U.S. patent application number 12/527456 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-06 for engineered anti-il-23p19 antibodies.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCHERING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Brian M. Beyer, Richard N. Ingram, Yan-Hui Liu, Peter Orth, Leonard G. Presta.
Application Number | 20100111966 12/527456 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39539567 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100111966 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Presta; Leonard G. ; et
al. |
May 6, 2010 |
ENGINEERED ANTI-IL-23P19 ANTIBODIES
Abstract
Engineered antibodies to human IL-23p19 are provided, as well as
uses thereof, e.g. in treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, and
proliferative disorders.
Inventors: |
Presta; Leonard G.; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Beyer; Brian M.; (Matawan, NJ)
; Ingram; Richard N.; (Scotch Plains, NJ) ; Orth;
Peter; (New York, NY) ; Liu; Yan-Hui; (Murray
Hill, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCK;C/O SCHERING-PLOUGH BIOPHARMA
LEGAL DEPARTMENT, 901 CALIFORNIA AVENUE
PALO ALTO
CA
94304
US
|
Assignee: |
SCHERING CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
39539567 |
Appl. No.: |
12/527456 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
February 21, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2008/002394 |
371 Date: |
January 5, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60891413 |
Feb 23, 2007 |
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
424/158.1 ;
435/69.6; 530/387.1; 536/23.53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 2039/505 20130101;
A61P 25/28 20180101; C07K 2317/92 20130101; A61P 37/06 20180101;
C07K 2317/24 20130101; A61P 35/00 20180101; A61P 17/06 20180101;
A61P 17/00 20180101; A61P 19/02 20180101; A61P 37/02 20180101; C07K
16/244 20130101; C07K 2317/56 20130101; A61P 1/04 20180101; A61K
45/06 20130101; A61P 3/10 20180101; C07K 2317/76 20130101; A61P
25/02 20180101; C07K 2317/73 20130101; A61P 1/00 20180101; A61P
19/04 20180101; C07K 2317/565 20130101; A61P 25/00 20180101; A61P
29/00 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/158.1 ;
530/387.1; 536/23.53; 435/69.6 |
International
Class: |
A61K 39/395 20060101
A61K039/395; C07K 16/24 20060101 C07K016/24; C07H 21/04 20060101
C07H021/04; C12P 21/06 20060101 C12P021/06 |
Claims
1-3. (canceled)
4. A binding compound that binds to human IL-23, comprising: a) an
antibody light chain variable region, or antigen binding fragment
thereof, comprising: a CDRL1 selected from the group consisting of
SEQ ID NOs: 80-82; a CDRL2 selected from the group consisting of
SEQ ID NOs: 83-85; and a CDRL3 selected from the group consisting
of SEQ ID NOs: 86-88; and b) an antibody heavy chain variable
region, or antigen binding fragment thereof, comprising: CDRH1 of
SEQ ID NO: 77; CDRH2 of SEQ ID NO: 78; and CDRH3 of SEQ ID NO:
79.
5-14. (canceled)
15. An antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, that is able
to block binding of a binding compound to human IL-23 in a
cross-blocking assay, wherein the binding compound comprises: a
CDRL1 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 80-82; a
CDRL2 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 83-85; a
CDRL3 selected from the o consisting of SE ID NOs: 86-88; CDRH1 of
SEQ ID NO: 77; CDRH2 of SEQ ID NO: 78; and CDRH3 of SEQ ID NO:
79.
16. The binding compound of claim 4 wherein the binding compound
blocks IL-23 mediated activity.
17. An isolated nucleic acid encoding at least one of the light
chain variable region or heavy chain variable region of the binding
compound of claim 4.
18-19. (canceled)
20. A method of producing a polypeptide comprising: culturing a
host cell comprising an expression vector comprising the nucleic
acid of claim 17 in culture medium under conditions wherein the
nucleic acid sequence is expressed, thereby producing polypeptides
comprising the light and heavy chain variable regions; and
recovering the polypeptides from the host cell or culture
medium.
21-23. (canceled)
24. A method of suppressing an immune response in a human subject
comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an antibody
specific for IL-23, or a antigen binding fragment thereof, in an
amount effective to block the biological activity of IL-23, wherein
the antibody is the antibody of claim 4.
25-32. (canceled)
33. A binding compound that binds to human IL-23, comprising: a) an
antibody light chain variable region, or antigen binding fragment
thereof, comprising: CDRL1 comprising residues 24-34 of SEQ ID NO:
112, or a variant thereof; CDRL2 comprising residues 50-56 of SEQ
ID NO: 112, or a variant thereof; CDRL3 comprising residues 89-97
of SEQ ID NO: 112, or a variant thereof; and b) an antibody heavy
chain variable region, or antigen binding fragment thereof,
comprising: CDRH1 comprising residues 26-35 of SEQ ID NO: 99, or a
variant thereof; CDRH2 comprising residues 50-66 of a sequence
selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 99, 129 and 130,
or a variant thereof; and CDRH3 comprising residues 99-104 of SEQ
ID NO: 99, or a variant thereof; wherein each variant comprises up
to five conservatively modified amino acid substitutions.
