0.1% SDS at about
50-65.degree. C., under highly stringent conditions, e.g.,
hybridization to filter-bound nucleic acid in 6.times.SSC at about
45.degree. C. followed by one or more washes in 0.1.times.SSC/0.2%
SDS at about 68.degree. C., or under other stringent hybridization
conditions which are known to those of skill in the art (see, for
example, Ausubel, F. M. et al., eds., 1989, Current Protocols in
Molecular Biology, Vol. I, Green Publishing Associates, Inc. and
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York at pages 6.3.1-6.3.6 and
2.10.3). In another embodiment, an antibody of the invention that
immunospecifically binds to APRIL, comprises, or alternatively
consists of, an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide
sequence that hybridizes to a nucleotide sequence that is
complementary to that encoding one of the VH CDRs or VL CDRs
referred to in Table 1 under stringent conditions, e.g.,
hybridization under conditions as described above, or under other
stringent hybridization conditions which are known to those of
skill in the art. In another embodiment, an antibody of the
invention that immunospecifically binds to APRIL, comprises, or
alternatively consists of, an amino acid sequence encoded by a
nucleotide sequence that hybridizes to a nucleotide sequence that
is complementary to that encoding one of the VH CDR3s referred to
in Table 1 under stringent conditions e.g., hybridization under
conditions as described above, or under other stringent
hybridization conditions which are known to those of skill in the
art. Nucleic acid molecules encoding these antibodies are also
encompassed by the invention.
[0089] In another embodiment, an antibody (including a molecule
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, an antibody fragment or
variant thereof), that immunospecifically binds to APRIL comprises,
or alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having an amino acid
sequence that is at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least
50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at
least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,
or at least 99% identical, to any one of the VH domains referred to
in Table 1. In another embodiment, an antibody of the invention
that immunospecifically binds to APRIL comprises, or alternatively
consists of, a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that is at
least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%,
at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least
80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%
identical, to any one of the VH CDRs referred to in Table 1. In
another embodiment, an antibody of the invention that
immunospecifically binds to APRIL comprises, or alternatively
consists of, a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that is at
least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%,
at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least
80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%
identical to any one of the VH CDR3s referred to in Table 1.
Nucleic acid molecules encoding these antibodies are also
encompassed by the invention.
[0090] In another embodiment, an antibody of the invention
(including a molecule comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
an antibody fragment or variant thereof), that immunospecifically
binds to APRIL comprises, or alternatively consists of, a
polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that is at least 35%, at
least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%,
at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least
85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% identical, to any
one of the VL domains referred to in Table 1. In another
embodiment, an antibody of the invention that immunospecifically
binds to APRIL comprises, or alternatively consists of, a
polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that is at least 35%, at
least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%,
at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least
85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% identical, to any
one of the VL CDRs referred to in Table 1. In another embodiment,
an antibody of the invention that immunospecifically binds to APRIL
comprises, or alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having an
amino acid sequence that is at least 35%, at least 40%, at least
45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at
least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%,
at least 95%, or at least 99% identical, to any one of the VL CDR3s
referred to in Table 1. Nucleic acid molecules encoding these
antibodies are also encompassed by the invention.
[0091] Antibodies of the present invention (including molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or
variants thereof) may also be described or specified in terms of
their binding affinity to the soluble form of APRIL and/or
membrane-bound form of APRIL. In specific embodiments, antibodies
of the invention bind APRIL polypeptides, or fragments or variants
thereof, with a dissociation constant or K.sub.D of less than or
equal to 5.times.10.sup.-2 M, 10.sup.-2 M, 5.times.10.sup.-3 M,
10.sup.-3 M, 5.times.10.sup.-4 M, 10.sup.-4 M, 5.times.10.sup.-5 M,
or 10.sup.-5 M. More preferably, antibodies of the invention bind
APRIL polypeptides or fragments or variants thereof with a
dissociation constant or K.sub.D less than or equal to
5.times.10.sup.-6 M, 10.sup.-6 M, 5.times.10.sup.-7 M, 10.sup.-7 M,
5.times.10.sup.-8 M, or 10.sup.-8 M. Even more preferably,
antibodies of the invention bind APRIL polypeptides or fragments or
variants thereof with a dissociation constant or K.sub.D less than
or equal to 5.times.10.sup.-9 M, 10.sup.-9 M, 5.times.10.sup.-10 M,
10.sup.-10 M, 5.times.10.sup.-11 M, 10.sup.-11 M,
5.times.10.sup.-12 M, 10.sup.-12 M, 5.times.10.sup.-13 M,
10.sup.-13 M, 5.times.10.sup.-14 M, 10.sup.-14 M,
5.times.10.sup.-15 M, or 10.sup.-15 M. The invention encompasses
antibodies that bind APRIL polypeptides with a dissociation
constant or K.sub.D that is within any one of the ranges that are
between each of the individual recited values. The invention also
encompasses antibodies (including molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or variants
thereof) that have one or more of the same biological
characteristics as one or more of the antibodies described herein.
By "biological characteristics" is meant, the in vitro or in vivo
activities or properties of the antibodies, such as, for example,
the ability to bind to APRIL, the ability to substantially block
APRIL/APRIL receptor (e.g., TACI and BCMA) binding, or the ability
to block APRIL mediated biological activity (e.g., stimulation of B
cell proliferation, differentiation, immunoglobulin production, and
B cell survival). Optionally, the antibodies of the invention will
bind to the same epitope as at least one of the antibodies
specifically referred to herein. Such epitope binding can be
routinely determined using assays known in the art.
[0092] The present invention also provides for antibodies
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof), that neutralize APRIL or a
fragment thereof, said antibodies comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, a portion (i.e., a VH domain, VL domain, VH CDR1, VH
CDR2, VH CDR3, VL CDR1, VL CDR2, or VL CDR3) of an scFv referred to
in Table 1, more preferably having an amino acid sequence contained
in SEQ ID NOs:21-24, even more preferably having an amino acid
sequence contained in SEQ ID NOs:16-20, and even more preferably
having an amino acid sequence contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, as
disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. By an
antibody that "neutralizes APRIL or a fragment thereof" is meant an
antibody that diminishes or abolishes the ability of APRIL to bind
to its receptor (e.g., TACI and BCMA), to stimulate B cell
proliferation, to stimulate immunoglobulin secretion by B cells,
and/or to stimulate the APRIL receptor signaling cascade. In one
embodiment, an antibody that neutralizes APRIL or a fragment
thereof, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a polypeptide
having the amino acid sequence of a VH domain contained in SEQ ID
NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment
or variant thereof. In another embodiment, an antibody that
neutralizes APRIL or a fragment thereof, comprises, or
alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VL domain contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or
21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. In
another embodiment, an antibody that neutralizes APRIL or a
fragment thereof, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR domain in
SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a
fragment or variant thereof. In a preferred embodiment, an antibody
that neutralizes APRIL or a fragment thereof, comprises, or
alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VH CDR3 contained in SEQ ID NOs: SEQ ID NOs:13-15,
16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant
thereof. In another embodiment, an antibody that neutralizes APRIL
or a fragment thereof, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VL CDR domain
contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in
Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. In another preferred
embodiment, an antibody that neutralizes APRIL or a fragment
thereof, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a polypeptide
having the amino acid sequence of a VL CDR3 contained in SEQ ID
NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment
or variant thereof. Nucleic acid molecules encoding these
antibodies, as described, for example, as SEQ ID NOs:1-12 in Table
1, are also encompassed by the invention.
[0093] The present invention also provides for antibodies
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof), that inhibit (i.e.,
diminish or abolish) APRIL mediated B cell proliferation as
determined by any method known in the art such as, for example, the
assays described in Examples 5 and 6, infra, said antibodies
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, a portion (e.g., a VH
domain, VL domain, VH CDR1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3, VL CDR1, VL CDR2, or
VL CDR3) of an scFv having an amino acid sequence contained in SEQ
ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1 or a fragment
or variant thereof. In one embodiment, an antibody that inhibits
APRIL mediated B cell proliferation, comprises, or alternatively
consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH
domain contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed
in Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. In another
embodiment, an antibody that inhibits APRIL mediated B cell
proliferation, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VL domain contained
in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a
fragment or variant thereof. In a preferred embodiment, an antibody
that inhibits APRIL mediated B cell proliferation, comprises, or
alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VH CDR contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24
as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. In
another preferred embodiment, an antibody that inhibits APRIL
mediated B cell proliferation, comprises, or alternatively consists
of, a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VL CDR
contained SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table
1, or a fragment or variant thereof. In a preferred embodiment, an
antibody that inhibits APRIL mediated B cell proliferation,
comprises, or alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of a VH CDR3 contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15,
16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant
thereof. In another preferred embodiment, an antibody that inhibits
APRIL mediated B cell proliferation, comprises, or alternatively
consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VL
CDR3 contained SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in
Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. Nucleic acid molecules
encoding these antibodies, as described, for example, in Table 1,
are also encompassed by the invention.
[0094] The present invention also provides for antibodies
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof), that inhibit (i.e.,
diminish or abolish) APRIL mediated immunoglobulin production as
determined by any method known in the art, said antibodies
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, a portion (e.g., a VH
domain, VL domain, VH CDR1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3, VL CDR1, VL CDR2, or
VL CDR3) of an scFv having an amino acid sequence contained in SEQ
ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed in Table 1 or a fragment or variant
thereof. In one embodiment, an antibody that inhibits APRIL
mediated immunoglobulin production, comprises, or alternatively
consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH
domain contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a
fragment or variant thereof. In another embodiment, an antibody
that inhibits APRIL mediated immunoglobulin production, comprises,
or alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VL domain contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed
in Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. In a preferred
embodiment, an antibody that inhibits APRIL mediated immunoglobulin
production, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a polypeptide
having the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR contained in SEQ ID
NOs:13-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant
thereof. In another preferred embodiment, an antibody that inhibits
APRIL mediated immunoglobulin production, comprises, or
alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VL CDR contained SEQ ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed in
Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. In a preferred
embodiment, an antibody that inhibits APRIL mediated immunoglobulin
production, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a polypeptide
having the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR3 contained in SEQ ID
NOs: 13-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant
thereof. In another preferred embodiment, an antibody that inhibits
APRIL mediated immunoglobulin production, comprises, or
alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VL CDR3 contained SEQ ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed in
Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. Nucleic acid molecules
encoding these antibodies, as described, for example, in Table 1,
are also encompassed by the invention.
[0095] The present invention also provides for antibodies
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof), that inhibit (i.e.,
diminish or abolish) APRIL mediated B cell survival as determined
by any method known in the art such as, for example, the assays
described in Examples 5 and 6, infra, said antibodies comprising,
or alternatively consisting of, a portion (e.g., a VH domain, VL
domain, VH CDR1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3, VL CDR1, VL CDR2, or VL CDR3) of
an scFv having an amino acid sequence contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-24
as disclosed in Table 1 or a fragment or variant thereof. In one
embodiment, an antibody that inhibits APRIL mediated B cell
survival, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a polypeptide
having the amino acid sequence of a VH domain contained in SEQ ID
NOs:13-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant
thereof. In another embodiment, an antibody that inhibits APRIL
mediated B cell survival, comprises, or alternatively consists of,
a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VL domain
contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a
fragment or variant thereof. In a preferred embodiment, an antibody
that inhibits APRIL mediated B cell survival, comprises, or
alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VH CDR contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed in
Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. In another preferred
embodiment, an antibody that inhibits APRIL mediated B cell
survival, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a polypeptide
having the amino acid sequence of a VL CDR contained SEQ ID
NOs:13-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant
thereof. In a preferred embodiment, an antibody that inhibits APRIL
mediated B cell survival, comprises, or alternatively consists of,
a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR3 contained
in SEQ ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or
variant thereof. In another preferred embodiment, an antibody that
inhibits APRIL mediated B cell survival, comprises, or
alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VL CDR3 contained SEQ ID NOs:13-24 as disclosed in
Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. Nucleic acid molecules
encoding these antibodies, as described, for example, in Table 1,
are also encompassed by the invention.
[0096] The present invention also provides for antibodies
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof), that enhance the activity
of APRIL or a fragment thereof, said antibodies comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, a portion (i.e., a VH domain, VL
domain, VH CDR1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3, VL CDR1, VL CDR2, or VL CDR3) of
an scFv having an amino acid sequence contained in SEQ ID
NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment
or variant thereof. By an antibody that "enhances the activity of
APRIL or a fragment thereof" is meant an antibody increases the
ability of APRIL to bind to its receptor (e.g., TACI, BCMA), to
stimulate B cell proliferation, to stimulate immunoglobulin
secretion by B cells, to enhance B cell survival and/or to
stimulate the APRIL receptor signaling cascade. In one embodiment,
an antibody that enhances the activity of APRIL or a fragment
thereof, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a polypeptide
having the amino acid sequence of a VH domain contained in SEQ ID
NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment
or variant thereof. In another embodiment, an antibody that
enhances the activity of APRIL or a fragment thereof, comprises, or
alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VL domain contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or
21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. In
another embodiment, an antibody that enhances the activity of APRIL
or a fragment thereof, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR domain
contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in
Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. In a preferred
embodiment, an antibody that enhances the activity of APRIL or a
fragment thereof, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR3 contained
in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a
fragment or variant thereof. In another embodiment, an antibody
that enhances APRIL or a fragment thereof, comprises, or
alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VL CDR domain contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20,
or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof.
In another preferred embodiment, an antibody that enhances the
activity of APRIL or a fragment thereof, comprises, or
alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VL CDR3 contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or
21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof.
Nucleic acid molecules encoding these antibodies, as contained, for
example, in SEQ ID NOs:1-12 in Table 1, are also encompassed by the
invention.
[0097] The present invention also provides for antibodies
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof), that stimulate APRIL
mediated B cell proliferation as determined by any method known in
the art, such as, for example, the assays described in Examples 5
and 6, infra, said antibodies comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, a portion (e.g., a VH domain, VL domain, VH CDR1, VH
CDR2, VH CDR3, VL CDR1, VL CDR2, or VL CDR3) of an scFv having an
amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as
disclosed in Table 1 or a fragment or variant thereof. In one
embodiment, an antibody that stimulates APRIL mediated B cell
proliferation, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH domain contained
in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a
fragment or variant thereof. In another embodiment, an antibody
that stimulates APRIL mediated B cell proliferation, comprises, or
alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VL domain contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or
21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. In
a preferred embodiment, an antibody that stimulates APRIL mediated
B cell proliferation, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR contained in
SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a
fragment or variant thereof. In another preferred embodiment, an
antibody that stimulates APRIL mediated B cell proliferation,
comprises, or alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of a VL CDR contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15,
16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant
thereof. In a preferred embodiment, an antibody that stimulates
APRIL mediated B cell proliferation, comprises, or alternatively
consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH
CDR3 contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in
Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. In another preferred
embodiment, an antibody that stimulates APRIL mediated B cell
proliferation, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VL CDR3 contained
in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a
fragment or variant thereof. Nucleic acid molecules encoding these
antibodies, as contained, for example, in SEQ ID NOs:1-12 in Table
1, are also encompassed by the invention.
[0098] The present invention also provides for antibodies
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof), that immunospecifically
bind to APRIL polypeptides and do not inhibit, enhance or stimulate
the activity of APRIL, or stimulate B cell proliferation as
determined by any method known in the art, such as, for example,
the assays described in Examples 5 and 6, infra, said antibodies
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, a portion (e.g., a VH
domain, VL domain, VH CDR1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3, VL CDR1, VL CDR2, or
VL CDR3) of an scFv having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID
NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1 or a fragment or
variant thereof. In one embodiment, an antibody that
immunospecifically binds to APRIL polypeptides and does not
inhibit, enhance or stimulate the activity of APRIL, or stimulate B
cell proliferation, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH domain contained
in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a
fragment or variant thereof. In another embodiment, an antibody
that immunospecifically binds to APRIL polypeptides and does not
inhibit, enhance or stimulate the activity of APRIL, or stimulate B
cell proliferation, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VL domain contained
in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a
fragment or variant thereof. In a preferred embodiment, an antibody
that immunospecifically binds to APRIL polypeptides and does not
inhibit, enhance or stimulate the activity of APRIL, or stimulate B
cell proliferation, comprises, or alternatively consists of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VH CDR contained in
SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a
fragment or variant thereof. In another preferred embodiment, an
antibody that immunospecifically binds to APRIL polypeptides and
does not inhibit, enhance or stimulate the activity of APRIL, or
stimulate B cell proliferation, comprises, or alternatively
consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of a VL
CDR contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in
Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. In a preferred
embodiment, an antibody that immunospecifically binds to APRIL
polypeptides and does not inhibit, enhance or stimulate the
activity of APRIL, or stimulate B cell proliferation, comprises, or
alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of a VH CDR3 contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or
21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant thereof. In
another preferred embodiment, an antibody that immunospecifically
binds to APRIL polypeptides and does not inhibit, enhance or
stimulate the activity of APRIL, or stimulate B cell proliferation,
comprises, or alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of a VL CDR3 contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15,
16-20, or 21-24 as disclosed in Table 1, or a fragment or variant
thereof. Nucleic acid molecules encoding these antibodies, as
contained, for example, in SEQ ID NOs:1-12 in Table 1, are also
encompassed by the invention.
[0099] The present invention also provides for fusion proteins
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, an antibody (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof), that immunospecifically binds to
APRIL, and a heterologous polypeptide. Preferably, the heterologous
polypeptide to which the antibody is fused to is useful for B-cell
function or is useful to target the antibody to B-cells. In an
alternative preferred embodiment, the heterologous polypeptide to
which the antibody is fused is useful for monocyte cell function or
is useful to target the antibody to a monocyte. In one embodiment,
a fusion protein of the invention comprises, or alternatively
consists of, a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any
one or more of the VH domains referred to in Table 1 or the amino
acid sequence of any one or more of the VL domains referred to in
Table 1 or fragments or variants thereof, and a heterologous
polypeptide sequence. In another embodiment, a fusion protein of
the present invention comprises, or alternatively consists of, a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one, two, three,
or more of the VH CDRs referred to in Table 1, or the amino acid
sequence of any one, two, three, or more of the VL CDRs referred to
in Table 1, or fragments or variants thereof, and a heterologous
polypeptide sequence. In a preferred embodiment, the fusion protein
comprises, or alternatively consists of, a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of, a VH CDR3 referred to in Table 1, or
fragment or variant thereof, and a heterologous polypeptide
sequence, which fusion protein immunospecifically binds to APRIL.
In another embodiment, a fusion protein comprises, or alternatively
consists of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of at
least one VH domain referred to in Table 1 and the amino acid
sequence of at least one VL domain referred to in Table 1 or
fragments or variants thereof, and a heterologous polypeptide
sequence. Preferably, the VH and VL domains of the fusion protein
correspond to the same scFv referred to in Table 1. In yet another
embodiment, a fusion protein of the invention comprises, or
alternatively consists of a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of any one, two, three or more of the VH CDRs referred to
in Table 1 and the amino acid sequence of any one, two, three or
more of the VL CDRs referred to in Table 1, or fragments or
variants thereof, and a heterologous polypeptide sequence.
Preferably, two, three, four, five, six, or more of the VHCDR(s) or
VLCDR(s) correspond to the same scFv referred to in Table 1.
Nucleic acid molecules encoding these fusion proteins are also
encompassed by the invention.
[0100] The present invention also provides for mixtures of
antibodies (including scFvs and other molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or variants
thereof) that immunospecifically bind to APRIL, wherein the mixture
has at least one, two, three, four, five or more different
antibodies of the invention. In particular, the invention provides
for mixtures of different antibodies that immunospecifically bind
APRIL polypeptides, regulating APRIL binding to its receptors (e.g.
BCMA and TACI). In specific embodiments, the invention provides
mixtures of at least 2, preferably at least 4, at least 6, at least
8, at least 10, at least 12, at least 15, at least 20, or at least
25 different antibodies that immunospecifically bind to APRIL,
wherein at least 1, at least 2, at least 4, at least 6, or at least
10, antibodies of the mixture is an antibody of the invention. In a
specific embodiment, each antibody of the mixture is an antibody of
the invention.
[0101] The present invention also provides for panels of antibodies
(including scFvs and other molecules comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, antibody fragments or variants thereof) that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL, wherein the panel has at least
one, two, three, four, five or more different antibodies of the
invention. In particular, the invention provides for panels of
different antibodies that immunospecifically bind APRIL
polypeptides, regulating APRIL binding to its receptors (e.g. BCMA
and TACI). In specific embodiments, the invention provides for
panels of antibodies that have different affinities for APRIL,
different specificities for APRIL, or different dissociation rates.
The invention provides panels of at least 10, preferably at least
25, at least 50, at least 75, at least 100, at least 125, at least
150, at least 175, at least 200, at least 250, at least 300, at
least 350, at least 400, at least 450, at least 500, at least 550,
at least 600, at least 650, at least 700, at least 750, at least
800, at least 850, at least 900, at least 950, or at least 1000,
antibodies. Panels of antibodies can be used, for example, in 96
well plates for assays such as ELISAs.
[0102] The present invention further provides for compositions
comprising, one or more antibodies (including scFvs and other
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of antibody
fragments or variants of the invention). In one embodiment, a
composition of the present invention comprises, one, two, three,
four, five, or more antibodies that comprise or alternatively
consist of, a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of any one
or more of the VH domains contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or
21-24, as disclosed in Table 1, or a variant thereof. In another
embodiment, a composition of the present invention comprises, one,
two, three, four, five, or more antibodies that comprise, or
alternatively consist of, a polypeptide having an amino acid
sequence of any one or more of the VH CDR1s contained in SEQ ID
NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24, as disclosed in Table 1, or a variant
thereof. In another embodiment, a composition of the present
invention comprises, one, two, three, four, five or more antibodies
that comprise, or alternatively consist of, a polypeptide having an
amino acid sequence of any one or more of the VH CDR2s contained in
SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24, as disclosed in Table 1, or a
variant thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a composition of the
present invention comprises, one, two, three, four, five, or more
antibodies that comprise, or alternatively consist of, a
polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of any one or more of the
VH CDR3s contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24, as
disclosed in Table 1 or a variant thereof. In another embodiment, a
composition of the present invention comprises, one, two, three,
four, five, or more antibodies that comprise, or alternative
consist of, a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of any one
or more of the VL domains contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or
21-24, as disclosed in Table 1, or a variant thereof. In another
embodiment, a composition of the present invention comprises, one,
two, three, four, five, or more antibodies that comprise, or
alternatively consist of, a polypeptide having an amino acid
sequence of any one or more of the VL CDR1s contained in SEQ ID
NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24, as disclosed in Table 1, or a variant
thereof. In another embodiment, a composition of the present
invention comprises, one, two, three, four, five, or more
antibodies that comprise, or alternatively consist of, a
polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of any one or more of the
VL CDR2s contained SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or 21-24, as disclosed
in Table 1, or a variant thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a
composition of the present invention comprises, one, two, three,
four, five, or more antibodies that comprise, or alternatively
consist of, a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of any one
or more of the VL CDR3s contained in SEQ ID NOs:13-15, 16-20, or
21-24, as disclosed in Table 1, or a variant thereof. Nucleic acid
molecules encoding the antibodies of these compositions, as
disclosed for example, as SEQ ID NOs:1-12 in Table 1, are also
encompassed by the invention.
[0103] In a preferred embodiment, a composition of the present
invention comprises, one, two, three, four, five, or more
antibodies that comprise, or alternatively consist of, a
polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of any one or more of the
VH domains in disclosed in Table 1, or a variant thereof, and an
amino acid sequence of any one or more of the VL domains disclosed
in Table 1, or a variant thereof wherein the VH and VL domains are
from scFvs with the same specificity (e.g., from scFvs that bind
APRIL (SEQ ID NOs:13-24)). In a preferred embodiment the invention
provides antibodies wherein the VH CDRX (where X=1,2, or 3) and VL
CDRY (where Y=1,2, or 3) are from scFvs with the same specificity
(e.g., from scFvs that bind APRIL (SEQ ID NOs:13-24)). In yet
another embodiment, a composition of the present invention
comprises one or more fusion proteins.
[0104] As discussed in more detail below, a composition of the
invention may be used either alone or in combination with other
compositions. The antibodies (including scFvs and other molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of antibody fragments or
variants of the present invention) may further be recombinantly
fused to a heterologous polypeptide at the N- or C-terminus or
chemically conjugated (including covalent and non-covalent
conjugations) to polypeptides or other compositions. For example,
antibodies of the present invention may be recombinantly fused or
conjugated to molecules useful as labels in detection assays and
effector molecules such as heterologous polypeptides, drugs,
radionuclides, or toxins. See, e.g., PCT publications WO 92/08495;
WO 91/14438; WO 89/12624; U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,995; and EP
396,387.
[0105] Antibodies of the present invention (including scFvs and
other molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of antibody
fragments or variants of the present invention) may be used, for
example, but not limited to, to purify and detect APRIL, and to
target the polypeptides of the present invention to cells
expressing membrane-bound APRIL or APRIL receptor, including both
in vitro and in vivo diagnostic and therapeutic methods. For
example, the antibodies have use in immunoassays for qualitatively
and quantitatively measuring levels of APRIL in biological samples.
See, e.g., Harlow et al., Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, (Cold
Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 2nd ed. 1988) (incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety).
Methods for Producing Antibodies
[0106] The antibodies of the invention (including scFvs and other
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of antibody
fragments or variants of the invention) can be produced by any
method known in the art for the synthesis of antibodies, in
particular, by chemical synthesis or preferably, by recombinant
expression techniques.
[0107] The single chain Fvs disclosed in Table 1 were generated
using phage display methods known in the art. Furthermore, other
scFvs that immunospecifically bind APRIL may be generated using
phage display methods known in the art. In phage display methods,
functional antibody domains are displayed on the surface of phage
particles which carry the polynucleotide sequences encoding them.
In particular, DNA sequences encoding VH and VL domains are
amplified from animal cDNA libraries (e.g., human or murine cDNA
libraries of lymphoid tissues) or synthetic cDNA libraries. The DNA
encoding the VH and VL domains are joined together by an scFv
linker by PCR and cloned into a phagemid vector (e.g., p CANTAB 6
or pComb 3 HSS). The vector is electroporated in E. coli and the E.
coli is infected with helper phage. Phages used in these methods
are typically filamentous phages including fd and M13, and the VH
and VL domains are usually recombinantly fused to either the phage
gene III or gene VIII. Phage expressing an antigen-binding domain
that binds to an antigen of interest (i.e., APRIL or a fragment
thereof) can be selected or identified with antigen, e.g., using
labeled antigen or antigen bound or captured to a solid surface or
bead. Examples of phage display methods that can be used to make
the antibodies of the present invention include, but are not
limited to, those disclosed in Brinkman et al., J. Immunol. Methods
182:41-50 (1995); Ames et al., J. Immunol. Methods 184:177-186
(1995); Kettleborough et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 24:952-958 (1994);
Persic et al., Gene 187 9-18 (1997); Burton et al., Advances in
Immunology 57:191-280 (1994); PCT application No. PCT/GB91/O1 134;
PCT publications WO 90/02809; WO 91/10737; WO 92/01047; WO
92/18619; WO 93/1 1236; WO 95/15982; WO 95/20401; WO97/13844; and
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,698,426; 5,223,409; 5,403,484; 5,580,717;
5,427,908; 5,750,753; 5,821,047; 5,571,698; 5,427,908; 5,516,637;
5,780,225; 5,658,727; 5,733,743 and 5,969,108; each of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0108] As described in the above references, after phage selection,
the antibody coding regions from the phage can be isolated and used
to generate whole antibodies, including human antibodies, or any
other desired antigen binding fragment, and expressed in any
desired host, including mammalian cells, insect cells, plant cells,
yeast, and bacteria, e.g., as described below. Techniques to
recombinantly produce Fab, Fab' and F(ab')2 fragments can also be
employed using methods known in the art such as those disclosed in
PCT publication WO 92/22324; Mullinax et al., BioTechniques
12(6):864-869 (1992); Sawai et al., AJRI 34:26-34 (1995); and
Better et al., Science 240:1041-1043 (1988) (said references
incorporated by reference in their entireties).
[0109] To generate whole antibodies, PCR primers including VH or VL
nucleotide sequences, a restriction site, and a flanking sequence
to protect the restriction site can be used to amplify the VH or VL
sequences in scFv clones. Utilizing cloning techniques known to
those of skill in the art, the PCR amplified VH domains can be
cloned into vectors expressing a VH constant region, e.g., the
human gamma 4 constant region, and the PCR amplified VL domains can
be cloned into vectors expressing a VL constant region, e.g., human
kappa or lambda constant regions. Preferably, the vectors for
expressing the VH or VL domains comprise a promoter suitable to
direct expression of the heavy and light chains in the chosen
expression system, a secretion signal, a cloning site for the
immunoglobulin variable domain, immunoglobulin constant domains,
and a selection marker such as neomycin. The VH and VL domains may
also be cloned into one vector expressing the necessary constant
regions. The heavy chain conversion vectors and light chain
conversion vectors are then co-transfected into cell lines to
generate stable or transient cell lines that express full-length
antibodies, e.g., IgG, using techniques known to those of skill in
the art.
[0110] For some uses, including in vivo use of antibodies in humans
and in vitro detection assays, it may be preferable to use human or
chimeric antibodies. Completely human antibodies are particularly
desirable for therapeutic treatment of human patients. See also,
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,444,887 and 4,716,111; and PCT publications WO
98/46645, WO 98/50433, WO 98/24893, WO98/16654, WO 96/34096, WO
96/33735, and WO 91/10741; each of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. In a specific embodiment, antibodies of
the present invention comprise one or more VH and VL domains
corresponding to the human scFvs of the invention and framework
regions from another immunoglobulin molecule, preferably a human
immunoglobulin molecule. In a specific embodiment, antibodies of
the present invention comprise one or more CDRs corresponding to
the human scFvs of the invention and framework regions from another
immunoglobulin molecule, preferably a human immunoglobulin
molecule. In other embodiments, an antibody of the present
invention comprises one, two, three, four, five, six or more VL
CDRs or VH CDRs corresponding to one or more of the human scFvs
referred to in Table 1, or fragments or variants thereof, and
framework regions (and, optionally CDRs not derived from the scFvs
in Table 1) from a human immunoglobulin molecule. In a preferred
embodiment, an antibody of the present invention comprises a VH
CDR3, VL CDR3, or both, of the same scFv, or different scFvs
referred to in Table 1, or fragments or variants thereof, and
framework regions from a human immunoglobulin.
[0111] A chimeric antibody is a molecule in which different
portions of the antibody are derived from different immunoglobulin
molecules such as antibodies having a variable region derived from
a human antibody and a non-human immunoglobulin constant region.
Methods for producing chimeric antibodies are known in the art. See
e.g., Morrison, Science 229:1202 (1985); Oi et al., BioTechniques
4:214 (1986); Gillies et al., J. Immunol. Methods 125:191-202
(1989); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,807,715; 4,816,567; and 4,816,397, which
are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Chimeric
antibodies comprising one or more CDRs from human species and
framework regions from a non-human immunoglobulin molecule (e.g.,
framework regions from a canine or feline immunoglobulin molecule)
can be produced using a variety of techniques known in the art
including, for example, CDR-grafting (EP 239,400; PCT publication
WO 91/09967; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,225,539; 5,530,101; and 5,585,089),
veneering or resurfacing (EP 592,106; EP 519,596; Padlan, Molecular
Immunology 28 (4/5):489-498 (1991); Studnicka et al., Protein
Engineering 7(6):805-814 (1994); Roguska et al., PNAS 91:969-973
(1994)), and chain shuffling (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,332). In a
preferred embodiment, chimeric antibodies comprise a human CDR3
having an amino acid sequence of any one of the VH CDR3s or VL
CDR3s referred to in Table 1, or a variant thereof, and non-human
framework regions or human framework regions different from those
of the frameworks in the corresponding scFv disclosed in Table 1.
Often, framework residues in the framework regions will be
substituted with the corresponding residue from the CDR donor
antibody to alter, preferably improve, antigen binding. These
framework substitutions are identified by methods well known in the
art, e.g., by modeling of the interactions of the CDR and framework
residues to identify framework residues important for antigen
binding and sequence comparison to identify unusual framework
residues at particular positions. (See, e.g., Queen et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 5,585,089; Riechmann et al., Nature 332:323 (1988), which
are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.)
[0112] Further, the antibodies of the invention can, in turn, be
utilized to generate anti-idiotype antibodies that "mimic" APRIL
polypeptides using techniques well known to those skilled in the
art. (See, e.g., Greenspan & Bona, FASEB J. 7(5):437-444
(1993); and Nissinoff, J. Immunol. 147(8):2429-2438 (1991)). For
example, antibodies of the invention which bind to APRIL and
competitively inhibit the binding of APRIL to its receptor (as
determined by assays well known in the art such as, for example,
that disclosed, infra) can be used to generate antiidiotypes that
"mimic" an APRIL ligand/receptor-binding domain and, as a
consequence, bind to and neutralize APRIL receptors (e.g., TACI,
BCMA, and TR20). Such neutralizing anti-idiotypes (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants, such as Fab fragments of such
anti-idiotypes) can be used in therapeutic regimens to neutralize
APRIL. For example, such anti-idiotypic antibodies can be used to
bind APRIL ligands/receptors, and thereby block APRIL mediated
biological activity. Alternatively, anti-idiotypes that "mimic" an
APRIL binding domain may bind to APRIL receptor(s) and induce APRIL
receptor mediated signaling (e.g., activation of nuclear factor of
activated T cells (NF-AT), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B),
and/or AP-1). Such agonistic anti-idiotypes (including agonistic
Fab fragments of these anti-idiotypes) can be used in therapeutic
regimens to induce or enhance APRIL receptor mediated signaling.
For example, such anti-idiotypic antibodies can be used to bind
APRIL ligands/receptors, and thereby stimulate APRIL mediated
biological activity (e.g., B cell proliferation and/or
immunoglobulin production).
[0113] Once an antibody molecule of the invention (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) has been chemically synthesized or
recombinantly expressed, it may be purified by any method known in
the art for purification of an immunoglobulin molecule, or more
generally, a protein molecule, such as, for example, by
chromatography (e.g., ion exchange, affinity, particularly by
affinity for the specific antigen after Protein A, and sizing
column chromatography), centrifugation, differential solubility, or
by any other standard technique for the purification of proteins.
Further, the antibodies of the present invention may be fused to
heterologous polypeptide sequences described herein or otherwise
known in the art, to facilitate purification.
Polynucleotides Encoding an Antibody
[0114] The invention provides polynucleotides comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, a nucleotide sequence encoding an
antibody of the invention (including molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or variants
thereof). The invention also encompasses polynucleotides that
hybridize under high stringency, or alternatively, under
intermediate or lower stringency hybridization conditions, e.g., as
defined supra, to polynucleotides complementary to nucleic acids
having a polynucleotide sequence that encodes an antibody of the
invention or a fragment or variant thereof.
[0115] The polynucleotides may be obtained, and the nucleotide
sequence of the polynucleotides determined, by any method known in
the art. Since the amino acid sequences of the scFv antibodies and
VH domains, VL domains and CDRs thereof, are known (as described in
Table 1), nucleotide sequences encoding these antibodies can be
determined using methods well known in the art, i.e., the
nucleotide codons known to encode the particular amino acids are
assembled in such a way to generate a nucleic acid that encodes the
antibody, of the invention. Such a polynucleotide encoding the
antibody may be assembled from chemically synthesized
oligonucleotides (e.g., as described in Kutmeier et al.,
BioTechniques 17:242 (1994)), which, briefly, involves the
synthesis of overlapping oligonucleotides containing portions of
the sequence encoding the antibody, annealing and ligating of those
oligonucleotides, and then amplification of the ligated
oligonucleotides by PCR.
[0116] Alternatively, a polynucleotide encoding an antibody
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) may be generated from
nucleic acid from a suitable source. If a clone containing a
nucleic acid encoding a particular antibody is not available, but
the sequence of the antibody molecule is known (e.g., SEQ ID
NO:1-12, Table 1), a nucleic acid encoding the immunoglobulin may
be chemically synthesized or obtained from a suitable source (e.g.,
an antibody cDNA library, or a cDNA library generated from, or
nucleic acid, preferably poly A+ RNA, isolated from, any tissue or
cells expressing the antibody, such as hybridoma cells selected to
express an antibody of the invention) by PCR amplification using
synthetic primers hybridizable to the 3' and 5' ends of the
sequence or by cloning using an oligonucleotide probe specific for
the particular gene sequence to identify, e.g., a cDNA clone from a
cDNA library that encodes the antibody. Amplified nucleic acids
generated by PCR may then be cloned into replicable cloning vectors
using any method well known in the art.
[0117] Once the nucleotide sequence of the antibody (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) is determined, the nucleotide
sequence of the antibody may be manipulated using methods well
known in the art for the manipulation of nucleotide sequences,
e.g., recombinant DNA techniques, site directed mutagenesis, PCR,
etc. (see, for example, the techniques described in Sambrook et al,
1990, Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, 2d Ed., Cold Spring
Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. and Ausubel et al.,
eds., 1998, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley
& Sons, NY, which are both incorporated by reference herein in
their entireties), to generate antibodies having a different amino
acid sequence, for example to create amino acid substitutions,
deletions, and/or insertions.
[0118] In a specific embodiment, one or more of the VH and VL
domains referred to in Table 1, or fragments or variants thereof,
is inserted within framework regions using recombinant DNA
techniques known in the art. In a specific embodiment, one, two,
three, four, five, six, or more of the CDRs referred to in Table 1,
or fragments or variants thereof, is inserted within framework
regions using recombinant DNA techniques known in the art. The
framework regions may be naturally occurring or consensus framework
regions, and preferably human framework regions (see, e.g., Chothia
et al, J. Mol. Biol. 278: 457-479 (1998) for a listing of human
framework regions, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety). Preferably, the polynucleotides
generated by the combination of the framework regions and CDRs
encode an antibody (including molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or variants
thereof) that specifically binds to APRIL. Preferably, as discussed
supra, polynucleotides encoding variants of antibodies or antibody
fragments having one or more amino acid substitutions may be made
within the framework regions, and, preferably, the amino acid
substitutions improve binding of the antibody to its antigen.
Additionally, such methods may be used to make amino acid
substitutions or deletions of one or more variable region cysteine
residues participating in an intrachain disulfide bond to generate
antibody molecules, or antibody fragments or variants, lacking one
or more intrachain disulfide bonds. Other alterations to the
polynucleotide are encompassed by the present invention and fall
within the ordinary skill of the art.
Recombinant Expression of an Antibody
[0119] Recombinant expression of an antibody of the invention
(including scFvs and other molecules comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, antibody fragments or variants thereof (e.g., a
heavy or light chain of an antibody of the invention or a portion
thereof or a single chain antibody of the invention)), requires
construction of an expression vector(s) containing a polynucleotide
that encodes the antibody. Once a polynucleotide encoding an
antibody molecule (e.g., a whole antibody, a heavy or light chain
of an antibody, or portion thereof (preferably, but not
necessarily, containing the heavy or light chain variable domain)),
of the invention has been obtained, the vector(s) for the
production of the antibody molecule may be produced by recombinant
DNA technology using techniques well known in the art. Thus,
methods for preparing a protein by expressing a polynucleotide
containing an antibody encoding nucleotide sequence are described
herein. Methods which are well known to those skilled in the art,
can be used to construct expression vectors containing antibody
coding sequences and appropriate transcriptional and translational
control signals. These methods include, for example, in vitro
recombinant DNA techniques, synthetic techniques, and in vivo
genetic recombination. The invention, thus, provides replicable
vectors comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an antibody
molecule of the invention (e.g., a whole antibody, a heavy or light
chain of an antibody, a heavy or light chain variable domain of an
antibody, or a portion thereof, or a heavy or light chain CDR, a
single chain Fv, or fragments or variants thereof), operably linked
to a promoter. Such vectors may include the nucleotide sequence
encoding the constant region of the antibody molecule (see, e.g.,
PCT Publication WO 86/05807; PCT Publication WO 89/01036; and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,122,464, the contents of each of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety) and the variable domain
of the antibody may be cloned into such a vector for expression of
the entire heavy chain, the entire light chain, or both the entire
heavy and light chains.
[0120] The expression vector(s) is/are transferred to a host cell
by conventional techniques and the transfected cells are then
cultured by conventional techniques to produce an antibody of the
invention. Thus, the invention includes host cells containing
polynucleotide(s) encoding an antibody of the invention (e.g.,
whole antibody, a heavy or light chain thereof, or portion thereof,
or a single chain antibody of the invention, or a fragment or
variant thereof), operably linked to a heterologous promoter. In
preferred embodiments, for the expression of entire antibody
molecules, vectors encoding both the heavy and light chains may be
co-expressed in the host cell for expression of the entire
immunoglobulin molecule, as detailed below.
[0121] A variety of host-expression vector systems may be utilized
to express the antibody molecules of the invention. Such
host-expression systems represent vehicles by which the coding
sequences of interest may be produced and subsequently purified,
but also represent cells which may, when transformed or transfected
with the appropriate nucleotide coding sequences, express an
antibody molecule of the invention in situ. These include, but are
not limited to, microorganisms such as bacteria (e.g., E. coli, B.
subtilis) transformed with recombinant bacteriophage DNA, plasmid
DNA or cosmid DNA expression vectors containing antibody coding
sequences; yeast (e.g., Saccharomyces, Pichia) transformed with
recombinant yeast expression vectors containing antibody coding
sequences; insect cell systems infected with recombinant virus
expression vectors (e.g., baculovirus) containing antibody coding
sequences; plant cell systems infected with recombinant virus
expression vectors (e.g., cauliflower mosaic virus, CaMV; tobacco
mosaic virus, TMV) or transformed with recombinant plasmid
expression vectors (e.g., Ti plasmid) containing antibody coding
sequences; or mammalian cell systems (e.g., NS0, CHO, COS, BHK,
293, 3T3 cells) harboring recombinant expression constructs
containing promoters derived from the genome of mammalian cells
(e.g., metallothionein promoter) or from mammalian viruses (e.g.,
the adenovirus late promoter; the vaccinia virus 7.5K promoter).
Preferably, bacterial cells such as Escherichia coli, and more
preferably, eukaryotic cells, especially for the expression of
whole recombinant antibody molecule, are used for the expression of
a recombinant antibody molecule. For example, mammalian cells such
as Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO), in conjunction with a vector
such as the major intermediate early gene promoter element from
human cytomegalovirus is an effective expression system for
antibodies (Foecking et al, Gene 45:101 (1986); Cockett et al,
Bio/Technology 8:2 (1990)).
[0122] In bacterial systems, a number of expression vectors may be
advantageously selected depending upon the use intended for the
antibody molecule being expressed. For example, when a large
quantity of such a protein is to be produced, for the generation of
pharmaceutical compositions of an antibody molecule, vectors which
direct the expression of high levels of fusion protein products
that are readily purified, may be desirable. Such vectors include,
but are not limited to, the E. coli expression vector pUR278
(Ruther et al, EMBO 1.2:1791 (1983)), in which the antibody coding
sequence may be ligated individually into the vector in frame with
the lac Z coding region so that a fusion protein is produced; pIN
vectors (Inouye & Inouye, Nucleic Acids Res. 13:3101-3109
(1985); Van Heeke & Schuster, J. Biol. Chem. 24:5503-5509
(1989)); and the like. pGEX vectors may also be used to express
foreign polypeptides as fusion proteins with glutathione
5-transferase (GST). In general, such fusion proteins are soluble
and can easily be purified from lysed cells by adsorption and
binding to matrix glutathione agarose beads followed by elution in
the presence of free glutathione. The pGEX vectors are designed to
include thrombin or factor Xa protease cleavage sites so that the
cloned target gene product can be released from the GST moiety.
[0123] In an insect system, Autographa californica nuclear
polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) may be used as a vector to express
foreign genes. The virus grows in Spodoptera frugiperda cells.
Antibody coding sequences may be cloned individually into
non-essential regions (for example, the polyhedrin gene) of the
virus and placed under control of an AcNPV promoter (for example,
the polyhedrin promoter).
[0124] In mammalian host cells, a number of viral-based expression
systems may be utilized. In cases where an adenovirus is used as an
expression vector, the antibody coding sequence of interest may be
ligated to an adenovirus transcription/translation control complex,
e.g., the late promoter and tripartite leader sequence. This
chimeric gene may then be inserted in the adenovirus genome by in
vitro or in vivo recombination. Insertion in a non-essential region
of the viral genome (e.g., region E1 or E3) will result in a
recombinant virus that is viable and capable of expressing the
antibody molecule in infected hosts (e.g., see Logan & Shenk,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 8 1:355-359 (1984)). Specific initiation
signals may also be required for efficient translation of inserted
antibody coding sequences. These signals include the ATG initiation
codon and adjacent sequences. Furthermore, the initiation codon
must be in phase with the reading frame of the desired coding
sequence to ensure translation of the entire insert. These
exogenous translational control signals and initiation codons can
be of a variety of origins, both natural and synthetic. The
efficiency of expression may be enhanced by the inclusion of
appropriate transcription enhancer elements, transcription
terminators, etc. (see, e.g., Bittner et al, Methods in Enzymol.
153:51-544 (1987)).
[0125] In addition, a host cell strain may be chosen which
modulates the expression of the inserted sequences, or modifies and
processes the gene product in the specific fashion desired. Such
modifications (e.g., glycosylation) and processing (e.g., cleavage)
of protein products may be important for the function of the
protein. Different host cells have characteristic and specific
mechanisms for the post-translational processing and modification
of proteins and gene products. Appropriate cell lines or host
systems can be chosen to ensure the correct modification and
processing of the foreign protein expressed. To this end,
eukaryotic host cells which possess the cellular machinery for
proper processing of the primary transcript, glycosylation, and
phosphorylation of the gene product may be used. Such mammalian
host cells include, but are not limited to, NS0, CHO, VERY, BHK,
HeLa, COS, NSO, MDCK, 293, 3T3, W138, and in particular, breast
cancer cell lines such as, for example, BT483, Hs578T, HTB2, BT2O
and T47D, and normal mammary gland cell line such as, for example,
CRL7O3O and HsS78Bst.
[0126] For long-term, high-yield production of recombinant
proteins, stable expression is preferred. For example, cell lines
which stably express the antibody, may be engineered. Rather than
using expression vectors which contain viral origins of
replication, host cells can be transformed with DNA controlled by
appropriate expression control elements (e.g., promoter, enhancer,
sequences, transcription terminators, polyadenylation sites, etc.),
and a selectable marker. Following the introduction of the foreign
DNA, engineered cells may be allowed to grow for 1-2 days in an
enriched media, and then are switched to a selective media. The
selectable marker in the recombinant plasmid confers resistance to
the selection and allows cells to stably integrate the plasmid into
their chromosomes and grow to form foci which in turn can be cloned
and expanded into cell lines. This method may advantageously be
used to engineer cell lines which express the antibody molecule.
Such engineered cell lines may be particularly useful in screening
and evaluation of compositions that interact directly or indirectly
with the antibody molecule.
[0127] A number of selection systems may be used, including but not
limited to, the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (Wigler et
al, Cell 11:223 (1977)), hypoxanthineguanine
phosphoribosyltransferase (Szybalska & Szybalski, Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA 48:202 (1992)), and adenine
phosphoribosyltransferase (Lowy et al., Cell 22:8 17 (1980)) genes
can be employed in tk-, hgprt- or aprt-cells, respectively. Also,
antimetabolite resistance can be used as the basis of selection for
the following genes: dhfr, which confers resistance to methotrexate
(Wigler et al, Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:357 (1980); O'Hare et al,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78:1527 (1981)); gpt, which confers
resistance to mycophenolic acid (Mulligan & Berg, Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA 78:2072 (1981)); neo, which confers resistance to
the aminoglycoside G-418 (Clinical Pharmacy 12:488-505; Wu and Wu,
Biotherapy 3:87-95 (1991); Tolstoshev, Ann. Rev. Pharmacol.
Toxicol. 32:573-596 (1993); Mulligan, Science 260:926-932 (1993);
and Morgan and Anderson, Ann. Rev. Biochem. 62: 191-217 (1993); TIB
TECH 11(5):155-215 (May, 1993)); and hygro, which confers
resistance to hygromycin (Santerre et al, Gene 30:147 (1984)).
Methods commonly known in the art of recombinant DNA technology may
be routinely applied to select the desired recombinant clone, and
such methods are described, for example, in Ausubel et al. (eds.),
Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, NY
(1993); Kriegler, Gene Transfer and Expression, A Laboratory
Manual, Stockton Press, NY (1990); and in Chapters 12 and 13,
Dracopoli et al (eds), Current Protocols in Human Genetics, John
Wiley & Sons, NY (1994); Colberre-Garapin et al., J. Mol. Biol.
150:1 (1981), which are incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties.
[0128] The expression levels of an antibody molecule can be
increased by vector amplification (for a review, see Bebbington and
Hentschel, The use of vectors based on gene amplification for the
expression of cloned genes in mammalian cells in DNA cloning, Vol.
3. (Academic Press, New York, 1987)). When a marker in the vector
system expressing antibody is amplifiable, increase in the level of
inhibitor present in culture of host cell will increase the number
of copies of the marker gene. Since the amplified region is
associated with the coding sequence of the antibody, production of
the antibody will also increase (Crouse et al., Mol. Cell. Biol.
3:257 (1983)).
[0129] Vectors which use glutamine synthase (GS) or DHFR as the
selectable markers can be amplified in the presence of the drugs
methionine sulphoximine or methotrexate, respectively. An advantage
of glutamine synthase based vectors are the availability of cell
lines (e.g., the murine myeloma cell line, NS0) which are glutamine
synthase negative. Glutamine synthase expression systems can also
function in glutamine synthase expressing cells (e.g. Chinese
Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells) by providing additional inhibitor to
prevent the functioning of the endogenous gene. A glutamine
synthase expression system and components thereof are detailed in
PCT publications: WO87/04462; WO86/05807; WO89/01036; WO89/10404;
and WO91/06657 which are incorporated in their entireties by
reference herein. Additionally, glutamine synthase expression
vectors that may be used according to the present invention are
commercially available from suppliers, including, for example Lonza
Biologics, Inc. (Portsmouth, N.H.). Expression and production of
monoclonal antibodies using a GS expression system in murine
myeloma cells is described in Bebbington et al., Bio/technology
10:169 (1992) and in Biblia and Robinson Biotechnol Prog. 11: 1
(1995) which are incorporated in their entireties by reference
herein.
[0130] The host cell may be co-transfected with two expression
vectors of the invention, the first vector encoding a heavy chain
derived polypeptide and the second vector encoding a light chain
derived polypeptide. The two vectors may contain identical
selectable markers, which enable equal expression of heavy and
light chain polypeptides. Alternatively, a single vector may be
used which encodes, and is capable of expressing both heavy and
light chain polypeptides. In such situations, the light chain is
preferably placed before the heavy chain to avoid an excess of
toxic free heavy chain (Proudfoot, Nature 322:52 (1986); Kohler,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:2 197 (1980)). The coding sequences
for the heavy and light chains may comprise cDNA or genomic
DNA.
[0131] Once an antibody molecule of the invention has been produced
by recombinant expression, it may be purified by any method known
in the art for purification of an immunoglobulin molecule, or more
generally, for purification of a protein, for example, by
chromatography (e.g., ion exchange, affinity, particularly by
affinity for the specific antigen after Protein A, and sizing
column chromatography), centrifugation, differential solubility, or
by any other standard technique for the purification of proteins.
Further, the antibodies of the present invention may be fused to
heterologous polypeptide sequences described herein or otherwise
known in the art to facilitate purification.
Antibody Characterization
[0132] Antibodies of the present invention (including scFvs and
other molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) may be characterized in a
variety of ways. In particular, antibodies and related molecules of
the invention may be assayed for the ability to immunospecifically
bind to APRIL or a fragment of APRIL (e.g., to a soluble or
membrane-bound form of APRIL) using techniques described herein or
routinely modified techniques known in the art. APRIL or APRIL
fragments that may be immunospecifically bound by the compositions
of the invention include, but are not limited to, human APRIL (SEQ
ID NOs:36 and/or 37) or APRIL expressed on human monocytes or
fragments thereof. Preferably compositions of the invention bind
human APRIL (SEQ ID NOs:36 and/or 37) or fragments thereof.
Antibodies of the present invention may be assayed for the ability
to bind APRIL polypeptides where said polypeptides consist of
monomers or multimers (i.e., dimers, trimers, tetramers and higher
multimers). Antibodies of the invention may be assayed for the
ability to bind multimeric APRIL polypeptides where said
polypeptides consist of homotrimers (i.e., containing only APRIL
polypeptides including APRIL fragments, variants, and fusion
proteins, as described herein) or heterotrimers (i.e., containing
heterologous polypeptides in addition to APRIL polypeptides having
identical or different amino acid sequences, as contained in SEQ ID
NO:36 and SEQ ID NO:37). Specifically, antibodies of the invention
may be assayed for the ability to bind an APRIL heterotrimer where
said heterotrimer consists of one APRIL polypeptide and two BLyS
polypeptides, or alternatively, two APRIL polypeptides and one BLyS
polypeptide. Antibodies of the invention may be assayed for the
ability to bind APRIL heterotrimers, where said heterotrimers
consist of one APRIL polypeptide and two heterologous polypeptides,
or alternatively, two APRIL polypeptides and one heterologous
polypeptide.
[0133] Assays for the ability of the antibodies of the invention to
immunospecifically bind APRIL or a fragment of APRIL may be
performed in solution (e.g., Houghten, Bio/Techniques 13:412-421
(1992)), on beads (e.g., Lam, Nature 354:82-84 (1991)), on chips
(e.g., Fodor, Nature 364:555-556 (1993)), on bacteria (e.g., U.S.
Pat. No. 5,223,409), on spores (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,698;
5,403,484; and 5,223,409), on plasmids (e.g., Cull et al., Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:1865-1869 (1992)) or on phage (e.g., Scott
and Smith, Science 249:386-390 (1990); Devlin, Science 249:404-406
(1990); Cwirla et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:6378-6382
(1990); and Felici, J. Mol. Biol. 222:301-310 (1991)) (each of
these references is incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference). Antibodies that have been identified to
immunospecifically bind to APRIL or a fragment of APRIL can then be
assayed for their specificity and affinity for APRIL or a fragment
of APRIL using or routinely modifying techniques described herein
or otherwise known in the art.
[0134] The antibodies of the invention may be assayed for
immunospecific binding to APRIL and cross-reactivity with other
antigens by any method known in the art. In particular, the ability
of an antibody to immunospecifically bind to the soluble form or
membrane-bound form of APRIL and the specificity of the antibody,
fragment, or variant for APRIL polypeptide from a particular
species (e.g., murine, monkey or human, preferably human) may be
determined using or routinely modifying techniques described herein
or otherwise known in the art.
[0135] Immunoassays which can be used to analyze immunospecific
binding and cross-reactivity include, but are not limited to,
competitive and non-competitive assay systems using techniques such
as western blots, radioimmunoassays, such as ELISA (enzyme linked
immunosorbent assay; e.g., see Example 2), "sandwich" immunoassays,
BIAcore.TM. analysis, fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) or
flow cytometry analysis, immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry,
immunoprecipitation assays, precipitin reactions, gel diffusion
precipitin reactions, immunodiffusion assays, agglutination assays,
complement-fixation assays, immunoradiometric assays, fluorescent
immunoassays, and protein A immunoassays, to name but a few. Such
assays are routine and well known in the art (see, e.g., Ausubel et
al, eds, 1994, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Vol. 1, John
Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety). Exemplary immunoassays are
described briefly below (but are not intended by way of
limitation).
[0136] Immunoprecipitation protocols generally comprise lysing a
population of cells in a lysis buffer such as RIPA buffer (1% NP-40
or Triton X-100, 1% sodium deoxycholate, 0.1% SDS, 0.15 M NaCl,
0.01 M sodium phosphate at pH 7.2, 1% Trayslol) supplemented with
protein phosphatase and/or protease inhibitors (e.g., EDTA, PMSF,
aprotinin, sodium vanadate), adding the antibody of interest to the
cell lysate, incubating for a period of time (e.g., 1 to 4 hours)
at 40 degrees C., adding protein A and/or protein G sepharose beads
to the cell lysate, incubating for about an hour or more at 40
degrees C., washing the beads in lysis buffer and resuspending the
beads in SDS/sample buffer. The ability of the antibody of interest
to immunoprecipitate a particular antigen can be assessed by, e.g.,
western blot analysis. One of skill in the art would be
knowledgeable as to the parameters that can be modified to increase
the binding of the antibody to an antigen and decrease the
background (e.g., pre-clearing the cell lysate with sepharose
beads). For further discussion regarding immunoprecipitation
protocols see, e.g., Ausubel et al, eds, 1994, Current Protocols in
Molecular Biology, Vol. 1, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York at
10.16.1.
[0137] Western blot analysis generally comprises preparing protein
samples, electrophoresis of the protein samples in a polyacrylamide
gel (e.g., 8%-20% SDS-PAGE depending on the molecular weight of the
antigen), transferring the protein sample from the polyacrylamide
gel to a membrane such as nitrocellulose, PVDF or nylon, blocking
the membrane in blocking solution (e.g., PBS with 3% BSA or non-fat
milk), washing the membrane in washing buffer (e.g., PBS-Tween 20),
blocking the membrane with primary antibody (the antibody of
interest) diluted in blocking buffer, washing the membrane in
washing buffer, blocking the membrane with a secondary antibody
(which recognizes the primary antibody, e.g., an anti-human
antibody) conjugated to an enzymatic substrate (e.g., horseradish
peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase) or radioactive molecule (e.g.,
.sup.32P or .sup.125I) diluted in blocking buffer, washing the
membrane in wash buffer, and detecting the presence of the antigen.
One of skill in the art would be knowledgeable as to the parameters
that can be modified to increase the signal detected and to reduce
the background noise. For further discussion regarding western blot
protocols see, e.g., Ausubel et al, eds, 1994, Current Protocols in
Molecular Biology, Vol. 1, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York at
10.8.1.
[0138] ELISAs comprise preparing antigen, coating the well of a
96-well microtiter plate with the antigen, washing away antigen
that did not bind the wells, adding the antibody of interest
conjugated to a detectable compound such as an enzymatic substrate
(e.g., horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase) to the wells
and incubating for a period of time, washing away unbound
antibodies or non-specifically bound antibodies, and detecting the
presence of the antibodies specifically bound to the antigen
coating the well. In ELISAs the antibody of interest does not have
to be conjugated to a detectable compound; instead, a second
antibody (which recognizes the antibody of interest) conjugated to
a detectable compound may be added to the well. Further, instead of
coating the well with the antigen, the antibody may be coated to
the well. In this case, the detectable molecule could be the
antigen conjugated to a detectable compound such as an enzymatic
substrate (e.g., horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase).
One of skill in the art would be knowledgeable as to the parameters
that can be modified to increase the signal detected as well as
other variations of ELISAs known in the art. For further discussion
regarding ELISAs see, e.g., Ausubel et al, eds, 1994, Current
Protocols in Molecular Biology, Vol. 1, John Wiley & Sons,
Inc., New York at 11.2.1.
[0139] The binding affinity of an antibody (including an scFv or
other molecule comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) to an antigen and the off-rate of an
antibody-antigen interaction can be determined by competitive
binding assays. One example of a competitive binding assay is a
radioimmunoassay comprising the incubation of labeled antigen
(e.g., .sup.3H or .sup.125I) with the antibody of interest in the
presence of increasing amounts of unlabeled antigen, and the
detection of the antibody bound to the labeled antigen. The
affinity of the antibody of the present invention for APRIL and the
binding off-rates can be determined from the data by Scatchard plot
analysis. Competition with a second antibody can also be determined
using radioimmunoassays. In this case, APRIL is incubated with an
antibody of the present invention conjugated to a labeled compound
(e.g., .sup.3H or .sup.125I) in the presence of increasing amounts
of an unlabeled second anti-APRIL antibody.
[0140] In a preferred embodiment, BIAcore.TM. kinetic analysis is
used to determine the binding on and off rates of antibodies
(including an scFv or other molecule comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, antibody fragments or variants thereof) to APRIL, or
fragments of APRIL. BIAcore.TM. kinetic analysis comprises
analyzing the binding and dissociation of APRIL from chips with
immobilized antibodies on their surface.
[0141] The antibodies of the invention (including scFvs and other
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) can also be assayed for their
ability to inhibit, increase, or not significantly alter, the
binding of APRIL to an APRIL receptor (e.g., TACI and BCMA) using
techniques known to those of skill in the art. For example, cells
expressing a receptor for APRIL (e.g., Raji Burkitt's lymphoma
cells, and A20 B cell lymphoma cells as well as K562 erythroid
leukemia cells (Yu et al., 2000 supra)) can be contacted with APRIL
in the presence or absence of an antibody, and the ability of the
antibody to inhibit, increase, or not significantly alter, APRIL
binding to the cells can be measured. APRIL binding to cells can be
measured by, for example, flow cytometry or a scintillation assay.
APRIL or the antibody can be labeled with a detectable compound
such as a radioactive label (e.g., .sup.32P, .sup.35S, and
.sup.125I) or a fluorescent label (e.g., fluorescein
isothiocyanate, rhodamine, phycoerythrin, phycocyanin,
allophycocyanin, o-phthaldehyde and fluorescamine) to enable
detection of an interaction between APRIL and an APRIL receptor
and/or APRIL and an antibody of the invention. Alternatively, the
ability of antibodies of the invention to inhibit, increase, or not
significantly alter, APRIL binding to an APRIL receptor can be
determined in cell-free assays. For example, native or recombinant
APRIL (e.g., that having the amino acid sequence of amino acids
88-233 of SEQ ID NO:36) or a fragment thereof can be contacted with
an antibody and the ability of the antibody to inhibit, increase,
or not significantly alter, APRIL from binding to an APRIL receptor
can be determined. Preferably, the antibody is immobilized on a
solid support and APRIL or an APRIL fragment is labeled with a
detectable compound. Alternatively, APRIL or an APRIL fragment is
immobilized on a solid support and the antibody is labeled with a
detectable compound. APRIL may be partially or completely purified
(e.g., partially or completely free of other polypeptides) or part
of a cell lysate. Further, the APRIL polypeptide may be a fusion
protein comprising APRIL or a biologically active portion thereof
and a domain such as an Immunoglobulin Fc or
glutathionine-S-transferase. For example, amino acid residues 1-154
of TACI (GenBank accession number AAC51790), or 1-48 of BCMA
(GenBank accession number NP.sub.--001183) may be fused to the Fc
region of an IgG molecule and used in a cell free assay to
determine the ability of antibodies of the invention to inhibit,
increase, or not significantly alter, APRIL binding to an APRIL
receptor. Alternatively, APRIL can be biotinylated using techniques
well known to those of skill in the art (e.g., biotinylation kit,
Pierce Chemicals; Rockford, Ill.).
[0142] The antibodies of the invention (including scFvs or other
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) can also be assayed for their
ability to inhibit, stimulate, or not significantly alter,
APRIL-induced B-cell proliferation using techniques known to those
of skill in the art. For example, B-cell proliferation can be
assayed by .sup.3H-thymidine incorporation assays and trypan blue
cell counts (see, e.g., Moore et al, Science 285: 260-263 (1999)).
Further, the antibodies of the invention, or fragments or variants
thereof, can be assayed for their ability to block, stimulate, or
not significantly alter, APRIL-induced activation of cellular
signaling molecules and transcription factors such as
calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand ("CAML"), calcineurin,
nuclear factor of activated T cells transcription factor ("NF-AT"),
nuclear factor-kappa B ("NF-kappa B"), and AP-1 using techniques
known to those of skill in the art (see, e.g., von Bulow and Bram,
Science 278: 138-141 (1997)). For example, NF-AT activity can be
determined by electromobility gel shift assays, by detecting the
expression of a protein known to be regulated by NF-AT (e.g., IL-2
expression), by detecting the induction of a reporter gene (e.g.,
an NF-AT regulatory element operably linked to a nucleic acid
encoding a detectable marker such as luciferase, beta-galactosidase
or chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT)), or by detecting a
cellular response (e.g., cellular differentiation, or cell
proliferation).
[0143] The antibodies of the invention, or fragments or variants
thereof can also be assayed for their ability to neutralize,
enhance, or not significantly alter, APRIL activity. For example,
antibodies or fragments or variants thereof, may be routinely
tested for their ability to inhibit APRIL from binding to cells
expressing the receptor for APRIL (see Example 3, infra).
Characterization of Antibodies that Immunospecifically Bind to
APRIL
[0144] Antibodies of the invention (including scFvs and other
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) may be screened in a variety of
assays to identify those antibodies that immunospecifically bind to
a soluble form of APRIL. In one particular assay, antibodies that
bind to a biotinylated soluble form of APRIL in solution are
captured on streptavidin coated magnetic beads. This assay may be
readily applied to identify antibodies of the invention that
neutralize and/or bind to APRIL. Additionally, antibodies may be
assayed in neutralization assays described herein or otherwise
known in the art (see Example 3, infra).
[0145] For example, antibodies may be tested for their ability to
inhibit soluble APRIL (e.g., biotinylated APRIL) from binding to
cells bearing an APRIL receptor. In this assay, labeled soluble
APRIL (e.g., biotinylated APRIL) is incubated with candidate
anti-APRIL antibodies to allow for the formation of APRIL
anti-APRIL antibody complexes. Following incubation, an aliquot of
the APRIL anti-APRIL antibody sample is added to IM9 cells. The
binding of soluble APRIL may be determined using techniques known
in the art. For example, the binding of biotinylated APRIL to cells
bearing an APRIL receptor cells may be detected using a fluorimeter
following the addition of streptavidin-delfia. Biotinylated APRIL,
if it is not bound by antibodies that neutralize APRIL, binds to
the cells and is detected. Thus, an antibody that decreases the
amount of bio-APRIL that binds to cells bearing an APRIL receptor
(relative to a control sample in which the APRIL had been
preincubated with an irrelevant antibody or no antibody at all) is
identified as one that binds to and neutralizes the soluble form of
APRIL.
[0146] In another assay, antibodies are screened using ELISAs for
those antibodies that bind to biotinylated soluble APRIL, but do
not bind membrane-bound APRIL, such as, for example, APRIL on
membranes from APRIL-expressing cells. In these assays, soluble
APRIL and membrane-bound APRIL are incubated in separate samples
with the same antibodies and those antibodies that bind to the
soluble APRIL, but not membrane-bound APRIL, are captured and
identified.
[0147] Antibodies of the invention (including scFvs and other
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) may be tested to identify those
antibodies that do not cross-react with BLyS (SEQ ID NO:38),
endokine-alpha (SEQ ID NO:39), VEGI (SEQ ID NO:40), TRAIL (SEQ ID
NO:41), TNF-alpha (SEQ ID NO:42), TNF-beta (SEQ ID NO:43), Fas-L
(SEQ ID NO:44), LIGHT (SEQ ID NO:45), TACI (SEQ ID NO:46), BCMA
(SEQ ID NO:47), BSA and PBS (e.g., see Example 2). Antibodies may
also be tested for their affinity for APRIL using, for example,
BIAcore.TM. analysis. Antibodies may also be tested for their
ability to stimulate, inhibit, or not alter, APRIL-induced
immunoglobulin production and/or B-cell proliferation,
differentiation and/or survival using techniques known to those of
skill in the art. For example, human B-cells, APRIL and antibodies
may be incubated together in 96 well plates and .sup.3H-thymidine
incorporation may be measured using a scintillation counter.
Antibody Conjugates
[0148] The present invention encompasses antibodies (including
scFvs and other molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting
of, antibody fragments or variants thereof), recombinantly fused or
chemically conjugated (including both covalent and non-covalent
conjugations) to a heterologous polypeptide (or portion thereof,
preferably at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at
least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, at least 90 or at
least 100 amino acids of the polypeptide) to generate fusion
proteins. The fusion does not necessarily need to be direct, but
may occur through linker sequences. For example, antibodies of the
invention may be used to target heterologous polypeptides to
particular cell types (e.g., cells of monocytic lineage and
B-cells), either in vitro or in vivo, by fusing or conjugating the
heterologous polypeptides to antibodies of the invention that are
specific for particular cell surface antigens (e.g., membrane-bound
APRIL on cells of monocytic lineage) or which bind antigens that
bind particular cell surface receptors (e.g., TACI and/or BCMA
located on B cells). Antibodies fused or conjugated to heterologous
polypeptides may also be used in in vitro immunoassays and
purification methods using methods known in the art. See e.g.,
Harbor et al., supra, and PCT publication WO 93/2 1232; EP 439,095;
Naramura et al., Immunol. Lett. 39:91-99 (1994); U.S. Pat. No.
5,474,981; Gillies et al., PNAS 89:1428-1432 (1992); Fell et al.,
J. Immunol. 146:2446-2452 (1991), which are incorporated by
reference in their entireties.
[0149] In one embodiment, a fusion protein comprises a polypeptide
having an amino acid sequence of any one of the VH domains referred
to in Table 1, and a heterologous polypeptide. In another
embodiment, a fusion protein comprises a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of any one of the VH CDR1 s referred to in
Table 1, and a heterologous polypeptide. In another embodiment, a
fusion protein comprises a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of any one of the VH CDR2s referred to in Table 1, and a
heterologous polypeptide. In a preferred embodiment, a fusion
protein comprises a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of
any one of the VH CDR3s referred to in Table 1 (i.e., SEQ ID
NOs:25-34), and a heterologous polypeptide.
[0150] In another embodiment, a fusion protein comprises a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one of the VL
domains referred to in Table 1, and a heterologous polypeptide. In
another embodiment, a fusion protein comprises a polypeptide having
the amino acid sequence of any one of the VL CDR1 s referred to in
Table 1, and a heterologous polypeptide. In yet another embodiment,
a fusion protein comprises a polypeptide having the amino acid
sequence of any one of the VL CDR2s referred to in Table 1, and a
heterologous polypeptide. In a preferred embodiment, a fusion
protein comprises a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of
any one of the VL CDR3s referred to in Table 1, and a heterologous
polypeptide.
[0151] In another embodiment, a fusion protein comprises a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one of the VH
domains referred to in Table 1, and one or more VL domains referred
to in Table 1, and a heterologous polypeptide. In another
embodiment, a fusion protein of the present invention comprises a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of any one of the VH
CDRs referred to in Table 1, and any one of the VL CDRs referred to
in Table 1, and a heterologous polypeptide.
[0152] The present invention further includes compositions
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, heterologous
polypeptides fused or conjugated to antibody fragments. For
example, the heterologous polypeptides may be fused or conjugated
to a Fab fragment, Fd fragment, Fv fragment, F(ab).sub.2 fragment,
or a portion thereof. Methods for fusing or conjugating
polypeptides to antibody portions are known in the art. See, e.g.,
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,336,603; 5,622,929; 5,359,046; 5,349,053;
5,447,851; 5,112,946; EP 307,434; EP 367,166; PCT publications WO
96/04388; WO 9 1/06570; Ashkenazi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
USA 88: 10535-10539 (1991); Zheng et al., J. Immunol. 154:5590-5600
(1995); and Vil et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:11337-11341
(1992) (said references incorporated by reference in their
entireties).
[0153] Additional fusion proteins of the invention may be generated
through the techniques of gene-shuffling, motif-shuffling,
exon-shuffling, and/or codon-shuffling (collectively referred to as
"DNA shuffling"). DNA shuffling may be employed to modulate the
activities of antibodies (including scFvs and other molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or
variants thereof), such methods can be used to generate antibodies
with altered activity (e.g., antibodies with higher affinities and
lower dissociation rates). See, generally, U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,605,793; 5,811,238; 5,830,721; 5,834,252; and 5,837,458, and
Patten et al., Curr. Opinion Biotechnol. 8:724-33 (1997); Harayama,
Trends Biotechnol. 16(2):76-82 (1998); Hansson, et al, J. Mol.
Biol. 287:265-76 (1999); and Lorenzo and Blasco, Biotechniques
24(2):308-13 (1998) (each of these patents and publications are
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). In one
embodiment, polynucleotides encoding antibodies of the invention
may be altered by being subjected to random mutagenesis by
error-prone PCR, random nucleotide insertion or other methods prior
to recombination. In another embodiment, one or more portions of a
polynucleotide encoding an antibody which portions
immunospecifically bind to APRIL may be recombined with one or more
components, motifs, sections, parts, domains, fragments, etc. of
one or more heterologous molecules.
[0154] Moreover, the antibodies of the present invention (including
scFvs and other molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting
of, antibody fragments or variants thereof) can be fused to marker
sequences, such as a polypeptides to facilitate purification. In
preferred embodiments, the marker amino acid sequence is a
hexa-histidine polypeptide, such as the tag provided in a pQE
vector (QIAGEN, Inc., 9259 Eton Avenue, Chatsworth, Calif., 91311),
among others, many of which are commercially available. As
described in Gentz et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:821-824
(1989), for instance, hexa-histidine provides for convenient
purification of the fusion protein. Other peptide tags useful for
purification include, but are not limited to, the hemagglutinin
"HA" tag, which corresponds to an epitope derived from the
influenza hemagglutinin protein (Wilson et al., Cell 37:767 (1984))
and the "flag" tag (DYKDDDDK, (SEQ ID NO:48) STRATAGENE.TM., La
Jolla, Calif.).
[0155] The present invention further encompasses antibodies
(including scFvs and other molecules comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, antibody fragments or variants thereof), conjugated
to a diagnostic or therapeutic agent. The antibodies can be used
diagnostically to, for example, monitor or prognose the development
or progression of a tumor as part of a clinical testing procedure
to, e.g., determine the efficacy of a given treatment regimen.
Detection can be facilitated by coupling the antibody to a
detectable substance. Examples of detectable substances include,
but are not limited to, various enzymes, prosthetic groups,
fluorescent materials, luminescent materials, bioluminescent
materials, radioactive materials, positron emitting metals using
various positron emission tomographies, and nonradioactive
paramagnetic metal ions. The detectable substance may be coupled or
conjugated either directly to the antibody or indirectly, through
an intermediate (such as, for example, a linker known in the art)
using techniques known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,741,900 for metal ions which can be conjugated to antibodies for
use as diagnostics according to the present invention. Examples of
suitable enzymes include, but are not limited to, horseradish
peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, beta-galactosidase, or
acetylcholinesterase; examples of suitable prosthetic group
complexes include, but are not limited to, streptavidin/biotin and
avidin/biotin; examples of suitable fluorescent materials include,
but are not limited to, umbelliferone, fluorescein, fluorescein
isothiocyanate, rhodamine, dichlorotriazinylamine fluorescein,
dansyl chloride or phycoerythrin; an example of a luminescent
material includes, but is not limited to, luminol; examples of
bioluminescent materials include, but are not limited to,
luciferase, luciferin, and aequorin; and examples of suitable
radioactive material include, but are not limited to, iodine
(.sup.131I, .sup.125I, .sup.123I, .sup.121I), carbon (.sup.14C),
sulfur (.sup.35S), tritium (.sup.3H), indium (.sup.115mIn,
.sup.113mIn, .sup.112In, .sup.111In), and technetium (.sup.99Tc,
.sup.99mTc), thallium (.sup.201Ti), gallium (.sup.68Ga, .sup.67Ga),
palladium (.sup.103Pd), molybdenum (.sup.99Mo), xenon (.sup.133Xe),
fluorine (.sup.18F), .sup.153Sm, .sup.177Lu, .sup.159Gd,
.sup.149Pm, .sup.140La, .sup.175Yb, .sup.166Ho, .sup.90Y,
.sup.47Sc, .sup.186Re, .sup.188Re, .sup.142Pr, .sup.105Rh,
.sup.97Ru, .sup.68Ge, .sup.57Co, .sup.65Zn, .sup.85Sr, .sup.32P,
.sup.153Gd, .sup.169Yb, .sup.51Cr, .sup.54Mn, .sup.75Se,
.sup.113Sn, and .sup.117Tin.
[0156] Furthermore, an antibody of the invention (including scFvs
and other molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) may be conjugated to a
therapeutic moiety such as a cytotoxin, e.g., a cytostatic or
cytocidal agent, a therapeutic agent or a radioactive metal ion,
e.g., alpha-emitters such as, for example, .sup.213Bi, or other
radioisotopes such as, for example, .sup.211At, .sup.103Pd,
.sup.133Xe, .sup.131I, .sup.125I, .sup.68Ge, .sup.57Co, .sup.65Zn,
.sup.85Sr, .sup.32P, .sup.35S, .sup.90Y, .sup.153Sm, .sup.153Gd,
.sup.169Yb, .sup.51Cr, .sup.54Mn, .sup.75Se, .sup.113Sn, .sup.90Y,
.sup.117Tin, .sup.186Re, .sup.188Re and .sup.166Ho. In specific
embodiments, an antibody of the invention (including scFvs and
other molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) is attached to macrocyclic
chelators useful for conjugating radiometal ions, including but not
limited to, .sup.177Lu, .sup.90Y, .sup.166Ho, .sup.111In, and
.sup.153Sm, to polypeptides. In a preferred embodiment, the
radiometal ion associated with an antibody of the invention is
.sup.111In. In another preferred embodiment, the radiometal ion
associated with the macrocyclic chelator attached to an antibody of
the invention is 90Y. In specific embodiments, the macrocyclic
chelator is
1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid
(DOTA). In other specific embodiments, the DOTA is attached to an
antibody of the invention or fragment thereof via a linker
molecule. Examples of linker molecules useful for conjugating DOTA
to a polypeptide are commonly known in the art--see, for example,
DeNardo et al., Clin Cancer Res. 4(10):2483-90 (1998); Peterson et
al., Bioconjug. Chem. 10(4):553-7 (1999); and Zimmerman et al,
Nucl. Med. Biol. 26(8):943-50 (1999) which are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entirety. In addition, U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,652,361 and 5,756,065, which disclose chelating agents that may
be conjugated to antibodies, and methods for making and using them,
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
[0157] A cytotoxin or cytotoxic agent includes any agent that is
detrimental to cells and includes such molecules as small molecule
toxins and enzymatically active toxins of bacterial, fungal, plant,
or animal origin, or fragments thereof. Examples include
paclitaxol, cytochalasin B, gramicidin D, ethidium bromide,
emetine, mitomycin, etoposide (VP-16), tenoposide, vincristine,
vinblastine, colchicin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, dihydroxy
anthracin dione, mitoxantrone, mithramycin, actinomycin D,
1-dehydrotestosterone, glucocorticoids, procaine, tetracaine,
lidocaine, propranolol, and puromycin and analogs or homologs
thereof. Therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to,
antimetabolites (e.g., methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine,
6-thioguanine, cytarabine, 5-fluorouracil decarbazine), alkylating
agents (e.g., mechlorethamine, thioepa chlorambucil, melphalan,
carmustine (BSNU) and lomustine (CCNU), cyclophosphamide, busulfan,
dibromomannitol, streptozotocin, mitomycin C, and
cis-dichlorodiamine platinum (II) (DDP) (cisplatin), anthracyclines
(e.g., daunorubicin (formerly daunomycin) and doxorubicin),
antibiotics (e.g., dactinomycin (formerly actinomycin), bleomycin,
mithramycin, and anthramycin (AMC)), anti-mitotic agents (e.g.,
vincristine and vinblastine), improsulfan, piposulfan, benzodopa,
carboquone, meturedopa, uredopa, altretamine, triethylenemelamine,
trietylenephosphoramide, triethylenethiophosphaoramide
trimethylolomelamine, chlomaphazine, cholophosphamide,
estramustine, ifosfamide, novembichin, phenesterine, prednimustine,
trofosfamide, uracil mustard, chlorozotocin, fotemustine,
nimustine, ranimustine, aclacinomysins, azaserine, cactinomycin,
calichearnicin, carabicin, carminomycin, carzinophilin,
chromomycins, detorubicin, 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine, epirubicin,
esorubicin, idarubicin, marcellomycin, mycophenolic acid,
nogalamycin, olivomycins, peplomycin, potfiromycin, quelamycin,
rodorubicin, streptonigrin, tubercidin, ubenimex, zinostatin,
zorubicin, denopterin, pteropterin, trimetrexate, fludarabine,
thiamiprine, ancitabine, azacitidine, 6-azauridine, carmofur,
dideoxyuridine, doxifluridine, enocitabine, floxuridine, 5-FU,
calusterone, dromostanolone propionate, epitiostanol, mepitiostane,
testolactone, aminoglutethimide, mitotane, trilostane, frolinic
acid, aceglatone, aldophosphamide glycoside, aminolevulinic acid,
amsacrine, bestrabucil, bisantrene, edatraxate, defofamine,
demecolcine, diaziquone, elfornithine, elliptiniurn acetate,
etoglucid, gallium nitrate, hydroxyurea, lentinan, lonidamine,
mitoguazone, mopidamol, nitracrine, pentostatin, phenamet,
pirarubicin, podophyllinic acid, 2-ethylhydrazide, procarbazine,
PSKO, razoxane, sizofuran, spirogermanium, tenuazonic acid,
triaziquone, 2,2',2''-trichlorotriethylamine, urethan, vindesine,
dacarbazine, mannomustine, mitobronitol, mitolactol, pipobroman,
gacytosine, arabinoside ("Ara-C"), taxoids, e.g. paclitaxel
(TAXOL.TM., BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB ONCOLOGY.TM., Princeton, N.J.)
doxetaxel (TAXOTERE.TM., RHONE-POULENC RORER.TM., Antony, France),
gemcitabine, ifosfamide, vinorelbine, navelbine, novantrone,
teniposide, aminopterin, XELODA.TM., ibandronate, CPT-I 1,
topoisomerase inhibitor RFS 2000, difluoromethylomithine (DMFO),
retinoic acid, esperamicins, cape citabine, and pharmaceutically
acceptable salts, acids or derivatives of any of the above. Also
included in this definition are anti-hormonal agents that act to
regulate or inhibit hormone action on tumors such as anti-estrogens
including for example tamoxifen, raloxifene, aromatase inhibiting
4(5)-imidazoles, 4 hydroxytamoxifen, trioxifene, keoxifene, LY
117018, onapristone, toremifene (FARESTON.TM.), and anti-androgens
such as flutamide, nilutamide, bicalutamide, leuprolide, and
goserelin, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acids or
derivatives of any of the above.
[0158] Techniques known in the art may be applied to label
antibodies of the invention. Such techniques include, but are not
limited to, the use of bifunctional conjugating agents (see e.g.,
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,756,065; 5,714,631; 5,696,239; 5,652,361;
5,505,931; 5,489,425; 5,435,990; 5,428,139; 5,342,604; 5,274,119;
4,994,560; and 5,808,003; the contents of each of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety) and direct coupling
reactions (e.g., Bolton-Hunter and Chloramine-T reaction).
[0159] The antibodies of the invention which are conjugates can be
used for modifying a given biological response, the therapeutic
agent or drug moiety is not to be construed as limited to classical
chemical therapeutic agents. For example, the drug moiety may be a
protein or polypeptide possessing a desired biological activity.
Such proteins may include, but are not limited to, for example, a
toxin such as abrin, ricin A, alpha toxin, pseudomonas exotoxin, or
diphtheria toxin, saporin, momordin, gelonin, pokeweed antiviral
protein, alpha-sarcin and cholera toxin; a protein such as tumor
necrosis factor, alpha-interferon, beta-interferon, nerve growth
factor, platelet derived growth factor, tissue plasminogen
activator, an apoptotic agent, e.g., TNF-alpha, TNF-beta, AIM I
(see, International Publication No. WO 97/33899), AIM II (see,
International Publication No. WO 97/34911), Fas Ligand (Takahashi
et al, Int. Immunol., 6:1567-1574 (1994)), VEGI (see, International
Publication No. WO 99/23105), a thrombotic agent or an
anti-angiogenic agent, e.g., angiostatin or endostatin; or,
biological response modifiers such as, for example, lymphokines,
interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6),
granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF),
granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), or other growth
factors.
[0160] Antibodies of the invention (including scFvs and other
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof), may also be attached to solid
supports, which are particularly useful for immunoassays or
purification of the target antigen. Such solid supports include,
but are not limited to, glass, cellulose, polyacrylamide, nylon,
polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride or polypropylene.
[0161] Techniques for conjugating a therapeutic moiety to
antibodies are well known, see, e.g., Arnon et al., "Monoclonal
Antibodies For Immunotargeting Of Drugs In Cancer Therapy", in
Monoclonal Antibodies And Cancer Therapy, Reisfeld et al (eds.),
pp. 243-56 (Alan R. Liss, Inc. 1985); Hellstrom et al, "Antibodies
For Drug Delivery", in Controlled Drug Delivery (2nd Ed.), Robinson
et al (eds.), pp. 623-53 (Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1987); Thorpe,
"Antibody Carriers Of Cytotoxic Agents In Cancer Therapy: A
Review", in Monoclonal Antibodies '84: Biological And Clinical
Applications, Pinchera et al (eds.), pp. 475-506 (1985); "Analysis,
Results, And Future Prospective Of The Therapeutic Use Of
Radiolabeled Antibody In Cancer Therapy", in Monoclonal Antibodies
For Cancer Detection And Therapy, Baldwin et al (eds.), pp. 303-16
(Academic Press 1985), and Thorpe et al., "The Preparation And
Cytotoxic Properties Of Antibody-Toxin Conjugates", Immunol. Rev.
62:119-58 (1982).
[0162] Alternatively, an antibody of the invention can be
conjugated to a second antibody to form an antibody heteroconjugate
as described by Segal in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0163] An antibody of the invention (including an scFv or and other
molecule comprising, or alternatively consisting of, an antibody
fragment or variant thereof), with or without a therapeutic moiety
conjugated to it, administered alone or in combination with
cytotoxic factor(s) and/or cytokine(s) can be used as a
therapeutic.