34. The binding compound of claim 33 wherein the binding compound
comprises: a) an antibody light chain variable region, or antigen
binding fragment thereof, comprising: CDRL1 comprising residues
24-34 of SEQ ID NO: 112; CDRL2 comprising residues 50-56 of SEQ ID
NO: 112; and CDRL3 comprising residues 89-97 of SEQ ID NO: 112; and
b) an antibody heavy chain variable region, or antigen binding
fragment thereof, comprising: CDRH1 comprising residues 26-35 of
SEQ ID NO: 99; CDRH2 comprising residues 50-66 of a sequence
selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 99, 129 and 130;
and CDRH3 comprising residues 99-104 of SEQ ID NO: 99.
35. A binding compound that binds to human IL-23, comprising: a) an
antibody light chain variable region, or antigen binding fragment
thereof, comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 131, or a variant
thereof; and b) an antibody heavy chain variable region, or antigen
binding fragment thereof, comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:
129, 130, 132 or 133, or a variant thereof; wherein each variant
comprises up to 20 conservatively modified amino acid
substitutions.
36. The binding compound of claim 35, wherein the binding compound
is an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof comprising: a) a
light chain variable region comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:
131; and b) a heavy chain variable region comprising the sequence
of SEQ ID NO: 129, 130, 132 or 133.
37. The binding compound of claim 35, comprising: a) a light chain
variable region consisting essentially of the sequence of SEQ ID
NO: 131; and b) a heavy chain variable region consisting
essentially of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 129, 130, 132 or 133.
38-39. (canceled)
40. An antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, that is able
to block binding of a binding compound to human IL-23 in a
cross-blocking assay, wherein the binding compound comprises: a) a
light chain variable region comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:
131; and b) a heavy chain variable region comprising the sequence
of SEQ ID NO: 129, 130, 132 or 133.
41. The binding compound of claim 33 wherein the binding compound
blocks IL-23 mediated activity.
42. An isolated nucleic acid encoding at least one of the light
chain variable region or heavy chain variable region of the binding
compound of claim 33.
43-44. (canceled)
45. A method of producing a polypeptide comprising: culturing a
host cell comprising an expression vector comprising the nucleic
acid of claim 42 in culture medium under conditions wherein the
nucleic acid sequence is expressed, thereby producing polypeptides
comprising the light and heavy chain variable regions; and
recovering the polypeptides from the host cell or culture
medium.
46-47. (canceled)
48. The binding compound of claim 33, wherein the binding compound
is an antibody fragment selected from the group consisting of Fab,
Fab', Fab'-SH, Fv, scFv, F(ab').sub.2, and a diabody.
49. A method of suppressing an immune response in a human subject
comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an antibody
specific. for IL-23, or a antigen binding fragment thereof, in an
amount effective to block the biological activity of IL-23, wherein
the antibody is the antibody of claim 33.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein the immune response is an
inflammatory response.
51. The method of claim 50, wherein the subject has a disorder
selected from the group consisting of arthritis, psoriasis and
inflammatory bowel disease.
52. The method of claim 49, wherein the immune response is an
autoimmune response.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein the subject has a disorder
selected from the group consisting of multiple sclerosis, systemic
lupus erythematosus and diabetes.
54. The method of claim 49, wherein the subject has cancer and the
immune response is a Th17 response.
55-57. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to interleukin-23
p19 (IL-23p19)-specific antibodies and uses thereof. More
specifically, the invention relates to humanized antibodies that
recognize human IL-23p19 and modulate its activity, particularly in
inflammatory, autoimmune and proliferative disorders.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The immune system functions to protect individuals from
infective agents, e.g., bacteria, multi-cellular organisms, and
viruses, as well as from cancers. This system includes several
types of lymphoid and myeloid cells such as monocytes, macrophages,
dendritic cells (DCs), eosinophils, T cells, B cells, and
neutrophils. These lymphoid and myeloid cells often produce
signaling proteins known as cytokines. The immune response includes
inflammation, i.e., the accumulation of immune cells systemically
or in a particular location of the body. In response to an
infective agent or foreign substance, immune cells secrete
cytokines which, in turn, modulate immune cell proliferation,
development, differentiation, or migration. Immune response can
produce pathological consequences, e.g., when it involves excessive
inflammation, as in the autoimmune disorders (see, e.g., Abbas et
al. (eds.) (2000) Cellular and Molecular Immunology, W.B. Saunders
Co., Philadelphia, Pa.; Oppenheim and Feldmann (eds.) (2001)
Cytokine Reference, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif.; von Andrian
and Mackay (2000) New Engl. J. Med. 343:1020-1034; Davidson and
Diamond (2001) New Engl. J. Med. 345:340-350).
[0003] Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric molecule composed
of p35 and p40 subunits. Studies have indicated that IL-12 plays a
critical role in the differentiation of naive T cells into T-helper
type 1 CD4.sup.+ lymphocytes that secrete IFN.gamma.. It has also
been shown that IL-12 is essential for T cell dependent immune and
inflammatory responses in vivo. See, e.g., Cua et al. (2003) Nature
421:744-748. The IL-12 receptor is composed of IL-12.beta.1 and
IL-12.beta.2 subunits.
[0004] Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a heterodimeric cytokine comprised
of two subunits, p19 which is unique to IL-23, and p40, which is
shared with IL-12. The p19 subunit is structurally related to IL-6,
granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), and the p35 subunit
of IL-12. IL-23 mediates signaling by binding to a heterodimeric
receptor, comprised of IL-23R and IL-12.beta.1, which is shared by
the IL-12 receptor. A number of early studies demonstrated that the
consequences of a genetic deficiency in p40 (p40 knockout mouse;
p40KO mouse) were more severe than those found in a p35KO mouse.
Some of these results were eventually explained by the discovery of
IL-23, and the finding that the p40KO prevents expression of not
only IL-12, but also of IL-23 (see, e.g., Oppmann et al. (2000)
Immunity 13:715-725; Wiekowski et al. (2001) J. Immunol.
166:7563-7570; Parham et al. (2002) J. Immunol. 168:5699-708;
Frucht (2002) Sci STKE 2002, E1-E3; Elkins et al. (2002) Infection
Immunity 70:1936-1948).
[0005] Recent studies, through the use of p40 KO mice, have shown
that blockade of both IL-23 and IL-12 is an effective treatment for
various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. However, the
blockade of IL-12 through p40 appears to have various systemic
consequences such as increased susceptibility to opportunistic
microbial infections. Bowman et al. (2006) Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis.
19:245.
[0006] Therapeutic antibodies may be used to block cytokine
activity. The most significant limitation in using antibodies as a
therapeutic agent in vivo is the immunogenicity of the antibodies.
As most monoclonal antibodies are derived from rodents, repeated
use in humans results in the generation of an immune response
against the therapeutic antibody. Such an immune response results
in a loss of therapeutic efficacy at a minimum and a potential
fatal anaphylactic response at a maximum. Initial efforts to reduce
the immunogenicity of rodent antibodies involved the production of
chimeric antibodies, in which mouse variable regions were fused
with human constant regions. Liu et al. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA 84:3439-43. However, mice injected with hybrids of human
variable regions and mouse constant regions develop a strong
anti-antibody response directed against the human variable region,
suggesting that the retention of the entire rodent Fv region in
such chimeric antibodies may still result in unwanted
immunogenicity in patients.
[0007] It is generally believed that complementarity determining
region (CDR) loops of variable domains comprise the binding site of
antibody molecules. Therefore, the grafting of rodent CDR loops
onto human frameworks (i.e., humanization) was attempted to further
minimize rodent sequences. Jones et al. (1986) Nature 321:522;
Verhoeyen et al. (1988) Science 239:1534. However, CDR loop
exchanges still do not uniformly result in an antibody with the
same binding properties as the antibody of origin. Changes in
framework residues (FR), residues involved in CDR loop support, in
humanized antibodies also are required to preserve antigen binding
affinity. Kabat et al. (1991) J. Immunol. 147:1709. While the use
of CDR grafting and framework residue preservation in a number of
humanized antibody constructs has been reported, it is difficult to
predict if a particular sequence will result in the antibody with
the desired binding, and sometimes biological, properties. See,
e.g., Queen et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:10029,
Gorman et al. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:4181, and
Hodgson (1991) Biotechnology (NY) 9:421-5. Moreover, most prior
studies used different human sequences for animal light and heavy
variable sequences, rendering the predictive nature of such studies
questionable. Sequences of known antibodies have been used or, more
typically, those of antibodies having known X-ray structures,
antibodies NEW and KOL. See, e.g., Jones et al., supra; Verhoeyen
et al., supra; and Gorman et al., supra. Exact sequence information
has been reported for a few humanized constructs. Exemplary
engineered antibodies to IL-23p19 are disclosed in
commonly-assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.
60/891,409 and 60/891,413 (both filed 23 Feb. 2007), in U.S. Patent
Application Publication Nos. 2007/0009526 and 2007/0048315, and in
International Patent Publication Nos. WO 2007/076524, WO
2007/024846 and WO 2007/147019.