Use of Antibodies for Epitope Mapping
[0164] The present invention provides antibodies (including scFvs
and other molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) that can be used to
identify epitopes of APRIL. In particular, the antibodies of the
present invention can be used to identify epitopes of human APRIL
(SEQ ID NOs:36 and/or 37) or APRIL expressed on human monocytes
using techniques described herein or otherwise known in the art.
Antibodies of the invention may be used to identify exposed
epitopes of APRIL polypeptides in functional heterotrimeric APRIL
complexes. Fragments which function as epitopes may be produced by
any conventional means. (See, e.g., Houghten, Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA 82:5131-5135 (1985), further described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,631,211).
Diagnostic Uses of Antibodies
[0165] Labeled antibodies of the invention (including molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or
variants thereof), which specifically bind to APRIL, can be used
for diagnostic purposes to detect, diagnose, prognose, or monitor
diseases and/or disorders associated with the aberrant expression
and/or activity of APRIL or APRIL receptor. The invention provides
for the detection of aberrant expression of APRIL comprising: (a)
assaying the expression of APRIL in a biological sample from an
individual using one or more antibodies of the invention that
immunospecifically binds to APRIL; and (b) comparing the level of
APRIL with a standard level of APRIL, e.g., in normal biological
samples, whereby an increase or decrease in the assayed level of
APRIL compared to the standard level of APRIL is indicative of
aberrant expression.
[0166] By "biological sample" is intended any fluids and/or cells
obtained from an individual, body fluid, body tissue, body cell,
cell line, tissue culture, or other source which may contain APRIL
protein or mRNA. Body fluids include, but are not limited to, sera,
plasma, urine, synovial fluid, spinal fluid, saliva, and mucous.
Tissues samples may be taken from virtually any tissue in the body.
Tissue samples may also be obtained from autopsy material. Methods
for obtaining tissue biopsies and body fluids from mammals are well
known in the art. Where the biological sample is to include mRNA, a
tissue biopsy is the preferred source.
[0167] The invention also provides a method for the detection of
aberrant expression of APRIL receptor comprising (a) assaying the
expression of APRIL receptor in a biological sample from an
individual using one or more antibodies or fragments or variants
thereof that immunospecifically binds only to soluble APRIL, but
does not inhibit APRIL/APRIL receptor binding (such an antibody, by
way of an example that is not to be construed as limiting, would be
one that is able to capture a biotinylated APRIL from solution but
that would not prevent APRIL from binding to APRIL receptor
expressing cells) and (b) comparing the level of APRIL receptor
with a standard level of APRIL receptor, e.g., in normal tissue or
cell samples, whereby an increase or decrease in the assayed level
of APRIL receptor compared to the standard level of APRIL receptor
is indicative of aberrant expression.
[0168] Antibodies of the invention (including molecules comprising,
or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or variants
thereof), which specifically bind to APRIL, can be used for
diagnostic purposes to detect, diagnose, prognose, or monitor
autoimmune disorders and/or immunodeficiencies, and/or
proliferative disorders, and/or diseases or conditions associated
therewith. The invention provides for the detection of aberrant
expression of APRIL comprising: (a) assaying the expression of
APRIL in a biological sample from an individual using one or more
antibodies of the invention that immunospecifically binds to APRIL;
and (b) comparing the level of APRIL with a standard level of
APRIL, e.g., in normal biological samples, whereby an increase or
decrease in the assayed level of APRIL compared to the standard
level of APRIL is indicative of an autoimmune disorder or disease,
and/or an immunodeficiency, and/or a proliferative disorder or
disease. In specific embodiments, an increase in the assayed level
of APRIL is indicative of an autoimmune disorder or disease. In
other specific embodiments, a decrease in the assayed level of
APRIL is indicative of an immunodeficiency. In other specific
embodiments, an increase or a decrease in the assayed level of
APRIL is indicative of a proliferative disorder.
[0169] Antibodies of the invention (including molecules comprising,
or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or variants
thereof) which specifically bind to APRIL but, do not inhibit
APRIL/APRIL receptor binding can be used for diagnostic purposes to
detect, diagnose, prognose, or monitor autoimmune disorders and/or
immunodeficiencies and/or proliferative disorders, and/or diseases
or conditions associated therewith. The invention provides for the
detection of aberrant expression of APRIL receptor comprising: (a)
assaying the expression of APRIL receptor in a biological sample
from an individual using one or more antibodies of the invention
that immunospecifically binds to APRIL; and (b) comparing the level
of APRIL receptor with a standard level of APRIL receptor, e.g., in
normal biological samples, whereby an increase or decrease in the
assayed level of APRIL receptor compared to the standard level of
APRIL receptor is indicative of an autoimmune disorder or disease
and/or an immunodeficiency and/or a proliferative disorder. In
specific embodiments, an increase in the assayed level of APRIL
receptor is indicative of an autoimmune disorder or disease. In
other specific embodiments, a decrease in the assayed level of
APRIL receptor is indicative of an immunodeficiency. In other
specific embodiments, an increase or a decrease in the assayed
level of APRIL is indicative of a proliferative disorder.
[0170] Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, diseases, or
conditions that may be detected, diagnosed, prognosed, or monitored
using the antibodies of the invention include, but are not limited
to, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (including, but not limited to
cryoglobinemia or Coombs positive anemia), autoimmune neonatal
thrombocytopenia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune
thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune neutropenia,
autoimmunocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, antiphospholipid syndrome,
dermatitis (e.g. atopic dermatitis), gluten-sensitive enteropathy,
allergic encephalomyelitis, myocarditis, relapsing polychondritis,
rheumatic heart disease, glomerulonephritis (e.g., primary
glomerulonephritis and IgA nephropathy), Multiple Sclerosis,
Neuritis, Uveitis Ophthalmia, Polyendocrinopathies, Purpura (e.g.,
Henloch-Schoenlein purpura), Reiter's Disease, Stiff-Man Syndrome,
Autoimmune Pulmonary Inflammation, myocarditis, IgA
glomerulonephritis, dense deposit disease, rheumatic heart disease,
Guillain-Barre Syndrome, diabetes mellitus (e.g. Type I diabetes
mellitus or insulin dependent diabetes mellitis), juvenile onset
diabetes, autoimmune inflammatory eye, autoimmune thyroiditis,
hypothyroidism (i.e., Hashimoto's thyroiditis), systemic lupus
erythematosus, discoid lupus, Goodpasture's syndrome, Pemphigus,
Receptor autoimmunities such as, for example, (a) Graves' Disease,
(b) Myasthenia Gravis, and (c) insulin resistance, rheumatoid
arthritis, scleroderma with anti-collagen antibodies, mixed
connective tissue disease, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, pernicious
anemia (Addison's disease), idiopathic Addison's disease,
infertility, bullous pemphigoid, Sjogren'syndrome, adrenergic drug
resistance (including adrenergic drug resistance with asthma or
cystic fibrosis), chronic active hepatitis, primary biliary
cirrhosis, other endocrine gland failure, vitiligo, vasculitis,
post-MI cardiotomy syndrome, urticaria, asthma, inflammatory
myopathies, and other inflammatory, granulomatous, degenerative,
and atrophic disorders, and other disorders such as inflammatory
skin diseases including psoriasis and sclerosis, responses
associated with inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease
and ulcerative colitis), respiratory distress syndrome (including
adult respiratory distress syndrome, ARDS), meningitis,
encephalitis, colitis, allergic conditions such as eczema and other
conditions involving infiltration of T cells and chronic
inflammatory responses, atherosclerosis, leukocyte adhesion
deficiency, Reynaud's syndrome, and immune responses associated
with acute and delayed hypersensitivity mediated by cytokines and
T-lymphocytes typically found in tuberculosis, sarcoidosis,
granulomatosis and diseases involving leukocyte diapedesis, central
nervous system (CNS) inflammatory disorder, multiple organ injury
syndrome, antigen-antibody complex mediated diseases,
anti-glomerular basement membrane disease, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic
syndrome, Bechet's disease, giant cell arteritis, immune complex
nephritis, IgM polyneuropathies or autoimmune thrombocytopenia
etc.
[0171] In additional embodiments, antibodies of the invention which
specifically bind to APRIL can be used for diagnostic purposes to
detect, diagnose, prognose, or monitor an immune-based
rheumatologic disease, (e.g., SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, CREST
syndrome (a variant of scleroderma characterized by calcinosis,
Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal motility disorders, sclerodactyly,
and telangiectasia.), Seronegative spondyloarthropathy (SpA),
Polymyositis/dermatomyositis, Microscopic polyangiitis, Hepatitis
C-associated arthritis, Takayasu's arteritis, and undifferentiated
connective tissue disorder). The invention provides for the
detection of aberrant expression of APRIL comprising: (a) assaying
the expression of APRIL in a biological sample (e.g., serum and
synovial fluid) of an individual using one or more antibodies of
the invention that immunospecifically binds to APRIL; and (b)
comparing the level of APRIL with a standard level of APRIL, e.g.,
in normal biological samples, whereby an increase in the assayed
level of APRIL compared to the standard level of APRIL is
indicative of monitor an immune-based rheumatologic disease.
[0172] In further specific embodiments, serum levels of APRIL
(determined using one or more antibodies of the present invention)
in individuals diagnosed with an immune based rheumatologic disease
(e.g., SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, CREST syndrome (a variant of
scleroderma characterized by calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon,
esophageal motility disorders, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia.),
seronegative spondyloarthropathy (SpA),
polymyositis/dermatomyositis, microscopic polyangiitis, hepatitis
C-associated arthritis, Takayasu's arteritis, and undifferentiated
connective tissue disorder) may be used to determine, diagnose,
prognose, or monitor the severity of certain aspects or symptoms of
the disease, such as nephrotic-range proteinuria.
[0173] In specific embodiments, antibodies of the invention which
specifically bind to APRIL can be used for diagnostic purposes to
detect, diagnose, prognose, or monitor Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
or conditions associated therewith. The invention provides for the
detection of aberrant expression of APRIL comprising: (a) assaying
the expression of APRIL in a biological sample of an individual
using one or more antibodies of the invention that
immunospecifically binds to APRIL; and (b) comparing the level of
APRIL with a standard level of APRIL, e.g., in normal biological
samples, whereby an increase in the assayed level of APRIL compared
to the standard level of APRIL is indicative of SLE.
[0174] In additional embodiments, antibodies of the invention which
specifically bind to APRIL can be used for diagnostic purposes to
detect, diagnose, prognose, or monitor Rheumatoid Arthritis. The
invention provides for the detection of aberrant expression of
APRIL comprising: (a) assaying the expression of APRIL in a
biological sample (e.g., serum and synovial fluid) of an individual
using one or more antibodies of the invention that
immunospecifically binds to APRIL; and (b) comparing the level of
APRIL with a standard level of APRIL, e.g., in normal biological
samples, whereby an increase in the assayed level of APRIL compared
to the standard level of APRIL is indicative of Rheumatoid
arthritis.
[0175] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic
Purpura, comprising: (a) assaying for the level of APRIL in a
biological sample of an individual using one or more antibodies of
the invention that immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b)
comparing the level of APRIL with a standard APRIL level, e.g., in
a biological sample from a patient without Idiopathic
Thrombocytopenic Purpura, whereby an increase in the assayed APRIL
level compared to the standard level of APRIL is indicative of
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura.
[0176] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing Sjogren'syndrome, comprising:
(a) assaying for the level of APRIL in a biological sample of an
individual using one or more antibodies of the invention that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b) comparing the level of
APRIL with a standard APRIL level, e.g., in a biological sample
from a patient without Sjogren'syndrome, whereby an increase in the
assayed APRIL level compared to the standard level of APRIL is
indicative of Sjogren'syndrome.
[0177] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing Myasthenia gravis, comprising:
(a) assaying for the level of APRIL in a biological sample of an
individual using one or more antibodies of the invention that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b) comparing the level of
APRIL with a standard APRIL level, e.g., in a biological sample
from a patient without Myasthenia gravis, whereby an increase in
the assayed APRIL level compared to the standard level of APRIL is
indicative of Myasthenia gravis.
[0178] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing IgA nephropathy, comprising: (a)
assaying for the level of APRIL in a biological sample of an
individual using one or more antibodies of the invention that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b) comparing the level of
APRIL with a standard APRIL level, e.g., in a biological sample
from a patient without IgA nephropathy, whereby an increase in the
assayed APRIL level compared to the standard level of APRIL is
indicative of IgA nephropathy.
[0179] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing hemolytic anemia, comprising:
(a) assaying for the level of APRIL in a biological sample of an
individual using one or more antibodies of the invention that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b) comparing the level of
APRIL with a standard APRIL level, e.g., in a biological sample
from a patient without hemolytic anemia, whereby an increase in the
assayed APRIL level compared to the standard level of APRIL is
indicative of hemolytic anemia.
[0180] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing thyroiditis, comprising: (a)
assaying for the level of APRIL in a biological sample of an
individual using one or more antibodies of the invention that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b) comparing the level of
APRIL with a standard APRIL level, e.g., in a biological sample
from a patient without thyroiditis, whereby an increase or decrease
in the assayed APRIL level compared to the standard level of APRIL
is indicative of thyroiditis.
[0181] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing Goodpasture's syndrome,
comprising: (a) assaying for the level of APRIL in a biological
sample of an individual using one or more antibodies of the
invention that immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b) comparing
the level of APRIL with a standard APRIL level, e.g., in a
biological sample from a patient without Goodpasture's syndrome,
whereby an increase or decrease in the assayed APRIL level compared
to the standard level of APRIL is indicative of Goodpasture's
syndrome.
[0182] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing Multiple sclerosis, comprising:
(a) assaying for the level of APRIL in a biological sample of an
individual using one or more antibodies of the invention that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b) comparing the level of
APRIL with a standard APRIL level, e.g., in a biological sample
from a patient without Multiple sclerosis, whereby an increase or
decrease in the assayed APRIL level compared to the standard level
of APRIL is indicative of Multiple sclerosis.
[0183] Immunodeficiencies that may be detected, diagnosed,
prognosed, or monitored using the antibodies of the invention
include, but are not limited to, severe combined immunodeficiency
(SCID)-X linked, SCID-autosomal, adenosine deaminase deficiency
(ADA deficiency), X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), Bruton's
disease, congenital agammaglobulinemia, X-linked infantile
agammaglobulinemia, acquired agammaglobulinemia, adult onset
agammaglobulinemia, late-onset agammaglobulinemia,
dysgammaglobulinemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, transient
hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy, unspecified
hypogammaglobulinemia, agammaglobulinemia, common variable
immunodeficiency (CVID) (acquired), Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS),
X-linked immunodeficiency with hyper IgM, non X-linked
immunodeficiency with hyper IgM, selective IgA deficiency, IgG
subclass deficiency (with or without IgA deficiency), antibody
deficiency with normal or elevated Igs, immunodeficiency with
thymoma, Ig heavy chain deletions, kappa chain deficiency, B cell
lymphoproliferative disorder (BLPD), selective IgM
immunodeficiency, recessive agammaglobulinemia (Swiss type),
reticular dysgenesis, neonatal neutropenia, severe congenital
leukopenia, thymic alymphoplasia-aplasia or dysplasia with
immunodeficiency, ataxia-telangiectasia, short limbed dwarfism,
X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP), Nezelof
syndrome-combined immunodeficiency with Igs, purine nucleoside
phosphorylase deficiency (PNP), MHC Class II deficiency (Bare
Lymphocyte Syndrome) and severe combined immunodeficiency.
[0184] In specific embodiments, the present invention encompasses
methods and compositions for detecting, diagnosing, prognosing
and/or monitoring diseases or disorders associated with
hypergammaglobulinemia (e.g., AIDS, autoimmune diseases, and some
immunodeficiencies). In other specific embodiments, the present
invention encompasses methods and compositions for detecting,
diagnosing and/or prognosing diseases or disorders associated with
hypogammaglobulinemia (e.g., an immunodeficiency).
[0185] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing Common Variable Immunodeficiency
(CVID), comprising: (a) assaying for the level of APRIL in a
biological sample of an individual using one or more antibodies of
the invention that immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b)
comparing the level of APRIL with a standard APRIL level, e.g., in
a biological sample from a patient without CVID, whereby a decrease
in the assayed APRIL level compared to the standard level of APRIL
is indicative of CVID.
[0186] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing Selective IgA deficiency,
comprising: (a) assaying for the level of APRIL in a biological
sample of an individual using one or more antibodies of the
invention that immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b) comparing
the level of APRIL with a standard APRIL level, e.g., in a
biological sample from a patient without Selective IgA deficiency,
whereby a decrease in the assayed APRIL level compared to the
standard level of APRIL is indicative of Selective IgA
deficiency.
[0187] Proliferative disorders, diseases, or conditions that may be
detected, diagnosed, prognosed, or monitored using the antibodies
of the invention include, but are not limited to, Acute Childhood
Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Acute
Lymphocytic Leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Adrenocortical
Carcinoma, Adult (Primary) Hepatocellular Cancer, Adult (Primary)
Liver Cancer, Adult Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, Adult Acute Myeloid
Leukemia, Adult Hodgkin's Disease, Adult Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Adult
Lymphocytic Leukemia, Adult Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Adult Primary
Liver Cancer, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, AIDS-Related Lymphoma,
AIDS-Related Malignancies, Anal Cancer, Astrocytoma, Bile Duct
Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Bone Cancer, Brain Stem Glioma, Brain
Tumors, Breast Cancer, Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter,
Central Nervous System (Primary) Lymphoma, Central Nervous System
Lymphoma, Cerebellar Astrocytoma, Cerebral Astrocytoma, Cervical
Cancer, Childhood (Primary) Hepatocellular Cancer, Childhood
(Primary) Liver Cancer, Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia,
Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Childhood Brain Stem Glioma,
Childhood Cerebellar Astrocytoma, Childhood Cerebral Astrocytoma,
Childhood Extracranial Germ Cell Tumors, Childhood Hodgkin's
Disease, Childhood Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Childhood Hypothalamic and
Visual Pathway Glioma, Childhood Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Childhood
Medulloblastoma, Childhood Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Childhood Pineal
and Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors, Childhood
Primary Liver Cancer, Childhood Rhabdomyosarcoma, Childhood Soft
Tissue Sarcoma, Childhood Visual Pathway and Hypothalamic Glioma,
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, Colon
Cancer, Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, Endocrine Pancreas Islet Cell
Carcinoma, Endometrial Cancer, Ependymoma, Epithelial Cancer,
Esophageal Cancer, Ewing's Sarcoma and Related Tumors, Exocrine
Pancreatic Cancer, Extracranial Germ Cell Tumor, Extragonadal Germ
Cell Tumor, Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer, Eye Cancer, Female
Breast Cancer, Gaucher's Disease, Gallbladder Cancer, Gastric
Cancer, Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor, Gastrointestinal Tumors,
Germ Cell Tumors, Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor, Hairy Cell
Leukemia, Head and Neck Cancer, Hepatocellular Cancer, Hodgkin's
Disease, Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Hypergammaglobulinemia, Hypopharyngeal
Cancer, Intestinal Cancers, Intraocular Melanoma, Islet Cell
Carcinoma, Islet Cell Pancreatic Cancer, Kaposi's Sarcoma, Kidney
Cancer, Laryngeal Cancer, Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer, Liver Cancer,
Lung Cancer, Lymphoproliferative Disorders, Macroglobulinemia, Male
Breast Cancer, Malignant Mesothelioma, Malignant Thymoma,
Medulloblastoma, Melanoma, Mesothelioma, Metastatic Occult Primary
Squamous Neck Cancer, Metastatic Primary Squamous Neck Cancer,
Metastatic Squamous Neck Cancer, Multiple Myeloma, Multiple
Myeloma/Plasma Cell Neoplasm, Myelodysplastic Syndrome, Myelogenous
Leukemia, Myeloid Leukemia, Myeloproliferative Disorders, Nasal
Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer, Nasopharyngeal Cancer,
Neuroblastoma, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma During Pregnancy, Nonmelanoma
Skin Cancer, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Occult Primary Metastatic
Squamous Neck Cancer, Oropharyngeal Cancer, Osteo-/Malignant
Fibrous Sarcoma, Osteosarcoma/Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma,
Osteosarcoma/Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of Bone, Ovarian
Epithelial Cancer, Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor, Ovarian Low Malignant
Potential Tumor, Pancreatic Cancer, Paraproteinemias, Purpura,
Parathyroid Cancer, Penile Cancer, Pheochromocytoma, Pituitary
Tumor, Plasma Cell Neoplasm/Multiple Myeloma, Primary Central
Nervous System Lymphoma, Primary Liver Cancer, Prostate Cancer,
Rectal Cancer, Renal Cell Cancer, Renal Pelvis and Ureter Cancer,
Retinoblastoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Salivary Gland Cancer,
Sarcoidosis Sarcomas, Sezary Syndrome, Skin Cancer, Small Cell Lung
Cancer, Small Intestine Cancer, Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Squamous Neck
Cancer, Stomach Cancer, Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal
and Pineal Tumors, T-Cell Lymphoma, Testicular Cancer, Thymoma,
Thyroid Cancer, Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and
Ureter, Transitional Renal Pelvis and Ureter Cancer, Trophoblastic
Tumors, Ureter and Renal Pelvis Cell Cancer, Urethral Cancer,
Uterine Cancer, Uterine Sarcoma, Vaginal Cancer, Visual Pathway and
Hypothalamic Glioma, Vulvar Cancer, Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia
and Wilms' Tumor. Premalignant disorders which may progress to
malignancy, that may be detected, diagnosed, prognosed, or
monitored using the antibodies of the invention include, but are
not limited to, hyperplasia (a form of controlled cell
proliferation, involving an increase in cell number in a tissue or
organ, without significant alteration in structure or function,
including, but not limited to, angiofollicular mediastinal lymph
node hyperplasia, angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia,
atypical melanocytic hyperplasia, basal cell hyperplasia, benign
giant lymph node hyperplasia, cementum hyperplasia, congenital
adrenal hyperplasia, congenital sebaceous hyperplasia, cystic
hyperplasia, cystic hyperplasia of the breast, denture hyperplasia,
ductal hyperplasia, endometrial hyperplasia, fibromuscular
hyperplasia, focal epithelial hyperplasia, gingival hyperplasia,
inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia, inflammatory papillary
hyperplasia, intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia,
nodular hyperplasia of prostate, nodular regenerative hyperplasia,
pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, senile sebaceous hyperplasia,
and verrucous hyperplasia), metaplasia (a form of controlled cell
growth in which one type of adult or fully differentiated cell
substitutes for another type of adult cell, including, but not
limited to, agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, apocrine metaplasia,
atypical metaplasia, autoparenchymatous metaplasia, connective
tissue metaplasia, epithelial metaplasia, intestinal metaplasia,
metaplastic anemia, metaplastic ossification, metaplastic polyps,
myeloid metaplasia, primary myeloid metaplasia, secondary myeloid
metaplasia, squamous metaplasia, squamous metaplasia of amnion, and
symptomatic myeloid metaplasia), and dysplasia (which is frequently
a forerunner of cancer and is found mainly in the epithelia, is the
most disorderly form of non-neoplastic cell growth, involving a
loss in individual cell uniformity and in the architectural
orientation of cells which often have abnormally large, deeply
stained nuclei, and exhibit pleomorphism, including, but not
limited to, anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, anterofacial
dysplasia, asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia, atriodigital dysplasia,
bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cerebral dysplasia, cervical dysplasia,
chondroectodermal dysplasia, cleidocranial dysplasia, congenital
ectodermal dysplasia, craniodiaphysial dysplasia, craniocarpotarsal
dysplasia, craniometaphysial dysplasia, dentin dysplasia,
diaphysial dysplasia, ectodermal dysplasia, enamel dysplasia,
encephalo-ophthalmic dysplasia, dysplasia epiphysialis hemimelia,
dysplasia epiphysialis multiplex, dysplasia epiphysialis punctata,
epithelial dysplasia, faciodigitogenital dysplasia, familial
fibrous dysplasia of jaws, familial white folded dysplasia,
fibromuscular dysplasia, fibrous dysplasia of bone, florid osseous
dysplasia, hereditary renal-retinal dysplasia, hidrotic ectodermal
dysplasia, hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, lymphopenic thymic
dysplasia, mammary dysplasia, mandibulofacial dysplasia,
metaphysial dysplasia, Mondini dysplasia, monostotic fibrous
dysplasia, mucoepithelial dysplasia, multiple epiphysial dysplasia,
oculoauriculovertebral dysplasia, oculodentodigital dysplasia,
oculovertebral dysplasia, odontogenic dysplasia,
ophthalmomandibulomelic dysplasia, periapical cemental dysplasia,
polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, pseudoachondroplastic
spondyloepiphysial dysplasia, retinal dysplasia, septo-optic
dysplasia, spondyloepiphysial dysplasia, and ventriculoradial
dysplasia).
[0188] The invention provides a diagnostic assay for diagnosing or
prognosing a disease or disorder, comprising: (a) assaying for the
level of APRIL receptor in cells or a tissue sample of an
individual using one or more antibodies of the invention that
immunospecifically binds only to soluble APRIL, but does not
neutralize APRIL/APRIL receptor binding; and (b) comparing the
level of APRIL receptor with a standard APRIL receptor level, e.g.,
in a tissue sample from a patient without the disease or disorder,
whereby an increase or decrease in the assayed APRIL receptor level
compared to the standard level of APRIL receptor is indicative of a
particular disease or disorder. With respect to cancer, the
presence of a relatively high amount of APRIL receptor in biopsied
tissue from an individual may indicate a predisposition for the
development of the disease, or may provide a means for detecting
the disease prior to the appearance of actual clinical symptoms. A
more definitive diagnosis of this type may allow health
professionals to employ preventative measures or aggressive
treatment earlier thereby preventing the development or further
progression of the cancer.
[0189] The invention provides a diagnostic assay for diagnosing or
prognosing a disease or disorder, comprising: (a) assaying for the
level of APRIL in a biological sample of an individual using one or
more antibodies of the invention that immunospecifically bind to
APRIL; and (b) comparing the level of APRIL with a standard APRIL
level, e.g., in a biological sample from a patient without the
disease or disorder, whereby an increase or decrease in the assayed
APRIL level compared to the standard level of APRIL is indicative
of a particular disease or disorder. With respect to cancer, the
presence of a relatively high amount of APRIL in biopsied tissue
from an individual may indicate a predisposition for the
development of the disease, or may provide a means for detecting
the disease prior to the appearance of actual clinical symptoms. A
more definitive diagnosis of this type may allow health
professionals to employ preventative measures or aggressive
treatment earlier thereby preventing the development or further
progression of the cancer.
[0190] In specific embodiments, the presence of a relatively high
amount of membrane-bound APRIL in a biological sample is indicative
of monocytic cell related leukemias or lymphomas, such as, for
example acute myelogenous leukemia and/or the severity thereof.
[0191] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing Acute Myelogenous Leukemia,
comprising: (a) assaying for the level of APRIL in a biological
sample of an individual using one or more antibodies of the
invention that immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b) comparing
the level of APRIL with a standard APRIL level, e.g., in a
biological sample from a patient without Acute Myelogenous
Leukemia, whereby an increase in the assayed APRIL level compared
to the standard level of APRIL is indicative of Acute Myelogenous
leukemia.
[0192] In other specific embodiments, the presence of a relatively
high amount of APRIL receptor in a biological sample (as determined
using antibodies of the invention that bind to soluble APRIL, but
do not inhibit APRIL/APRIL receptor binding) is indicative of B
cell related leukemias or lymphomas (e.g., chronic lymphocytic
leukemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Hodgkin's
disease), and/or the severity thereof.
[0193] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia,
comprising: (a) assaying for the level of APRIL receptor in a
biological sample of an individual using one or more antibodies of
the invention that immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b)
comparing the level of APRIL receptor with a standard APRIL
receptor level, e.g., in a biological sample from a patient without
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, whereby an increase or decrease in
the assayed APRIL receptor level compared to the standard level of
APRIL receptor is indicative of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
[0194] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing Multiple Myeloma, comprising:
(a) assaying for the level of APRIL receptor in a biological sample
of an individual using one or more antibodies of the invention that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b) comparing the level of
APRIL receptor with a standard APRIL receptor level, e.g., in a
biological sample from a patient without Multiple Myeloma, whereby
an increase or decrease in the assayed APRIL receptor level
compared to the standard level of APRIL receptor is indicative of
Multiple Myeloma.
[0195] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma,
comprising: (a) assaying for the level of APRIL receptor in a
biological sample of an individual using one or more antibodies of
the invention that immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b)
comparing the level of APRIL receptor with a standard APRIL
receptor level, e.g., in a biological sample from a patient without
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, whereby an increase or decrease in the
assayed APRIL receptor level compared to the standard level of
APRIL receptor is indicative of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
[0196] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing Hodgkin's disease, comprising:
(a) assaying for the level of APRIL receptor in a biological sample
of an individual using one or more antibodies of the invention that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL; and (b) comparing the level of
APRIL receptor with a standard APRIL receptor level, e.g., in a
biological sample from a patient without Hodgkin's disease, whereby
an increase or decrease in the assayed APRIL receptor level
compared to the standard level of APRIL receptor is indicative of
Hodgkin's disease.
[0197] In other specific embodiments, the presence of a relatively
high amount of APRIL receptor in a biological sample (as determined
using antibodies of the invention that bind to soluble APRIL, but
do not inhibit APRIL/APRIL receptor binding) is indicative of T
cell related leukemias or lymphomas, and/or the severity
thereof.
[0198] In specific embodiments, the invention provides a diagnostic
assay for diagnosing or prognosing T cell lymphoma/mycosis
fungoides, comprising: (a) assaying for the level of APRIL receptor
in a biological sample of an individual using one or more
antibodies of the invention that immunospecifically bind to APRIL;
and (b) comparing the level of APRIL receptor with a standard APRIL
receptor level, e.g., in a biological sample from a patient without
T cell lymphoma/mycosis fungoides, whereby an increase or decrease
in the assayed APRIL receptor level compared to the standard level
of APRIL receptor is indicative of T cell lymphoma/mycosis
fungoides.
[0199] Antibodies of the invention (including molecules comprising,
or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or variants
thereof) can be used to assay protein levels in a biological sample
using classical immunohistological methods as described herein or
as known to those of skill in the art (e.g., see Jalkanen, et al,
J. Cell. Biol. 101:976-985 (1985); Jalkanen, et al, J. Cell Biol.
105:3087-3096 (1987)). Other antibody-based methods useful for
detecting protein gene expression include immunoassays, such as the
enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the radioimmunoassay
(RIA). Suitable antibody assay labels are known in the art and
include enzyme labels, such as, glucose oxidase, alkaline
phosphatase, and horseradish peroxidase; radioisotopes, such as
iodine (.sup.121I, .sup.123I, .sup.125I, .sup.131I), carbon
(.sup.14C), sulfur (.sup.35S), tritium (.sup.3H), indium
(.sup.111In, .sup.112In, .sup.113mIn, .sup.115mIn), technetium
(.sup.99Tc, .sup.99mTc), thallium (.sup.201Ti), gallium (.sup.68Ga,
.sup.67Ga), palladium (.sup.103Pd), molybdenum (.sup.99Mo), xenon
(.sup.133Xe), fluorine (.sup.18F), .sup.153Sm, .sup.177Lu,
.sup.159Gd, .sup.149Pm, .sup.140La, .sup.175Yb, .sup.166Ho,
.sup.90Y, .sup.47Sc, .sup.186Re, .sup.188Re, .sup.142Pr,
.sup.105Rh, and .sup.97Ru; luminescent labels, such as luminol; and
fluorescent labels, such as fluorescein and rhodamine, and
biotin.
[0200] One aspect of the invention is the detection and diagnosis
of a disease or disorder associated with aberrant expression of
APRIL or APRIL receptor in an animal, preferably a mammal and most
preferably a human. In one embodiment, diagnosis comprises: a)
administering (for example, parenterally, subcutaneously, or
intraperitoneally) to a subject an effective amount of a labeled
antibody of the invention (including molecules comprising, or
alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or variants
thereof) that immunospecifically binds to APRIL; b) waiting for a
time interval following the administering for permitting the
labeled antibody to preferentially concentrate at sites in the
subject where APRIL is expressed (and for unbound labeled molecule
to be cleared to background level); c) determining background
level; and d) detecting the labeled antibody in the subject, such
that detection of labeled antibody or fragment thereof above the
background level and above or below the level observed in a person
without the disease or disorder indicates that the subject has a
particular disease or disorder associated with aberrant expression
of APRIL or APRIL receptor. Background level can be determined by
various methods including, comparing the amount of labeled molecule
detected to a standard value previously determined for a particular
system.
[0201] It will be understood in the art that the size of the
subject and the imaging system used will determine the quantity of
imaging moiety needed to produce diagnostic images. In the case of
a radioisotope moiety, for a human subject, the quantity of
radioactivity injected will normally range from about 5 to 20
millicuries of .sup.99Tc. The labeled antibody will then
preferentially accumulate at the location of cells which contain
the specific protein. In vivo tumor imaging is described in S. W.
Burchiel et al., "Immunopharmacokinetics of Radiolabeled Antibodies
and Their Fragments." (Chapter 13 in Tumor Imaging: The
Radiochemical Detection of Cancer, S. W. Burchiel and B. A. Rhodes,
eds., Masson Publishing Inc. (1982).
[0202] Depending on several variables, including the type of label
used and the mode of administration, the time interval following
the administration for permitting the labeled molecule to
preferentially concentrate at sites in the subject and for unbound
labeled molecule to be cleared to background level is 6 to 48 hours
or 6 to 24 hours or 6 to 12 hours. In another embodiment the time
interval following administration is 5 to 20 days or 5 to 10
days.
[0203] In an embodiment, monitoring of the disease or disorder is
carried out by repeating the method for diagnosing the disease or
disorder, for example, one month after initial diagnosis, six
months after initial diagnosis, one year after initial diagnosis,
etc.
[0204] Presence of the labeled molecule can be detected in the
patient using methods known in the art for in vivo scanning. These
methods depend upon the type of label used. Skilled artisans will
be able to determine the appropriate method for detecting a
particular label. Methods and devices that may be used in the
diagnostic methods of the invention include, but are not limited
to, computed tomography (CT), whole body scan such as position
emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and
sonography.
[0205] In a specific embodiment, the molecule is labeled with a
radioisotope and is detected in the patient using a radiation
responsive surgical instrument (Thurston et al, U.S. Pat. No.
5,441,050). In another embodiment, the molecule is labeled with a
fluorescent compound and is detected in the patient using a
fluorescence responsive scanning instrument. In another embodiment,
the molecule is labeled with a positron emitting metal and is
detected in the patient using positron emission-tomography. In yet
another embodiment, the molecule is labeled with a paramagnetic
label and is detected in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI).
Immunophenotyping
[0206] The antibodies of the invention (including molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or
variants thereof) may be utilized for immunophenotyping of cell
lines and biological samples by their APRIL expression or APRIL
receptor expression. Various techniques can be utilized using
antibodies, fragments, or variants of the invention to screen for
cellular populations (i.e., immune cells, particularly monocytic
cells or B-cells) expressing APRIL or APRIL receptor, and include
magnetic separation using antibody-coated magnetic beads, "panning"
with antibody attached to a solid matrix (i.e., plate), and flow
cytometry (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,660; and Morrison et al.,
Cell, 96:737-49 (1999)).
[0207] These techniques allow for the screening of particular
populations of cells, such as might be found with hematological
malignancies (i.e., minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute
leukemic patients) and "non-self" cells in transplantations to
prevent Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD). Alternatively, these
techniques allow for the screening of hematopoietic stem and
progenitor cells capable of undergoing proliferation and/or
differentiation, as might be found in human umbilical cord
blood.
[0208] In one embodiment, antibodies of the invention (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) are used to identify cells of
monocytic or B cell origin.
Therapeutic Uses of Antibodies
[0209] The present invention is further directed to antibody-based
therapies which involve administering antibodies of the invention
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) to an animal, preferably a
mammal, and most preferably a human, patient for treating one or
more of the disclosed diseases, disorders, or conditions.
Therapeutic compounds of the invention include, but are not limited
to, antibodies of the invention and nucleic acids encoding
antibodies (and anti-idiotypic antibodies) of the invention as
described herein. The antibodies of the invention can be used to
treat, prevent or ameliorate diseases, disorders or conditions
associated with aberrant expression and/or activity of APRIL or
APRIL receptor, including, but not limited to, any one or more of
the diseases, disorders, or conditions described herein. The
treatment and/or prevention of diseases, disorders, or conditions
associated with aberrant APRIL expression and/or activity or
aberrant APRIL receptor expression and/or activity includes, but is
not limited to, alleviating symptoms associated with those
diseases, disorders or conditions. Antibodies of the invention may
be provided in pharmaceutically acceptable compositions as known in
the art or as described herein.
[0210] Antibodies of the present invention (including molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or
variants thereof) that function as agonists or antagonists of
APRIL, preferably of APRIL-induced signal transduction, can be
administered to an animal to treat, prevent or ameliorate a disease
or disorder associated with aberrant APRIL expression, lack of
APRIL function, aberrant APRIL receptor expression, or lack of
APRIL receptor function. For example, antibodies of the invention
which disrupt the interaction between APRIL and its receptor may be
administered to an animal to treat, prevent or ameliorate a disease
or disorder associated with aberrant APRIL expression or function
and/or aberrant APRIL receptor expression or function. Antibodies
of the invention which do not prevent APRIL from binding its
receptor but inhibit or down-regulate APRIL-induced signal
transduction can be administered to an animal to treat, prevent or
ameliorate a disease or disorder associated with aberrant APRIL
expression or function and/or aberrant APRIL receptor expression or
function. In particular, antibodies of the present invention which
prevent APRIL-induced signal transduction by specifically
recognizing the unbound APRIL, receptor-bound APRIL or both unbound
and receptor-bound APRIL can be administered to an animal to treat,
prevent or ameliorate a disease or disorder associated with
aberrant APRIL expression or function and/or aberrant APRIL
receptor expression or function. Antibodies of the invention which
do not prevent APRIL from binding its receptor and do not inhibit
or down-regulate APRIL-induced signal transduction can be
conjugated to a cytotoxic agent and administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate a disease or disorder associated with
aberrant proliferation of cells expressing APRIL receptors. The
ability of an antibody of the invention to inhibit or down-regulate
APRIL-induced signal transduction may be determined by techniques
described herein or otherwise known in the art. For example,
APRIL-induced receptor activation and the activation of signaling
molecules can be determined by detecting the phosphorylation (e.g.,
tyrosine or serine/threonine) of the receptor or a signaling
molecule by immunoprecipitation followed by western blot analysis
(for example, as described herein).
[0211] In a specific embodiment, an antibody of the present
invention (including molecules comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, antibody fragments or variants thereof) that
inhibits or down-regulates APRIL activity by at least 95%, at least
90%, at least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%, at
least 60%, at least 50%, at least 45%, at least 40%, at least 45%,
at least 35%, at least 30%, at least 25%, at least 20%, or at least
10% relative to APRIL activity in absence of the antibody is
administered to an animal to treat, prevent or ameliorate a disease
or disorder associated with aberrant APRIL expression or function
and/or APRIL receptor expression or function. In another
embodiment, a combination of antibodies, a combination of antibody
fragments, a combination of antibody variants, or a combination of
antibodies, antibody fragments, and/or variants that inhibit or
down-regulate APRIL activity by at least 95%, at least 90%, at
least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%, at least 65%,
at least 60%, at least 55%, at least 50%, at least 45%, at least
40%, at least 45%, at least 35%, at least 30%, at least 25%, at
least 20%, or at least 10% relative to APRIL activity in absence of
said antibodies, antibody fragments, and/or antibody variants are
administered to an animal to treat, prevent or ameliorate a disease
or disorder associated with aberrant APRIL expression or function
and/or aberrant APRIL receptor expression or function.
[0212] Further, antibodies of the present invention (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) which activate APRIL-induced signal
transduction can be administered to an animal to treat, prevent or
ameliorate a disease or disorder associated with aberrant APRIL
expression or function and/or aberrant APRIL receptor expression or
function. These antibodies may potentiate or activate all or a
subset of the biological activities of APRIL-mediated receptor
activation, for example, by inducing multimerization of APRIL
and/or multimerization of the receptor. The antibodies of the
invention may be administered with or without being pre-complexed
with APRIL. In a specific embodiment, an antibody of the present
invention that increases APRIL activity by at least 5%, at least
10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at
least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%,
at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least
80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%
relative to APRIL activity in absence of the antibody is
administered to an animal to treat, prevent or ameliorate a disease
or disorder associated with aberrant APRIL expression or function
and/or aberrant APRIL receptor expression or function. In another
embodiment, a combination of antibodies, a combination of antibody
fragments, a combination of antibody variants, or a combination of
antibodies, antibody fragments and/or antibody variants that
increase APRIL activity by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%,
at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least
40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at
least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%,
at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% relative to APRIL
activity in absence of the said antibodies or antibody fragments
and/or antibody variants is administered to an animal to treat,
prevent or ameliorate a disease or disorder associated with
aberrant APRIL expression or lack of APRIL function or aberrant
APRIL receptor expression or lack of APRIL receptor function.
[0213] In a further specific embodiment, an antibody of the present
invention (including molecules comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, antibody fragments or variants thereof) that does
not inhibit or down-regulate APRIL activity, relative to APRIL
activity in the absence of the antibody, is administered to an
animal to treat, prevent or ameliorate a disease or disorder
associated with aberrant APRIL expression, excessive APRIL
function, aberrant APRIL receptor expression, or excessive APRIL
receptor function. In another embodiment, a combination of
antibodies, a combination of antibody fragments, a combination of
antibody variants, or a combination of antibodies, antibody
fragments, and/or variants that do not inhibit or down-regulate
APRIL, relative to APRIL activity in absence of said antibodies,
antibody fragments, and/or antibody variants, are administered to
an animal to treat, prevent or ameliorate a disease or disorder
associated with aberrant APRIL expression, excessive APRIL
function, aberrant APRIL receptor expression, or excessive APRIL
receptor function.
[0214] Further, antibodies of the present invention (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) which do not activate APRIL-induced
signal transduction can be administered to an animal to treat,
prevent or ameliorate a disease or disorder associated with
aberrant APRIL expression, lack of APRIL function, aberrant APRIL
receptor expression, or lack of APRIL receptor function. The
antibodies of the invention may be administered with or without
being pre-complexed with APRIL. In a specific embodiment, an
antibody of the present invention that does not increase APRIL
activity, relative to APRIL activity in absence of the antibody, is
administered to an animal to treat, prevent or ameliorate a disease
or disorder associated with aberrant APRIL expression, lack of
APRIL function, aberrant APRIL receptor expression, or lack of
APRIL receptor function. In another embodiment, a combination of
antibodies, a combination of antibody fragments, a combination of
antibody variants, or a combination of antibodies, antibody
fragments and/or antibody variants that do not increase APRIL
activity, relative to APRIL activity in absence of the said
antibodies or antibody fragments and/or antibody variants, is
administered to an animal to treat, prevent or ameliorate a disease
or disorder associated with aberrant APRIL expression or lack of
APRIL function or aberrant APRIL receptor expression or lack of
APRIL receptor function.