[0008] The need exists for anti-huIL-23p19 antibodies for use,
e.g., in treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, and proliferative
disorders. Preferably, such antibodies are engineered to introduce
human germline sequences to reduce immunogenicity in human
subjects, e.g. in the framework regions. Preferably, such
antibodies will have high affinity for huIL-23p19 and will bind
with high specificity to huIL-23p19.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides binding compounds, such as
antibodies or fragments thereof, including humanized or chimeric
recombinant antibodies, that bind human IL-23p19, comprising at
least one antibody light chain variable region, or antigen binding
fragment thereof, having at least one, two or three CDRs selected
from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 80-88. In one embodiment,
the binding compound of the present invention comprises a light
chain variable domain comprising at least one CDRL1 selected from
the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 80-82; at least one CDRL2
selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 83-85; and at
least one CDRL3 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:
86-88.
[0010] In one embodiment, the binding compound comprises at least
one antibody heavy chain variable region, or antigen binding
fragment thereof, having at least one, two or three CDRs selected
from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 77-79.
[0011] In some embodiments, the binding compound comprises a
framework region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the framework
region is all or substantially all of a human immunoglobulin amino
acid sequence.
[0012] In another embodiment, the binding compound of the present
invention comprises at least one, two or three light chain CDRs
having the sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 80-88 or optionally a variant
thereof. In one embodiment, the binding compound comprises at least
one, two or three heavy chain CDRs having the sequence of SEQ ID
NOs: 77-79 or optionally a variant thereof. In various embodiments
the variant comprises up to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more
conservatively modified amino acid residues relative to the
sequence of the respective SEQ ID NOs. Conservative amino acid
substitutions are provided at Table 1.
[0013] In other embodiments, the binding compound comprises at
least one antibody light chain variable region, or antigen binding
fragment thereof, having at least one, two or three CDRs selected
from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 68-76. In one embodiment,
the binding compound of the present invention comprises a light
chain variable domain comprising at least one CDRL1 selected from
the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 68-70, at least one CDRL2
selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 71-73 and at
least one CDRL3 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:
74-76. In one embodiment, the binding compound comprises at least
one antibody heavy chain variable region, or antigen binding
fragment thereof, having at least one, two or three CDRs selected
from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 65-67.
[0014] In other embodiments, the binding compound of the present
invention comprises at least one, two or three light chain CDRs
having the sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 68-76 or a variant thereof. In
another embodiment, the binding compound of the present invention
comprises a light chain variable domain comprising at least one
CDRL1 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 68-70 or a
variant thereof, and at least one CDRL2 selected from the group
consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 71-73 or a variant thereof, and at least
one CDRL3 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 74-76
or a variant thereof. In one embodiment, the binding compound of
the present invention comprises at least one, two or three heavy
chain CDRs having the sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 65-67 or a variant
thereof. In various embodiments the variant comprises up to 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more conservatively modified amino acid
residues relative to the sequence of the respective SEQ ID NOs.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the binding compound of the
present invention comprises at least one, two or three light chain
CDRs selected from the group consisting of residues 43-53, 69-75
and 108-116 of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 4, and at least one, two or three
heavy chain CDRs selected from the group consisting of residues
45-54, 69-85 and 118-123 of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 3.
[0016] In one embodiment, the binding compound comprises an
antibody light chain variable domain having the sequence of the
residues 20-129 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4 or a variant thereof. In one
embodiment, the binding compound comprises an antibody heavy chain
variable domain having the sequence of residues 20-134 of SEQ ID
NO: 1 or 3 or a variant thereof. In various embodiments the variant
comprises up to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 or 50
or more conservatively modified amino acid residues relative to the
sequence of the respective SEQ ID NOs.
[0017] In one embodiment, the binding compound comprises an
antibody light chain comprising, or consisting essentially of, the
sequence of the mature form (residues 20-233) of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4.
In one embodiment, the binding compound comprises an antibody heavy
chain comprising, or consisting essentially of, the sequence of the
mature form (residues 20-464) of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3.
[0018] In one embodiment, the binding compound of the present
invention binds to human IL-23p19 (SEQ ID NO: 29) at an epitope
comprising residues 82-95, or residues 133-140, or both. In another
embodiment the IL-23p19 binding compound binds to an epitope
comprising some or all of residues E82, G86, S87, D88, T91, G92,
E93, P94, S95, H106, P133, S134, Q135, P136, W137, R139 and L140,
and optionally residues K83, F90 and L110. In various embodiments
the epitope for an antibody of interest is determined by obtaining
an X-ray crystal structure of an antibody:antigen complex and
determining which residues on IL-23p19 are within a specified
distance of residues on the antibody of interest, wherein the
specified distance is, e.g., 4 .ANG. or 5 .ANG.. In some
embodiments, the epitope is defined as a stretch of 8 or more
contiguous amino acid residues along the IL-23p19 sequence in which
at least 50%, 70% or 85% of the residues are within the specified
distance of the antibody.
[0019] In other embodiments, the present invention provides a
binding compound that binds to human IL-23 and has a light chain
variable domain (V.sub.L) with at least 50%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or
95% sequence homology with the residues 20-129 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or
4. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a binding
compound that binds to human IL-23 and has a heavy chain variable
domain (V.sub.H) with at least 50%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%
sequence homology with residues 20-134 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3.
[0020] In one embodiment, the binding compound comprises, or
consists essentially of, an antibody having a light chain having
the sequence of the mature form (i.e. residues 20-233) of SEQ ID
NO: 2 or 4. In one embodiment, the binding compound comprises, or
consists essentially of, an antibody having a heavy chain having
the sequence of the mature form (i.e. residues 20-464) of SEQ ID
NO: 1 or 3.
[0021] In another embodiment, the binding compound of the present
invention comprises an antibody light chain variable domain
comprising CDRs having the sequence of residues 24-34, 50-56 and
89-97 of SEQ ID NO: 112, or a variant thereof. In another
embodiment, the binding compound comprises CDRL1 having the
sequence of residues 24-34 of SEQ ID NO: 112 or a variant thereof;
CDRL2 having the sequence of residues 50-56 of SEQ ID NO: 112 or a
variant thereof; and CDRL3 having the sequence of residues 89-97 of
SEQ ID NO: 112 or a variant thereof.
[0022] In one embodiment, the binding compound comprises an
antibody heavy chain variable domain comprising three CDRs selected
from the group consisting of residues 26-35, 50-66 and 99-104 of
SEQ ID NO: 99 and residues 50-66 of SEQ ID NOs: 129 and 130, or a
variant thereof. In another embodiment, the binding compound
comprises CDRH1 having the sequence of residues 26-35 of SEQ ID NO:
99 or a variant thereof; CDRH2 having the sequence of residues
50-66 of one of SEQ ID NOs: 99, 129 or 130 or a variant thereof;
and CDRH3 having the sequence of residues 99-104 of SEQ ID NO: 99
or a variant thereof.
[0023] In various embodiments the variant comprises up to 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more conservatively modified amino acid
residues relative to the sequence of the respective SEQ ID NOs.
Conservative amino acid substitutions are provided at Table 1.
[0024] In one embodiment, the binding compound comprises an
antibody light chain variable domain having the sequence of SEQ ID
NO: 131 or a variant thereof. In one embodiment, the binding
compound comprises an antibody heavy chain variable domain having
the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 129, 130, 132 or 133 or a variant
thereof In various embodiments the variant comprises up to 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 or 50 or more conservatively
modified amino acid residues relative to the sequence of the
respective SEQ ID NOs.
[0025] In one embodiment, the binding compound comprises an
antibody light chain comprising, or consisting essentially of, the
sequence of SEQ ID NO: 131. In one embodiment, the binding compound
comprises an antibody heavy chain comprising, or consisting
essentially of, the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 129, 130, 132 or 133. In
one embodiment the binding compound of the present invention binds
to human IL-23p19 (SEQ ID NO: 29) at an epitope comprising residues
82-95, or residues 133-140, or both. In another embodiment the
IL-23p19 binding compound binds to an epitope comprising some or
all of residues E82, G86, S87, D88, T91, G92, E93, P94, S95, H106,
P133, S134, Q135, P136, W137, R139 and L140, and optionally
residues K83, F90 and L110.
[0026] In other embodiments, the present invention provides a
binding compound that binds to human IL-23 and has a light chain
variable domain (V.sub.L) with at least 50%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or
95% sequence homology with SEQ ID NO: 131. In one embodiment, the
present invention provides a binding compound that binds to human
IL-23 and has a heavy chain variable domain (V.sub.H) with at least
50%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% sequence homology with SEQ ID NO:
129, 130, 132 or 133. In one embodiment the binding compound
comprises the light chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 131 and the
heavy chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 132.
[0027] In one embodiment, the invention relates to antibodies that
are able to block the binding of a binding compound of the present
invention to human IL-23 in a cross-blocking assay. In another
embodiment, the invention relates to binding compounds that are
able to block IL-23-mediated activity, such activities including
but not limited to, binding to its receptor and promoting the
proliferation or survival of T.sub.H17 cells.
[0028] In some embodiments, the binding compound of the present
invention further comprises a heavy chain constant region, wherein
the heavy chain constant region comprises a .gamma.1, .gamma.2,
.gamma.3, or .gamma.4 human heavy chain constant region or a
variant thereof. In various embodiments the light chain constant
region comprises a lambda or a kappa human light chain constant
region.