[0215] One or more antibodies of the present invention (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically bind to
APRIL may be used locally or systemically in the body as a
therapeutic. The antibodies of this invention (including molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or
variants thereof) may also be advantageously utilized in
combination with other monoclonal or chimeric antibodies, or with
lymphokines or hematopoietic growth factors (such as, e.g., IL-2,
IL-3 and IL-7), for example, which serve to increase the number or
activity of effector cells which interact with the antibodies.
[0216] The antibodies of the invention (including molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or
variants thereof) may be administered alone or in combination with
other types of treatments (e.g., radiation therapy, chemotherapy,
hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, anti-tumor agents,
anti-angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory agents). Generally,
administration of products of a species origin or species
reactivity (in the case of antibodies) that is the same species as
that of the patient is preferred. Thus, in a preferred embodiment,
human antibodies, fragments, or variants, (e.g., derivatives), or
nucleic acids, are administered to a human patient for therapy or
prophylaxis.
[0217] It is preferred to use high affinity and/or potent in vivo
inhibiting and/or neutralizing antibodies of the invention
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) that immunospecifically
bind to APRIL, or polynucleotides encoding antibodies that
immunospecifically bind to APRIL, for both immunoassays directed to
and therapy of disorders related to APRIL polynucleotides or
polypeptides, including fragments thereof. Such antibodies will
preferably have an affinity for APRIL and/or APRIL fragments.
Preferred binding affinities include those with a dissociation
constant or Kd less than or equal to 5.times.10.sup.-2 M, 10.sup.-2
M, 5.times.10.sup.-3 M, 10.sup.-3 M, 5.times.10.sup.4 M, 10.sup.-4
M, 5.times.10.sup.-5 M, or 10.sup.-5 M. More preferably, antibodies
of the invention bind APRIL polypeptides or fragments or variants
thereof with a dissociation constant or K.sub.D less than or equal
to 5.times.10.sup.-6 M, 10.sup.-6 M, 5.times.10.sup.-7 M, 10.sup.-7
M, 5.times.10.sup.-8 M, or 10.sup.-8 M. Even more preferably,
antibodies of the invention bind APRIL polypeptides or fragments or
variants thereof with a dissociation constant or K.sub.D less than
or equal to 5.times.10.sup.-9 M, 10.sup.-9 M, 5.times.10.sup.-10 M,
10.sup.-10 M, 5.times.10.sup.-11 M, 10.sup.-11 M,
5.times.10.sup.-12 M, 10.sup.-12 M, 5.times..sup.-13 M, 10.sup.-13
M, 5.times.10.sup.-14 M, 10.sup.-14 M, 5.times.10.sup.-15 M, or
10.sup.-15 M. The invention encompasses antibodies that bind APRIL
polypeptides with a dissociation constant or K.sub.D that is within
any one of the ranges that are between each of the individual
recited values. In a preferred embodiment, antibodies of the
invention neutralize APRIL activity. In another preferred
embodiment, antibodies of the invention do not neutralize APRIL
activity. In another preferred embodiment, antibodies of the
invention inhibit B cell proliferation. In another preferred
embodiment, antibodies of the invention do not inhibit B cell
proliferation.
[0218] In a preferred embodiment, antibodies of the invention
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) inhibit or reduce binding
of the soluble form of APRIL to an APRIL receptor. In another
preferred embodiment, antibodies of the invention (including
molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody
fragments or variants thereof) do not inhibit or reduce binding of
the soluble form of APRIL to an APRIL receptor. In another
preferred embodiment antibodies of the invention inhibit or reduce
B cell proliferation induced by the soluble form of APRIL. In
another preferred embodiment antibodies of the invention do not
inhibit or reduce B cell proliferation induced by the soluble form
of APRIL. In another preferred embodiment antibodies of the
invention inhibit or reduce immunoglobulin production induced by
the soluble form of APRIL. In another preferred embodiment
antibodies of the invention do not inhibit or reduce immunoglobulin
production induced by the soluble form of APRIL.
[0219] In a preferred embodiment, antibodies of the invention
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) inhibit or reduce binding
of membrane-bound APRIL to an APRIL receptor. In a preferred
embodiment, antibodies of the invention (including molecules
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, antibody fragments or
variants thereof) do not inhibit or reduce binding of
membrane-bound APRIL to an APRIL receptor. In another preferred
embodiment, antibodies of the invention inhibit or reduce B cell
proliferation induced by the membrane-bound form of APRIL. In
another preferred embodiment, antibodies of the invention do not
inhibit or reduce B cell proliferation induced by the
membrane-bound form of APRIL. In another preferred embodiment,
antibodies of the invention inhibit or reduce immunoglobulin
production induced by the membrane bound form of APRIL. In another
preferred embodiment, antibodies of the invention do not inhibit or
reduce immunoglobulin production induced by the membrane bound form
of APRIL.
[0220] In a preferred embodiment, antibodies of the invention
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) inhibit or reduce binding
of both the soluble and membrane-bound forms of APRIL to an APRIL
receptor. In a preferred embodiment, antibodies of the invention
(including molecules comprising, or alternatively consisting of,
antibody fragments or variants thereof) do not inhibit or reduce
binding of both the soluble and membrane-bound forms of APRIL to an
APRIL receptor. In another preferred embodiment, antibodies of the
invention inhibit or reduce B cell proliferation induced by either
or both forms of APRIL. In another preferred embodiment, antibodies
of the invention do not inhibit or reduce B cell proliferation
induced by either or both forms of APRIL. In another preferred
embodiment, antibodies of the invention inhibit or reduce
immunoglobulin production induced by either or both forms of APRIL.
In another preferred embodiment, antibodies of the invention do not
inhibit or reduce immunoglobulin production induced by either or
both forms of APRIL.
[0221] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of
delivering antibody conjugates of the invention to targeted cells,
such as, for example, monocytic cells expressing the membrane-bound
form of APRIL, or B cells expressing an APRIL receptor.
[0222] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for the
specific delivery of antibodies and antibody conjugates of the
invention to cells by administering molecules of the invention that
are associated with heterologous polypeptides or nucleic acids. In
one example, the invention provides a method for delivering a
therapeutic protein into the targeted cell. In another example, the
invention provides a method for delivering a single stranded
nucleic acid (e.g., antisense or ribozymes) or double stranded
nucleic acid (e.g., DNA that can integrate into the cell's genome
or replicate episomally and that can be transcribed) into the
targeted cell.
[0223] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for
the specific destruction of cells (e.g., the destruction of tumor
cells) by administering antibodies or antibody conjugates of the
invention (e.g., antibodies conjugated with radioisotopes, toxins,
or cytotoxic prodrugs). In a specific embodiment, the invention
provides a method for the specific destruction of cells of
monocytic lineage (e.g., monocytic cell related leukemias or
lymphomas, such as, for example acute myelogenous leukemia) by
administering antibodies or antibody conjugates of the invention
(e.g., antibodies conjugated with radioisotopes, toxins, or
cytotoxic prodrugs) that immunospecifically bind the membrane-bound
form of APRIL. In another specific embodiment, the invention
provides a method for the specific destruction of cells of B cell
lineage (e.g., B cell related leukemias or lymphomas (e.g., chronic
lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and
Hodgkin's disease) by administering antibodies or antibody
conjugates of the invention (e.g., antibodies conjugated with
radioisotopes, toxins, or cytotoxic prodrugs) that bind soluble
APRIL, but do not inhibit APRIL binding to an APRIL receptor on B
cells. In another specific embodiment, the invention provides a
method for the specific destruction of cells of T cell lineage
(e.g., T cell lymphoma or mycosis fungoides) by administering
antibodies or antibody conjugates of the invention (e.g.,
antibodies conjugated with radioisotopes, toxins, or cytotoxic
prodrugs) that bind soluble APRIL, but do not inhibit APRIL binding
to an APRIL receptor on T cells.
Preferred Therapeutic Uses of Anti-APRIL Antibodies to Treat
Autoimmune Diseases and Hyperproliferative Disorders
[0224] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate immune disorders. Immune disorders
include, but are not limited to, autoimmune disorders (e.g.,
arthritis, graft rejection, Hashimoto's thyroiditis,
insulin-dependent diabetes, lupus erythematosus, idiopathic
thrombocytopenic purpura and multiple sclerosis), and
immunodeficiencies (e.g., selective IgA deficiency,
ataxia-telangiectasia, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID),
X-linked agammaglobulinemia, severe combined immunodeficiency
(SCID), Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, idiopathic hyper-eosinophilic
syndrome, monocytic leukemoid reaction, monocytic leukocytosis,
monocytic leukopenia, monocytopenia, monocytosis, and graft or
transplant rejection).
[0225] As discussed herein, antibodies and antibody compositions of
the invention, may be used to treat, prevent, ameliorate, diagnose
or prognose various immune system-related disorders and/or
conditions associated with these disorders, in mammals, preferably
humans. Many autoimmune disorders result from inappropriate
recognition of self as foreign material by immune cells. This
inappropriate recognition results in an immune response leading to
the destruction of the host tissue. Therefore, the administration
of antibody and antibody compositions of the invention that can
inhibit an immune response, particularly the proliferation of B
cells and/or the production of immunoglobulins, may be an effective
therapy in treating and/or preventing autoimmune disorders. Thus,
in preferred embodiments, antibodies and antibody compositions of
the invention are used to treat, prevent, ameliorate, diagnose
and/or prognose an autoimmune disorder, or condition(s) associated
with such disorder.
[0226] Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, diseases, or
conditions that may be treated, prevented, or ameliorated using the
antibodies of the invention include, but are not limited to,
autoimmune hemolytic anemia (including, but not limited to
cryoglobinemia or Coombs positive anemia), autoimmune neonatal
thrombocytopenia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune
thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune neutropenia,
autoimmunocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, antiphospholipid syndrome,
dermatitis (e.g. atopic dermatitis), gluten-sensitive enteropathy,
allergic encephalomyelitis, myocarditis, relapsing polychondritis,
rheumatic heart disease, glomerulonephritis (e.g., primary
glomerulonephritis and IgA nephropathy), Multiple Sclerosis,
Neuritis, Uveitis Ophthalmia, Polyendocrinopathies, Purpura (e.g.,
Henloch-Schoenlein purpura), Reiter's Disease, Stiff-Man Syndrome,
Autoimmune Pulmonary Inflammation, myocarditis, IgA
glomerulonephritis, dense deposit disease, rheumatic heart disease,
Guillain-Barre Syndrome, diabetes mellitus (e.g. Type I diabetes
mellitus or insulin dependent diabetes mellitis), juvenile onset
diabetes, autoimmune inflammatory eye, autoimmune thyroiditis,
hypothyroidism (i.e., Hashimoto's thyroiditis), systemic lupus
erythematosus, discoid lupus, Goodpasture's syndrome, Pemphigus,
Receptor autoimmunities such as, for example, (a) Graves' Disease,
(b) Myasthenia Gravis, and (c) insulin resistance, rheumatoid
arthritis, scleroderma with anti-collagen antibodies, mixed
connective tissue disease, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, pernicious
anemia (Addison's disease), idiopathic Addison's disease,
infertility, bullous pemphigoid, Sjogren'syndrome, adrenergic drug
resistance (including adrenergic drug resistance with asthma or
cystic fibrosis), chronic active hepatitis, primary biliary
cirrhosis, other endocrine gland failure, vitiligo, vasculitis,
post-MI cardiotomy syndrome, urticaria, asthma, inflammatory
myopathies, and other inflammatory, granulomatous, degenerative,
and atrophic disorders, and other disorders such as inflammatory
skin diseases including psoriasis and sclerosis, responses
associated with inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease
and ulcerative colitis), respiratory distress syndrome (including
adult respiratory distress syndrome, ARDS), meningitis,
encephalitis, colitis, allergic conditions such as eczema and other
conditions involving infiltration of T cells and chronic
inflammatory responses, atherosclerosis, leukocyte adhesion
deficiency, Reynaud's syndrome, and immune responses associated
with acute and delayed hypersensitivity mediated by cytokines and
T-lymphocytes typically found in tuberculosis, sarcoidosis,
granulomatosis and diseases involving leukocyte diapedesis, central
nervous system (CNS) inflammatory disorder, multiple organ injury
syndrome, antigen-antibody complex mediated diseases,
anti-glomerular basement membrane disease, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic
syndrome, Bechet's disease, giant cell arteritis, immune complex
nephritis, IgM polyneuropathies or autoimmune thrombocytopenia
etc.
[0227] In a preferred embodiment, therapeutic and pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention, are used to treat, prevent,
ameliorate, diagnose or prognose, a member of the group: autoimmune
hemolytic anemia, primary glomerulonephritis, IgA
glomerulonephritis, Goodpasture's syndrome, idiopathic
thrombocytopenic purpura, CVID with autoimmune disease, Multiple
Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Pemphigus,
polymyositis/dermatomyositis, relapsing polychondritis, rheumatoid
arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus,
Uveitis, thyroiditis, vasculitis, and primary biliary
cirrhosis.
[0228] In another preferred embodiment, therapeutic and
pharmaceutical compositions of the invention, are used to treat,
prevent, or ameliorate an immune based-rheumatologic disease, such
as, for example, SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, CREST syndrome (a
variant of scleroderma characterized by calcinosis, Raynaud's
phenomenon, esophageal motility disorders, sclerodactyly, and
telangiectasia.), Seronegative spondyloarthropathy (SpA),
polymyositis/dermatomyositis, microscopic polyangiitis, hepatitis
C-associated arthritis, Takayasu's arteritis, and undifferentiated
connective tissue disorder.
[0229] In a specific preferred embodiment, therapeutic and
pharmaceutical compositions of the invention, are used to treat,
prevent, or ameliorate rheumatoid arthritis and/or medical
conditions associated therewith. For example, an antibody, or
antibodies, of the present invention are used to treat patients
with clinical diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The patient
treated preferably does not have a B cell malignancy. Moreover, the
patient is optionally further treated with any one or more agents
employed for treating RA such as salicylate; nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin, phenylbutazone,
phenylacetic acid derivatives (e.g. ibuprofen and fenoprofen),
naphthalene acetic acids (naproxen), pyrrolealkanoic acid
(tometin), indoleacetic acids (sulindac), halogenated anthranilic
acid (meclofenamate sodium), piroxicam, zomepirac and diflunisal;
antimalarials such as chloroquine; gold salts; penicillamine; or
immunosuppressive agents such as methotrexate or corticosteroids in
dosages known for such drugs or reduced dosages. Antibodies of the
present invention are administered to the RA patient according to a
dosing schedule as described infra, which may be readily determined
by one of ordinary skill in the art. The primary response may be
determined, for example, by the Paulus index (Paulus et al.
Athritis Rheum. 33:477-484 (1990)), i.e. improvement in morning
stiffness, number of painful and inflamed joints, erythrocyte
sedimentation (ESR), and at least a 2-point improvement on a
5-point scale of disease severity assessed by patient and by
physician. Administration of an antibody, or antibodies, of the
present invention will alleviate one or more of the symptoms of RA
in the patient treated as described above.
[0230] In a specific preferred embodiment, therapeutic and
pharmaceutical compositions of the invention, are used to treat,
prevent, or ameliorate advanced rheumatoid arthritis and/or medical
conditions associated therewith. For example, an antibody, or
antibodies, of the present invention are used to treat patients
with clinical diagnosis of advanced rheumatoid arthritis. The
patient treated preferably does not have a B cell malignancy.
Moreover, the patient is optionally further treated with any one or
more agents employed for treating RA such as salicylate;
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin,
phenylbutazone, phenylacetic acid derivatives (e.g. ibuprofen and
fenoprofen), naphthalene acetic acids (naproxen), pyrrolealkanoic
acid (tometin), indoleacetic acids (sulindac), halogenated
anthranilic acid (meclofenamate sodium), piroxicam, zomepirac and
diflunisal; antimalarials such as chloroquine; gold salts;
penicillamine; or immunosuppressive agents such as methotrexate or
corticosteroids in dosages known for such drugs or reduced dosages.
Antibodies of the present invention are administered to the RA
patient according to a dosing schedule as described infra, which
may be readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Administration of an antibody, or antibodies, of the present
invention will alleviate one or more of the symptoms of advanced RA
in the patient treated as described above.
[0231] In a specific preferred embodiment, therapeutic and
pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are used to treat,
prevent, or ameliorate systemic lupus erythematosus and/or medical
conditions associated therewith. Lupus-associated conditions that
may be treated, prevented, ameliorated, prognosed and/or diagnosed
with the antibodies and antibody compositions of the invention
include, but are not limited to, hematologic disorders (e.g.,
hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia),
immunologic disorders (e.g., anti-DNA antibodies, and anti-Sm
antibodies), rashes, photosensitivity, oral ulcers, arthritis,
fever, fatigue, weight loss, serositis (e.g., pleuritus
(pleurisy)), renal disorders (e.g., nephritis), neurological
disorders (e.g., seizures, peripheral neuropathy, CNS related
disorders), gastroinstestinal disorders, Raynaud phenomenon, and
pericarditis. In a preferred embodiment, therapeutic and
pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are used to treat,
prevent, or ameliorate renal disorders associated with systemic
lupus erythematosus. In a most preferred embodiment, therapeutic
and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are used to treat,
prevent, or ameliorate nephritis associated with systemic lupus
erythematosus. In another most preferred embodiment, therapeutic or
pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are administered to an
animal to treat, prevent or ameliorate lupus or glomerular
nephritis.
[0232] In another specific embodiment, antibodies of the invention
are used to treat, prevent, or ameliorate adult immune
thrombocytopenic purpura. Adult immune thrombocytopenic purpura
(ITP) is a relatively rare hematologic disorder that constitutes
the most common of the immune-mediated cytopenias. The disease
typically presents with severe thrombocytopenia that may be
associated with acute hemorrhage in the presence of normal to
increased megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Most patients with ITP
have an IgG antibody directed against target antigens on the outer
surface of the platelet membrane, resulting in platelet
sequestration in the spleen and accelerated reticuloendothelial
destruction of platelets (oBussell, J. B. Hematol. Oncol. Clin.
North Am. (4):179 (1990)). A number of therapeutic interventions
have been shown to be effective in the treatment of ITP. Steroids
are generally considered first-line therapy, after which most
patients are candidates for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG),
splenectomy, or other medical therapies including vincristine or
immunosuppressive/cytotoxic agents. Up to 80% of patients with ITP
initially respond to a course of steroids, but far fewer have
complete and lasting remissions. Splenectomy has been recommended
as standard second-line therapy for steroid failures, and leads to
prolonged remission in nearly 60% of cases yet may result in
reduced immunity to infection. Splenectomy is a major surgical
procedure that may be associated with substantial morbidity (15%)
and mortality (2%). IVIG has also been used as second line medical
therapy, although only a small proportion of adult patients with
ITP achieve remission. Therapeutic options that would interfere
with the production of autoantibodies by activated B cells without
the associated morbidities that occur with corticosteroids and/or
splenectomy would provide an important treatment approach for a
proportion of patients with ITP. Patients with clinical diagnosis
of ITP are treated with an antibody, or antibodies of the present
invention, optionally in combination with steroid therapy. The
patient treated preferably does not have a B cell malignancy.
Antibodies of the present invention are administered to the RA
patient according to a dosing schedule as described infra, which
may be readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Overall patient response rate may be determined, for example, based
upon a platelet count determined on two consecutive occasions two
weeks apart following treatments as described above. See, George et
al. "Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Practice Guideline
Developed by Explicit Methods for The American Society of
Hematology", Blood 88:3-40 (1996), which is herein incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
[0233] In a specific embodiment, antibodies of the invention are
used to treat, prevent, or ameliorate hemolytic anemia. For
example, patients diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia
(AIHA), e.g., cryoglobinemia or Coombs positive anemia, are treated
with an antibody, or antibodies, of the present invention. AIHA is
an acquired hemolytic anemia due to auto-antibodies that react with
the patient's red blood cells. The patient treated preferably does
not have a B cell malignancy. The polypeptides of the invention may
be administered in combination with adjunct therapies (such as
glucocorticoids, prednisone, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide,
vinca-laden platelets or Danazol). Antibodies of the present
invention are administered to the hemolytic anemia patient
according to a dosing schedule as described infra, which may be
readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. Overall
response rate may be determined, for example, based upon an
improvement in blood counts, decreased requirement for
transfusions, improved hemoglobin levels and/or a decrease in the
evidence of hemolysis as determined by standard chemical
parameters. Administration of an antibody, or antibodies of the
present invention may improve any one or more of the symptoms of
hemolytic anemia in the patient treated as described above. For
example, the patient treated as described above may show an
increase in hemoglobin and an improvement in chemical parameters of
hemolysis or return to normal as measured by, for example, serum
lactic dehydrogenase and/or bilirubin.
[0234] In another specific embodiment, therapeutic or
pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are administered to an
animal to treat, prevent or ameliorate Sjogren'syndrome and
disorders associated with Sjogren'syndrome. Examples of
Sjogren'syndrome associated disorders include, but are not limited
to, rheumatoid arthritis, nephritis, vasculitis and
thyroiditis.
[0235] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate Myasthenia gravis.
[0236] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate IgA nephropathy.
[0237] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate Thyroiditis.
[0238] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate Goodpasture's syndrome.
[0239] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate Multiple sclerosis.
[0240] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate common variable immunodeficiency
(CVID) with autoimmune diseases.
[0241] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate an IgE-mediated allergic reaction or
histamine-mediated allergic reaction. Examples of allergic
reactions include, but are not limited to, asthma, rhinitis,
eczema, chronic urticaria, and atopic dermatitis. In another
embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical compositions of the
invention are administered to an animal to treat, prevent, or
ameliorate anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity to an antigenic molecule,
or blood group incompatibility. In another embodiment, therapeutic
or pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are administered to
an animal to treat, prevent or ameliorate or modulate inflammation
or an inflammatory disorder. Examples of chronic and acute
inflammatory disorders that may be treated prevented or ameliorated
with the therapeutic and pharmaceutical compositions of the
invention include, but are not limited to, chronic prostatitis,
granulomatous prostatitis and malacoplakia, inflammation associated
with infection (e.g., septic shock, sepsis, or systemic
inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)), ischemia-reperfusion
injury, endotoxin lethality, arthritis, complement-mediated
hyperacute rejection, nephritis, cytokine or chemokine induced lung
injury, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic and
acute inflammatory pulmonary diseases, bacterial infection,
psoriasis, septicemia, cerebral malaria, arthritis,
gastroenteritis, and glomerular nephritis.
[0242] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate ischemia and arteriosclerosis.
Examples of such disorders include, but are not limited to,
reperfusion damage (e.g., in the heart and/or brain) and cardiac
hypertrophy.
[0243] Therapeutic or pharmaceutical compositions of the invention
may also be administered to modulate blood clotting and to treat or
prevent blood-clotting disorders, such as, for example,
antibody-mediated thrombosis (i.e., antiphospholipid antibody
syndrome (APS)). For example, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention may inhibit the proliferation and
differentiation of cells involved in producing anticardiolipin
antibodies. These compositions of the invention can be used to
treat, prevent, and/or ameliorate thrombotic related events
including, but not limited to, stroke (and recurrent stroke), heart
attack, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial
infarction, coronary artery disease (e.g., antibody mediated
coronary artery disease), thrombosis, graft reocclusion following
cardiovascular surgery (e.g., coronary arterial bypass grafts,
recurrent fetal loss, and recurrent cardiovascular thromboembolic
events.
[0244] Therapeutic or pharmaceutical compositions of the invention
may also be administered to treat, prevent, or ameliorate organ
rejection or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and/or conditions
associated therewith. Organ rejection occurs by host immune cell
destruction of the transplanted tissue through an immune response.
Similarly, an immune response is also involved in GVHD, but, in
this case, the foreign transplanted immune cells destroy the host
tissues. The administration of antibodies of the invention, that
inhibit an immune response, may be an effective therapy in
preventing organ rejection or GVHD.
[0245] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate a disease or diseases associated with
increased apoptosis including, but not limited to, AIDS,
neurodegenerative disorders (such as Alzheimer's disease,
Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Retinitis
pigmentosa, Cerebellar degeneration), myelodysplastic syndromes
(such as aplastic anemia), ischemic injury (such as that caused by
myocardial infarction, stroke and reperfusion injury),
toxin-induced liver disease (such as that caused by alcohol),
septic shock, cachexia and anorexia. In another embodiment,
therapeutic or pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are
administered to an animal to treat, prevent or ameliorate bone
marrow failure, for example, aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic
syndrome.
[0246] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate growth, progression, and/or metastases
of malignancies and proliferative disorders associated with
increased cell survival, or the inhibition of apoptosis. Examples
of such disorders, include, but are not limited to, leukemia (e.g.,
acute leukemia such as acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute
myelocytic leukemia), neoplasms, tumors (e.g., fibrosarcoma,
myxosarcoma, liposarcoma, chondrosarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma,
chordoma, angiosarcoma, endotheliosarcoma, lymphangiosarcoma,
lymphangioendotheliosarcoma, synovioma, mesothelioma, Ewing's
tumor, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, colon carcinoma,
pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer,
squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma,
sweat gland carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, papillary
carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinomas, cystadenocarcinoma, medullary
carcinoma, bronchogenic carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, hepatoma,
bile duct carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, seminoma, embryonal
carcinoma, Wilms' tumor, cervical cancer, testicular tumor, lung
carcinoma, small cell lung carcinoma, bladder carcinoma, epithelial
carcinoma, glioma, astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, craniopharyngioma,
ependymoma, pinealoma, hemangioblastoma, acoustic neuroma,
oligodendroglioma, meningioma, melanoma, neuroblastoma, and
retinoblastoma), heavy chain disease, metastases, or any disease or
disorder characterized by uncontrolled cell growth.
[0247] In a specific embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are used to treat, prevent or
ameliorate a disorder characterized by abnormal Monocyte
proliferation.
[0248] In a specific embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are used to treat, prevent or
ameliorate acute myelogenous leukemia.
[0249] In a specific embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are used to treat, prevent or
ameliorate a disorder characterized by abnormal B cell
proliferation.
[0250] In a specific embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are used to treat, prevent or
ameliorate chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
[0251] In a specific embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are used to treat, prevent or
ameliorate multiple myeloma.
[0252] In a specific embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are used to treat, prevent or
ameliorate Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
[0253] In a specific embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are used to treat, prevent or
ameliorate Hodgkin's disease.
[0254] In a specific embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are used to treat, prevent or
ameliorate lymphocytic tumors.
[0255] In a specific embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are used to treat, prevent or
ameliorate a disorder characterized by abnormal T cell
proliferation.
[0256] In a specific embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are used to treat, prevent or
ameliorate mycosis fungoides.
[0257] In a specific embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are used to treat, prevent or
ameliorate a disorder characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia
(e.g., AIDS, autoimmune diseases, and some immunodeficiencies).
Additional Therapeutic Uses
[0258] In a specific embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are used to treat or prevent a
disorder characterized by deficient serum immunoglobulin
production, recurrent infections, and/or immune system dysfunction.
Moreover, therapeutic or pharmaceutical compositions of the
invention may be used to treat or prevent infections of the joints,
bones, skin, and/or parotid glands, blood-borne infections (e.g.,
sepsis, meningitis, septic arthritis, and/or osteomyelitis),
autoimmune diseases (e.g., those disclosed herein), inflammatory
disorders, and malignancies, and/or any disease or disorder or
condition associated with these infections, diseases, disorders
and/or malignancies) including, but not limited to, CVID, other
primary immune deficiencies, HIV disease, CLL, recurrent
bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis media, conjunctivitis, pneumonia,
hepatitis, meningitis, herpes zoster (e.g., severe herpes zoster),
and/or pneumocystis carnii.
[0259] Therapeutic or pharmaceutical compositions of the invention
of the invention thereof, may be used to diagnose, prognose, treat
or prevent one or more of the following diseases or disorders, or
conditions associated therewith: primary immunodeficiencies,
immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, Kawasaki syndrome, bone marrow
transplant (e.g., recent bone marrow transplant in adults or
children), chronic B-cell lymphocytic leukemia, HIV infection
(e.g., adult or pediatric HIV infection), chronic inflammatory
demyelinating polyneuropathy, and post-transfusion purpura.
[0260] Additionally, therapeutic or pharmaceutical compositions of
the invention may be used to diagnose, prognose, treat or prevent
one or more of the following diseases, disorders, or conditions
associated therewith, Guillain-Barre syndrome, anemia (e.g., anemia
associated with parvovirus B19, patients with stable multiple
myeloma who are at high risk for infection (e.g., recurrent
infection), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (e.g., warm-type autoimmune
hemolytic anemia), thrombocytopenia (e.g., neonatal
thrombocytopenia), and immune-mediated neutropenia),
transplantation (e.g., cytomegalovirus (CMV)-negative recipients of
CMV-positive organs), hypogammaglobulinemia (e.g.,
hypogammaglobulinemic neonates with risk factor for infection or
morbidity), epilepsy (e.g., intractable epilepsy), systemic
vasculitic syndromes, myasthenia gravis (e.g., decompensation in
myasthenia gravis), dermatomyositis, and polymyositis.
[0261] Additional preferred embodiments of the invention include,
but are not limited to, the use of therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention in the following applications:
[0262] Administration to an animal (e.g., mouse, rat, rabbit,
hamster, guinea pig, pigs, micro-pig, chicken, camel, goat, horse,
cow, sheep, dog, cat, non-human primate, and human, most preferably
human) to boost the immune system to produce increased quantities
of one or more antibodies (e.g., IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE), to induce
higher affinity antibody production (e.g., IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE),
and/or to increase an immune response. In a specific nonexclusive
embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical compositions of the
invention are administered to boost the immune system to produce
increased quantities of IgG. In another specific nonexclusive
embodiment, antibodies of the invention are administered to boost
the immune system to produce increased quantities of IgA. In
another specific nonexclusive embodiment antibodies of the
invention are administered to boost the immune system to produce
increased quantities of IgM.
[0263] Administration to an animal (including, but not limited to,
those listed above, and also including transgenic animals)
incapable of producing functional endogenous antibody molecules or
having an otherwise compromised endogenous immune system, but which
is capable of producing human immunoglobulin molecules by means of
a reconstituted or partially reconstituted immune system from
another animal (see, e.g., published PCT Application Nos.
WO98/24893, WO/9634096, WO/9633735, and WO/9110741).
[0264] A vaccine adjuvant that enhances immune responsiveness to
specific antigen. In a specific embodiment, the vaccine is an
antibody described herein. In another specific embodiment, the
vaccine adjuvant is a polynucleotide described herein (e.g., an
antibody polynucleotide genetic vaccine adjuvant). As discussed
herein, therapeutic or pharmaceutical compositions of the invention
may be administered using techniques known in the art, including
but not limited to, liposomal delivery, recombinant vector
delivery, injection of naked DNA, and gene gun delivery.
[0265] A vaccine adjuvant that enhances immune responsiveness to
specific antigen in patients infected with HIV.
[0266] A vaccine adjuvant that enhances immune responsiveness to
specific antigen in premature infants.
[0267] An adjuvant to enhance tumor-specific immune responses.
[0268] An adjuvant to enhance anti-viral immune responses.
Anti-viral immune responses that may be enhanced using the
compositions of the invention as an adjuvant, include, but are not
limited to, virus and virus associated diseases or symptoms
described herein or otherwise known in the art. In specific
embodiments, the compositions of the invention are used as an
adjuvant to enhance an immune response to a virus, disease, or
symptom selected from the group consisting of: AIDS, meningitis,
Dengue, EBV, and hepatitis (e.g., hepatitis B). In another specific
embodiment, the compositions of the invention are used as an
adjuvant to enhance an immune response to a virus, disease, or
symptom selected from the group consisting of: HIV/AIDS,
Respiratory syncytial virus, Dengue, Rotavirus, Japanese B
encephalitis, Influenza A and B, Parainfluenza, Measles,
Cytomegalovirus, Rabies, Junin, Chikungunya, Rift Valley fever,
Herpes simplex, and yellow fever. In another specific embodiment,
the compositions of the invention are used as an adjuvant to
enhance an immune response to the HIV gp120 antigen.
[0269] An adjuvant to enhance anti-bacterial or anti-fungal immune
responses. Anti-bacterial or anti-fungal immune responses that may
be enhanced using the compositions of the invention as an adjuvant,
include bacteria or fungus and bacteria or fungus associated
diseases or symptoms described herein or otherwise known in the
art. In specific embodiments, the compositions of the invention are
used as an adjuvant to enhance an immune response to a bacteria or
fungus, disease, or symptom selected from the group consisting of:
tetanus, Diphtheria, botulism, and meningitis type B. In another
specific embodiment, the compositions of the invention are used as
an adjuvant to enhance an immune response to a bacteria or fungus,
disease, or symptom selected from the group consisting of: Vibrio
cholerae, Mycobacterium leprae, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella
paratyphi, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Group
B streptococcus, Shigella spp., Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli,
Enterohemorrhagic E. coli, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Plasmodium
(malaria).
[0270] An adjuvant to enhance anti-parasitic immune responses.
Anti-parasitic immune responses that may be enhanced using the
compositions of the invention as an adjuvant, include parasite and
parasite associated diseases or symptoms described herein or
otherwise known in the art. In specific embodiments, the
compositions of the invention are used as an adjuvant to enhance an
immune response to a parasite. In another specific embodiment, the
compositions of the invention are used as an adjuvant to enhance an
immune response to Plasmodium (malaria).
[0271] As a stimulator of B cell responsiveness to pathogens.
[0272] As an agent that elevates the immune status of an individual
prior to their receipt of immunosuppressive therapies.
[0273] As an agent to induce higher affinity antibodies.
[0274] As an agent to increase serum immunoglobulin
concentrations.
[0275] As an agent to accelerate recovery of immunocompromised
individuals.
[0276] As an agent to boost immunoresponsiveness among aged
populations.
[0277] As an immune system enhancer prior to, during, or after bone
marrow transplant and/or other transplants (e.g., allogeneic or
xenogeneic organ transplantation). With respect to transplantation,
compositions of the invention may be administered prior to,
concomitant with, and/or after transplantation. In a specific
embodiment, compositions of the invention are administered after
transplantation, prior to the beginning of recovery of T-cell
populations. In another specific embodiment, compositions of the
invention are first administered after transplantation after the
beginning of recovery of T cell populations, but prior to full
recovery of B cell populations.
[0278] As an agent to boost immunoresponsiveness among B cell
immunodeficient individuals, such as, for example, an individual
who has undergone a partial or complete splenectomy. B cell
immunodeficiencies that may be ameliorated or treated by
administering the antibodies and/or compositions of the invention
include, but are not limited to, severe combined immunodeficiency
(SCID)-X linked, SCID-autosomal, adenosine deaminase deficiency
(ADA deficiency), X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), Bruton's
disease, congenital agammaglobulinemia, X-linked infantile
agammaglobulinemia, acquired agammaglobulinemia, adult onset
agammaglobulinemia, late-onset agammaglobulinemia,
dysgammaglobulinemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, transient
hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy, unspecified
hypogammaglobulinemia, agammaglobulinemia, common variable
immunodeficiency (CVID) (acquired), Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS),
X-linked immunodeficiency with hyper IgM, non X-linked
immunodeficiency with hyper IgM, selective IgA deficiency, IgG
subclass deficiency (with or without IgA deficiency), antibody
deficiency with normal or elevated Igs, immunodeficiency with
thymoma, Ig heavy chain deletions, kappa chain deficiency, B cell
lymphoproliferative disorder (BLPD), selective IgM
immunodeficiency, recessive agammaglobulinemia (Swiss type),
reticular dysgenesis, neonatal neutropenia, severe congenital
leukopenia, thymic alymphoplasia-aplasia or dysplasia with
immunodeficiency, ataxia-telangiectasia, short limbed dwarfism,
X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP), Nezelof
syndrome-combined immunodeficiency with Igs, purine nucleoside
phosphorylase deficiency (PNP), MHC Class II deficiency (Bare
Lymphocyte Syndrome) and severe combined immunodeficiency.
[0279] In a specific embodiment, antibodies and/or compositions of
the invention are administered to treat or ameliorate selective IgA
deficiency.
[0280] In another specific embodiment, antibodies and/or
compositions of the invention are administered to treat or
ameliorate ataxia-telangiectasia.
[0281] In another specific embodiment antibodies and/or
compositions of the invention are administered to treat or
ameliorate common variable immunodeficiency (CVID).
[0282] In another specific embodiment, antibodies and/or
compositions of the invention are administered to treat or
ameliorate X-linked agammaglobulinemia.
[0283] In another specific embodiment, antibodies and/or
compositions of the invention are administered to treat or
ameliorate severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
[0284] In another specific embodiment, antibodies and/or
compositions of the invention are administered to treat or
ameliorate Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
[0285] In another specific embodiment, antibodies and/or
compositions of the invention are administered to treat or
ameliorate X-linked Ig deficiency with hyper IgM.
[0286] As an agent to boost immunoresponsiveness among individuals
having an acquired loss of B cell function. Conditions resulting in
an acquired loss of B cell function that may be ameliorated or
treated by administering antibodies and/or compositions of the
invention include, but are not limited to, HIV Infection, AIDS,
bone marrow transplant, and B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
(CLL).
[0287] As an agent to boost immunoresponsiveness among individuals
having a temporary immune deficiency. Conditions resulting in a
temporary immune deficiency that may be ameliorated or treated by
administering antibodies and/or compositions of the invention
include, but are not limited to, recovery from viral infections
(e.g., influenza), conditions associated with malnutrition,
recovery from infectious mononucleosis, or conditions associated
with stress, recovery from measles, recovery from blood
transfusion, recovery from surgery.
[0288] As a regulator of antigen presentation by monocytes,
dendritic cells, T cells and/or B-cells. In one embodiment,
antibody polypeptides or polynucleotides enhance antigen
presentation or antagonize antigen presentation in vitro or in
vivo. Moreover, in related embodiments, this enhancement or
antagonism of antigen presentation may be useful in anti-tumor
treatment or to modulate the immune system.
[0289] As a mediator of mucosal immune responses. The expression of
APRIL on monocytes, the expression of APRIL receptor on B cells,
and the responsiveness of B cells to APRIL suggest that it may be
involved in exchange of signals between B cells and monocytes or
their differentiated progeny. This activity is in many ways
analogous to the CD40-CD154 signalling between B cells and T cells.
Anti-APRIL antibodies and compositions of the invention may
therefore be good regulators of T cell independent immune responses
to environmental pathogens. In particular, the unconventional B
cell populations (CD5+) that are associated with mucosal sites and
responsible for much of the innate immunity in humans may respond
to antibodies or compositions of the invention thereby enhancing or
inhibiting individual's immune status.
[0290] As an agent to direct an individual's immune system towards
development of a humoral response (i.e. TH2) as opposed to a TH1
cellular response.
[0291] As a means to induce tumor proliferation and thus make it
more susceptible to anti-neoplastic agents. For example, multiple
myeloma is a slowly dividing disease and is thus refractory to
virtually all anti-neoplastic regimens. If these cells were forced
to proliferate more rapidly, their susceptibility profile would
likely change.
[0292] As a monocyte cell specific binding protein to which
specific activators or inhibitors of cell growth may be attached.
The result would be to focus the activity of such activators or
inhibitors onto normal, diseased, or neoplastic B cell
populations.
[0293] As a B cell specific binding protein to which specific
activators or inhibitors of cell growth may be attached. The result
would be to focus the activity of such activators or inhibitors
onto normal, diseased, or neoplastic B cell populations.
[0294] As a T cell specific binding protein to which specific
activators or inhibitors of cell growth may be attached. The result
would be to focus the activity of such activators or inhibitors
onto normal, diseased, or neoplastic T cell populations.
[0295] As a means of detecting monocytic cells by virtue of its
specificity. This application may require labeling the antibody
with biotin or other agents (e.g., as described herein) to afford a
means of detection.
[0296] As a means of detecting B-lineage cells by virtue of its
specificity. This application may require labeling the protein with
biotin or other agents (e.g., as described herein) to afford a
means of detection.
[0297] As a means of detecting T-lineage cells by virtue of its
specificity. This application may require labeling the protein with
biotin or other agents (e.g., as described herein) to afford a
means of detection.
[0298] As a stimulator of B cell production in pathologies such as
AIDS, chronic lymphocyte disorder and/or Common Variable
Immunodeficiency.
[0299] As part of a monocyte selection device the function of which
is to isolate monocytes from a heterogeneous mixture of cell types.
Antibodies of the invention could be coupled to a solid support to
which monocytes would then specifically bind. Unbound cells would
be washed out and the bound cells subsequently eluted. A
nonlimiting use of this selection would be to allow purging of
tumor cells from, for example, bone marrow or peripheral blood
prior to transplant.
[0300] As part of a B cell selection device the function of which
is to isolate B cells from a heterogeneous mixture of cell types.
Antibodies of the invention (that do not inhibit APRIL/APRIL
Receptor interaction) binding soluble APRIL could be coupled to a
solid support to which B cells would then specifically bind.
Unbound cells would be washed out and the bound cells subsequently
eluted. A nonlimiting use of this selection would be to allow
purging of tumor cells from, for example, bone marrow or peripheral
blood prior to transplant.
[0301] As part of a T cell selection device the function of which
is to isolate T cells from a heterogeneous mixture of cell types.
Antibodies of the invention (that do not inhibit APRIL/APRIL
Receptor interaction) binding soluble APRIL could be coupled to a
solid support to which T cells would then specifically bind.
Unbound cells would be washed out and the bound cells subsequently
eluted. A nonlimiting use of this selection would be to allow
purging of tumor cells from, for example, peripheral blood prior to
transplant.
[0302] As a therapy for generation and/or regeneration of lymphoid
tissues following surgery, trauma or genetic defect.
[0303] As a gene-based therapy for genetically inherited disorders
resulting in immuno-incompetence such as observed among SCID
patients.
[0304] As an antigen for the generation of antibodies to inhibit or
enhance APRIL mediated responses.
[0305] As a means of activating monocytes/macrophages to defend
against parasitic diseases that effect monocytes such as
Leishmania.
[0306] As pretreatment of bone marrow samples prior to transplant.
Such treatment would increase B cell representation and thus
accelerate recovery.
[0307] As a means of regulating secreted cytokines that are
elicited by APRIL and/or APRIL receptor.
[0308] Antibody polypeptides or polynucleotides of the invention
may be used to modulate IgE concentrations in vitro or in vivo.
[0309] Additionally, antibody polypeptides or polynucleotides of
the invention may be used to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose
IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Such allergic reactions include,
but are not limited to, asthma, rhinitis, and eczema.
[0310] In a specific embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention, are administered to treat,
prevent, diagnose, and/or ameliorate selective IgA deficiency.
[0311] In another specific embodiment antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are administered to treat,
prevent, diagnose, and/or ameliorate ataxia-telangiectasia.
[0312] In another specific embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are administered to treat,
prevent, diagnose, and/or ameliorate common variable
immunodeficiency.
[0313] In another specific embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are administered to treat,
prevent, diagnose, and/or ameliorate X-linked
agammaglobulinemia.