[0029] In various embodiments the binding compounds of the present
invention are polyclonal, monoclonal, chimeric, humanized or fully
human antibodies or fragments thereof. The present invention also
contemplates that the antigen binding fragment is an antibody
fragment selected from the group consisting of, e.g., Fab, Fab',
Fab'-SH, Fv, scFv, F(ab').sub.2, and a diabody.
[0030] The present invention encompasses a method of suppressing an
immune response in a human subject comprising administering to a
subject in need thereof an antibody (or a antigen binding fragment
thereof) specific for IL-23 in an amount effective to block the
biological activity of IL-23. In some embodiments, the antibody
specific for IL-23 is the humanized or chimeric antibody. In
further embodiments, the immune response is an inflammatory
response including arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel
disease. In other embodiments, the immune response is an autoimmune
response, including multiple sclerosis, uveitis, systemic lupus
erythematosus and diabetes. In another embodiment, the subject has
cancer and the immune response is a Th17 response.
[0031] The present invention also contemplates administering an
additional immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory agent. The
binding compounds of the present invention can be in a
pharmaceutical composition comprising the binding compound, or
antigen binding fragment thereof, in combination with a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. In a further
embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises an
immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory agent.
[0032] The present invention encompasses an isolated nucleic acid
encoding the polypeptide sequence of an antibody embodiment of the
binding compound of the present invention. The nucleic acid can be
in an expression vector operably linked to control sequences
recognized by a host cell transfected with the vector. Also
encompassed is a host cell comprising the vector, and a method of
producing a polypeptide comprising culturing the host cell under
conditions wherein the nucleic acid sequence is expressed, thereby
producing the polypeptide, and recovering the polypeptide from the
host cell or medium.
[0033] In various embodiments, the invention relates to use of a
binding compound of the present invention in the manufacture of
medicaments for the treatment of disorders including, but not
limited to, inflammatory disease, autoimmune disease, cancer,
infectious disease (e.g. bacterial, mycobacterial, viral or fungal
infection, including chronic infections), arthritis, psoriasis,
inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, uveitis, systemic
lupus erythematosus and diabetes.
[0034] In other embodiments the invention relates to pharmaceutical
compositions comprising a binding compound of the present invention
for treating disorders including, but not limited to, inflammatory
disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, infectious disease (e.g.
bacterial, mycobacterial, viral or fungal infection, including
chronic infections), arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel
disease, multiple sclerosis, uveitis, systemic lupus erythematosus
and diabetes.
[0035] In some embodiments, the binding compound or pharmaceutical
composition of the present invention induces a prolonged period of
remission from disease symptoms in a subject, such that the dosing
interval can be extended to much longer than the half-life of the
binding compound in the subject, for example in the treatment of a
relapsing-remitting disease. In various embodiments, the interval
between one administration and another is 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 16-,
20-, 24-, 30-weeks or longer. In other embodiments a single
administration is sufficient to permanently prevent relapses.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIGS. 1A-1C show comparisons of mouse anti-human IL-23p19
antibody clone heavy chain variable domain sequences. Sequences are
provided for clones 7G10, 6H12, 13F11, 13B5, 7E2, 13G1, 11C10,
1E10, 30F11, 5B12, 6H4, 9C9, 11B10, 33D2, 20A9, 22E9, 29D5, 21A10,
2G12, 15G2, 18E1, 2C6, 49A10, 34E4, 8E9, 1D6, 34F9, 7D7, 33B12,
17G8, 20A4, 20H7, 3C4, 3D7, 39G2, 35F12, 14A3, 12C11, 10H11, 19E9,
10G8 and 16F7. CDRs are indicated. Also provided is a consensus
sequence for a subset of the clones (conH), and mouse germline
sequences muIGHV1-14 ("V1-14"), muIGHD-Q52 ("D-Q52"), muIGHJ2
("J2") and muIGHJ3 ("J3"). Cross references to sequence identifiers
in the Sequence Listing are provided at Table 8.
[0037] FIGS. 2A-2C show comparisons of mouse anti-human IL-23p19
antibody clone light chain variable domain sequences. Sequence are
provided for clones 7G10, 6H12, 33B12, 13F11, 13B5, 13G1, 11C10,
7E2, 30F11, 34E4, 6H4, 33D2, 2C6, 2G12, 1D6, 18E1, 15G2, 17G8,
20A4, 20H7, 1E10, 20A9, 22E9, 29D5, 5B12, 9C9, 11B10, 16F7, 3D7,
21A10, 14A3, 12C11, 10G8, 19E9, 10H11, 39G2, 35F12, 49A10, 34F9,
8E9, 3C4 and 7D7. CDRs are indicated. Also provided are consensus
sequences for each of three subfamilies of light chain CDR
sequences (conLA, conLB, conLC), as well as mouse germline
sequences IGKV5-39 ("m5-39"), IGKV8-30 ("m8-30") and IGVK3-12
("m3-12"). Cross references to sequence identifiers in the Sequence
Listing are provided at Table 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] As used herein, including the appended claims, the singular
forms of words such as "a," "an," and "the," include their
corresponding plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Table 8 below provides a listing of sequence identifiers
used in this application. All references cited herein are
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication, patent application, or patent, was specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Citation of
the references herein is not intended as an admission that any of
the foregoing is pertinent prior art, nor does it constitute any
admission as to the contents or date of these publications or
documents.