[0314] In another specific embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are administered to treat,
prevent, diagnose, and/or ameliorate severe combined
immunodeficiency (SCID).
[0315] In another specific embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are administered to treat,
prevent, diagnose, and/or ameliorate Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
[0316] In another specific embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are administered to treat,
prevent, diagnose, and/or ameliorate X-linked Ig deficiency with
hyper IgM. In a specific embodiment antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are administered to treat,
prevent, diagnose, and/or ameliorate X-linked Ig deficiency with
hyper IgM.
[0317] In another specific embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are administered to treat,
prevent, and/or diagnose chronic myelogenous leukemia, acute
myelogenous leukemia, leukemia, hystiocytic leukemia, monocytic
leukemia (e.g., acute monocytic leukemia), leukemic reticulosis,
Shilling Type monocytic leukemia, and/or other leukemias derived
from monocytes and/or monocytic cells and/or tissues.
[0318] In another specific embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are administered to treat,
prevent, diagnose, and/or ameliorate monocytic leukemoid reaction,
as seen, for example, with tuberculosis.
[0319] In another specific embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are administered to treat,
prevent, diagnose, and/or ameliorate monocytic leukocytosis,
monocytic leukopenia, monocytopenia, and/or monocytosis.
[0320] In a specific embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are used to treat, prevent,
detect, and/or diagnose monocyte disorders and/or diseases, and/or
conditions associated therewith.
[0321] In a specific embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are used to treat, prevent,
detect, and/or diagnose primary B lymphocyte disorders and/or
diseases, and/or conditions associated therewith. In one
embodiment, such primary B lymphocyte disorders, diseases, and/or
conditions are characterized by a complete or partial loss of
humoral immunity. Primary B lymphocyte disorders, diseases, and/or
conditions associated therewith that are characterized by a
complete or partial loss of humoral immunity and that may be
prevented, treated, detected and/or diagnosed with compositions of
the invention include, but are not limited to, X-Linked
Agammaglobulinemia (XLA), severe combined immunodeficiency disease
(SCID), and selective IgA deficiency.
[0322] In a preferred embodiment antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are used to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose diseases or disorders affecting or conditions associated
with any one or more of the various mucous membranes of the body.
Such diseases or disorders include, but are not limited to, for
example, mucositis, mucoclasis, mucocolitis, mucocutaneous
leishmaniasis (such as, for example, American leishmaniasis,
leishmaniasis americana, nasopharyngeal leishmaniasis, and New
World leishmaniasis), mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome (for
example, Kawasaki disease), mucoenteritis, mucoepidermoid
carcinoma, mucoepidermoid tumor, mucoepithelial dysplasia, mucoid
adenocarcinoma, mucoid degeneration, myxoid degeneration;
myxomatous degeneration; myxomatosis, mucoid medial degeneration
(for example, cystic medial necrosis), mucolipidosis (including,
for example, mucolipidosis I, mucolipidosis II, mucolipidosis III,
and mucolipidosis IV), mucolysis disorders, mucomembranous
enteritis, mucoenteritis, mucopolysaccharidosis (such as, for
example, type I mucopolysaccharidosis (i.e., Hurler's syndrome),
type IS mucopolysaccharidosis (i.e., Scheie's syndrome or type V
mucopolysaccharidosis), type II mucopolysaccharidosis (i.e.,
Hunter's syndrome), type III mucopolysaccharidosis (i.e.,
Sanfilippo's syndrome), type IV mucopolysaccharidosis (i.e.,
Morquio's syndrome), type VI mucopolysaccharidosis (i.e.,
Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome), type VII mucopolysaccharidosis (i.e.,
mucopolysaccharidosis due to beta-glucuronidase deficiency), and
mucosulfatidosis), mucopolysacchariduria, mucopurulent
conjunctivitis, mucopus, mucormycosis (i.e., zygomycosis), mucosal
disease (i.e., bovine virus diarrhea), mucous colitis (such as, for
example, mucocolitis and myxomembranous colitis), and
mucoviscidosis (such as, for example, cystic fibrosis, cystic
fibrosis of the pancreas, Clarke-Hadfield syndrome, fibrocystic
disease of the pancreas, mucoviscidosis, and viscidosis). In a
highly preferred embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are used to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose mucositis, especially as associated with chemotherapy.
[0323] In a preferred embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are used to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose diseases or disorders affecting or conditions associated
with sinusitis.
[0324] An additional condition, disease or symptom that can be
treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed by antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention is osteomyelitis.
[0325] An additional condition, disease or symptom that can be
treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed by antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention is endocarditis.
[0326] All of the above described applications as they may apply to
veterinary medicine.
[0327] Antibody polypeptides or polynucleotides of the invention
may be used to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose diseases and
disorders of the pulmonary system (e.g., bronchi such as, for
example, sinopulmonary and bronchial infections and conditions
associated with such diseases and disorders and other respiratory
diseases and disorders. In specific embodiments, such diseases and
disorders include, but are not limited to, bronchial adenoma,
bronchial asthma, pneumonia (such as, e.g., bronchial pneumonia,
bronchopneumonia, and tuberculous bronchopneumonia), chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial polyps,
bronchiectasia (such as, e.g., bronchiectasia sicca, cylindrical
bronchiectasis, and saccular bronchiectasis), bronchiolar
adenocarcinoma, bronchiolar carcinoma, bronchiolitis (such as,
e.g., exudative bronchiolitis, bronchiolitis fibrosa obliterans,
and proliferative bronchiolitis), bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma,
bronchitic asthma, bronchitis (such as, e.g., asthmatic bronchitis,
Castellani's bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, croupous bronchitis,
fibrinous bronchitis, hemorrhagic bronchitis, infectious avian
bronchitis, obliterative bronchitis, plastic bronchitis,
pseudomembranous bronchitis, putrid bronchitis, and verminous
bronchitis), bronchocentric granulomatosis, bronchoedema,
bronchoesophageal fistula, bronchogenic carcinoma, bronchogenic
cyst, broncholithiasis, bronchomalacia, bronchomycosis (such as,
e.g., bronchopulmonary aspergillosis), bronchopulmonary
spirochetosis, hemorrhagic bronchitis, bronchorrhea, bronchospasm,
bronchostaxis, bronchostenosis, Biot's respiration, bronchial
respiration, Kussmaul respiration, Kussmaul-Kien respiration,
respiratory acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, respiratory distress
syndrome of the newborn, respiratory insufficiency, respiratory
scleroma, respiratory syncytial virus, and the like.
[0328] In a specific embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are used to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
[0329] In another embodiment, antibody polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the invention are used to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose fibroses and conditions associated with fibroses,
including, but not limited to, cystic fibrosis (including such
fibroses as cystic fibrosis of the pancreas, Clarke-Hadfield
syndrome, fibrocystic disease of the pancreas, mucoviscidosis, and
viscidosis), endomyocardial fibrosis, idiopathic retroperitoneal
fibrosis, leptomeningeal fibrosis, mediastinal fibrosis, nodular
subepidermal fibrosis, pericentral fibrosis, perimuscular fibrosis,
pipestem fibrosis, replacement fibrosis, subadventitial fibrosis,
and Symmers' clay pipestem fibrosis.
[0330] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate infectious diseases. Infectious
diseases include diseases associated with yeast, fungal, viral and
bacterial infections. Viruses causing viral infections which can be
treated or prevented in accordance with this invention include, but
are not limited to, retroviruses (e.g., human T-cell lymphotrophic
virus (HTLV) types I and II and human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV)), herpes viruses (e.g., herpes simplex virus (HSV) types I
and II, Epstein-Barr virus, HHV6-HHV8, and cytomegalovirus),
arenavirues (e.g., lassa fever virus), paramyxoviruses (e.g.,
morbillivirus virus, human respiratory syncytial virus, mumps, and
pneumovirus), adenoviruses, bunyaviruses (e.g., hantavirus),
comaviruses, filoviruses (e.g., Ebola virus), flaviviruses (e.g.,
hepatitis C virus (HCV), yellow fever virus, and Japanese
encephalitis virus), hepadnaviruses (e.g., hepatitis B viruses
(HBV)), orthomyoviruses (e.g., influenza viruses A, B and C),
papovaviruses (e.g., papillomavirues), picornaviruses (e.g.,
rhinoviruses, enteroviruses and hepatitis A viruses), poxviruses,
reoviruses (e.g., rotavirues), togaviruses (e.g., rubella virus),
rhabdoviruses (e.g., rabies virus). Microbial pathogens causing
bacterial infections include, but are not limited to, Streptococcus
pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Neisseria
meningitidis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Clostridium botulinum,
Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani, Haemophilus
influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella ozaenae, Klebsiella
rhinoscleromotis, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae,
Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Campylobacter (Vibrio)
fetus, Campylobacter jejuni, Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus cereus,
Edwardsiella tarda, Yersinia enterocolitica, Yersinia pestis,
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella
flexneri, Shigella sonnei, Salmonella typhimurium, Treponema
pallidum, Treponema pertenue, Treponema carateneum, Borrelia
vincentii, Borrelia burgdorferi, Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Toxoplasma gondii, Pneumocystis
carinii, Francisella tularensis, Brucella abortus, Brucella suis,
Brucella melitensis, Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia prowazeki,
Rickettsia tsutsugumushi, Chlamydia spp., and Helicobacter
pylori.
[0331] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate infectious diseases associated with
chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
[0332] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate infectious diseases associated with
multiple myeloma.
[0333] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate infectious diseases associated with
burns.
[0334] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate infectious diseases associated with
hypogammaglobulinemia.
[0335] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate secondary infections associated with
HIV infection.
[0336] In another embodiment, therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention are administered to an animal to
treat, prevent or ameliorate secondary infections associated with
AIDS.
Gene Therapy
[0337] In a specific embodiment, nucleic acids comprising sequences
encoding antibodies, or functional derivatives thereof, are
administered to treat, inhibit or prevent a disease or disorder
associated with aberrant expression and/or activity of APRIL and/or
its receptor, by way of gene therapy. Gene therapy refers to
therapy performed by the administration to a subject of an
expressed or expressible nucleic acid. In this embodiment of the
invention, the nucleic acids produce their encoded protein that
mediates a therapeutic effect.
[0338] Any of the methods for gene therapy available in the art can
be used according to the present invention. Exemplary methods are
described below.
[0339] For general reviews of the methods of gene therapy, see
Goldspiel et al., Clinical Pharmacy 12:488-505 (1993); Wu and Wu,
Biotherapy 3:87-95 (1991); Tolstoshev, Ann. Rev. Pharmacol.
Toxicol. 32:573-596 (1993); Mulligan, Science 260:926-932 (1993);
and Morgan and Anderson, Ann. Rev. Biochem. 62:191-217 (1993); May,
TIBTECH 1 l(5):155-215 (1993). Methods commonly known in the art of
recombinant DNA technology which can be used are described in
Ausubel et al. (eds.), Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John
Wiley & Sons, NY (1993); and Kriegler, Gene Transfer and
Expression, A Laboratory Manual, Stockton Press, NY (1990).
[0340] In a preferred aspect, a composition of the invention
comprises, or alternatively consists of, nucleic acids encoding an
antibody, said nucleic acids being part of an expression vector
that expresses the antibody or fragments or chimeric proteins or
heavy or light chains thereof in a suitable host. In particular,
such nucleic acids have promoters, preferably heterologous
promoters, operably linked to the antibody coding region, said
promoter being inducible or constitutive, and, optionally,
tissue-specific. In another particular embodiment, nucleic acid
molecules are used in which the antibody coding sequences and any
other desired sequences are flanked by regions that promote
homologous recombination at a desired site in the genome, thus
providing for intrachromosomal expression of the antibody encoding
nucleic acids (Koller and Smithies, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
86:8932-8935 (1989); Zijlstra et al., Nature 342:435-438 (1989). In
specific embodiments, the expressed antibody molecule is an scFv;
alternatively, the nucleic acid sequences include sequences
encoding both the heavy and light chains, or fragments or variants
thereof, of an antibody.
[0341] Delivery of the nucleic acids into a patient may be either
direct, in which case the patient is directly exposed to the
nucleic acid or nucleic acid-carrying vectors, or indirect, in
which case, cells are first transformed with the nucleic acids in
vitro, then transplanted into the patient. These two approaches are
known, respectively, as in vivo or ex vivo gene therapy.
[0342] In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid sequences are
directly administered in vivo, where it is expressed to produce the
encoded product. This can be accomplished by any of numerous
methods known in the art, e.g., by constructing them as part of an
appropriate nucleic acid expression vector and administering it so
that they become intracellular, e.g., by infection using defective
or attenuated retrovirals or other viral vectors (see U.S. Pat. No.
4,980,286), or by direct injection of naked DNA, or by use of
microparticle bombardment (e.g., a gene gun; BIOLISTIC.TM.,
DUPONT.TM.), or coating with lipids or cell-surface receptors or
transfecting agents, encapsulation in liposomes, microparticles, or
microcapsules, or by administering them in linkage to a peptide
which is known to enter the nucleus, by administering it in linkage
to a ligand subject to receptor-mediated endocytosis (see, e.g., Wu
and Wu, J. Biol. Chem. 262:4429-4432 (1987)) (which can be used to
target cell types specifically expressing the receptors), etc. In
another embodiment, nucleic acid-ligand complexes can be formed in
which the ligand comprises a fusogenic viral peptide to disrupt
endosomes, allowing the nucleic acid to avoid lysosomal
degradation. In yet another embodiment, the nucleic acid can be
targeted in vivo for cell specific uptake and expression, by
targeting a specific receptor (see, e.g., PCT Publications WO 92/06
180; WO 92/22635; WO92/203 16; WO93/14188, WO 93/20221).
Alternatively, the nucleic acid can be introduced intracellularly
and incorporated within host cell DNA for expression, by homologous
recombination (Koller and Smithies, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
86:8932-8935 (1989); Zijlstra et al, Nature 342:435-438
(1989)).
[0343] In a specific embodiment, viral vectors that contain nucleic
acid sequences encoding an antibody of the invention or fragments
or variants thereof are used. For example, a retroviral vector can
be used (see Miller et al., Meth. Enzymol. 217:581-599 (1993)).
These retroviral vectors contain the components necessary for the
correct packaging of the viral genome and integration into the host
cell DNA. The nucleic acid sequence encoding the antibody to be
used in gene therapy is cloned into one or more vectors, which
facilitates delivery of the gene into a patient. More detail about
retroviral vectors can be found in Boesen et al., Biotherapy 6:29
1-302 (1994), which describes the use of a retroviral vector to
deliver the mdr 1 gene to hematopoietic stem cells in order to make
the stem cells more resistant to chemotherapy. Other references
illustrating the use of retroviral vectors in gene therapy are:
Clowes et al., J. Clin. Invest. 93:644-651 (1994); Klein et al.,
Blood 83:1467-1473 (1994); Salmons and Gunzberg, Human Gene Therapy
4:129-141 (1993); and Grossman and Wilson, Curr. Opin. in Genetics
and Devel. 3:110-114 (1993).
[0344] Adenoviruses are other viral vectors that can be used in
gene therapy. Adenoviruses are especially attractive vehicles for
delivering genes to respiratory epithelia. Adenoviruses naturally
infect respiratory epithelia where they cause a mild disease. Other
targets for adenovirus-based delivery systems are liver, the
central nervous system, endothelial cells, and muscle. Adenoviruses
have the advantage of being capable of infecting non-dividing
cells. Kozarsky and Wilson, Current Opinion in Genetics and
Development 3:499-503 (1993), present a review of adenovirus-based
gene therapy. Bout et al., Human Gene Therapy 5:3-10 (1994)
demonstrated the use of adenovirus vectors to transfer genes to the
respiratory epithelia of rhesus monkeys. Other instances of the use
of adenoviruses in gene therapy can be found in Rosenfeld et al,
Science 252:431-434 (1991); Rosenfeld et al., Cell 68:143-155
(1992); Mastrangeli et al., J. Clin. Invest. 91:225-234 (1993); PCT
Publication WO94/12649; and Wang, et al, Gene Therapy 2:775-783
(1995). In a preferred embodiment, adenovirus vectors are used.
[0345] Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has also been proposed for use
in gene therapy (Walsh et al, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med.
204:289-300 (1993); U.S. Pat. No. 5,436,146).
[0346] Another approach to gene therapy involves transferring a
gene to cells in tissue culture by such methods as electroporation,
lipofection, calcium phosphate mediated transfection, or viral
infection. Usually, the method of transfer includes the transfer of
a selectable marker to the cells. The cells are then placed under
selection to isolate those cells that have taken up and are
expressing the transferred gene. Those cells are then delivered to
a patient.
[0347] In this embodiment, the nucleic acid is introduced into a
cell prior to administration in vivo of the resulting recombinant
cell. Such introduction can be carried out by any method known in
the art, including but not limited to transfection,
electroporation, microinjection, infection with a viral or
bacteriophage vector containing the nucleic acid sequences, cell
fusion, chromosome-mediated gene transfer, microcellmediated gene
transfer, spheroplast fusion, etc. Numerous techniques are known in
the art for the introduction of foreign genes into cells (see,
e.g., Loeffler and Behr, Meth. Enzymol. 217:599-618 (1993); Cohen
et al, Meth. Enzymol. 217:618-644 (1993); Clin. Pharma. Ther.
29:69-92m (1985)) and may be used in accordance with the present
invention, provided that the necessary developmental and
physiological functions of the recipient cells are not disrupted.
The technique should provide for the stable transfer of the nucleic
acid to the cell, so that the nucleic acid is expressible by the
cell and preferably heritable and expressible by its cell
progeny.
[0348] The resulting recombinant cells can be delivered to a
patient by various methods known in the art. Recombinant blood
cells (e.g., hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells) are preferably
administered intravenously. The amount of cells envisioned for use
depends on the desired effect, patient state, etc., and can be
determined by one skilled in the art.
[0349] Cells into which a nucleic acid can be introduced for
purposes of gene therapy encompass any desired, available cell
type, and include but are not limited to epithelial cells,
endothelial cells, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, muscle cells,
hepatocytes; blood cells such as T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes,
monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, megakaryocytes,
granulocytes; various stem or progenitor cells, in particular
hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells, e.g., as obtained from bone
marrow, umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood, fetal liver,
etc.
[0350] In a preferred embodiment, the cell used for gene therapy is
autologous to the patient.
[0351] In an embodiment in which recombinant cells are used in gene
therapy, nucleic acid sequences encoding an antibody or fragment
thereof are introduced into the cells such that they are
expressible by the cells or their progeny, and the recombinant
cells are then administered in vivo for therapeutic effect. In a
specific embodiment, stem or progenitor cells are used. Any stem
and/or progenitor cells which can be isolated and maintained in
vitro can potentially be used in accordance with this embodiment of
the present invention (see e.g. PCT Publication WO 94/08598;
Stemple and Anderson, Cell 7 1:973-985 (1992); Rheinwald, Meth.
Cell Bio. 21A:229 (1980); and Pittelkow and Scott, Mayo Clinic
Proc. 61:771 (1986)).
[0352] In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid to be introduced
for purposes of gene therapy comprises an inducible promoter
operably linked to the coding region, such that expression of the
nucleic acid is controllable by controlling the presence or absence
of the appropriate inducer of transcription.
Demonstration of Therapeutic or Prophylactic Utility of a
Composition
[0353] The compounds of the invention are preferably tested in
vitro, and then in vivo for the desired therapeutic or prophylactic
activity, prior to use in humans. For example, in vitro assays
which can be used to determine whether administration of a specific
antibody or composition of the present invention is indicated,
include in vitro cell culture assays in which a patient tissue
sample is grown in culture, and exposed to or otherwise
administered an antibody or composition of the present invention,
and the effect of such an antibody or composition of the present
invention upon the tissue sample is observed. In various specific
embodiments, in vitro assays can be carried out with representative
cells of cell types involved in a patient's disorder, to determine
if an antibody or composition of the present invention has a
desired effect upon such cell types. Preferably, the antibodies or
compositions of the invention are also tested in in vitro assays
and animal model systems prior to administration to humans.
[0354] Antibodies or compositions of the present invention for use
in therapy can be tested for their toxicity in suitable animal
model systems, including but not limited to rats, mice, chicken,
cows, monkeys, and rabbits. For in vivo testing of an antibody's or
a composition's toxicity, any animal model system known in the art
may be used.
[0355] Efficacy in treating or preventing viral infection may be
demonstrated by detecting the ability of an antibody or composition
of the invention to inhibit the replication of the virus, to
inhibit transmission or prevent the virus from establishing itself
in its host, or to prevent, ameliorate or alleviate the symptoms of
disease a progression. The treatment is considered therapeutic if
there is, for example, a reduction in viral load, amelioration of
one or more symptoms, or a decrease in mortality and/or morbidity
following administration of an antibody or composition of the
invention.
[0356] Antibodies or compositions of the invention can be tested
for the ability to induce the expression of cytokines such as
IFN-.gamma., by contacting cells, preferably human cells, with an
antibody or composition of the invention or a control antibody or
control composition and determining the ability of the antibody or
composition of the invention to induce one or more cytokines.
Techniques known to those of skill in the art can be used to
measure the level of expression of cytokines. For example, the
level of expression of cytokines can be measured by analyzing the
level of RNA of cytokines by, for example, RT-PCR and Northern blot
analysis, and by analyzing the level of cytokines by, for example,
immunoprecipitation followed by western blot analysis and ELISA. In
a preferred embodiment, a compound of the invention is tested for
its ability to induce the expression of IFN-.gamma..
[0357] Antibodies or compositions of the invention can be tested
for their ability to modulate the biological activity of immune
cells by contacting immune cells, preferably human immune cells
(e.g., T-cells, B-cells, and Natural Killer cells), with an
antibody or composition of the invention or a control compound and
determining the ability of the antibody or composition of the
invention to modulate (i.e., increase or decrease) the biological
activity of immune cells. The ability of an antibody or composition
of the invention to modulate the biological activity of immune
cells can be assessed by detecting the expression of antigens,
detecting the proliferation of immune cells (i.e., B-cell
proliferation), detecting the activation of signaling molecules,
detecting the effector function of immune cells, or detecting the
differentiation of immune cells. Techniques known to those of skill
in the art can be used for measuring these activities. For example,
cellular proliferation can be assayed by .sup.3H-thymidine
incorporation assays and trypan blue cell counts. Antigen
expression can be assayed, for example, by immunoassays including,
but not limited to, competitive and non-competitive assay systems
using techniques such as western blots, immunohistochemistry
radioimmunoassays, ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay),
"sandwich" immunoassays, immunoprecipitation assays, precipitin
reactions, gel diffusion precipitin reactions, immunodiffusion
assays, agglutination assays, complement-fixation assays,
immunoradiometric assays, fluorescent immunoassays, protein A
immunoassays and FACS analysis. The activation of signaling
molecules can be assayed, for example, by kinase assays and
electrophoretic shift assays (EMSAs). In a preferred embodiment,
the ability of an antibody or composition of the invention to
induce B-cell proliferation is measured. In another preferred
embodiment, the ability of an antibody or composition of the
invention to modulate immunoglobulin expression is measured.
[0358] Antibodies or compositions of the invention can be tested
for their ability to reduce tumor formation in in vitro, ex vivo
and in vivo assays. Antibodies or compositions of the invention can
also be tested for their ability to inhibit viral replication or
reduce viral load in in vitro and in vivo assays. Antibodies or
compositions of the invention can also be tested for their ability
to reduce bacterial numbers in in vitro and in vivo assays known to
those of skill in the art. Antibodies or compositions of the
invention can also be tested for their ability to alleviate of one
or more symptoms associated with cancer, an immune disorder (e.g.,
an inflammatory disease), a neurological disorder or an infectious
disease. Antibodies or compositions of the invention can also be
tested for their ability to decrease the time course of the
infectious disease. Further, antibodies or compositions of the
invention can be tested for their ability to increase the survival
period of animals suffering from disease or disorder, including
cancer, an immune disorder or an infectious disease. Techniques
known to those of skill in the art can be used to analyze the
function of the antibodies or compositions of the invention in
vivo.
Therapeutic/Prophylactic Compositions and Administration
[0359] The invention provides methods of treatment, inhibition and
prophylaxis by administration to a subject of an effective amount
of antibody (or fragment or variant thereof) or pharmaceutical
composition of the invention, preferably an antibody of the
invention. In a preferred aspect, an antibody or fragment or
variant thereof is substantially purified (i.e., substantially free
from substances that limit its effect or produce undesired
side-effects). The subject is preferably an animal, including but
not limited to, animals such as cows, pigs, horses, chickens, cats,
dogs, etc., and is preferably a mammal, and most preferably a
human.
[0360] Formulations and methods of administration that can be
employed when the compound comprises a nucleic acid or an
immunoglobulin are described above; additional appropriate
formulations and routes of administration can be selected from
among those described herein below.
[0361] Various delivery systems are known and can be used to
administer antibody or fragment or variant thereof of the
invention, e.g., encapsulation in liposomes, microparticles,
microcapsules, recombinant cells capable of expressing the antibody
or antibody fragment, receptor-mediated endocytosis (see, e.g., Wu
and Wu, J. Biol. Chem. 262:4429-4432 (1987)), construction of a
nucleic acid as part of a retroviral or other vector, etc. Methods
of introduction include, but are not limited to, intradermal,
intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravenous, subcutaneous,
intranasal, epidural, and oral routes. The compositions may be
administered by any convenient route, for example by infusion or
bolus injection, by absorption through epithelial or mucocutaneous
linings (e.g., oral mucosa, rectal and intestinal mucosa, etc.) and
may be administered together with other biologically active agents.
Administration can be systemic or local. In addition, it may be
desirable to introduce the pharmaceutical compositions of the
invention into the central nervous system by any suitable route,
including intraventricular and intrathecal injection;
intraventricular injection may be facilitated by an
intraventricular catheter, for example, attached to a reservoir,
such as an Ommaya reservoir. Pulmonary administration can also be
employed, e.g., by use of an inhaler or nebulizer, and formulation
with an aerosolizing agent.
[0362] In a specific embodiment, it may be desirable to administer
the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention locally to the
area in need of treatment; this may be achieved by, for example,
and not by way of limitation, local infusion during surgery,
topical application, e.g., in conjunction with a wound dressing
after surgery, by injection, by means of a catheter, by means of a
suppository, or by means of an implant, said implant being of a
porous, non-porous, or gelatinous material, including membranes,
such as sialastic membranes, or fibers. Preferably, when
administering a protein, including an antibody, of the invention,
care must be taken to use materials to which the protein does not
absorb.
[0363] In another embodiment, the composition can be delivered in a
vesicle, in particular a liposome (see Langer, Science
249:1527-1533 (1990); Treat et al, in Liposomes in the Therapy of
Infectious Disease and Cancer, Lopez-Berestein and Fidler (eds.),
Liss, New York, pp. 353-365 (1989); Lopez-Berestein, ibid., pp.
317-327; see generally ibid.).
[0364] In yet another embodiment, the composition can be delivered
in a controlled release system. In one embodiment, a pump may be
used (see Langer, supra; Sefton, CRC Crit. Ref. Biomed. Eng. 14:20
1 (1987); Buchwald et al, Surgery 88:507 (1980); Saudek et al., N.
Engl. J. Med. 321:574 (1989)). In another embodiment, polymeric
materials can be used (see Medical Applications of Controlled
Release, Langer and Wise (eds.), CRC Pres., Boca Raton, Fla.
(1974); Controlled Drug Bioavailability, Drug Product Design and
Performance, Smolen and Ball (eds.), Wiley, New York (1984); Ranger
and Peppas, J., Macromol. Sci. Rev. Macromol. Chem. 23:61 (1983);
see also Levy et al., Science 228:190 (1985); During et al, Ann.
Neurol. 25:35 1 (1989); Howard et al., J. Neurosurg. 7 1:105
(1989)). In yet another embodiment, a controlled release system can
be placed in proximity of the therapeutic target, i.e., the brain,
thus requiring only a fraction of the systemic dose (see, e.g.,
Goodson, in Medical Applications of Controlled Release, supra, vol.
2, pp. 115-138 (1984)).
[0365] Other controlled release systems are discussed in the review
by Langer (Science 249:1527-1533 (1990)).
[0366] In a specific embodiment where the composition of the
invention is a nucleic acid encoding a protein, the nucleic acid
can be administered in vivo to promote expression of its encoded
protein, by constructing it as part of an appropriate nucleic acid
expression vector and administering it so that it becomes
intracellular, e.g., by use of a retroviral vector (see U.S. Pat.
No. 4,980,286), or by direct injection, or by use of microparticle
bombardment (e.g., a gene gun; BIOLISTIC.TM., DUPONT.TM.), or
coating with lipids or cell-surface receptors or transfecting
agents, or by administering it in linkage to a homeobox-like
peptide which is known to enter the nucleus (see e.g., Joliot et
al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:1864-1868 (1991)), etc.
Alternatively, a nucleic acid can be introduced intracellularly and
incorporated within host cell DNA for expression, by homologous
recombination.
[0367] The present invention also provides pharmaceutical
compositions. Such compositions comprise a therapeutically
effective amount of an antibody or a fragment thereof, and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In a specific embodiment, the
term "pharmaceutically acceptable" means approved by a regulatory
agency of the Federal or a state government or listed in the U.S.
Pharmacopeia or other generally recognized pharmacopeia for use in
animals, and more particularly in humans. The term "carrier" refers
to a diluent, adjuvant, excipient, or vehicle with which the
therapeutic is administered. Such pharmaceutical carriers can be
sterile liquids, such as water and oils, including those of
petroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin, such as peanut
oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame oil and the like. Water is a
preferred carrier when the pharmaceutical composition is
administered intravenously. Saline solutions and aqueous dextrose
and glycerol solutions can also be employed as liquid carriers,
particularly for injectable solutions. Suitable pharmaceutical
excipients include starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin,
malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol
monostearate, talc, sodium chloride, dried skim milk, glycerol,
propylene, glycol, water, ethanol and the like. The composition, if
desired, can also contain minor amounts of wetting or emulsifying
agents, or pH buffering agents. These compositions can take the
form of solutions, suspensions, emulsion, tablets, pills, capsules,
powders, sustained-release formulations and the like. The
composition can be formulated as a suppository, with traditional
binders and carriers such as triglycerides. Oral formulation can
include standard carriers such as pharmaceutical grades of
mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharine,
cellulose, magnesium carbonate, etc. Examples of suitable
pharmaceutical carriers are described in "Remington's
Pharmaceutical Sciences" by E. W. Martin. Such compositions will
contain a therapeutically effective amount of the antibody or
fragment thereof, preferably in purified form, together with a
suitable amount of carrier so as to provide the form for proper
administration to the patient. The formulation should suit the mode
of administration.
[0368] In a preferred embodiment, the composition is formulated in
accordance with routine procedures as a pharmaceutical composition
adapted for intravenous administration to human beings. Typically,
compositions for intravenous administration are solutions in
sterile isotonic aqueous buffer. Where necessary, the composition
may also include a solubilizing agent and a local anesthetic such
as lignocaine to ease pain at the site of the injection. Generally,
the ingredients are supplied either separately or mixed together in
unit dosage form, for example, as a dry lyophilized powder or water
free concentrate in a hermetically sealed container such as an
ampoule or sachette indicating the quantity of active agent. Where
the composition is to be administered by infusion, it can be
dispensed with an infusion bottle containing sterile pharmaceutical
grade water or saline. Where the composition is administered by
injection, an ampoule of sterile water for injection or saline can
be provided so that the ingredients may be mixed prior to
administration.
[0369] The compositions of the invention can be formulated as
neutral or salt forms. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include
those formed with anions such as those derived from hydrochloric,
phosphoric, acetic, oxalic, tartaric acids, etc., and those formed
with cations such as those derived from sodium, potassium,
ammonium, calcium, ferric hydroxides, isopropylamine,
triethylamine, 2-ethylamino ethanol, histidine, procaine, etc.
[0370] The amount of the composition of the invention which will be
effective in the treatment, inhibition and prevention of a disease
or disorder associated with aberrant expression and/or activity of
a polypeptide of the invention can be determined by standard
clinical techniques. In addition, in vitro assays may optionally be
employed to help identify optimal dosage ranges. The precise dose
to be employed in the formulation will also depend on the route of
administration, and the seriousness of the disease or disorder, and
should be decided according to the judgment of the practitioner and
each patient's circumstances. Effective doses may be extrapolated
from dose-response curves derived from in vitro or animal model
test systems.
[0371] For antibodies, the dosage administered to a patient is
typically 0.1 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of the patient's body weight.
Preferably, the dosage administered to a patient is between 0.1
mg/kg and 20 mg/kg of the patient's body weight, more preferably 1
mg/kg to 10 mg/kg of the patient's body weight. Generally, human
antibodies have a longer half-life within the human body than
antibodies from other species due to the immune response to the
foreign polypeptides. Thus, lower dosages of human antibodies and
less frequent administration is often possible. Further, the dosage
and frequency of administration of therapeutic or pharmaceutical
compositions of the invention may be reduced by enhancing uptake
and tissue penetration (e.g., into the brain) of the antibodies by
modifications such as, for example, lipidation.
[0372] The antibodies and antibody compositions of the invention
may be administered alone or in combination with other adjuvants.
Adjuvants that may be administered with the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to,
alum, alum plus deoxycholate (ImmunoAg), MTP-PE (Biocine Corp.),
QS21 (GENENTECH.TM., Inc.), BCG, and MPL. In a specific embodiment,
antibody and antibody compositions of the invention are
administered in combination with alum. In another specific
embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of the invention are
administered in combination with QS-21. Further adjuvants that may
be administered with the antibody and antibody compositions of the
invention include, but are not limited to, Monophosphoryl lipid
immunomodulator, AdjuVax 100a, QS-21, QS-18, CRL1005, Aluminum
salts, MF-59, and Virosomal adjuvant technology. Vaccines that may
be administered with the antibody and antibody compositions of the
invention include, but are not limited to, vaccines directed toward
protection against MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), polio, varicella,
tetanus/diphtheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, haemophilus
influenzae B, whooping cough, pneumonia, influenza, Lyme's Disease,
rotavirus, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis,
poliomyelitis, rabies, typhoid fever, and pertussis, and/or
PNEUMOVAX-23.TM.. Combinations may be administered either
concomitantly, e.g., as an admixture, separately but simultaneously
or concurrently; or sequentially. This includes presentations in
which the combined agents are administered together as a
therapeutic mixture, and also procedures in which the combined
agents are administered separately but simultaneously, e.g., as
through separate intravenous lines into the same individual.
Administration "in combination" further includes the separate
administration of one of the compounds or agents given first,
followed by the second.
[0373] In another specific embodiment, antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are used in combination with
PNEUMOVAX-23.TM. to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose infection
and/or any disease, disorder, and/or condition associated
therewith. In one embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of
the invention are used in combination with PNEUMOVAX-23.TM. to
treat, prevent, and/or diagnose any Gram-positive bacterial
infection and/or any disease, disorder, and/or condition associated
therewith. In another embodiment, antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are used in combination with
PNEUMOVAX-23.TM. to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose infection
and/or any disease, disorder, and/or condition associated with one
or more members of the genus Enterococcus and/or the genus
Streptococcus. In another embodiment, antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are used in any combination with
PNEUMOVAX-23.TM. to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose infection
and/or any disease, disorder, and/or condition associated with one
or more members of the Group B streptococci. In another embodiment,
antibody and antibody compositions of the invention are used in
combination with PNEUMOVAX-23.TM. to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose infection and/or any disease, disorder, and/or condition
associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae.
[0374] The antibody and antibody compositions of the invention may
be administered alone or in combination with other therapeutic
agents, including but not limited to, chemotherapeutic agents,
antibiotics, antivirals, steroidal and non-steroidal
anti-inflammatories, conventional immunotherapeutic agents and
cytokines. Combinations may be administered either concomitantly,
e.g., as an admixture, separately but simultaneously or
concurrently; or sequentially. This includes presentations in which
the combined agents are administered together as a therapeutic
mixture, and also procedures in which the combined agents are
administered separately but simultaneously, e.g., as through
separate intravenous lines into the same individual. Administration
"in combination" further includes the separate administration of
one of the compounds or agents given first, followed by the
second.
[0375] In one embodiment, the antibody and antibody compositions of
the invention are administered in combination with other members of
the TNF family. TNF, TNF-related or TNF-like molecules that may be
administered with the antibody and antibody compositions of the
invention include, but are not limited to, antibodies which
immunospecifically bind BLyS, soluble forms of BCMA, TACI,
TNF-alpha, lymphotoxin-alpha (LT-alpha, also known as TNF-beta),
LT-beta (found in complex heterotrimer LT-alpha2-beta), OPGL, FasL,
CD27L, CD30L, CD40L, 4-1BBL, DcR3, OX40L, TNF-gamma (International
Publication No. WO 96/14328), TRAIL, AIM-II (International
Publication No. WO 97/34911), APRIL (J. Exp. Med. 188(6):1185-1190
(1998)), endokine-alpha (International Publication No. WO
98/07880), Neutrokine-alpha (BLyS; International Application
Publication No. WO 98/18921), OPG, OX40, and nerve growth factor
(NGF), and soluble forms of Fas, CD30, CD27, CD40 and 4-IBB, TR2
(International Publication No. WO 96/34095), DR3 (International
Publication No. WO 97/33904), DR4 (International Publication No. WO
98/32856), TR5 (International Publication No. WO 98/30693), TR6
(International Publication No. WO 98/30694), TR7 (International
Publication No. WO 98/41629), TRANK, TR9 (International Publication
No. WO 98/56892), 312C2 (International Publication No. WO
98/06842), and TR12, and soluble forms CD154, CD70, and CD153.
[0376] In a preferred embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
CD40 ligand (CD40L), a soluble form of CD40L (e.g., AVREND.TM.),
biologically active fragments, variants, or derivatives of CD40L,
anti-CD40L antibodies (e.g., agonistic or antagonistic antibodies),
and/or anti-CD40 antibodies (e.g., agonistic or antagonistic
antibodies).
[0377] In an additional embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered alone or in
combination with an anti-angiogenic agent(s). Anti-angiogenic
agents that may be administered with the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to,
Angiostatin (ENTREMED.TM., Rockville, Md.), Troponin-1 (Boston Life
Sciences, Boston, Mass.), anti-Invasive Factor, retinoic acid and
derivatives thereof, paclitaxel (TAXOL.TM.), Suramin, Tissue
Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1, Tissue Inhibitor of
Metalloproteinase-2, VEGI, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1,
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-2, and various forms of the lighter
"d group" transition metals.
[0378] Lighter "d group" transition metals include, for example,
vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten, titanium, niobium, and tantalum
species. Such transition metal species may form transition metal
complexes. Suitable complexes of the above-mentioned transition
metal species include oxo transition metal complexes.
[0379] Representative examples of vanadium complexes include oxo
vanadium complexes such as vanadate and vanadyl complexes. Suitable
vanadate complexes include metavanadate and orthovanadate complexes
such as, for example, ammonium metavanadate, sodium metavanadate,
and sodium orthovanadate. Suitable vanadyl complexes include, for
example, vanadyl acetylacetonate and vanadyl sulfate including
vanadyl sulfate hydrates such as vanadyl sulfate mono- and
trihydrates.
[0380] Representative examples of tungsten and molybdenum complexes
also include oxo complexes. Suitable oxo tungsten complexes include
tungstate and tungsten oxide complexes. Suitable tungstate
complexes include ammonium tungstate, calcium tungstate, sodium
tungstate dihydrate, and tungstic acid. Suitable tungsten oxides
include tungsten (IV) oxide and tungsten (VI) oxide. Suitable oxo
molybdenum complexes include molybdate, molybdenum oxide, and
molybdenyl complexes. Suitable molybdate complexes include ammonium
molybdate and its hydrates, sodium molybdate and its hydrates, and
potassium molybdate and its hydrates. Suitable molybdenum oxides
include molybdenum (VI) oxide, molybdenum (VI) oxide, and molybdic
acid. Suitable molybdenyl complexes include, for example,
molybdenyl acetylacetonate. Other suitable tungsten and molybdenum
complexes include hydroxo derivatives derived from, for example,
glycerol, tartaric acid, and sugars.
[0381] A wide variety of other anti-angiogenic factors may also be
utilized within the context of the present invention.
Representative examples include, but are not limited to, platelet
factor 4; protamine sulphate; sulphated chitin derivatives
(prepared from queen crab shells), (Murata et al., Cancer Res.
51:22-26, 1991); Sulphated Polysaccharide Peptidoglycan Complex
(SP-PG) (the function of this compound may be enhanced by the
presence of steroids such as estrogen, and tamoxifen citrate);
Staurosporine; modulators of matrix metabolism, including for
example, proline analogs, cishydroxyproline,
d,L-3,4-dehydroproline, Thiaproline, alpha,alpha-dipyridyl,
aminopropionitrile fumarate;
4-propyl-5-(4-pyridinyl)-2(3H)-oxazolone; Methotrexate;
Mitoxantrone; Heparin; Interferons; 2 Macroglobulin-serum; ChIMP-3
(Pavloff et al., J. Bio. Chem. 267:17321-17326, 1992); Chymostatin
(Tomkinson et al., Biochem J. 286:475-480, 1992); Cyclodextrin
Tetradecasulfate; Eponemycin; Camptothecin; Fumagillin (Ingber et
al., Nature 348:555-557, 1990); Gold Sodium Thiomalate ("GST";
Matsubara and Ziff, J. Clin. Invest. 79:1440-1446, 1987);
anticollagenase-serum; alpha2-antiplasmin (Holmes et al., J. Biol.
Chem. 262(4):1659-1664, 1987); Bisantrene (National Cancer
Institute); Lobenzarit disodium
(N-(2)-carboxyphenyl-4-chloroanthronilic acid disodium or "CCA";
(Takeuchi et al., Agents Actions 36:312-316, 1992); and
metalloproteinase inhibitors such as BB94.
[0382] Additional anti-angiogenic factors that may also be utilized
within the context of the present invention include Thalidomide,
(CELGENE.TM., Warren, N.J.); Angiostatic steroid; AGM-1470 (H. Brem
and J. Folkman J Pediatr. Surg. 28:445-51 (1993)); an integrin
alpha v beta 3 antagonist (C. Storgard et al., J. Clin. Invest.
103:47-54 (1999)); carboxynaminolmidazole; Carboxyamidotriazole
(CAI) (National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Md.); Conbretastatin
A-4 (CA4P) (OXiGENE.TM., Boston, Mass.); Squalamine (Magainin
Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.); TNP-470, (TAP
PHARMACEUTICALS.TM., Deerfield, Ill.); ZD-0101 AstraZeneca.TM.
(London, UK); APRA (CT2584); Benefin, Byrostatin-1 (SC339555);
CGP-41251 (PKC 412); CM101; Dexrazoxane (ICRF187); DMXAA;
Endostatin; Flavopridiol; Genestein; GTE; ImmTher; Iressa (ZD1839);
Octreotide (Somatostatin); Panretin; Penacillamine; Photopoint;
PI-88; Prinomastat (AG-3340) Purlytin; Suradista (FCE26644);
Tamoxifen (NOLVADEX.TM.); Tazarotene; Tetrathiomolybdate;
XELODA.TM. (Capecitabine); and 5-Fluorouracil.
[0383] Anti-angiogenic agents that may be administered in
combination with the compounds of the invention may work through a
variety of mechanisms including, but not limited to, inhibiting
proteolysis of the extracellular matrix, blocking the function of
endothelial cell-extracellular matrix adhesion molecules, by
antagonizing the function of angiogenesis inducers such as growth
factors, and inhibiting integrin receptors expressed on
proliferating endothelial cells. Examples of anti-angiogenic
inhibitors that interfere with extracellular matrix proteolysis and
which may be administered in combination with the antibody and
antibody compositions of the invention include, but are not limited
to, AG-3340 (AGOURON.TM., La Jolla, Calif.), BAY-12-9566
(BAYER.TM., West Haven, Conn.), BMS-275291 (Bristol Myers Squibb,
Princeton, N.J.), CGS-27032A (NOVARTIS.TM., East Hanover, N.J.),
Marimastat (British Biotech, Oxford, UK), and METASTAT.TM.
(AETERNA.TM., St-Foy, Quebec). Examples of anti-angiogenic
inhibitors that act by blocking the function of endothelial
cell-extracellular matrix adhesion molecules and which may be
administered in combination with the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to,
EMD-121974 (MERCK.TM. KcgaA Darmstadt, Germany) and VITAXN.TM.
(IXSYS.TM., La Jolla, Calif./MEDIMMUNE.TM., Gaithersburg, Md.).
Examples of anti-angiogenic agents that act by directly
antagonizing or inhibiting angiogenesis inducers and which may be
administered in combination with the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to,
Angiozyme (Ribozyme, Boulder, Colo.), Anti-VEGF antibody
(GENENTECH.TM., S. San Francisco, Calif.), PTK-787/ZK-225846
(NOVARTIS.TM., Basel, Switzerland), SU-101 (SUGEN.TM., S. San
Francisco, Calif.), SU-5416 (SUGEN/PHARMACIA.TM. Upjohn,
Bridgewater, N.J.), and SU-6668 (SUGEN.TM.). Other anti-angiogenic
agents act to indirectly inhibit angiogenesis. Examples of indirect
inhibitors of angiogenesis, which may be administered in
combination with the antibody and antibody compositions of the
invention, include, but are not limited to, IM-862 (CYTRAN.TM.,
Kirkland, Wash.), Interferon-alpha, IL-12 (ROCHE.TM., Nutley,
N.J.), and Pentosan polysulfate (Georgetown University, Washington,
D.C.).
[0384] In particular embodiments, the use of antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention in combination with anti-angiogenic
agents is contemplated for the treatment, prevention, and/or
amelioration of an autoimmune disease, such as for example, an
autoimmune disease described herein.
[0385] In a particular embodiment, the use of antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention in combination with anti-angiogenic
agents is contemplated for the treatment, prevention, and/or
amelioration of arthritis. In a more particular embodiment, the use
of antibody and antibody compositions of the invention in
combination with anti-angiogenic agents is contemplated for the
treatment, prevention, and/or amelioration of rheumatoid
arthritis.
[0386] In another embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of
the invention are administered in combination with an
anticoagulant. Anticoagulants that may be administered with the
antibody and antibody compositions of the invention include, but
are not limited to, heparin, warfarin, and aspirin. In a specific
embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of the invention are
administered in combination with heparin and/or warfarin. In
another specific embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of
the invention are administered in combination with warfarin. In
another specific embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of
the invention are administered in combination with warfarin and
aspirin. In another specific embodiment, antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
heparin. In another specific embodiment, antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
heparin and aspirin.
[0387] In another embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of
the invention are administered in combination with an agent that
suppresses the production of anticardiolipin antibodies. In
specific embodiments, the polynucleotides of the invention are
administered in combination with an agent that blocks and/or
reduces the ability of anticardiolipin antibodies to bind
phospholipid-binding plasma protein beta 2-glycoprotein I
(b2GPI).
[0388] In certain embodiments, antibody and antibody compositions
of the invention are administered in combination with
antiretroviral agents, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors,
non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and/or protease
inhibitors. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that may be
administered in combination with the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention, include, but are not limited to,
RETROVIR.TM. (zidovudine/AZT), VIDEX.TM. (didanosine/ddI),
HIVID.TM. (zalcitabine/ddC), ZERIT.TM. (stavudine/d4T), EPIVIR.TM.
(lamivudine/3TC), and COMBIVIR.TM. (zidovudine/lamivudine).
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that may be
administered in combination with the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention, include, but are not limited to,
VIRAMUNE.TM. (nevirapine), RESCRIPTOR.TM. (delavirdine), and
SUSTIVA.TM. (efavirenz). Protease inhibitors that may be
administered in combination with the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention, include, but are not limited to,
CRIXIVAN.TM. (indinavir), NORVIR.TM. (ritonavir), INVIRASE.TM.
(saquinavir), and VIRACEPT.TM. (nelfinavir). In a specific
embodiment, antiretroviral agents, nucleoside reverse transcriptase
inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and/or
protease inhibitors may be used in any combination with antibody
and antibody compositions of the invention to treat, prevent,
and/or diagnose AIDS and/or to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose HIV
infection.
[0389] In other embodiments, antibody and antibody compositions of
the invention may be administered in combination with
anti-opportunistic infection agents. Anti-opportunistic agents that
may be administered in combination with the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention, include, but are not limited to,
TRIMETHOPRIM-SULFAMETHOXAZOLE.TM., DAPSONE.TM., PENTAMIDINE.TM.,
ATOVAQUONE.TM., ISONIAZID.TM., RIFAMPIN.TM., PYRAZINAMIDE.TM.,
ETHAMBUTOL.TM., RIFABUTIN.TM., CLARITHROMYCIN.TM.,
AZITHROMYCIN.TM., GANCICLOVIR.TM., FOSCARNET.TM., CIDOFOVIR.TM.,
FLUCONAZOLE.TM., ITRACONAZOLE.TM., KETOCONAZOLE.TM., ACYCLOVIR.TM.,
FAMCICOLVIR.TM., PYRIMETHAMINE.TM., LEUCOVORIN.TM., NEUPOGEN.TM.
(filgrastim/G-CSF), and LEUKINE.TM. (sargramostim/GM-CSF). In a
specific embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of the
invention are used in any combination with
TRIMETHOPRIM-SULFAMETHOXAZOLE.TM., DAPSONE.TM., PENTAMIDINE.TM.,
and/or ATOVAQUONE.TM. to prophylactically treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose an opportunistic Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia infection.
In another specific embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions
of the invention are used in any combination with ISONIAZID.TM.,
RIFAMPIN.TM., PYRAZINAMIDE.TM., and/or ETHAMBUTOL.TM. to
prophylactically treat, prevent, and/or diagnose an opportunistic
Mycobacterium avium complex infection. In another specific
embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of the invention are
used in any combination with RIFABUTIN.TM., CLARITHROMYCIN.TM.,
and/or AZITHROMYCIN.TM. to prophylactically treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose an opportunistic Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. In
another specific embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of
the invention are used in any combination with GANCICLOVIR.TM.,
FOSCARNET.TM., and/or CIDOFOVIR.TM. to prophylactically treat,
prevent, and/or diagnose an opportunistic cytomegalovirus
infection. In another specific embodiment, antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are used in any combination with
FLUCONAZOLE.TM., ITRACONAZOLE.TM., and/or KETOCONAZOLE.TM. to
prophylactically treat, prevent, and/or diagnose an opportunistic
fungal infection. In another specific embodiment, antibody and
antibody compositions of the invention are used in any combination
with ACYCLOVIR.TM. and/or FAMCICOLVIR.TM. to prophylactically
treat, prevent, and/or diagnose an opportunistic herpes simplex
virus type I and/or type II infection. In another specific
embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of the invention are
used in any combination with PYRIMETHAMINE.TM. and/or
LEUCOVORIN.TM. to prophylactically treat, prevent, and/or diagnose
an opportunistic Toxoplasma gondii infection. In another specific
embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of the invention are
used in any combination with LEUCOVORIN.TM. and/or NEUPOGEN.TM. to
prophylactically treat, prevent, and/or diagnose an opportunistic
bacterial infection.
[0390] In a further embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
an antiviral agent. Antiviral agents that may be administered with
the antibody and antibody compositions of the invention include,
but are not limited to, acyclovir, ribavirin, amantadine, and
remantidine.
[0391] In a further embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
an antibiotic agent. Antibiotic agents that may be administered
with the antibody and antibody compositions of the invention
include, but are not limited to, amoxicillin, aminoglycosides,
beta-lactam (glycopeptide), beta-lactamases, Clindamycin,
chloramphenicol, cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin, ciprofloxacin,
erythromycin, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, metronidazole,
penicillins, quinolones, rifampin, streptomycin, sulfonamide,
tetracyclines, trimethoprim, trimethoprim-sulfamthoxazole, and
vancomycin.
[0392] Conventional nonspecific immunosuppressive agents, that may
be administered in combination with the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to,
steroids, cyclosporine, cyclosporine analogs cyclophosphamide,
cyclophosphamide IV, methylprednisolone, prednisolone,
azathioprine, FK-506, 15-deoxyspergualin, and other
immunosuppressive agents that act by suppressing the function of
responding T cells.
[0393] In specific embodiments, antibody and antibody compositions
of the invention are administered in combination with
immunosuppressants. Immunosuppressants preparations that may be
administered with the antibody and antibody compositions of the
invention include, but are not limited to, ORTHOCLONE.TM. (OKT3),
SANDIMMUNE.TM./NEORAL.TM./SANGDYA.TM. (cyclosporin), PROGRAF.TM.
(tacrolimus), CELLCEPT.TM.(mycophenolate), Azathioprine,
glucorticosteroids, and RAPAMUNE.TM. (sirolimus). In a specific
embodiment, immunosuppressants may be used to prevent rejection of
organ or bone marrow transplantation.
[0394] In a preferred embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
steroid therapy. Steroids that may be administered in combination
with the antibody and antibody compositions of the invention,
include, but are not limited to, oral corticosteroids, prednisone,
and methylprednisolone (e.g., IV methylprednisolone). In a specific
embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of the invention are
administered in combination with prednisone. In a further specific
embodiment, the antibody and antibody compositions of the invention
are administered in combination with prednisone and an
immunosuppressive agent. Immunosuppressive agents that may be
administered with the antibody and antibody compositions of the
invention and prednisone are those described herein, and include,
but are not limited to, azathioprine, cylophosphamide, and
cyclophosphamide IV. In another specific embodiment, antibody and
antibody compositions of the invention are administered in
combination with methylprednisolone. In a further specific
embodiment, the antibody and antibody compositions of the invention
are administered in combination with methylprednisolone and an
immunosuppressive agent. Immunosuppressive agents that may be
administered with the antibody and antibody compositions of the
invention and methylprednisolone are those described herein, and
include, but are not limited to, azathioprine, cylophosphamide, and
cyclophosphamide IV.
[0395] In a preferred embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
an antimalarial. Antimalarials that may be administered with the
antibody and antibody compositions of the invention include, but
are not limited to, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, and/or
quinacrine.
[0396] In a preferred embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
an NSAID.
[0397] In a nonexclusive embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
one, two, three, four, five, ten, or more of the following drugs:
NRD-101 (HOECHST MARION ROUSSEL.TM.), diclofenac (Dimethaid),
oxaprozin potassium (MONSANTO.TM.), mecasermin (CHIRON.TM.), T-614
(TOYAMA.TM.), pemetrexed disodium (ELI LILLY.TM.), atreleuton
(ABBOTT.TM.), valdecoxib (MONSANTO.TM.), eltenac (Byk Gulden),
CAMPATH.TM., AGM-1470 (TAKEDA.TM.), CDP-571 (CELLTECH
CHIROSCIENCE.TM.), CM-101 (CarboMed), ML-3000 (Merckle), CB-2431
(KS Biomedix), CBF-BS2 (KS Biomedix), IL-1Ra gene therapy
(VALENTIS.TM.), JTE-522 (JAPAN TOBACCO.TM.), paclitaxel
(ANGIOTECH.TM.), DW-166HC (Dong Wha), darbufelone mesylate
(WARNER-LAMBERT.TM.), soluble TNF receptor 1 (SYNERGEN.TM.;
AMGEN.TM.), IPR-6001 (Institute for Pharmaceutical Research),
trocade (HOFFMAN-LA ROCHE.TM.), EF-5 (SCOTIA PHARMACEUTICALS.TM.),
BIIL-284 (BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM.TM.), BIIF-1149 (BOEHRINGER
INGELHEIM.TM.), LEUKOVAX.TM. (INFLAMMATICS.TM.), MK-663
(MERCK.TM.), ST-1482 (Sigma-Tau), and butixocort propionate
(WARNERLAMBERT.TM.).
[0398] In a preferred embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
one, two, three, four, five or more of the following drugs:
methotrexate, sulfasalazine, sodium aurothiomalate, auranofin,
cyclosporine, penicillamine, azathioprine, an antimalarial drug
(e.g., as described herein), cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, gold,
ENBREL.TM. (Etanercept), anti-TNF antibody, LJP 394 (LA JOLLA
PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY.TM., San Diego, Calif.) and
prednisolone.
[0399] In a more preferred embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
an antimalarial, methotrexate, anti-TNF antibody, ENBREL.TM. and/or
suflasalazine. In one embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
methotrexate. In another embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
anti-TNF antibody. In another embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
methotrexate and anti-TNF antibody. In another embodiment, the
antibody and antibody compositions of the invention are
administered in combination with suflasalazine. In another specific
embodiment, the antibody and antibody compositions of the invention
are administered in combination with methotrexate, anti-TNF
antibody, and suflasalazine. In another embodiment, the antibody
and antibody compositions of the invention are administered in
combination ENBREL.TM.. In another embodiment, the antibody and
antibody compositions of the invention are administered in
combination with ENBREL.TM. and methotrexate. In another
embodiment, the antibody and antibody compositions of the invention
are administered in combination with ENBREL.TM., methotrexate and
suflasalazine. In another embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
ENBREL.TM., methotrexate and suflasalazine. In other embodiments,
one or more antimalarials is combined with one of the above-recited
combinations. In a specific embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
an antimalarial (e.g., hydroxychloroquine), ENBREL.TM.,
methotrexate and suflasalazine. In another specific embodiment, the
antibody and antibody compositions of the invention are
administered in combination with an antimalarial (e.g.,
hydroxychloroquine), sulfasalazine, anti-TNF antibody, and
methotrexate.
[0400] In an additional embodiment, antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered alone or in
combination with one or more intravenous immune globulin
preparations. Intravenous immune globulin preparations that may be
administered with the antibody and antibody compositions of the
invention include, but not limited to, GAMMAR.TM., IVEEGAM.TM.,
SANDOGLOBULIN.TM., GAMMAGARD S/D.TM., and GAMIMUNE.TM.. In a
specific embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of the
invention are administered in combination with intravenous immune
globulin preparations in transplantation therapy (e.g., bone marrow
transplant).
[0401] CD40 ligand (CD40L), a soluble form of CD40L (e.g.,
AVREND.TM.), biologically active fragments, variants, or
derivatives of CD40L, anti-CD40L antibodies (e.g., agonistic or
antagonistic antibodies), and/or anti-CD40 antibodies (e.g.,
agonistic or antagonistic antibodies).
[0402] In an additional embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered alone or in
combination with an anti-inflammatory agent. Anti-inflammatory
agents that may be administered with the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to,
glucocorticoids and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories,
aminoarylcarboxylic acid derivatives, arylacetic acid derivatives,
arylbutyric acid derivatives, arylcarboxylic acids, arylpropionic
acid derivatives, pyrazoles, pyrazolones, salicylic acid
derivatives, thiazinecarboxamides, e-acetamidocaproic acid,
S-adenosylmethionine, 3-amino-4-hydroxybutyric acid, amixetrine,
bendazac, benzydamine, bucolome, difenpiramide, ditazol,
emorfazone, guaiazulene, nabumetone, nimesulide, orgotein,
oxaceprol, paranyline, perisoxal, pifoxime, proquazone, proxazole,
and tenidap.
[0403] In another embodiment, compositions of the invention are
administered in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent.
Chemotherapeutic agents that may be administered with the antibody
and antibody compositions of the invention include, but are not
limited to, antibiotic derivatives (e.g., doxorubicin, bleomycin,
daunorubicin, and dactinomycin); antiestrogens (e.g., tamoxifen);
antimetabolites (e.g., fluorouracil, 5-FU, methotrexate,
floxuridine, interferon alpha-2b, glutamic acid, plicamycin,
mercaptopurine, and 6-thioguanine); cytotoxic agents (e.g.,
carmustine, BCNU, lomustine, CCNU, cytosine arabinoside,
cyclophosphamide, estramustine, hydroxyurea, procarbazine,
mitomycin, busulfan, cis-platin, and vincristine sulfate); hormones
(e.g., medroxyprogesterone, estramustine phosphate sodium, ethinyl
estradiol, estradiol, megestrol acetate, methyltestosterone,
diethylstilbestrol diphosphate, chlorotrianisene, and
testolactone); nitrogen mustard derivatives (e.g., mephalen,
chorambucil, mechlorethamine (nitrogen mustard) and thiotepa);
steroids and combinations (e.g., bethamethasone sodium phosphate);
and others (e.g., dicarbazine, asparaginase, mitotane, vincristine
sulfate, vinblastine sulfate, and etoposide).
[0404] In a specific embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions
of the invention are administered in combination with CHOP
(cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) or any
combination of the components of CHOP. In another embodiment,
antibody and antibody compositions of the invention are
administered in combination with Rituximab. In a further
embodiment, antibody and antibody compositions of the invention are
administered with Rituximab and CHOP, or Rituximab and any
combination of the components of CHOP.
[0405] In an additional embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
cytokines. Cytokines that may be administered with the antibody and
antibody compositions of the invention include, but are not limited
to, GM-CSF, G-CSF, IL2, IL3, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL7, IL10, IL12, IL13,
IL15, anti-CD40, CD40L, IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha,
and TNF-beta. In preferred embodiments, antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered with APRIL (e.g.,
amino acids 134-285 of SEQ IF D NO:3228). In another embodiment,
antibody and antibody compositions of the invention may be
administered with any interleukin, including, but not limited to,
IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8,
IL-9, IL-10, IL-11, IL-12, IL-13, IL-14, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17,
IL-18, IL-19, IL-20, IL-21, and IL-22. In preferred embodiments,
the antibody and antibody compositions of the invention are
administered in combination with IL4 and IL10.
[0406] In one embodiment, the antibody and antibody compositions of
the invention are administered in combination with one or more
chemokines. In specific embodiments, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
an .alpha.(C.times.C) chemokine selected from the group consisting
of gamma-interferon inducible protein-10 (.gamma.IP-10),
interleukin-8 (IL-8), platelet factor-4 (PF4), neutrophil
activating protein (NAP-2), GRO-.alpha., GRO-.beta., GRO-.gamma.,
neutrophil-activating peptide (ENA-78), granulocyte chemoattractant
protein-2 (GCP-2), and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1, or
pre-B cell stimulatory factor (PBSF)); and/or a .beta.(CC)
chemokine selected from the group consisting of: RANTES (regulated
on activation, normal T expressed and secreted), macrophage
inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1.alpha.), macrophage
inflammatory protein-1 beta (MIP-1.beta.), monocyte chemotactic
protein-1 (MCP-1), monocyte chemotactic protein-2 (MCP-2), monocyte
chemotactic protein-3 (MCP-3), monocyte chemotactic protein-4
(MCP-4) macrophage inflammatory protein-1 gamma (MIP-1.gamma.),
macrophage inflammatory protein-3 alpha (MIP-3.alpha.), macrophage
inflammatory protein-3 beta (MIP-3.beta.), macrophage inflammatory
protein-4 (MIP-4/DC-CK-1/PARC), eotaxin, Exodus, and I-309; and/or
the .gamma.(C) chemokine, lymphotactin.
[0407] In another embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered with chemokine
beta-8, chemokine beta-1, and/or macrophage inflammatory protein-4.
In a preferred embodiment, the antibody and antibody compositions
of the invention are administered with chemokine beta-8.
[0408] In an additional embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
an IL-4 antagonist. IL-4 antagonists that may be administered with
the antibody and antibody compositions of the invention include,
but are not limited to: soluble IL-4 receptor polypeptides,
multimeric forms of soluble IL-4 receptor polypeptides; anti-IL-4
receptor antibodies that bind the IL-4 receptor without transducing
the biological signal elicited by IL-4, anti-IL4 antibodies that
block binding of IL-4 to one or more IL-4 receptors, and muteins of
IL-4 that bind IL-4 receptors but do not transduce the biological
signal elicited by IL-4. Preferably, the antibodies employed
according to this method are monoclonal antibodies (including
antibody fragments, such as, for example, those described
herein).
[0409] The invention also encompasses combining the polynucleotides
and/or polypeptides of the invention (and/or agonists or
antagonists thereof) with other proposed or conventional
hematopoietic therapies. Thus, for example, the polynucleotides
and/or polypeptides of the invention (and/or agonists or
antagonists thereof) can be combined with compounds that singly
exhibit erythropoietic stimulatory effects, such as erythropoietin,
testosterone, progenitor cell stimulators, insulin-like growth
factor, prostaglandins, serotonin, cyclic AMP, prolactin, and
triiodothyzonine. Also encompassed are combinations of the antibody
and antibody compositions of the invention with compounds generally
used to treat aplastic anemia, such as, for example, methenolene,
stanozolol, and nandrolone; to treat iron-deficiency anemia, such
as, for example, iron preparations; to treat malignant anemia, such
as, for example, vitamin B.sub.12 and/or folic acid; and to treat
hemolytic anemia, such as, for example, adrenocortical steroids,
e.g., corticoids. See e.g., Resegotti et al., Panminerva Medica,
23:243-248 (1981); Kurtz, FEBS Letters, 14a:105-108 (1982);
McGonigle et al., Kidney Int., 25:437-444 (1984); and
Pavlovic-Kantera, Expt. Hematol., 8 (supp. 8) 283-291 (1980), the
contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in
their entireties.
[0410] Compounds that enhance the effects of or synergize with
erythropoietin are also useful as adjuvants herein, and include but
are not limited to, adrenergic agonists, thyroid hormones,
androgens, hepatic erythropoietic factors, erythrotropins, and
erythrogenins, See for e.g., Dunn, "Current Concepts in
Erythropoiesis", John Wiley and Sons (Chichester, England, 1983);
Kalmani, Kidney Int., 22:383-391 (1982); Shahidi, New Eng. J. Med.,
289:72-80 (1973); Urabe et al., J. Exp. Med., 149:1314-1325 (1979);
Billat et al., Expt. Hematol., 10: 133-140 (1982); Naughton et al.,
Acta Haemat, 69:171-179 (1983); Cognote et al. in abstract 364,
Proceedings 7th Intl. Cong. of Endocrinology (Quebec City, Quebec,
Jul. 1-7, 1984); and Rothman et al., 1982, J. Surg. Oncol.,
20:105-108 (1982). Methods for stimulating hematopoiesis comprise
administering a hematopoietically effective amount (i.e., an amount
which effects the formation of blood cells) of a pharmaceutical
composition containing polynucleotides and/or polypeptides of the
invention (and/or agonists or antagonists thereof) to a patient.
The polynucleotides and/or polypeptides of the invention and/or
agonists or antagonists thereof is administered to the patient by
any suitable technique, including but not limited to, parenteral,
sublingual, topical, intrapulmonary and intranasal, and those
techniques further discussed herein. The pharmaceutical composition
optionally contains one or more members of the group consisting of
erythropoietin, testosterone, progenitor cell stimulators,
insulin-like growth factor, prostaglandins, serotonin, cyclic AMP,
prolactin, triiodothyzonine, methenolene, stanozolol, and
nandrolone, iron preparations, vitamin B.sub.12, folic acid and/or
adrenocortical steroids.
[0411] In an additional embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
hematopoietic growth factors. Hematopoietic growth factors that may
be administered with the antibody and antibody compositions of the
invention include, but are not limited to, LEUKINE.TM.
(SARGRAMOSTIM.TM.) and NEUPOGEN.TM. (FILGRASTIM.TM.).
[0412] In an additional embodiment, the antibody and antibody
compositions of the invention are administered in combination with
fibroblast growth factors. Fibroblast growth factors that may be
administered with the antibody and antibody compositions of the
invention include, but are not limited to, FGF-1, FGF-2, FGF-3,
FGF-4, FGF-5, FGF-6, FGF-7, FGF-8, FGF-9, FGF-10, FGF-11, FGF-12,
FGF-13, FGF-14, and FGF-15.
[0413] Additionally, the antibody and antibody compositions of the
invention may be administered alone or in combination with other
therapeutic regimens, including but not limited to, radiation
therapy. Such combinatorial therapy may be administered
sequentially and/or concomitantly.
Kits
[0414] The invention also provides a pharmaceutical pack or kit
comprising one or more containers filled with one or more of the
ingredients of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.
Optionally associated with such container(s) can be a notice in the
form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating the
manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceuticals or biological products,
which notice reflects approval by the agency of manufacture, use or
sale for human administration.
[0415] The present invention provides kits that can be used in the
above methods. In one embodiment, a kit comprises an antibody of
the invention, preferably a purified antibody, in one or more
containers. In an alternative embodiment, a kit comprises an
antibody fragment that immunospecifically binds to APRIL. In a
specific embodiment, the kits of the present invention contain a
substantially isolated APRIL polypeptide as a control. Preferably,
the kits of the present invention further comprise a control
antibody, which does not react with APRIL. In another specific
embodiment, the kits of the present invention contain a means for
detecting the binding of an antibody to APRIL (e.g., the antibody
may be conjugated to a detectable substrate such as a fluorescent
compound, an enzymatic substrate, a radioactive compound or a
luminescent compound, or a second antibody which recognizes the
first antibody may be conjugated to a detectable substrate). In
specific embodiments, the kit may include a recombinantly produced
or chemically synthesized APRIL. The APRIL provided in the kit may
also be attached to a solid support. In a more specific embodiment
the detecting means of the above-described kit includes a solid
support to which APRIL is attached. Such a kit may also include a
non-attached reporter-labeled anti-human antibody. In this
embodiment, binding of the antibody to APRIL can be detected by
binding of the said reporter-labeled antibody.
[0416] In an additional embodiment, the invention includes a
diagnostic kit for use in screening serum to identify the presence
of antigens of the polypeptide of the invention. The diagnostic kit
includes a substantially isolated antibody specifically
immunoreactive with APRIL, and means for detecting the binding of
APRIL to the antibody. In one embodiment, the antibody is attached
to a solid support. In a specific embodiment, the antibody may be a
monoclonal antibody. The detecting means of the kit may include a
second, labeled monoclonal antibody. Alternatively, or in addition,
the detecting means may include a labeled, competing antigen.
[0417] In one diagnostic configuration, test serum is reacted with
a solid phase reagent having a surface-bound APRIL obtained by the
methods of the present invention. After APRIL binds to a specific
antibody, the unbound serum components are removed by washing,
reporter-labeled anti-human antibody is added, unbound anti-human
antibody is removed by washing, and a reagent is reacted with
reporter-labeled anti-human antibody to bind reporter to the
reagent in proportion to the amount of bound anti-APRIL antibody on
the solid support. Typically the reporter is an enzyme, which is
detected by incubating the solid phase in the presence of a
suitable fluorometric, luminescent or calorimetric substrate.
[0418] The solid surface reagent in the above assay is prepared by
known techniques for attaching protein material to solid support
material, such as polymeric beads, dip sticks, 96-well plate or
filter material. These attachment methods generally include
non-specific adsorption of the protein to the support or covalent
attachment of the protein, typically through a free amine group, to
a chemically reactive group on the solid support, such as an
activated carboxyl, hydroxyl, or aldehyde group. Alternatively,
streptavidin coated plates can be used in conjunction with
biotinylated antigen(s).
[0419] Thus, the invention provides an assay system or kit for
carrying out this diagnostic method. The kit generally includes a
support with surface-bound recombinant APRIL, and a
reporter-labeled anti-human antibody for detecting surface-bound
anti-APRIL antibody.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Selection of APRIL Binding scFvs
Rescue of Large Libraries
[0420] An scFv library of up to 1.times.10.sup.11 clones, which is
an expanded version of the 1.38.times.10.sup.10 library described
(Vaughan et. al. Nature Biotechnology 14:309-314 (1996)), was used
to select antibodies specific for FLAG-tagged APRIL. Phage were
rescued by taking 3.times.10.sup.10 cells from a glycerol stock
culture and growing in 2YTAG (2YT media supplemented with 100
.mu.g/ml ampicillin and 2% (w/v) glucose) at 37.degree. C. for 2 h
with shaking. M13K07 helper phage (STRATAGENE.TM.) was added to the
culture at a multiplicity of infection (moi) of approximately 10.
The culture was incubated stationary at 37.degree. C. for 15 min
followed by 45 min with light aeration (200 rpm) at the same
temperature. The culture was centrifuged and the cells were
resuspended in 500 ml 2YTAK (2YT media supplemented with 100
.mu.g/ml kanamycin), and the culture incubated overnight at
30.degree. C. with good aeration (300 rpm). Phage particles were
purified and concentrated by three cycles of polyethylene glycol
(PEG) precipitation (20% PEG 6000, 2.5M NaCl) on ice, then
resuspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 10.sup.12
transducing units (tu)/ml, titrated as ampicillin resistant
clones.
Selection Method 1: Panning
[0421] Purified phagemids were first blocked by incubation in 3%
MPBS (3% `Marvel` skimmed milk powder in PBS) for 1 h at room
temperature (RT). The phagemid particles were then transferred to
an immunoplate (Nunc; Maxisorp) which had been coated with soluble
purified APRIL (10 .mu.g/ml in PBS) overnight at 4.degree. C. and
blocked for 1 h at 37.degree. C. with 3.degree.% MPBS. The plate
was incubated stationary at 37.degree. C. for 1 hour and then
washed 10 times with PBS-Tween (PBS with 0.1% Tween `20`) and 10
times with PBS. Bound phagemid particles were eluted by incubation
in 500 .mu.l elution buffer (2.5 mg trypsin, 1 mM CaCl.sub.2, 50 mM
Tris HCl pH 8.0) for 30 min at 37.degree. C. The eluted phage were
used to infect 10 ml exponentially growing E. coli TG1. Infected
cells were grown in 2YT broth for 1 h at 37.degree. C. with light
aeration, then streaked onto 2YTAG agar plates (243 mm.times.243
mm; Nunc) and incubated overnight at 30.degree. C. Colonies were
scraped off the plates into 10 ml of 2YT broth and 15% (v/v)
glycerol added for storage -70.degree. C.
[0422] Glycerol stock cultures from the first round of panning on
APRIL were then superinfected with helper phage and rescued to give
phagemid particles for the second round of panning. Twenty-five
microliters of glycerol stock was inoculated into 25 ml 2YTAG
broth, and incubated at 37.degree. C. with good aeration until the
OD.sub.600nm reached 0.7. M13K07 helper phage (moi=10) was added to
the culture which was then incubated stationary for 15 min at
37.degree. C. then with shaking for 45 min at the same temperature.
The culture was centrifuged, the cells were resuspended in 50 ml
prewarmed 2YTAK and rescue was performed overnight at 30.degree. C.
as before. Phagemid particles were purified and concentrated as
before and resuspended in PBS to 1013 tu/ml. Repertoires harvested
at subsequent rounds of selection were superinfected and rescued in
the same way.
Selection Method 2: Panning on Captured FLAG-Tagged APRIL
[0423] The method for panning on captured FLAG-tagged APRIL was the
same as selection method 1 except for the APRIL capture and
phagemid deselection steps. Ten micrograms/ml M2 anti-FLAG
(SIGMA.TM.) monoclonal antibody (mAb) in PBS was coated onto wells
of an immunoplate (Nunc; Maxisorp) overnight at 4.degree. C. After
washing the antibody-coated wells 2 times with PBS, the FLAG-tagged
APRIL was added at 5 .mu.g/ml in PBS and incubated at RT for 2 h.
Wells containing captured FLAG-tagged APRIL were washed 2 times
with PBS and then blocked with 3% MPBS as described in selection
method 1. Phagemid particles, blocked by incubation in MPBS for 1 h
at RT, were incubated for 1.5 h at RT on anti-FLAG mAb-coated wells
to deselect before transferring to the FLAG-tagged APRIL-coated
wells.
Selection Method 3: Soluble Selection on FLAG-Tagged APRIL
[0424] Soluble selections with FLAG-tagged APRIL were performed
using phagemid particles prepared as described in selection method
1. The soluble selection was performed as follows. 10.sup.12 tu/ml
phagemid particles were blocked by incubating in 3.degree.% MPBS
for 1 h at RT before adding 100 .mu.l M2 anti-FLAG agarose
(SIGMA.TM.) to deselect for 1 h at RT with rotation. The agarose
was pelleted by centrifugation at 13K rpm for 1 min and the
supernatant transferred to a new eppendorf. FLAG-tagged APRIL was
added to the blocked phagemid particles at a concentration of 250
nM and the tube rotated at RT for 2 h. At the same time, 100 .mu.l
M2 anti-FLAG agarose was blocked by incubating in 3% MPBS for 1 h
with rotation. Following the 2 h incubation of phagemid particles
with FLAG-tagged APRIL, the blocked agarose was pelleted by
centrifugation and the 3.degree.% MPBS was removed and replaced by
the phagemid and FLAG-tagged APRIL mixture. The tube was rotated
for a further 30 min at RT before pelleting the FLAG-agarose,
removing the supernatant and replacing with PBS-Tween. This wash
step was repeated twice more with PBS-Tween and then three times
with PBS before eluting as described in selection method 1.
Selection Method 4: Selection on Biotinylated APRIL
[0425] Selections with biotinylated APRIL were performed using
phagemid particles prepared as described in selection method 1. 10
.mu.g/ml biotinylated APRIL (made as described in the assay
section) in PBS was captured on streptavidin-coated plates (Pierce)
by incubation for 2 hours at RT. The remainder of the selection was
performed as described in selection method 1.
Selection Method 5: Panning with Deselection on APRIL/BCMA
Complex
[0426] This selection is identical to the panning method (selection
method 1) except that a deselection step was performed using
pre-complexed APRIL/BCMA. BCMA was coated onto immunoplates
overnight at 4.degree. C. before being blocked with 3% MPBS for 1
hour at 37.degree. C. APRIL was then added at 10 .mu.g/ml in MPBS
for 1 h at RT to form APRIL/BCMA complexes. Phagemid particles in
MPBS were deselected on APRIL/BCMA wells for 1.5 h at 37.degree. C.
before performing selection on APRIL-coated immunoplate wells as
described in selection method 1.
[0427] 3 rounds of each selection method were performed and
individual colonies screened by phage ELISA for binding to
APRIL.
Phage ELISA
[0428] To determine the specificity of each of the antibodies, a
phage ELISA was performed for each antibody against APRIL and
either BSA or an uncoated well.
[0429] Individual E. coli colonies containing phagemid were
inoculated into 96 well plates containing 100 .mu.l 2TYAG medium
per well. Plates were incubated at 37.degree. C. for 4 hours, with
shaking. M13K07 helper phage was added to each well to an moi of 10
and the plates were incubated for a further 1 hour at 37.degree. C.
The plates were centrifuged in a benchtop centrifuge at 2000 rpm
for 10 minutes. The supernatant was removed and cell pellets were
resuspended in 100 .mu.l 2TYAK and incubated at 30.degree. C.
overnight, shaking. The next day, plates were centrifuged at 2000
rpm for 10 min and 100 .mu.l phage-containing supernatant from each
well carefully transferred into a fresh 96-well plate. 20 .mu.l of
6.times.MPBS was added to each well, and incubated at room
temperature for 1 hour to block the phage prior to ELISA.
[0430] Flexible 96-well plates (Falcon) were coated overnight at
4.degree. C. with human APRIL (1 .mu.g/ml in PBS), BSA (1 .mu.g/ml
in PBS) or PBS alone. After coating, the solutions were removed
from the wells, and the plates were blocked for 1 hour at room
temperature in MPBS. The plates were washed 3 times with PBS and
then 50 .mu.l of preblocked phage was added to each well. The
plates were incubated at room temperature for 1 hour and then
washed with 3 changes of PBST followed by 3 changes of PBS.
[0431] To each well, 50 .mu.l of an anti-M13 HRP conjugate
(PHARMACIA.TM.) at a 1 in 5000 dilution in MPBS was added and the
plates incubated at room temperature for 1 hour. Each plate was
washed three times with PBST followed by three times with PBS.
[0432] Fifty .mu.l of TMB substrate was then added to each well,
and incubated at room temperature for 30 minutes or until color
development. The reaction was stopped by the addition of 25 .mu.l
of 0.5 M H.sub.2SO.sub.4. The signal generated was measured by
reading the absorbance at 450 nm (A.sub.450) using a microtitre
plate reader (Bio-Rad 3550).
[0433] 1483 antibodies were identified which bound APRIL but not to
BSA or an uncoated well. 504, 259, 207, 271, and 242 positive phage
were obtained from each of selection methods 1-5 described above,
respectively.
Example 2
Specificity Phage ELISA
[0434] To determine the specificity of the scFvs, a phage ELISA was
performed against APRIL, and a panel of related and unrelated
antigens: BLyS, BCMA, TACI, LIGHT, TNF-.alpha., BSA and an uncoated
well.
[0435] Individual E. coli colonies containing phagemid were
inoculated into 5 ml 2YTAG and incubated at 37.degree. C. for 4
hours, shaking. M13K07 helper phage (PHARMACIA.TM.) was added to
each tube to an MOI of 10 and incubated for 30 min at 37.degree. C.
for 1 hour, the first 30 minutes static and the final 30 minutes
with gentle shaking. Cells were pelleted by centrifugation at 3,500
rpm for 10 minutes. The phage containing supernatant (5 ml) was
carefully transferred to a fresh tube, 1 ml of 6 MPBS added and
then incubated at room temperature for 1 hour to pre-block the
phage prior to ELISA.
[0436] Flexible 96-well plates (Falcon) were coated overnight at
4.degree. C. with each antigen (1 .mu.g/ml). All antigens were
coated in PBS. After coating, the solutions were removed from the
wells, and the plates were blocked for 1 hour at room temperature
in MPBS. The plates were washed 3 times with PBS and then 50 .mu.l
of pre-blocked phage was added to each well. The plates were
incubated at room temperature for 1 hour and then washed with 3
changes of PBST followed by 3 changes of PBS.
[0437] To each well, 50 .mu.l of an anti-M13-HRP conjugate
(PHARMACIA.TM.) at a 1 in 5000 dilution in MPBS was added and the
plates incubated at room temperature for 1 hour. Each plate was
washed three times with PBST followed by three times with PBS.
[0438] Fifty .mu.l of TMB substrate was then added to each well,
and incubated at room temperature for 30 minutes or until color
development. The reaction was stopped by the addition of 25 .mu.l
of 0.5 M H.sub.2SO.sub.4. The signal generated was measured by
reading the absorbance at 450 nm (A.sub.450) using a microtitre
plate reader (Bio-Rad 3550).
[0439] The results for 2 typical clones, A004G02 and A019C11 are
shown in FIG. 1. Both antibodies recognize APRIL but not BLyS,
BCMA, TACI, LIGHT, TNF-.alpha., BSA or the uncoated well. The
control anti-BLyS antibody recognizes BLyS but shows no binding to
APRIL. This indicates that the 2 antibodies, A004G02 and A019C11,
specifically recognize APRIL.
Example 3
Binding Inhibition Assays
[0440] The potency of the antibodies in scFv form was assessed in 2
biochemical receptor binding inhibition assays. The ability of an
scFv to inhibit the binding of biotinylated-APRIL to immobilized
receptor can be quantitated. APRIL was biotinylated using
NHS-biotin (Pierce) at a molar ratio of 20:1 biotin:APRIL. The
biological activity of the biotinylated APRIL was confirmed using
the receptor inhibition assay.
BCMA:Biotinylated-APRIL Inhibition Assay
[0441] APRIL binds to BCMA with higher affinity than its binds to
TACI so, inhibition of biotinylated APRIL (bio-APRIL) binding to
BCMA can be used to screen selection outputs as periplasmic
extracts for neutralizers and then assess potency of the positives
as purified scFvs. To perform this assay, each well of a black 96
well flat-bottomed plate (Costar) was coated with 1.25 ng BCMA
fusion protein overnight at 4.degree. C. The wells were blocked
with 3% milk in PBS for an hour at room temperature. ScFv were then
added in the presence of 5 ng/ml biotinylated APRIL for 90 minutes
at room temperature. Binding of biotinylated APRIL was detected via
streptavidin Delfia (Wallac) added at a 1:1000 dilution in Delfia
assay buffer (Wallac). After an hour at room temperature this was
read on a Wallac 1420 workstation at 620 nm. Unlabelled APRIL was
titrated in each potency determination assay to ensure consistency
and it had an average IC.sub.50 of 48 pM. FIG. 2 shows the results
for 3 typical clones A019C11, A034G03 and A010D09 alongside APRIL
inhibiting binding to BCMA.
TACI:bio-APRIL Inhibition Assay
[0442] An assay similar to that described above can also be used to
test if anti-APRIL antibodies of the invention are able to inhibit
binding of bio-APRIL to TACI. In this case, the plate was coated
with 2.5 ng TACI fusion protein per well and scFv were added in the
presence of 50 ng/ml biotinylated APRIL instead of 5 ng/ml.
Otherwise, the method was identical to that for the BCMA:bio-APRIL
assay. When APRIL was titrated in this assay it had an average
IC.sub.50 of 1.3 nM, but gave partial inhibition to the binding of
the bio-APRIL. It was also found that many of the clones inhibited
the binding of bio-APRIL to TACI (and in some cases to BCMA as
well) only partially. FIG. 3 shows the results for the same clones
as above inhibiting binding to TACI.