I. Definitions
[0039] "Activation," "stimulation," and "treatment," as it applies
to cells or to receptors, may have the same meaning, e.g.,
activation, stimulation, or treatment of a cell or receptor with a
ligand, unless indicated otherwise by the context or explicitly.
"Ligand" encompasses natural and synthetic ligands, e.g.,
cytokines, cytokine variants, analogues, muteins, and binding
compositions derived from antibodies. "Ligand" also encompasses
small molecules, e.g., peptide mimetics of cytokines and peptide
mimetics of antibodies. "Activation" can refer to cell activation
as regulated by internal mechanisms as well as by external or
environmental factors. "Response," e.g., of a cell, tissue, organ,
or organism, encompasses a change in biochemical or physiological
behavior, e.g., concentration, density, adhesion, or migration
within a biological compartment, rate of gene expression, or state
of differentiation, where the change is correlated with activation,
stimulation, or treatment, or with internal mechanisms such as
genetic programming.
[0040] "Activity" of a molecule may describe or refer to the
binding of the molecule to a ligand or to a receptor, to catalytic
activity; to the ability to stimulate gene expression or cell
signaling, differentiation, or maturation; to antigenic activity,
to the modulation of activities of other molecules, and the like.
"Activity" of a molecule may also refer to activity in modulating
or maintaining cell-to-cell interactions, e.g., adhesion, or
activity in maintaining a structure of a cell, e.g., cell membranes
or cytoskeleton. "Activity" can also mean specific activity, e.g.,
[catalytic activity]/[mg protein], or [immunological activity]/[mg
protein], concentration in a biological compartment, or the like.
"Proliferative activity" encompasses an activity that promotes,
that is necessary for, or that is specifically associated with,
e.g., normal cell division, as well as cancer, tumors, dysplasia,
cell transformation, metastasis, and angiogenesis.
[0041] "Administration" and "treatment," as it applies to an
animal, human, experimental subject, cell, tissue, organ, or
biological fluid, refers to contact of an exogenous pharmaceutical,
therapeutic, diagnostic agent, or composition to the animal, human,
subject, cell, tissue, organ, or biological fluid. "Administration"
and "treatment" can refer, e.g., to therapeutic, pharmacokinetic,
diagnostic, research, and experimental methods. Treatment of a cell
encompasses contact of a reagent to the cell, as well as contact of
a reagent to a fluid, where the fluid is in contact with the cell.
"Administration" and "treatment" also means in vitro and ex vivo
treatments, e.g., of a cell, by a reagent, diagnostic, binding
composition, or by another cell. "Treatment," as it applies to a
human, veterinary, or research subject, refers to therapeutic
treatment, prophylactic or preventative measures, to research and
diagnostic applications. "Treatment" as it applies to a human,
veterinary, or research subject, or cell, tissue, or organ,
encompasses contact of an agent with animal subject, a cell,
tissue, physiological compartment, or physiological fluid.
"Treatment of a cell" also encompasses situations where the agent
contacts IL-23 receptor (IL-23R/IL-12Rbeta1 heterodimer), e.g., in
the fluid phase or colloidal phase, but also situations where the
agonist or antagonist does not contact the cell or the
receptor.
[0042] As used herein, the term "antibody" refers to any form of
antibody that exhibits the desired biological activity. Thus, it is
used in the broadest sense and specifically covers monoclonal
antibodies (including full length monoclonal antibodies),
polyclonal antibodies, multispecific antibodies (e.g., bispecific
antibodies), chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, fully human
antibodies, etc. so long as they exhibit the desired biological
activity.
[0043] As used herein, the terms "IL-23p19 binding fragment,"
"binding fragment thereof" or "antigen binding fragment thereof"
encompass a fragment or a derivative of an antibody that still
substantially retains its biological activity of inhibiting
IL-23p19 activity. Therefore, the term "antibody fragment" or
IL-23p19 binding fragment refers to a portion of a full length
antibody, generally the antigen binding or variable region thereof.