Clone Tables
[0443] The results for 12 anti-APRIL antibodies were placed into 3
clone tables based on whether they inhibited both BCMA and TACI
fully, BCMA fully and TACI partially or both receptors only
partially. The tables are shown below with the antibodies listed in
order of potency. TABLE-US-00002 Full Inhibitors IC.sub.50 vs
IC.sub.50 vs Ranking Clone VH-CDR3 BCMA TACI 1 A019C11
GGRLAGSTVFTPAFEY 4.3 nM 10 nM 2 A013B07 GGRLAGSTVFTPAFEY 7.7 nM 10
nM 3 A020F03 GGRLAGSTVFTPAFEY 12 nM 3.5 nM 4 A004G02 SNPQYDAFDI 19
nM 800 nM
[0444] TABLE-US-00003 Full BCMA, partial TACI inhibitors Ranking
Clone VH-CDR3 IC.sub.50 vs BCMA IC.sub.50 vs TACI 1 A027A11 GSQAFEI
2.7 nM 5.6 nM 2 A034G03 GNTGPRPFDP 6 nM 36 nM 3 A034H05
SGGDGYRDYGMDL 10 nM 13 nM 4 A053H04 GNTGPRPFDP 25 nM 139 nM 5
A030D09 SWYYDILTGYWDYYYMDV 55 nM 150 nM
[0445] TABLE-US-00004 Partial Inhibitors on BCMA and TACI Ranking
Clone VH-CDR3 IC.sub.50 vs BCMA IC.sub.50 vs TACI 1 A010D09
DLSRLGMDV 2.3 nM 12 nM 2 A027B01 GISAGMDV 3.1 nM 94 nM 3 A024G01
VSRTSYYDVLTDNNRYSYYMDV 19 nM (3) 4 nM (1)
Example 4
Conversion of scFvs to IgG1 Format
[0446] The VH domain and the VL domains of scFvs that we wish to
convert into IgG molecules are cloned into vectors containing the
nucleotide sequences of the appropriate heavy (human IgG1) or light
chain (human kappa or human lambda) constant regions such that a
complete heavy or light chain molecule could be expressed from
these vectors when transfected into an appropriate host cell.
Further, when cloned heavy and light chains are both expressed in
one cell line (from either one or two vectors), they can assemble
into a complete functional antibody molecule that is secreted into
the cell culture medium. Methods for converting scFvs into
conventional antibody molecules are well known within the art.
Generation of NS0 Cell Lines Expressing Anti-APRIL Antibodies
(IgG1)
[0447] Plasmids containing the heavy and light chains are
separately linearized using the Pvu I restriction enzyme. The
linearized DNAs are purified by phenol-chloroform extraction
followed by ethanol precipitation and then resuspended in H.sub.2O.
NS0 cells (10.sup.7) from a growing culture are electroporated
(0.25 kV and 975 .mu.F) in PBS with 12.5 .mu.g linearized heavy
chain plasmid DNA and 37.5 .mu.g linearized light chain DNA. The
cells are washed in 20 ml non-selective medium (10% FCS in DMEM
supplemented with 6 mM glutamine, amino acids and
penicillin/streptomycin) and then transferred in 12.5 ml medium
into a T75 cm.sup.2 flask and incubated overnight at 37.degree. C.,
5% CO.sub.2/air. The day after transfection the cells are
resuspended in selective medium containing 1 mg/ml geneticin and
dispensed into 5.times.-96-well plates at 200 .mu.l/well. After 18
days at 37.degree. C. (5% CO.sub.2/air) colony supernatants are
screened by ELISA that detects assembled human IgG in order to
identify colonies expressing IgG. Positive colonies are expanded
and adapted to growth in serum-free, selective medium. Duplicate
T25 cm.sup.2 flasks are set up. Cells from one flask are frozen
down as a stock and cells in the second flask were grown to
saturation. The productivity of the saturated cultures is assessed
by ELISA. The highest producing cell lines are then selected for
large-scale antibody production.
Large-Scale IgG Production
[0448] The highest-producing cell lines are revived from frozen
stocks and expanded to 400 ml in selective, serum-free medium in 2
liter roller bottles. The cells are grown at 37.degree. C. and
rolled at 4 rpm with the headspace being re-equilibrated with 5%
CO.sub.2/air every 2-3 days. Finally the culture is expanded to a 4
liter volume by addition of serum-free medium without selection
(400 ml per 2 liter roller bottle). The cultures are then grown to
saturation.
IgG Purification
[0449] The purification of the IgG from the fermentation broth is
performed using a combination of conventional techniques commonly
used for antibody production. Typically the culture harvest is
clarified to remove cells and cellular debris prior to starting the
purification scheme. This would normally be achieved using either
centrifugation or filtration of the harvest. Following
clarification, the antibody would typically be captured and
significantly purified using affinity chromatography on Protein A
Sepharose. The antibody is bound to Protein A Sepharose at basic pH
and, following washing of the matrix, is eluted by a reduction of
the pH. Further purification of the antibody is then achieved by
gel filtration. As well as removing components with different
molecular weights from the antibody this step can also be used to
buffer exchange into the desired final formulation buffer.
Example 5
Antibody Neutralization of Murine Splenocyte Proliferation as
Measured by 3HdT Incorporation
[0450] To determine if an antibody inhibits APRIL mediated B cell
proliferation, a splenocyte proliferation assay is performed
Briefly, murine splenocytes are isolated by flushing spleen with
complete medium using a 25G needle and 10 ml complete medium (RPMI
1640 with 10% FBS containing 100 U/ml penicillin, 100 .mu.g/ml
streptomycin, 4 mM glutamine, 5.times.10.sup.-5M
.beta.-mercaptoethanol). The cells are passed through a 100 micron
nylon filter to remove cell clumps. The cell suspension is then
ficolled at 400.times.g for 25 minutes at room temperature (one 15
ml conical tube/spleen; 3 ml ficol, 10 ml cell suspension/spleen;
Ficol 1083 from SIGMA.TM.). The recovered cells are washed 3 times
in complete medium and counted. Recovered cells are then diluted to
a concentration of 3.times.10.sup.6/ml in complete medium
containing a 3.times. concentration of SAC (3.times.=1:33,333
dilution of stock) (Staph. aureus Cowan strain; Calbiochem).
[0451] For each antibody, 50 .mu.l of antibody dilutions at 30
.mu.g/ml, 3.0 .mu.g/ml, and 0.3 .mu.g/ml concentrations are
aliquotted into individual wells of a 96 well plate in triplicate.
Suitable positive controls, such as, for example monoclonal
antibody 15C10, are also used. Medium containing no antibody (and
human isotype controls (purchased commercially) when necessary) are
used as negative controls.
[0452] APRIL protein is diluted in complete medium to
concentrations of 300 ng/ml, 90 ng/ml and 30 ng/ml. 50 .mu.l of
each of the APRIL dilutions are then added to the antibody dilution
series in the plates. The plate containing the antibody and APRIL
dilutions is then incubated for 30 minutes at 37.degree. C., 5%
CO.sub.2, after which 50 .mu.l of the splenocyte cell suspension
containing SAC is added to all wells. The plates are then incubated
for 72 hours (37.degree. C., 5% CO.sub.2).
[0453] After 72 hours, each well is supplemented with 50 .mu.l
complete medium containing 0.5 .mu.Ci .sup.3H-thymidine (6.7 Ci/mM;
Amersham) and cells are incubated for an additional 20-24 hours at
(37.degree. C., 5% CO.sub.2). Following incubation cells are
harvested using a Tomtec Cell Harvester and filters counted in a
TopCount Scintillation counter (Packard).
[0454] The ability of an antibody of the present invention to
inhibit splenocyte proliferation induced by APRIL/BLyS
heterotrimers can also be assessed using the assay described above,
wherein in APRIL/BLyS heterotrimeric protein is substituted for
APRIL protein.
Example 6
Human B Cell Proliferation Assay for In Vitro Screening of APRIL
Antagonist Molecules
[0455] This bioassay for assessing the effects of putative APRIL
antagonists is performed in triplicate in 96 well format by mixing
equal volumes of APRIL, responder cells, and putative antagonist
each of which is prepared as a 3.times. stock reagent.
[0456] B-lymphocytes are purified from human tonsil by MACS
(anti-CD3 depletion), washed, and resuspended in complete medium
(CM) (RPMI 1640 with 10% FBS containing 100 U/ml penicillin, 100
.mu.g/ml streptomycin, 4 mM glutamine, 5.times.10.sup.-5 M
.beta.-mercaptoethanol) at a concentration of 3.times.10.sup.6
cells/ml. Staphylococcus aureus, Cowan I (SAC, CalBiochem) is added
to cells at 3.times. concentration (3.times.=1:33,333 dilution of
stock
[0457] Meanwhile, eight serial dilutions (3-fold) of potential
antagonist are prepared in CM such that the diluted antagonists are
at 3.times. the final concentrations to be tested in the assay.
Antibodies are routinely tested starting at a final concentration
of 10 .mu.g/ml and going down to about 1.5 ng/ml.
[0458] Human rAPRIL is prepared in CM to 3.times. concentration
(3.times.=300 ng/ml, 30 ng/ml, and 3 ng/ml) in CM. Potential
inhibitors are routinely tested at several concentrations of APRIL
to avoid false negatives due to unexpectedly low affinity or
antagonist concentration.
[0459] 50 .mu.l of diluted antagonist and 50 .mu.l of diluted APRIL
are added to the putative antagonist dilution series.
[0460] Cells are then incubated for 72 hours (37.degree. C.,
5.degree.% CO.sub.2) in a fully humidified chamber. After 72 hours,
the cells are supplemented with 0.5 .mu.Ci/well .sup.3H-thymidine
(6.7 Ci/mmol) and incubated for an additional 24 hours. Plates are
harvested using a Tomtec Cell Harvester and filters counted in a
TopCount Scintillation counter (Packard).
[0461] The ability of an antibody of the present invention to
inhibit splenocyte proliferation induced by APRIL/BLyS
heterotrimers can also be assessed using the assay described above,
wherein in APRIL/BLyS heterotrimeric protein is substituted for
APRIL protein.
Example 7
Antibody Production and Purification
[0462] The following example describes a large scale antibody
production and purification methods that may be used to make
antibodies of the present invention. One of skill in the art will
be aware of routine modifications to the protocol described below,
for example, as regards column choice, column, loading, wash, and
elution buffers, and pH.
Cell Culture Scale-up and Antibody Production
[0463] A serum-free and animal source-free growth medium
(HGS-NS0SF) is used from thawing cells through scale-up to the
production bioreactor. The HGS-NS0SF growth medium is prepared by
adding 20 mL/L GS supplement and 1 mL/L cholesterol (synthetic)
lipid concentrate into 1 L C hybridoma media without 1-glutamine
(Invitrogen/LIFE TECHNOLOGIES.TM.). The media are stored at
2-8.degree. C. until use.
Thawing Cells from MCB Vial(s)
[0464] Approximately 16.times.10.sup.6 cells are thawed at
37.degree. C. in a water bath. The cells are transferred into T-225
culture flask(s) to yield approximately 50 mL working volume with
an inoculation density of approximately 3.0.times.10.sup.5
cells/mL. The culture flask(s) is then placed in a humidified
CO.sub.2 incubator at 37.degree. C. with 5% CO.sub.2 for 4
days.
First Expansion(s) of Culture in Spinner Flask
[0465] The culture is aseptically expanded into a 500 mL spinner
flask to give approximately 300 mL working volume, at an
inoculation cell density of approximately 2.2.times.10.sup.5
cells/mL. The spinner flask is then placed on magnetic stirrers in
a humidified CO.sub.2 incubator at 37.degree. C. with 5% CO.sub.2
for 4 days. The agitation rate for the spinner flask is 80 rpm.
[0466] The culture is again expanded aseptically into one 3000 mL
spinner flask to give approximately 1500 mL working volume, at an
inoculation cell density of approximately 2.2.times.10.sup.5
cells/mL. The spinner flask is then placed on magnetic stirrers in
a humidified CO.sub.2 incubator at 37.degree. C. with 5% CO.sub.2
for 4 days. The agitation rate for the spinner flasks is 80 rpm. If
a sufficient amount of cell culture is accumulated to inoculate the
seed bioreactor, proceed to Step 4. If not, the culture is expanded
aseptically into multiple 3000 mL spinner flasks for a total of 3
to 4 expansions, until a sufficient amount of cell culture is
accumulated to inoculate the seed bioreactor.
Seed Culture
[0467] The seed bioreactor is equipped with 2 impellers for mixing,
a dissolved oxygen probe, a temperature probe, a pH probe, aseptic
sampling and additional systems. The first step of the cell
cultivation process is the addition of HGS-NS0SF media into the
bioreactor. After the HGS-NS0SF media temperature reaches
37.+-.0.5.degree. C., the dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH levels are
stabilized by addition of N.sub.2 and CO.sub.2 to decrease
dissolved oxygen concentration to 30.+-.5% air saturation, and
obtain a pH of 7.20.+-.0.10. The agitation rate is 80 rpm. The
pooled cell culture is transferred aseptically to a 15 L seed
bioreactor containing sterile HGS-NS0SF growth media to yield a
culture with an inoculation cell density of approximately
2.2.times.10.sup.5 cells/mL. During the cultivation process the
temperature is maintained via a heat blanket and a cooling finger,
the oxygen concentration is maintained via sparger and surface
aeration, and pH is controlled by addition of CO.sub.2 gas to lower
the pH. The cultivation period is 5-6 days. The bioreactor air
vents are protected by hydrophobic 0.2 .mu.m vent filters.
Production Culture
[0468] The production bioreactor is equipped with 2 impellers for
mixing, 2 dissolved oxygen probes, a temperature probe, 2 pH
probes, aseptic sampling and additional systems. 80 L of HGS-NS0SF
growth media is aseptically transferred into the 100 L production
bioreactor. After the HGS-NS0SF growth media temperature reaches
37.+-.0.5.degree. C., the DO and pH levels are stabilized by
addition of N.sub.2 and CO.sub.2 to decrease dissolved oxygen
concentration to 30.+-.5% air saturation, and obtain a pH of
7.20.+-.0.10. The agitation rate is 45 rpm. The 15 L seed culture
is aseptically transferred into the production bioreactor to yield
a culture with an inoculation cell density of approximately
2.2.times.10.sup.5 cells/mL. During the cultivation process the
temperature is maintained via a heat exchanger, the oxygen
concentration is maintained via sparger and surface aeration, and
pH is controlled by addition of CO.sub.2 gas to lower the pH. On
day 3 after inoculation when cell density reaches approximately
1.0.times.10.sup.6 cells/mL, approximately 6 L of HGS-NS0SF
fed-batch media was fed into the production bioreactor. The
production culture containing the antibody was harvested on Day 5
after feeding.
Recovery and Purification
Harvest of Cell Supernatant
[0469] Cell supernatant, (e.g., culture supernatant from NSO cells
expressing antibodies of the invention) is harvested on day 5 or 6
post final feeding in the final production bioreactor using a
fed-batch cell culture process. The harvest process is started when
the antibody concentration of at least 400 mg/L is attained. Cell
culture temperature in the production bioreactor is cooled down to
15.degree. C. at the time of harvest and maintained at that
temperature during the recovery. A depth filtration process is used
for cell removal and antibody recovery. The filtration process
train consists of 4.5 .mu.m, 0.45 .mu.m and 0.2 .mu.m pore size
filters connected in series. A constant flow rate of 1.00 L/min is
maintained during the operation with a cross-filter-pressure
control of up to 15 psi. The 0.2 .mu.m filtered culture supernatant
is collected in a process bag and transferred for purification.
[0470] The purification process is conducted at 22 to 26.degree.
C.
Chromatography on MEP HyperCEL HCIC Column
[0471] The culture supernatant is loaded onto a MEP HyperCEL.TM.
column, a Hydrophobic charge interaction chromatography, HCIC,
available from Ciphergen Biosystems, or equivalent column that is
equilibrated in 50 mM Tris, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 7.5. The MEP
column is washed with 25 mM sodium citrate, 0.15 M sodium chloride,
pH 6.4 and eluted with 25 mM sodium citrate, 0.15 M sodium
chloride, pH 4.4. The elution is monitored by ultraviolet (UV)
absorbance at 280 nm. The peak fractions are collected, analyzed by
A.sub.280 and SDS-PAGE. Appropriate fractions are pooled.
Virus Inactivation
[0472] The eluate from the MEP column is adjusted with 1 M citric
acid to pH 3.4.+-.0.2 and allowed to stand for 45-60 minutes for
viral inactivation. The solution is then re-adjusted to pH 5.0 with
1 M Tris base.
Chromatography on SP Sepharose FF Column
[0473] The inactivated eluate from the MEP column is diluted with
water for injection (WFI) to a conductivity of 5 mS/cm, and loaded
onto a SP Sepharose FF (cation exchange chromatography,
Amersham-PHARMACIA.TM.) column, or equivalent column equilibrated
with 65 mM sodium acetate, pH 5.0. The antibody is eluted from the
SP column with 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.15 M sodium chloride, 1.9%
glycine, pH 7.1. The elution is monitored by ultraviolet (UV)
absorbance at 280 nm. Peak fractions are collected and analyzed by
A.sub.280 and SDS-PAGE. Appropriate fractions are pooled.
Virus Removal Filtration, Diafiltration and Concentration
[0474] The eluate from the SP Sepharose FF column is filtered
through a sequentially connected 0.2 .mu.m filter and a Pall DV50
viral removal filter. The DV50 filtrate is placed into a 30 kD MW
cut-off membrane device (Millipore Pellicon) to concentrate to a
target concentration of 35-40 mg/mL, and diafiltered against 10 mM
sodium citrate, 1.9% glycine, 0.5% sucrose, pH 6.5. The diafiltered
material is monitored by A.sub.280. The diafiltered bulk is 0.2
.mu.m filtered and stored at 2-8.degree. C. up to 24 hours.
Chromatography on Q Sepharose FF Column
[0475] The diafiltered TRM-1 solution is passed over a Q Sepharose
FF column (anion exchange chromatography, Amersham-PHARMACIA.TM.)
or equivalent column equilibrated with 10 mM sodium citrate, 1.9%
glycine, 0.5% sucrose, pH 6.5. The antibody is collected in the
flow-through and monitored by A.sub.280. Appropriate fractions are
pooled and the final target concentration is 25 mg/mL.
Bulk Formulation, Filtration and Bulk Drug Substance Fill
[0476] Polysorbate 80 (2% stock solution) is pre-filtered through a
0.2 .mu.m filter and added to the antibody solution from step 7 to
a final concentration of 0.02%. The purified antibody is
aseptically filtered under a laminar flow hood through a 0.2 .mu.m
filter and filled into polypropylene containers.
Storage of Bulk Drug Substance
[0477] The bulk drug substance is stored at 2-8.degree. C.
(short-term storage) or at or below -65.degree. C. (long-term
storage) prior to the release of the product. In-process testing of
the unprocessed production bioreactor culture at harvest for each
batch and in-process testing during the purification process are
performed. The bioreactor is sampled aseptically and the culture is
tested at various times throughout cultivation for cell density,
viability and nutrient determination to ensure consistency of
material being supplied for purification. The purification process
is monitored at each step. Appearance is checked by visual
inspection. The protein concentration is determined by Absorbance
at 280 nm. The pH of the material is checked. Purity is checked,
for example, by SDS-PAGE and size exclusion chromatography. An
ELISA may be performed to check the ability of the antibody to bind
its antigen. The biological activity of the antibody is also
monitored. Residual DNA content, Endotoxin levels, and the
bioburden (the number of viable organisms present in the antibody
preparation) are all monitored and kept at or below standard
acceptable levels. Additionally the oligosaccharide content may be
analyzed; the peptide sequence of the antibody chains may also be
analyzed using N terminal sequencing and peptide mapping. Short and
long-term studies of antibody stability may also be performed.
[0478] It will be clear that the invention may be practiced
otherwise than as particularly described in the foregoing
description and examples. Numerous modifications and variations of
the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings
and, therefore, are within the scope of the appended claims.
[0479] The entire disclosure of each document cited (including
patents, patent applications, journal articles, abstracts,
laboratory manuals, books, or other disclosures) in the Background
of the Invention, Detailed Description, and Examples is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
[0480] Further, the Sequence Listing submitted herewith, in both
computer and paper forms, is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
[0481] The entire disclosure (including the specification, sequence
listing, and drawings) of the following U.S. application is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety: Application No.
60/293,100 filed May 24, 2001.
Sequence CWU 1
1
48 1 758 DNA Artificial Sequence DNA encoding A019C11 and A020F03
scFv 1 gaggtgcagc tggtgcagtc tggggctgag gtgaagaagc ctggggcctc
agtaaaggtc 60 tcgtgcaaga cttctggata caccttcacc gacaactata
tgcactgggt gcggcaggcc 120 cctggccaag ggcttgagtg gatgggatgg
atcagtccta acagtagtac cacactctat 180 gcacagaagt ttcggggcag
ggtcacgttg accagggaca cgtccgtcag cacagcctac 240 atggagctga
gcgggctgga ttctgacgac acggccctct atttctgtgc gagaggaggc 300
cgccttgcgg gttctacagt gtttactcct gcctttgaat actggggccg ggggacaatg
360 gtcaccgtct cgagtggagg cggcggttca ggcggaggtg gctctggcgg
tggcggaagt 420 gcacaggctg tgctgactca gccgtcctcg gtgtctgaag
cccccaggca gagggtcacc 480 atctcctgtt ctggaagcag ctccaacatc
ggaaataatg ctgtaaagtg gtaccagcag 540 ctcccaggaa aggctcccaa
actcctcatc tattatgatg atctgctgcc ctcaggggtc 600 tctgaccgat
tctctggctc taagtctggc acctcagcct ccctggccat cagtgggctc 660
cagtctgagg atgaggctga ttattactgt gcagcatggg atgacagcct gaatggttat
720 gtcttcggaa ctgggaccaa ggtcaccgtc ctaggtgc 758 2 756 DNA
Artificial Sequence DNA encoding A013B07 scFv 2 gaagtgcagc
tggtgcagtc tggggctgaa gtgaagaagc ctggggcctc agtaaaggtc 60
tcgtgcaaga cttctggata caccttcacc gacaactata tgcactgggt gcggcaggcc
120 cctggccaag ggcttgagtg gatgggatgg atcagtccta acagtagtac
cacactctat 180 gcacagaagt ttcggggcag ggtcacgttg accagggaca
cgtccgtcag cacagcctac 240 atggagctga gcgggctgga ttctgacgac
acggccctct atttctgtgc gagaggaggc 300 cgccttgcgg gttctacagt
gtttactcct gcctttgaat actggggcca agggacaatg 360 gtcaccgtct
cgagtggagg cggcggttca ggcggaggtg gctctggcgg tggcggaagt 420
gcacagtctg tgctgactca gccaccctcg gtgtctgaag cccccaggca gagggtcacc
480 atctcctgtt ctggaagcag ttccaacatc ggagccaatg ctgtaaactg
gtaccagcag 540 ctcccaggaa aggctcccaa actcctcatc tattttgatg
atctgttgcc ctcaggggtc 600 tctgaccgat tctctggctc caagtctggc
acctcagcct ccctggccat cagtgggctc 660 cagtctgagg atgaggctga
ttattactgt gcagcatggg atgacagcct gaatggtgtg 720 gtattcggcg
gagggaccaa gctgaccgtc ctaggt 756 3 735 DNA Artificial Sequence DNA
encoding A004G02 scFv 3 caggtgcagc tggtgcagtc tggggctgag gtgaagaagc
ctgggtcctc ggtgaaggtc 60 tcctgcaagg cttctggagg caccttcagc
agttatggta tcaggtgggt gcgacaggcc 120 cctggacaag ggcttgagtg
gatgggaggg atcatcccta tctttggtac agcaaactac 180 gcacagaagt
tccagggcag agtcacgatt accgcggacg aatacacgag cacagcctat 240
atggagctga gcagcctgag atctgaggac acggccgtgt attactgtgc gaggtccaac
300 ccccagtatg atgcttttga tatctggggc caggggacca cggtcaccgt
ctcctcaggt 360 ggaggcggtt caggcggagg tggcagcggc ggtggcggat
cgtcctatgt gctgactcag 420 cccccctcag tgtctgggac ccccgggcag
agagtcaccg tctcttgttc tggaggcaga 480 tccaacatcg gcagtaatac
tgtaaagtgg tatcagcagc tcccaggaac ggcccccaaa 540 ctcctcatct
atggcaatga tcagcggccc tcaggggtcc ctgatcgctt ctctggctcc 600
aagtctggca acacggcctc cctgaccgtc tctgggctcc aggttgagga tgaggctgat
660 tattactgcc agtcctatga cagcagcctg aggggttcgg tgttcggcgg
agggaccaag 720 ctgaccgtcc taggt 735 4 726 DNA Artificial Sequence
DNA encoding A027A11 scFv 4 caggtacagc tgcagcagtc aggggctgag
gtgaagaagc ctgggtcctc ggtgaaggtc 60 tcctgcaagg cttctggagg
caccttcagc acgtatgcta tcacctgggt gcgacaggcc 120 cctggacagg
ggcttgagtg gatgggagac atcatccctg tctttggtat accaaactac 180
gcacagatgt tccaggacag agtcacgatt accgcggacg aatccacgag cacagcctac
240 ctggagctga acagcctggg agccgaggac acggctgtgt attactgtgc
gagaggttcc 300 caagcttttg agatctgggg gaaagggacc acggtcaccg
tctcctcagg tggaggcggt 360 tcaggcggag gtggcagcgg cggtggcgga
tcgcagtctg tgctgactca gcctgcctcc 420 gtgtctgggt ctcctggaca
gtcgatcacc atctcctgca ctggaaccag cagtgacgtt 480 ggtggttata
actatgtctc ctggtaccaa caacacccag gcaaagcccc caaactcatg 540
atttatgagg gcagtaagcg gccctcaggg gtttctaatc gcttctctgg ctccaagtct
600 ggcaacacgg cctccctgac aatctctggg ctccaggctg aggacgaggc
tgattattac 660 tgcagctcat atacaaccag gagcactcga gttttcggcg
gagggaccaa gctgaccgtc 720 ctaggt 726 5 744 DNA Artificial Sequence
DNA encoding A034G03 scFv 5 caggtacagc tgcagcagtc aggggctgag
gtgaagaagc ctgggtcctc ggtgaaggtc 60 tcctgcaagg cttctggagg
caccttcagc aactatgcta tcagctgggt gcgacaggcc 120 cctggacaag
ggcttgagtg gatgggaggg atcatccctc tctttgacac acctaactac 180
gcacagaagt tccagggcag agtcacgatt accgcggacg aatccacgag cacagcctac
240 atggagctga gcagcctgag atctgaggac acggccgtct attactgtgc
gagaggaaat 300 actggcccga gacccttcga cccctggggc caaggcaccc
tggtcaccgt ctcgagtgga 360 ggcggcggtt caggcggagg tggctctggc
ggtggcggaa gtgcacaggc tgtgctgact 420 cagccgtcct cagtttctgg
ggccccaggg cagagggtca ccatctcctg cagtgcgacc 480 agccccaaca
tcggggcagg agatgaaata cactggtacc aagtgtctcc aggaaaagcc 540
cccaaactcc tcatctatgg tgacatcaag cggccctcag gggtttctga ccgattctct
600 ggctccaagt ctgggaccac agcctccctg gccatcactg ggctccgacc
agaggatgag 660 gctgattatt actgccagtc gtatgacagg accctgagtg
ggagtgtggt attcggcgga 720 gggaccaagg tcaccgtcct aggt 744 6 747 DNA
Artificial Sequence DNA encoding A034H05 scFv 6 gaggtgcagc
tggtgcagtc tggggctgag gtgaagaagc ctgggtcctc agtgaaagtc 60
tcctgcaaag tttctggtgg cagtttcccc aactatgcta tcaactgggt gcgacaggcc
120 cctggacagg gccttgagtg gatgggaagc ctcgtccctg tctttcttac
accaaactac 180 gcagagaggt tccaagacag agtcaccatt actgcggacg
aatcaacgag tacagcctac 240 atggagctga ggagcctcag atctgacgac
acggccgtct tctattgtgc gagatcgggc 300 ggagatggct acagagatta
cggtatggac ctctggggcc ggggaaccct ggtcaccgtc 360 tcgagtggag
gcggcggttc aggcggaggt ggctctggcg gtggcggaag tgcacagtct 420
gtgctgacgc agccgccctc agcgtctggg acccccgggc agagggtcac catctcttgt
480 tctggaagca gctccaacat cggaaggaat actgtaaact ggttccaaca
actcccagga 540 acggccccca aactcctcat ctatagtagt aatcagcggc
cctcaggggt ccctgaccga 600 ttcgctggct ccaagtctgg cacctcagcc
tccctggcca tcagtgggct ccagtctgag 660 gatgaggctg attattactg
tgcagcatgg gatgacagcc tgaatggtct tgtattcggc 720 ggagggacca
agctgaccgt cctaggt 747 7 744 DNA Artificial Sequence DNA encoding
A053H04 scFv 7 gaagtgcagc tggtgcagtc tggggctgag gtgaagaagc
ctgggtcctc ggtgaaggtc 60 tcctgcaagg cttctggagg caccttcagc
aactatgcta tcagctgggt gcgacaggcc 120 cctggacaag ggcttgagtg
gatgggaggg atcatccctc tctttgacac acctaactac 180 gcacagaagt
tccagggcag agtcacgatt accgcggacg aatccacgag cacagcctac 240
atggagctga gcagcctgag atctgaggac acggccgtct attactgtgc gagaggaaat
300 actggcccga gacccttcga cccctggggg aaagggacca cggtcaccgt
ctcgagtgga 360 ggcggcggtt caggcggagg tggctctggc ggtggcggaa
gtgcacaggc tgtgctgact 420 cagccgtcct cagtgtctgg ggccccaggg
cagagggtca ccgtctcctg cactgggagc 480 agctccaaca tcggggcagg
ttatgaggta aactggtacc agcaacttcc aggaacagcc 540 cccaaactcc
tcatctatgg tgacaccaat cggccctcag gggtccctga ccgattctct 600
ggctccaagt ctggcacctc agcctccctg gccatcactg ggctccaggc tgaggatgag
660 gctaattatt actgccagtc ctatgacagc ggtccgggtg gtcctgtggt
attcggcgga 720 gggaccaagc tgaccgtcct aggt 744 8 750 DNA Artificial
Sequence DNA encoding A030D09 scFv 8 caggtacagc tgcagcagtc
aggggctgag gtgaagaagc ctgggtcctc ggtgaaagtc 60 tcctgcaaga
cttctggagg cgcgttcagt cattatgcta tccactgggt gcgactggcc 120
cctggacaag ggcttgagtg gatgggagac atcatccctg tctatggttc aacaacctac
180 gcacagaaat tccaggacag agtcacaatt agcgcggacg aatccacgag
cactgcctac 240 atggaactga gcagcctgag atctgaggac acggccgtgt
attactgtgc gagaagctgg 300 tattacgata ttttgactgg ttattgggac
tactactaca tggacgtctg gggcaaggga 360 accctggtca ccgtctcgag
tggtggaggc ggttcaggcg gaggtggcag cggcggtggc 420 ggatcgtctg
agctgactca ggaccctgct gtgtctgtgg ccttgggaca gacagtcagg 480
atcacatgcc aaggagacag cctcagaagc tattatgcaa gctggtacca gcagaagcca
540 ggacaggccc ctgtacttgt catctatggt aaaaacaacc ggccctcagg
gatcccagac 600 cgattctctg gctccagctc aggaaacaca gcttccttga
ccatcactgg ggctcaggcg 660 gaagatgagg ctgactatta ctgtaactcc
cgggacagca gtggtaacca tgtggtattc 720 ggcggaggga ccaagctgac
cgtcctaggt 750 9 723 DNA Artificial Sequence DNA encoding A010D09
scFv 9 caggtgcagc tggtgcagtc tggggctgag gtgaagaagc ttgggtcctc
ggtgaaggtc 60 tcctgcaagg cttctggagg caccttcagc agctatgcta
tcagctgggt gcgacaggcc 120 cctggacaag ggcttgagtg gatgggaggg
atcatcccta tctttggtac agcaaactac 180 gcacagaagt tccagggcag
agtcacgatt accgcggacg aatccacgag cacagcctac 240 atggagctga
gcagcctgag atctgaggac acggccgtgt attactgtgc aagagatctg 300
agcaggctcg gtatggacgt ctggggccaa gggaccacgg tcaccgtctc ctcaggtgga
360 ggcggttcag gcggaggtgg cagcggcggt ggcggatcgg acatccagat
gacccagtct 420 ccttccaccc tgtctgcatc tattggagac agagtcacca
tcacctgccg ggccagtgag 480 ggtatttatc actggttggc ctggtatcag
cagaagccag ggaaagcccc taaactcctg 540 atctataagg cctctagttt
agccagtggg gccccatcaa ggttcagcgg cagtggatct 600 gggacagatt
tcactctcac catcagcagc ctgcagcctg atgattttgc aacttattac 660
tgccaacaat atagtaatta tccgctcact ttcggcggag ggaccaagct ggagatcaaa
720 cgt 723 10 720 DNA Artificial Sequence DNA encoding A027B01
scFv 10 caggtgcagc tgttgcagtc tgcggctgag gtgaagaagc ctgggtcctc
ggtaaaggtc 60 tcctgcaaga cttctggagg caccttcaga aatcatgcta
tcagttgggt gcgacaggcc 120 cctggacaag ggcttgagtg gatgggaggg
atcatcccta tctttggtac agcaaactac 180 gcacagaagt tccagggcag
agtcacgatt accgcggacg aatccacgag cacagcctac 240 atggagctga
gcagcctgag atctgaggac acggccgtgt attactgtgc gagggggata 300
tcggctggta tggacgtctg gggccgagga accctggtca ccgtctcctc aggtggaggc
360 ggttcaggcg gaggtggcag cggcggtggc ggatcggaca tccagatgac
ccagtctcca 420 tccttcctgt ctgcatctat tggagacaga gtcaccatca
cctgccgggc cagtgagggt 480 atttatcact ggttggcctg gtatcagcag
aagccaggga aagcccctaa actcctgatc 540 tataaggcct ctagtttagc
cagtggggcc ccatcaaggt tcagcggcag tggatctggg 600 acagatttca
ctctcaccat cagcagcctg cagcctgatg attttgcaac ttattactgc 660
caacaatata gtaattatcc gctcactttc ggcggaggga ccaagctgga gatcaaacgt
720 11 717 DNA Artificial Sequence DNA encoding A027H08 scFv 11
caggtacagc tgcagcagtc aggggctgag gtgaagaagc ctgggtcctc ggtgaaggtc
60 tcctgcaagg cttctggagg caccttcagc agctatgcta tcagctgggt
gcgacagacc 120 cctggacaag ggcttgagtg gatgggaggg atcatcccta
tctttggtgc agcaaactac 180 gcacagaagt tccagggcag agtcacgatt
accgcggacg aatccacgag cacagcccac 240 atggagctga gcagcctgag
atctgaggac acggccgtgt attactgcgc gagagggata 300 tctggtggta
tggacgtctg gggcaagggc accctggtca ccgtctcgag tggaggcggt 360
tcaggcggag gtggcagcgg cggtggcgga tcggacatcc agatgaccca gtctccttcc
420 accctgtctg catctattgg agacagagtc accatcacct gccgggccag
tgagggtatt 480 tatcactggt tggcctggta tcagcagaag ccagggaaag
cccctaaact cctgatctat 540 aaggcctcta gtttagccag tggggcccca
tcaaggttca gcggcagtgg atctgggaca 600 gatttcactc tcaccatcag
cagcctgcag cctgatgatt ttgcaactta ttactgccaa 660 caatatagta
attatccgct cactttcggc ggagggacca agctggagat caaacgt 717 12 762 DNA
Artificial Sequence DNA encoding A024G01 scFv 12 gaggtccagc
tggtgcagtc tggggctgag gtgaagaaac ctgggtcctc ggtgaaggtc 60
tcctgcaagg cttctggagg caccctcagt agtgatagta tcacttgggt gcgacaggcc
120 ccaggacaag gacttgagtg ggtgggaggg ttaatccctg cccttggtac
agcaaattat 180 gcacagaaat tccagggccg agtcacgatg accgcggaca
gatccacggg cacagcctac 240 atggagctga ggagcctgaa atttgacgac
acggccgtgt attactgtgc gagagtttcc 300 aggacctcat attacgatgt
tttgaccgac aacaaccggt attcatatta catggatgtc 360 tggggcaagg
gaaccctggt caccgtctcg agtggaggcg gcggttcagg cggaggtggc 420
tctggcggtg gcggaagtgc acacgttata ctgactcaac cgccctcagt gtccgtgtcc
480 ccaacacaga cagccaccat cacctgctct ggagaccact tgggacggaa
atctctttcc 540 tggtatcaac agaagccagg ccagtcccct gtcctggtca
tctatgaaga tttcaagcgg 600 ccctcaggga tccctgagcg attctctgcc
tccaactctg ggtacacagc cactctgacc 660 atcagcggga cccaggcaat
ggatgaggct gattattact gtcaggcgtg ggacaatcgc 720 gctgtggtat
tcggcggagg gaccaagctg accgtcctag gt 762 13 252 PRT Artificial
Sequence A019C11 and A020F03 scFv 13 Glu Val Gln Leu Val Gln Ser
Gly Ala Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ala 1 5 10 15 Ser Val Lys Val Ser
Cys Lys Thr Ser Gly Tyr Thr Phe Thr Asp Asn 20 25 30 Tyr Met His
Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Gln Gly Leu Glu Trp Met 35 40 45 Gly
Trp Ile Ser Pro Asn Ser Ser Thr Thr Leu Tyr Ala Gln Lys Phe 50 55
60 Arg Gly Arg Val Thr Leu Thr Arg Asp Thr Ser Val Ser Thr Ala Tyr
65 70 75 80 Met Glu Leu Ser Gly Leu Asp Ser Asp Asp Thr Ala Leu Tyr
Phe Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Gly Gly Arg Leu Ala Gly Ser Thr Val Phe
Thr Pro Ala Phe 100 105 110 Glu Tyr Trp Gly Arg Gly Thr Met Val Thr
Val Ser Ser Gly Gly Gly 115 120 125 Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser Ala Gln Ala Val 130 135 140 Leu Thr Gln Pro Ser Ser
Val Ser Glu Ala Pro Arg Gln Arg Val Thr 145 150 155 160 Ile Ser Cys
Ser Gly Ser Ser Ser Asn Ile Gly Asn Asn Ala Val Lys 165 170 175 Trp
Tyr Gln Gln Leu Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Tyr 180 185
190 Asp Asp Leu Leu Pro Ser Gly Val Ser Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Lys
195 200 205 Ser Gly Thr Ser Ala Ser Leu Ala Ile Ser Gly Leu Gln Ser
Glu Asp 210 215 220 Glu Ala Asp Tyr Tyr Cys Ala Ala Trp Asp Asp Ser
Leu Asn Gly Tyr 225 230 235 240 Val Phe Gly Thr Gly Thr Lys Val Thr
Val Leu Gly 245 250 14 252 PRT Artificial Sequence A013B07 scFv 14
Glu Val Gln Leu Val Gln Ser Gly Ala Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ala 1 5
10 15 Ser Val Lys Val Ser Cys Lys Thr Ser Gly Tyr Thr Phe Thr Asp
Asn 20 25 30 Tyr Met His Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Gln Gly Leu
Glu Trp Met 35 40 45 Gly Trp Ile Ser Pro Asn Ser Ser Thr Thr Leu
Tyr Ala Gln Lys Phe 50 55 60 Arg Gly Arg Val Thr Leu Thr Arg Asp
Thr Ser Val Ser Thr Ala Tyr 65 70 75 80 Met Glu Leu Ser Gly Leu Asp
Ser Asp Asp Thr Ala Leu Tyr Phe Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Gly Gly Arg
Leu Ala Gly Ser Thr Val Phe Thr Pro Ala Phe 100 105 110 Glu Tyr Trp
Gly Gln Gly Thr Met Val Thr Val Ser Ser Gly Gly Gly 115 120 125 Gly
Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Ala Gln Ser Val 130 135
140 Leu Thr Gln Pro Pro Ser Val Ser Glu Ala Pro Arg Gln Arg Val Thr
145 150 155 160 Ile Ser Cys Ser Gly Ser Ser Ser Asn Ile Gly Ala Asn
Ala Val Asn 165 170 175 Trp Tyr Gln Gln Leu Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys
Leu Leu Ile Tyr Phe 180 185 190 Asp Asp Leu Leu Pro Ser Gly Val Ser
Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Lys 195 200 205 Ser Gly Thr Ser Ala Ser Leu
Ala Ile Ser Gly Leu Gln Ser Glu Asp 210 215 220 Glu Ala Asp Tyr Tyr
Cys Ala Ala Trp Asp Asp Ser Leu Asn Gly Val 225 230 235 240 Val Phe
Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys Leu Thr Val Leu Gly 245 250 15 245 PRT
Artificial Sequence A004G02 scFv 15 Gln Val Gln Leu Val Gln Ser Gly
Ala Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ser 1 5 10 15 Ser Val Lys Val Ser Cys
Lys Ala Ser Gly Gly Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30 Gly Ile Arg Trp
Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Gln Gly Leu Glu Trp Met 35 40 45 Gly Gly
Ile Ile Pro Ile Phe Gly Thr Ala Asn Tyr Ala Gln Lys Phe 50 55 60
Gln Gly Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Ala Asp Glu Tyr Thr Ser Thr Ala Tyr 65
70 75 80 Met Glu Leu Ser Ser Leu Arg Ser Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr
Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Ser Asn Pro Gln Tyr Asp Ala Phe Asp Ile
Trp Gly Gln Gly 100 105 110 Thr Thr Val Thr Val Ser Ser Gly Gly Gly
Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly 115 120 125 Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Ser Tyr
Val Leu Thr Gln Pro Pro Ser Val 130 135 140 Ser Gly Thr Pro Gly Gln
Arg Val Thr Val Ser Cys Ser Gly Gly Arg 145 150 155 160 Ser Asn Ile
Gly Ser Asn Thr Val Lys Trp Tyr Gln Gln Leu Pro Gly 165 170 175 Thr
Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Gly Asn Asp Gln Arg Pro Ser Gly 180 185
190 Val Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Lys Ser Gly Asn Thr Ala Ser Leu
195 200 205 Thr Val Ser Gly Leu Gln Val Glu Asp Glu Ala Asp Tyr Tyr
Cys Gln 210 215 220 Ser Tyr Asp Ser Ser Leu Arg Gly Ser Val Phe Gly
Gly Gly Thr Lys 225 230 235 240 Leu Thr Val Leu Gly 245 16 242 PRT
Artificial Sequence A027A11 scFv 16 Gln Val Gln Leu Gln Gln Ser Gly
Ala Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ser 1 5 10 15 Ser Val Lys Val Ser Cys
Lys Ala Ser Gly Gly Thr Phe Ser Thr Tyr 20 25 30 Ala Ile Thr Trp
Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Gln Gly Leu Glu Trp Met 35 40 45 Gly Asp
Ile Ile Pro Val Phe Gly Ile Pro Asn Tyr Ala Gln Met Phe 50 55 60
Gln Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Ala Asp Glu Ser Thr Ser Thr Ala Tyr
65
70 75 80 Leu Glu Leu Asn Ser Leu Gly Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr
Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Gly Ser Gln Ala Phe Glu Ile Trp Gly Lys
Gly Thr Thr Val 100 105 110 Thr Val Ser Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly 115 120 125 Gly Gly Ser Gln Ser Val Leu Thr
Gln Pro Ala Ser Val Ser Gly Ser 130 135 140 Pro Gly Gln Ser Ile Thr
Ile Ser Cys Thr Gly Thr Ser Ser Asp Val 145 150 155 160 Gly Gly Tyr
Asn Tyr Val Ser Trp Tyr Gln Gln His Pro Gly Lys Ala 165 170 175 Pro
Lys Leu Met Ile Tyr Glu Gly Ser Lys Arg Pro Ser Gly Val Ser 180 185
190 Asn Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Lys Ser Gly Asn Thr Ala Ser Leu Thr Ile
195 200 205 Ser Gly Leu Gln Ala Glu Asp Glu Ala Asp Tyr Tyr Cys Ser
Ser Tyr 210 215 220 Thr Thr Arg Ser Thr Arg Val Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr
Lys Leu Thr Val 225 230 235 240 Leu Gly 17 248 PRT Artificial
Sequence A034G03 scFv 17 Gln Val Gln Leu Gln Gln Ser Gly Ala Glu
Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ser 1 5 10 15 Ser Val Lys Val Ser Cys Lys Ala
Ser Gly Gly Thr Phe Ser Asn Tyr 20 25 30 Ala Ile Ser Trp Val Arg
Gln Ala Pro Gly Gln Gly Leu Glu Trp Met 35 40 45 Gly Gly Ile Ile
Pro Leu Phe Asp Thr Pro Asn Tyr Ala Gln Lys Phe 50 55 60 Gln Gly
Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Ala Asp Glu Ser Thr Ser Thr Ala Tyr 65 70 75 80
Met Glu Leu Ser Ser Leu Arg Ser Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85
90 95 Ala Arg Gly Asn Thr Gly Pro Arg Pro Phe Asp Pro Trp Gly Gln
Gly 100 105 110 Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly
Gly Gly Gly 115 120 125 Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Ala Gln Ala Val Leu
Thr Gln Pro Ser Ser 130 135 140 Val Ser Gly Ala Pro Gly Gln Arg Val
Thr Ile Ser Cys Ser Ala Thr 145 150 155 160 Ser Pro Asn Ile Gly Ala
Gly Asp Glu Ile His Trp Tyr Gln Val Ser 165 170 175 Pro Gly Lys Ala
Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Gly Asp Ile Lys Arg Pro 180 185 190 Ser Gly
Val Ser Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Lys Ser Gly Thr Thr Ala 195 200 205
Ser Leu Ala Ile Thr Gly Leu Arg Pro Glu Asp Glu Ala Asp Tyr Tyr 210
215 220 Cys Gln Ser Tyr Asp Arg Thr Leu Ser Gly Ser Val Val Phe Gly
Gly 225 230 235 240 Gly Thr Lys Val Thr Val Leu Gly 245 18 249 PRT
Artificial Sequence A034H05 scFv 18 Glu Val Gln Leu Val Gln Ser Gly
Ala Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ser 1 5 10 15 Ser Val Lys Val Ser Cys
Lys Val Ser Gly Gly Ser Phe Pro Asn Tyr 20 25 30 Ala Ile Asn Trp
Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Gln Gly Leu Glu Trp Met 35 40 45 Gly Ser
Leu Val Pro Val Phe Leu Thr Pro Asn Tyr Ala Glu Arg Phe 50 55 60
Gln Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Ala Asp Glu Ser Thr Ser Thr Ala Tyr 65
70 75 80 Met Glu Leu Arg Ser Leu Arg Ser Asp Asp Thr Ala Val Phe
Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Ser Gly Gly Asp Gly Tyr Arg Asp Tyr Gly
Met Asp Leu Trp 100 105 110 Gly Arg Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ser
Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly 115 120 125 Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly
Ser Ala Gln Ser Val Leu Thr Gln 130 135 140 Pro Pro Ser Ala Ser Gly
Thr Pro Gly Gln Arg Val Thr Ile Ser Cys 145 150 155 160 Ser Gly Ser
Ser Ser Asn Ile Gly Arg Asn Thr Val Asn Trp Phe Gln 165 170 175 Gln
Leu Pro Gly Thr Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Ser Ser Asn Gln 180 185
190 Arg Pro Ser Gly Val Pro Asp Arg Phe Ala Gly Ser Lys Ser Gly Thr
195 200 205 Ser Ala Ser Leu Ala Ile Ser Gly Leu Gln Ser Glu Asp Glu
Ala Asp 210 215 220 Tyr Tyr Cys Ala Ala Trp Asp Asp Ser Leu Asn Gly
Leu Val Phe Gly 225 230 235 240 Gly Gly Thr Lys Leu Thr Val Leu Gly
245 19 248 PRT Artificial Sequence A053H04 scFv 19 Glu Val Gln Leu
Val Gln Ser Gly Ala Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ser 1 5 10 15 Ser Val
Lys Val Ser Cys Lys Ala Ser Gly Gly Thr Phe Ser Asn Tyr 20 25 30
Ala Ile Ser Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Gln Gly Leu Glu Trp Met 35
40 45 Gly Gly Ile Ile Pro Leu Phe Asp Thr Pro Asn Tyr Ala Gln Lys
Phe 50 55 60 Gln Gly Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Ala Asp Glu Ser Thr Ser
Thr Ala Tyr 65 70 75 80 Met Glu Leu Ser Ser Leu Arg Ser Glu Asp Thr
Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Gly Asn Thr Gly Pro Arg Pro
Phe Asp Pro Trp Gly Lys Gly 100 105 110 Thr Thr Val Thr Val Ser Ser
Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly 115 120 125 Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly
Ser Ala Gln Ala Val Leu Thr Gln Pro Ser Ser 130 135 140 Val Ser Gly
Ala Pro Gly Gln Arg Val Thr Val Ser Cys Thr Gly Ser 145 150 155 160
Ser Ser Asn Ile Gly Ala Gly Tyr Glu Val Asn Trp Tyr Gln Gln Leu 165
170 175 Pro Gly Thr Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Gly Asp Thr Asn Arg
Pro 180 185 190 Ser Gly Val Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Lys Ser Gly
Thr Ser Ala 195 200 205 Ser Leu Ala Ile Thr Gly Leu Gln Ala Glu Asp
Glu Ala Asn Tyr Tyr 210 215 220 Cys Gln Ser Tyr Asp Ser Gly Pro Gly
Gly Pro Val Val Phe Gly Gly 225 230 235 240 Gly Thr Lys Leu Thr Val
Leu Gly 245 20 250 PRT Artificial Sequence A030D09 scFv 20 Gln Val
Gln Leu Gln Gln Ser Gly Ala Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ser 1 5 10 15
Ser Val Lys Val Ser Cys Lys Thr Ser Gly Gly Ala Phe Ser His Tyr 20
25 30 Ala Ile His Trp Val Arg Leu Ala Pro Gly Gln Gly Leu Glu Trp
Met 35 40 45 Gly Asp Ile Ile Pro Val Tyr Gly Ser Thr Thr Tyr Ala
Gln Lys Phe 50 55 60 Gln Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Ser Ala Asp Glu Ser
Thr Ser Thr Ala Tyr 65 70 75 80 Met Glu Leu Ser Ser Leu Arg Ser Glu
Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Ser Trp Tyr Tyr Asp
Ile Leu Thr Gly Tyr Trp Asp Tyr Tyr 100 105 110 Tyr Met Asp Val Trp
Gly Lys Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ser Gly 115 120 125 Gly Gly Gly
Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Ser Glu 130 135 140 Leu
Thr Gln Asp Pro Ala Val Ser Val Ala Leu Gly Gln Thr Val Arg 145 150
155 160 Ile Thr Cys Gln Gly Asp Ser Leu Arg Ser Tyr Tyr Ala Ser Trp
Tyr 165 170 175 Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln Ala Pro Val Leu Val Ile Tyr
Gly Lys Asn 180 185 190 Asn Arg Pro Ser Gly Ile Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser
Gly Ser Ser Ser Gly 195 200 205 Asn Thr Ala Ser Leu Thr Ile Thr Gly
Ala Gln Ala Glu Asp Glu Ala 210 215 220 Asp Tyr Tyr Cys Asn Ser Arg
Asp Ser Ser Gly Asn His Val Val Phe 225 230 235 240 Gly Gly Gly Thr
Lys Leu Thr Val Leu Gly 245 250 21 241 PRT Artificial Sequence
A010D09 scFv 21 Gln Val Gln Leu Val Gln Ser Gly Ala Glu Val Lys Lys
Leu Gly Ser 1 5 10 15 Ser Val Lys Val Ser Cys Lys Ala Ser Gly Gly
Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30 Ala Ile Ser Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro
Gly Gln Gly Leu Glu Trp Met 35 40 45 Gly Gly Ile Ile Pro Ile Phe
Gly Thr Ala Asn Tyr Ala Gln Lys Phe 50 55 60 Gln Gly Arg Val Thr
Ile Thr Ala Asp Glu Ser Thr Ser Thr Ala Tyr 65 70 75 80 Met Glu Leu
Ser Ser Leu Arg Ser Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala
Arg Asp Leu Ser Arg Leu Gly Met Asp Val Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr 100 105
110 Thr Val Thr Val Ser Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser
115 120 125 Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser
Thr Leu 130 135 140 Ser Ala Ser Ile Gly Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys
Arg Ala Ser Glu 145 150 155 160 Gly Ile Tyr His Trp Leu Ala Trp Tyr
Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala 165 170 175 Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Lys
Ala Ser Ser Leu Ala Ser Gly Ala Pro 180 185 190 Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly
Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile 195 200 205 Ser Ser Leu
Gln Pro Asp Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Tyr 210 215 220 Ser
Asn Tyr Pro Leu Thr Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys Leu Glu Ile Lys 225 230
235 240 Arg 22 240 PRT Artificial Sequence A027B01 scFv 22 Gln Val
Gln Leu Leu Gln Ser Ala Ala Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ser 1 5 10 15
Ser Val Lys Val Ser Cys Lys Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Phe Arg Asn His 20
25 30 Ala Ile Ser Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Gln Gly Leu Glu Trp
Met 35 40 45 Gly Gly Ile Ile Pro Ile Phe Gly Thr Ala Asn Tyr Ala
Gln Lys Phe 50 55 60 Gln Gly Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Ala Asp Glu Ser
Thr Ser Thr Ala Tyr 65 70 75 80 Met Glu Leu Ser Ser Leu Arg Ser Glu
Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Gly Ile Ser Ala Gly
Met Asp Val Trp Gly Arg Gly Thr Leu 100 105 110 Val Thr Val Ser Ser
Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly 115 120 125 Gly Gly Gly
Ser Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Phe Leu Ser 130 135 140 Ala
Ser Ile Gly Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Glu Gly 145 150
155 160 Ile Tyr His Trp Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala
Pro 165 170 175 Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Lys Ala Ser Ser Leu Ala Ser Gly
Ala Pro Ser 180 185 190 Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe
Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser 195 200 205 Ser Leu Gln Pro Asp Asp Phe Ala Thr
Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Tyr Ser 210 215 220 Asn Tyr Pro Leu Thr Phe Gly
Gly Gly Thr Lys Leu Glu Ile Lys Arg 225 230 235 240 23 239 PRT
Artificial Sequence A027H08 scFv 23 Gln Val Gln Leu Gln Gln Ser Gly
Ala Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ser 1 5 10 15 Ser Val Lys Val Ser Cys
Lys Ala Ser Gly Gly Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30 Ala Ile Ser Trp
Val Arg Gln Thr Pro Gly Gln Gly Leu Glu Trp Met 35 40 45 Gly Gly
Ile Ile Pro Ile Phe Gly Ala Ala Asn Tyr Ala Gln Lys Phe 50 55 60
Gln Gly Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Ala Asp Glu Ser Thr Ser Thr Ala His 65
70 75 80 Met Glu Leu Ser Ser Leu Arg Ser Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr
Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Gly Ile Ser Gly Gly Met Asp Val Trp Gly
Lys Gly Thr Leu 100 105 110 Val Thr Val Ser Ser Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly 115 120 125 Gly Gly Ser Asp Ile Gln Met Thr
Gln Ser Pro Ser Thr Leu Ser Ala 130 135 140 Ser Ile Gly Asp Arg Val
Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Glu Gly Ile 145 150 155 160 Tyr His Trp
Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys 165 170 175 Leu
Leu Ile Tyr Lys Ala Ser Ser Leu Ala Ser Gly Ala Pro Ser Arg 180 185
190 Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser
195 200 205 Leu Gln Pro Asp Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Tyr
Ser Asn 210 215 220 Tyr Pro Leu Thr Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys Leu Glu
Ile Lys Arg 225 230 235 24 254 PRT Artificial Sequence A024G01 scFv
24 Glu Val Gln Leu Val Gln Ser Gly Ala Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ser
1 5 10 15 Ser Val Lys Val Ser Cys Lys Ala Ser Gly Gly Thr Leu Ser
Ser Asp 20 25 30 Ser Ile Thr Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Gln Gly
Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45 Gly Gly Leu Ile Pro Ala Leu Gly Thr Ala
Asn Tyr Ala Gln Lys Phe 50 55 60 Gln Gly Arg Val Thr Met Thr Ala
Asp Arg Ser Thr Gly Thr Ala Tyr 65 70 75 80 Met Glu Leu Arg Ser Leu
Lys Phe Asp Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Val Ser
Arg Thr Ser Tyr Tyr Asp Val Leu Thr Asp Asn Asn 100 105 110 Arg Tyr
Ser Tyr Tyr Met Asp Val Trp Gly Lys Gly Thr Leu Val Thr 115 120 125
Val Ser Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly 130
135 140 Gly Ser Ala His Val Ile Leu Thr Gln Pro Pro Ser Val Ser Val
Ser 145 150 155 160 Pro Thr Gln Thr Ala Thr Ile Thr Cys Ser Gly Asp
His Leu Gly Arg 165 170 175 Lys Ser Leu Ser Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro
Gly Gln Ser Pro Val Leu 180 185 190 Val Ile Tyr Glu Asp Phe Lys Arg
Pro Ser Gly Ile Pro Glu Arg Phe 195 200 205 Ser Ala Ser Asn Ser Gly
Tyr Thr Ala Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Gly Thr 210 215 220 Gln Ala Met Asp
Glu Ala Asp Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Ala Trp Asp Asn Arg 225 230 235 240 Ala
Val Val Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys Leu Thr Val Leu Gly 245 250 25 16
PRT Homo Sapiens 25 Gly Gly Arg Leu Ala Gly Ser Thr Val Phe Thr Pro
Ala Phe Glu Tyr 1 5 10 15 26 10 PRT Homo Sapiens 26 Ser Asn Pro Gln
Tyr Asp Ala Phe Asp Ile 1 5 10 27 7 PRT Homo Sapiens 27 Gly Ser Gln
Ala Phe Glu Ile 1 5 28 10 PRT Homo Sapiens 28 Gly Asn Thr Gly Pro
Arg Pro Phe Asp Pro 1 5 10 29 13 PRT Homo Sapiens 29 Ser Gly Gly
Asp Gly Tyr Arg Asp Tyr Gly Met Asp Leu 1 5 10 30 18 PRT Homo
Sapiens 30 Ser Trp Tyr Tyr Asp Ile Leu Thr Gly Tyr Trp Asp Tyr Tyr
Tyr Met 1 5 10 15 Asp Val 31 9 PRT Homo Sapiens 31 Asp Leu Ser Arg
Leu Gly Met Asp Val 1 5 32 8 PRT Homo Sapiens 32 Gly Ile Ser Ala
Gly Met Asp Val 1 5 33 8 PRT Homo Sapiens 33 Gly Ile Ser Gly Gly
Met Asp Val 1 5 34 22 PRT Homo Sapiens 34 Val Ser Arg Thr Ser Tyr
Tyr Asp Val Leu Thr Asp Asn Asn Arg Tyr 1 5 10 15 Ser Tyr Tyr Met
Asp Val 20 35 1717 DNA Homo Sapiens 35 acctctgtcc ttagagggga
ctggaaccta attctcctga gcctgaggga gggtggaggg 60 tctcaagaca
acgctgtccc cacgacggag tgccaggagc actaacagta cccttagatt 120
gctttcctcc tccctccttt tttattttca agttcctttt tatttctcct tgcgtaacaa
180 ccttcttccc ttctgcacca ctgcccgtac ccttacccgc gccgccacct
ccttgctaca 240 ccactcttga aaccacagct gttggcaggg tcccccagct
catgccagcc tcatctcctt 300 tcttgctagc ccccaaaggg cctccaggca
acatgggggg cccagtcaga gagccggcac 360 tctcagttgc cctctggttg
agttgggggg cagctctggg ggccgtggct tgtgccatgg 420 ctctgctgac
ccaacaaaca gagctgcaga gcctcaggag agaggtgagc cggctgcaga 480
ggacaggagg cccctcccag aatggggaag ggtatccctg gcagagtctc ccggagcaga
540 gttccgatgc cctggaagcc tgggagaatg gggagagatc ccggaaaagg
agagcagtgc 600 tcacccaaaa acagaagaag cagcactctg tcctgcacct
ggttcccatt aacgccacct 660 ccaaggatga ctccgatgtg acagaggtga
tgtggcaacc
agctcttagg cgtgggagag 720 gcctacaggc ccaaggatat ggtgtccgaa
tccaggatgc tggagtttat ctgctgtata 780 gccaggtcct gtttcaagac
gtgactttca ccatgggtca ggtggtgtct cgagaaggcc 840 aaggaaggca
ggagactcta ttccgatgta taagaagtat gccctcccac ccggaccggg 900
cctacaacag ctgctatagc gcaggtgtct tccatttaca ccaaggggat attctgagtg
960 tcataattcc ccgggcaagg gcgaaactta acctctctcc acatggaacc
ttcctggggt 1020 ttgtgaaact gtgattgtgt tataaaaagt ggctcccagc
ttggaagacc agggtgggta 1080 catactggag acagccaaga gctgagtata
taaaggagag ggaatgtgca ggaacagagg 1140 cgtcttcctg ggtttggctc
cccgttcctc acttttccct tttcattccc accccctaga 1200 ctttgatttt
acggatatct tgcttctgtt ccccatggag ctccgaattc ttgcgtgtgt 1260
gtagatgagg ggcgggggac gggcgccagg cattgtccag acctggtcgg ggcccactgg
1320 aagcatccag aacagcacca ccatctagcg gccgctctag aggatccctc
gaggggccca 1380 agcttacgcg tgcatgcgac gtcatagctc tctccctata
gtgagtcgta ttataagcta 1440 gcttgggatc tttgtgaagg aaccttactt
ctgtggtgtg acataattgg acaaactacc 1500 tacagagatt taaagctcta
aggtaaatat aaaattttta agtgtataat gtgttaaact 1560 agctgcatat
gcttgctgct tgagagtttg gcttactgag tatgattatg aaaatattat 1620
acacaggagc tagtgatcta tgttggtttt agatcaagcc aaggtcattc aggcctcagc
1680 tcaagctgtc atgatcatat cagcatacaa ttgtgag 1717 36 233 PRT Homo
Sapiens 36 Met Gly Gly Pro Val Arg Glu Pro Ala Leu Ser Val Ala Leu
Trp Leu 1 5 10 15 Ser Trp Gly Ala Ala Leu Gly Ala Val Ala Cys Ala
Met Ala Leu Leu 20 25 30 Thr Gln Gln Thr Glu Leu Gln Ser Leu Arg
Arg Glu Val Ser Arg Leu 35 40 45 Gln Arg Thr Gly Gly Pro Ser Gln
Asn Gly Glu Gly Tyr Pro Trp Gln 50 55 60 Ser Leu Pro Glu Gln Ser
Ser Asp Ala Leu Glu Ala Trp Glu Asn Gly 65 70 75 80 Glu Arg Ser Arg
Lys Arg Arg Ala Val Leu Thr Gln Lys Gln Lys Lys 85 90 95 Gln His
Ser Val Leu His Leu Val Pro Ile Asn Ala Thr Ser Lys Asp 100 105 110
Asp Ser Asp Val Thr Glu Val Met Trp Gln Pro Ala Leu Arg Arg Gly 115
120 125 Arg Gly Leu Gln Ala Gln Gly Tyr Gly Val Arg Ile Gln Asp Ala
Gly 130 135 140 Val Tyr Leu Leu Tyr Ser Gln Val Leu Phe Gln Asp Val
Thr Phe Thr 145 150 155 160 Met Gly Gln Val Val Ser Arg Glu Gly Gln
Gly Arg Gln Glu Thr Leu 165 170 175 Phe Arg Cys Ile Arg Ser Met Pro
Ser His Pro Asp Arg Ala Tyr Asn 180 185 190 Ser Cys Tyr Ser Ala Gly
Val Phe His Leu His Gln Gly Asp Ile Leu 195 200 205 Ser Val Ile Ile
Pro Arg Ala Arg Ala Lys Leu Asn Leu Ser Pro His 210 215 220 Gly Thr
Phe Leu Gly Phe Val Lys Leu 225 230 37 250 PRT Homo Sapiens 37 Met
Pro Ala Ser Ser Pro Phe Leu Leu Ala Pro Lys Gly Pro Pro Gly 1 5 10
15 Asn Met Gly Gly Pro Val Arg Glu Pro Ala Leu Ser Val Ala Leu Trp
20 25 30 Leu Ser Trp Gly Ala Ala Leu Gly Ala Val Ala Cys Ala Met
Ala Leu 35 40 45 Leu Thr Gln Gln Thr Glu Leu Gln Ser Leu Arg Arg
Glu Val Ser Arg 50 55 60 Leu Gln Arg Thr Gly Gly Pro Ser Gln Asn
Gly Glu Gly Tyr Pro Trp 65 70 75 80 Gln Ser Leu Pro Glu Gln Ser Ser
Asp Ala Leu Glu Ala Trp Glu Asn 85 90 95 Gly Glu Arg Ser Arg Lys
Arg Arg Ala Val Leu Thr Gln Lys Gln Lys 100 105 110 Lys Gln His Ser
Val Leu His Leu Val Pro Ile Asn Ala Thr Ser Lys 115 120 125 Asp Asp
Ser Asp Val Thr Glu Val Met Trp Gln Pro Ala Leu Arg Arg 130 135 140
Gly Arg Gly Leu Gln Ala Gln Gly Tyr Gly Val Arg Ile Gln Asp Ala 145
150 155 160 Gly Val Tyr Leu Leu Tyr Ser Gln Val Leu Phe Gln Asp Val
Thr Phe 165 170 175 Thr Met Gly Gln Val Val Ser Arg Glu Gly Gln Gly
Arg Gln Glu Thr 180 185 190 Leu Phe Arg Cys Ile Arg Ser Met Pro Ser
His Pro Asp Arg Ala Tyr 195 200 205 Asn Ser Cys Tyr Ser Ala Gly Val
Phe His Leu His Gln Gly Asp Ile 210 215 220 Leu Ser Val Ile Ile Pro
Arg Ala Arg Ala Lys Leu Asn Leu Ser Pro 225 230 235 240 His Gly Thr
Phe Leu Gly Phe Val Lys Leu 245 250 38 285 PRT Homo sapiens 38 Met
Asp Asp Ser Thr Glu Arg Glu Gln Ser Arg Leu Thr Ser Cys Leu 1 5 10
15 Lys Lys Arg Glu Glu Met Lys Leu Lys Glu Cys Val Ser Ile Leu Pro
20 25 30 Arg Lys Glu Ser Pro Ser Val Arg Ser Ser Lys Asp Gly Lys
Leu Leu 35 40 45 Ala Ala Thr Leu Leu Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Cys Cys
Leu Thr Val Val 50 55 60 Ser Phe Tyr Gln Val Ala Ala Leu Gln Gly
Asp Leu Ala Ser Leu Arg 65 70 75 80 Ala Glu Leu Gln Gly His His Ala
Glu Lys Leu Pro Ala Gly Ala Gly 85 90 95 Ala Pro Lys Ala Gly Leu
Glu Glu Ala Pro Ala Val Thr Ala Gly Leu 100 105 110 Lys Ile Phe Glu
Pro Pro Ala Pro Gly Glu Gly Asn Ser Ser Gln Asn 115 120 125 Ser Arg
Asn Lys Arg Ala Val Gln Gly Pro Glu Glu Thr Val Thr Gln 130 135 140
Asp Cys Leu Gln Leu Ile Ala Asp Ser Glu Thr Pro Thr Ile Gln Lys 145
150 155 160 Gly Ser Tyr Thr Phe Val Pro Trp Leu Leu Ser Phe Lys Arg
Gly Ser 165 170 175 Ala Leu Glu Glu Lys Glu Asn Lys Ile Leu Val Lys
Glu Thr Gly Tyr 180 185 190 Phe Phe Ile Tyr Gly Gln Val Leu Tyr Thr
Asp Lys Thr Tyr Ala Met 195 200 205 Gly His Leu Ile Gln Arg Lys Lys
Val His Val Phe Gly Asp Glu Leu 210 215 220 Ser Leu Val Thr Leu Phe
Arg Cys Ile Gln Asn Met Pro Glu Thr Leu 225 230 235 240 Pro Asn Asn
Ser Cys Tyr Ser Ala Gly Ile Ala Lys Leu Glu Glu Gly 245 250 255 Asp
Glu Leu Gln Leu Ala Ile Pro Arg Glu Asn Ala Gln Ile Ser Leu 260 265
270 Asp Gly Asp Val Thr Phe Phe Gly Ala Leu Lys Leu Leu 275 280 285
39 177 PRT Homo sapiens 39 Met Cys Leu Ser His Leu Glu Asn Met Pro
Leu Ser His Ser Arg Thr 1 5 10 15 Gln Gly Ala Gln Arg Ser Ser Trp
Lys Leu Trp Leu Phe Cys Ser Ile 20 25 30 Val Met Leu Leu Phe Leu
Cys Ser Phe Ser Trp Leu Ile Phe Ile Phe 35 40 45 Leu Gln Leu Glu
Thr Ala Lys Glu Pro Cys Met Ala Lys Phe Gly Pro 50 55 60 Leu Pro
Ser Lys Trp Gln Met Ala Ser Ser Glu Pro Pro Cys Val Asn 65 70 75 80
Lys Val Ser Asp Trp Lys Leu Glu Ile Leu Gln Asn Gly Leu Tyr Leu 85
90 95 Ile Tyr Gly Gln Val Ala Pro Asn Ala Asn Tyr Asn Asp Val Ala
Pro 100 105 110 Phe Glu Val Arg Leu Tyr Lys Asn Lys Asp Met Ile Gln
Thr Leu Thr 115 120 125 Asn Lys Ser Lys Ile Gln Asn Val Gly Gly Thr
Tyr Glu Leu His Val 130 135 140 Gly Asp Thr Ile Asp Leu Ile Phe Asn
Ser Glu His Gln Val Leu Lys 145 150 155 160 Asn Asn Thr Tyr Trp Gly
Ile Ile Leu Leu Ala Asn Pro Gln Phe Ile 165 170 175 Ser 40 251 PRT
Homo sapiens 40 Met Ala Glu Asp Leu Gly Leu Ser Phe Gly Glu Thr Ala
Ser Val Glu 1 5 10 15 Met Leu Pro Glu His Gly Ser Cys Arg Pro Lys
Ala Arg Ser Ser Ser 20 25 30 Ala Arg Trp Ala Leu Thr Cys Cys Leu
Val Leu Leu Pro Phe Leu Ala 35 40 45 Gly Leu Thr Thr Tyr Leu Leu
Val Ser Gln Leu Arg Ala Gln Gly Glu 50 55 60 Ala Cys Val Gln Phe
Gln Ala Leu Lys Gly Gln Glu Phe Ala Pro Ser 65 70 75 80 His Gln Gln
Val Tyr Ala Pro Leu Arg Ala Asp Gly Asp Lys Pro Arg 85 90 95 Ala
His Leu Thr Val Val Arg Gln Thr Pro Thr Gln His Phe Lys Asn 100 105
110 Gln Phe Pro Ala Leu His Trp Glu His Glu Leu Gly Leu Ala Phe Thr
115 120 125 Lys Asn Arg Met Asn Tyr Thr Asn Lys Phe Leu Leu Ile Pro
Glu Ser 130 135 140 Gly Asp Tyr Phe Ile Tyr Ser Gln Val Thr Phe Arg
Gly Met Thr Ser 145 150 155 160 Glu Cys Ser Glu Ile Arg Gln Ala Gly
Arg Pro Asn Lys Pro Asp Ser 165 170 175 Ile Thr Val Val Ile Thr Lys
Val Thr Asp Ser Tyr Pro Glu Pro Thr 180 185 190 Gln Leu Leu Met Gly
Thr Lys Ser Val Cys Glu Val Gly Ser Asn Trp 195 200 205 Phe Gln Pro
Ile Tyr Leu Gly Ala Met Phe Ser Leu Gln Glu Gly Asp 210 215 220 Lys
Leu Met Val Asn Val Ser Asp Ile Ser Leu Val Asp Tyr Thr Lys 225 230
235 240 Glu Asp Lys Thr Phe Phe Gly Ala Phe Leu Leu 245 250 41 281
PRT Homo sapiens 41 Met Ala Met Met Glu Val Gln Gly Gly Pro Ser Leu
Gly Gln Thr Cys 1 5 10 15 Val Leu Ile Val Ile Phe Thr Val Leu Leu
Gln Ser Leu Cys Val Ala 20 25 30 Val Thr Tyr Val Tyr Phe Thr Asn
Glu Leu Lys Gln Met Gln Asp Lys 35 40 45 Tyr Ser Lys Ser Gly Ile
Ala Cys Phe Leu Lys Glu Asp Asp Ser Tyr 50 55 60 Trp Asp Pro Asn
Asp Glu Glu Ser Met Asn Ser Pro Cys Trp Gln Val 65 70 75 80 Lys Trp
Gln Leu Arg Gln Leu Val Arg Lys Met Ile Leu Arg Thr Ser 85 90 95
Glu Glu Thr Ile Ser Thr Val Gln Glu Lys Gln Gln Asn Ile Ser Pro 100
105 110 Leu Val Arg Glu Arg Gly Pro Gln Arg Val Ala Ala His Ile Thr
Gly 115 120 125 Thr Arg Gly Arg Ser Asn Thr Leu Ser Ser Pro Asn Ser
Lys Asn Glu 130 135 140 Lys Ala Leu Gly Arg Lys Ile Asn Ser Trp Glu
Ser Ser Arg Ser Gly 145 150 155 160 His Ser Phe Leu Ser Asn Leu His
Leu Arg Asn Gly Glu Leu Val Ile 165 170 175 His Glu Lys Gly Phe Tyr
Tyr Ile Tyr Ser Gln Thr Tyr Phe Arg Phe 180 185 190 Gln Glu Glu Ile
Lys Glu Asn Thr Lys Asn Asp Lys Gln Met Val Gln 195 200 205 Tyr Ile
Tyr Lys Tyr Thr Ser Tyr Pro Asp Pro Ile Leu Leu Met Lys 210 215 220
Ser Ala Arg Asn Ser Cys Trp Ser Lys Asp Ala Glu Tyr Gly Leu Tyr 225
230 235 240 Ser Ile Tyr Gln Gly Gly Ile Phe Glu Leu Lys Glu Asn Asp
Arg Ile 245 250 255 Phe Val Ser Val Thr Asn Glu His Leu Ile Asp Met
Asp His Glu Ala 260 265 270 Ser Phe Phe Gly Ala Phe Leu Val Gly 275
280 42 233 PRT Homo sapiens 42 Met Ser Thr Glu Ser Met Ile Arg Asp
Val Glu Leu Ala Glu Glu Ala 1 5 10 15 Leu Pro Lys Lys Thr Gly Gly
Pro Gln Gly Ser Arg Arg Cys Leu Phe 20 25 30 Leu Ser Leu Phe Ser
Phe Leu Ile Val Ala Gly Ala Thr Thr Leu Phe 35 40 45 Cys Leu Leu
His Phe Gly Val Ile Gly Pro Gln Arg Glu Glu Phe Pro 50 55 60 Arg
Asp Leu Ser Leu Ile Ser Pro Leu Ala Gln Ala Val Arg Ser Ser 65 70
75 80 Ser Arg Thr Pro Ser Asp Lys Pro Val Ala His Val Val Ala Asn
Pro 85 90 95 Gln Ala Glu Gly Gln Leu Gln Trp Leu Asn Arg Arg Ala
Asn Ala Leu 100 105 110 Leu Ala Asn Gly Val Glu Leu Arg Asp Asn Gln
Leu Val Val Pro Ser 115 120 125 Glu Gly Leu Tyr Leu Ile Tyr Ser Gln
Val Leu Phe Lys Gly Gln Gly 130 135 140 Cys Pro Ser Thr His Val Leu
Leu Thr His Thr Ile Ser Arg Ile Ala 145 150 155 160 Val Ser Tyr Gln
Thr Lys Val Asn Leu Leu Ser Ala Ile Lys Ser Pro 165 170 175 Cys Gln
Arg Glu Thr Pro Glu Gly Ala Glu Ala Lys Pro Trp Tyr Glu 180 185 190
Pro Ile Tyr Leu Gly Gly Val Phe Gln Leu Glu Lys Gly Asp Arg Leu 195
200 205 Ser Ala Glu Ile Asn Arg Pro Asp Tyr Leu Asp Phe Ala Glu Ser
Gly 210 215 220 Gln Val Tyr Phe Gly Ile Ile Ala Leu 225 230 43 205
PRT Homo sapiens 43 Met Thr Pro Pro Glu Arg Leu Phe Leu Pro Arg Val
Arg Gly Thr Thr 1 5 10 15 Leu His Leu Leu Leu Leu Gly Leu Leu Leu
Val Leu Leu Pro Gly Ala 20 25 30 Gln Gly Leu Pro Gly Val Gly Leu
Thr Pro Ser Ala Ala Gln Thr Ala 35 40 45 Arg Gln His Pro Lys Met
His Leu Ala His Ser Thr Leu Lys Pro Ala 50 55 60 Ala His Leu Ile
Gly Asp Pro Ser Lys Gln Asn Ser Leu Leu Trp Arg 65 70 75 80 Ala Asn
Thr Asp Arg Ala Phe Leu Gln Asp Gly Phe Ser Leu Ser Asn 85 90 95
Asn Ser Leu Leu Val Pro Thr Ser Gly Ile Tyr Phe Val Tyr Ser Gln 100
105 110 Val Val Phe Ser Gly Lys Ala Tyr Ser Pro Lys Ala Thr Ser Ser
Pro 115 120 125 Leu Tyr Leu Ala His Glu Val Gln Leu Phe Ser Ser Gln
Tyr Pro Phe 130 135 140 His Val Pro Leu Leu Ser Ser Gln Lys Met Val
Tyr Pro Gly Leu Gln 145 150 155 160 Glu Pro Trp Leu His Ser Met Tyr
His Gly Ala Ala Phe Gln Leu Thr 165 170 175 Gln Gly Asp Gln Leu Ser
Thr His Thr Asp Gly Ile Pro His Leu Val 180 185 190 Leu Ser Pro Ser
Thr Val Phe Phe Gly Ala Phe Ala Leu 195 200 205 44 281 PRT Homo
sapiens 44 Met Gln Gln Pro Phe Asn Tyr Pro Tyr Pro Gln Ile Tyr Trp
Val Asp 1 5 10 15 Ser Ser Ala Ser Ser Pro Trp Ala Pro Pro Gly Thr
Val Leu Pro Cys 20 25 30 Pro Thr Ser Val Pro Arg Arg Pro Gly Gln
Arg Arg Pro Pro Pro Pro 35 40 45 Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro Leu Pro Pro
Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro Leu Pro 50 55 60 Pro Leu Pro Leu Pro Pro
Leu Lys Lys Arg Gly Asn His Ser Thr Gly 65 70 75 80 Leu Cys Leu Leu
Val Met Phe Phe Met Val Leu Val Ala Leu Val Gly 85 90 95 Leu Gly
Leu Gly Met Phe Gln Leu Phe His Leu Gln Lys Glu Leu Ala 100 105 110
Glu Leu Arg Glu Ser Thr Ser Gln Met His Thr Ala Ser Ser Leu Glu 115
120 125 Lys Gln Ile Gly His Pro Ser Pro Pro Pro Glu Lys Lys Glu Leu
Arg 130 135 140 Lys Val Ala His Leu Thr Gly Lys Ser Asn Ser Arg Ser
Met Pro Leu 145 150 155 160 Glu Trp Glu Asp Thr Tyr Gly Ile Val Leu
Leu Ser Gly Val Lys Tyr 165 170 175 Lys Lys Gly Gly Leu Val Ile Asn
Glu Thr Gly Leu Tyr Phe Val Tyr 180 185 190 Ser Lys Val Tyr Phe Arg
Gly Gln Ser Cys Asn Asn Leu Pro Leu Ser 195 200 205 His Lys Val Tyr
Met Arg Asn Ser Lys Tyr Pro Gln Asp Leu Val Met 210 215 220 Met Glu
Gly Lys Met Met Ser Tyr Cys Thr Thr Gly Gln Met Trp Ala 225 230 235
240 Arg Ser Ser Tyr Leu Gly Ala Val Phe Asn Leu Thr Ser Ala Asp His
245 250 255 Leu Tyr Val Asn Val Ser Glu Leu Ser Leu Val Asn Phe Glu
Glu Ser 260 265 270 Gln Thr Phe Phe Gly Leu Tyr Lys Leu 275 280 45
240 PRT Homo sapiens 45 Met Glu Glu Ser Val Val Arg Pro Ser Val Phe
Val Val Asp Gly Gln 1 5 10 15 Thr Asp Ile Pro Phe Thr Arg Leu Gly
Arg Ser His Arg Arg Gln Ser 20 25 30 Cys Ser Val Ala Arg Val Gly
Leu Gly Leu Leu Leu Leu Leu Met Gly 35 40 45 Ala Gly Leu
Ala Val Gln Gly Trp Phe Leu Leu Gln Leu His Trp Arg 50 55 60 Leu
Gly Glu Met Val Thr Arg Leu Pro Asp Gly Pro Ala Gly Ser Trp 65 70
75 80 Glu Gln Leu Ile Gln Glu Arg Arg Ser His Glu Val Asn Pro Ala
Ala 85 90 95 His Leu Thr Gly Ala Asn Ser Ser Leu Thr Gly Ser Gly
Gly Pro Leu 100 105 110 Leu Trp Glu Thr Gln Leu Gly Leu Ala Phe Leu
Arg Gly Leu Ser Tyr 115 120 125 His Asp Gly Ala Leu Val Val Thr Lys
Ala Gly Tyr Tyr Tyr Ile Tyr 130 135 140 Ser Lys Val Gln Leu Gly Gly
Val Gly Cys Pro Leu Gly Leu Ala Ser 145 150 155 160 Thr Ile Thr His
Gly Leu Tyr Lys Arg Thr Pro Arg Tyr Pro Glu Glu 165 170 175 Leu Glu
Leu Leu Val Ser Gln Gln Ser Pro Cys Gly Arg Ala Thr Ser 180 185 190
Ser Ser Arg Val Trp Trp Asp Ser Ser Phe Leu Gly Gly Val Val His 195
200 205 Leu Glu Ala Gly Glu Glu Val Val Val Arg Val Leu Asp Glu Arg
Leu 210 215 220 Val Arg Leu Arg Asp Gly Thr Arg Ser Tyr Phe Gly Ala
Phe Met Val 225 230 235 240 46 293 PRT Homo sapiens 46 Met Ser Gly
Leu Gly Arg Ser Arg Arg Gly Gly Arg Ser Arg Val Asp 1 5 10 15 Gln
Glu Glu Arg Phe Pro Gln Gly Leu Trp Thr Gly Val Ala Met Arg 20 25
30 Ser Cys Pro Glu Glu Gln Tyr Trp Asp Pro Leu Leu Gly Thr Cys Met
35 40 45 Ser Cys Lys Thr Ile Cys Asn His Gln Ser Gln Arg Thr Cys
Ala Ala 50 55 60 Phe Cys Arg Ser Leu Ser Cys Arg Lys Glu Gln Gly
Lys Phe Tyr Asp 65 70 75 80 His Leu Leu Arg Asp Cys Ile Ser Cys Ala
Ser Ile Cys Gly Gln His 85 90 95 Pro Lys Gln Cys Ala Tyr Phe Cys
Glu Asn Lys Leu Arg Ser Pro Val 100 105 110 Asn Leu Pro Pro Glu Leu
Arg Arg Gln Arg Ser Gly Glu Val Glu Asn 115 120 125 Asn Ser Asp Asn
Ser Gly Arg Tyr Gln Gly Leu Glu His Arg Gly Ser 130 135 140 Glu Ala
Ser Pro Ala Leu Pro Gly Leu Lys Leu Ser Ala Asp Gln Val 145 150 155
160 Ala Leu Val Tyr Ser Thr Leu Gly Leu Cys Leu Cys Ala Val Leu Cys
165 170 175 Cys Phe Leu Val Ala Val Ala Cys Phe Leu Lys Lys Arg Gly
Asp Pro 180 185 190 Cys Ser Cys Gln Pro Arg Ser Arg Pro Arg Gln Ser
Pro Ala Lys Ser 195 200 205 Ser Gln Asp His Ala Met Glu Ala Gly Ser
Pro Val Ser Thr Ser Pro 210 215 220 Glu Pro Val Glu Thr Cys Ser Phe
Cys Phe Pro Glu Cys Arg Ala Pro 225 230 235 240 Thr Gln Glu Ser Ala
Val Thr Pro Gly Thr Pro Asp Pro Thr Cys Ala 245 250 255 Gly Arg Trp
Gly Cys His Thr Arg Thr Thr Val Leu Gln Pro Cys Pro 260 265 270 His
Ile Pro Asp Ser Gly Leu Gly Ile Val Cys Val Pro Ala Gln Glu 275 280
285 Gly Gly Pro Gly Ala 290 47 184 PRT Homo sapiens 47 Met Leu Gln
Met Ala Gly Gln Cys Ser Gln Asn Glu Tyr Phe Asp Ser 1 5 10 15 Leu
Leu His Ala Cys Ile Pro Cys Gln Leu Arg Cys Ser Ser Asn Thr 20 25
30 Pro Pro Leu Thr Cys Gln Arg Tyr Cys Asn Ala Ser Val Thr Asn Ser
35 40 45 Val Lys Gly Thr Asn Ala Ile Leu Trp Thr Cys Leu Gly Leu
Ser Leu 50 55 60 Ile Ile Ser Leu Ala Val Phe Val Leu Met Phe Leu
Leu Arg Lys Ile 65 70 75 80 Ser Ser Glu Pro Leu Lys Asp Glu Phe Lys
Asn Thr Gly Ser Gly Leu 85 90 95 Leu Gly Met Ala Asn Ile Asp Leu
Glu Lys Ser Arg Thr Gly Asp Glu 100 105 110 Ile Ile Leu Pro Arg Gly
Leu Glu Tyr Thr Val Glu Glu Cys Thr Cys 115 120 125 Glu Asp Cys Ile
Lys Ser Lys Pro Lys Val Asp Ser Asp His Cys Phe 130 135 140 Pro Leu
Pro Ala Met Glu Glu Gly Ala Thr Ile Leu Val Thr Thr Lys 145 150 155
160 Thr Asn Asp Tyr Cys Lys Ser Leu Pro Ala Ala Leu Ser Ala Thr Glu
165 170 175 Ile Glu Lys Ser Ile Ser Ala Arg 180 48 8 PRT Homo
sapiens 48 Asp Tyr Lys Asp Asp Asp Asp Lys 1 5
* * * * *
References