Examples of antibody fragments include Fab, Fab', F(ab').sub.2, and
Fv fragments; diabodies; linear antibodies; single-chain antibody
molecules, e.g., sc-Fv; and multispecific antibodies formed from
antibody fragments. Typically, a binding fragment or derivative
retains at least 10% of its IL-23p19 inhibitory activity.
Preferably, a binding fragment or derivative retains at least 25%,
50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 100% (or more) of its IL-23p19
inhibitory activity, although any binding fragment with sufficient
affinity to exert the desired biological effect will be useful. It
is also intended that a IL-23p19 binding fragment can include
conservative amino acid substitutions that do not substantially
alter its biologic activity.
[0044] The term "monoclonal antibody", as used herein, refers to an
antibody obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous
antibodies, i.e., the individual antibodies comprising the
population are identical except for possible naturally occurring
mutations that may be present in minor amounts. Monoclonal
antibodies are highly specific, being directed against a single
antigenic epitope. In contrast, conventional (polyclonal) antibody
preparations typically include a multitude of antibodies directed
against (or specific for) different epitopes. The modifier
"monoclonal" indicates the character of the antibody as being
obtained from a substantially homogeneous population of antibodies,
and is not to be construed as requiring production of the antibody
by any particular method. For example, the monoclonal antibodies to
be used in accordance with the present invention may be made by the
hybridoma method first described by Kohler et al. (1975) Nature
256: 495, or may be made by recombinant DNA methods (see, e.g.,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567). The "monoclonal antibodies" may also be
isolated from phage antibody libraries using the techniques
described in Clackson et al. (1991) Nature 352: 624-628 and Marks
et al. (1991) J. Mol. Biol. 222: 581-597, for example.
[0045] The monoclonal antibodies herein specifically include
"chimeric" antibodies (immunoglobulins) in which a portion of the
heavy and/or light chain is identical with or homologous to
corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from a particular
species or belonging to a particular antibody class or subclass,
while the remainder of the chain(s) is identical with or homologous
to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from another
species or belonging to another antibody class or subclass, as well
as fragments of such antibodies, so long as they exhibit the
desired biological activity. U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567; Morrison et
al. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81: 6851-6855.
[0046] A "domain antibody" is an immunologically functional
immunoglobulin fragment containing only the variable region of a
heavy chain or the variable region of a light chain. In some
instances, two or more V.sub.H regions are covalently joined with a
peptide linker to create a bivalent domain antibody. The two
V.sub.H regions of a bivalent domain antibody may target the same
or different antigens.
[0047] A "bivalent antibody" comprises two antigen binding sites.
In some instances, the two binding sites have the same antigen
specificities. However, bivalent antibodies may be bispecific (see
below).
[0048] As used herein, the term "single-chain Fv" or "scFv"
antibody refers to antibody fragments comprising the V.sub.H and
V.sub.L domains of antibody, wherein these domains are present in a
single polypeptide chain. Generally, the Fv polypeptide further
comprises a polypeptide linker between the V.sub.H and V.sub.L
domains which enables the sFv to form the desired structure for
antigen binding. For a review of sFv, see Pluckthun (1994) THE
PHARMACOLOGY OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES, vol. 113, Rosenburg and
Moore eds. Springer-Verlag, New York, pp. 269-315.
[0049] The monoclonal antibodies herein also include camelized
single domain antibodies. See, e.g., Muyldermans et al. (2001)
Trends Biochem. Sci. 26:230; Reichmann et al. (1999) J. Immunol.
Methods 231:25; WO 94/04678; WO 94/25591; U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,079).
In one embodiment, the present invention provides single domain
antibodies comprising two V.sub.H domains with modifications such
that single domain antibodies are formed.
[0050] As used herein, the term "diabodies" refers to small
antibody fragments with two antigen-binding sites, which fragments
comprise a heavy chain variable domain (V.sub.H) connected to a
light chain variable domain (V.sub.L) in the same polypeptide chain
(V.sub.H-V.sub.L or V.sub.L-V.sub.H). By using a linker that is too
short to allow pairing between the two domains on the same chain,
the domains are forced to pair with the complementary domains of
another chain and create two antigen-binding sites. Diabodies are
described more fully in, e.g., EP 404,097; WO 93/11161; and
Holliger et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90: 6444-6448.
For a review of engineered antibody variants generally see Holliger
and Hudson (2005) Nat. Biotechnol. 23:1126-1136.
[0051] As used herein, the term "humanized antibody" refers to
forms of antibodies that contain sequences from non-human (e.g.,
murine) antibodies as well as human antibodies. Such antibodies
contain minimal sequence derived from non-human immunoglobulin. In
general, the humanized antibody will comprise substantially all of
at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or
substantially all of the hypervariable loops correspond to those of
a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the FR
regions are those of a human immunoglobulin sequence. The humanized
antibody optionally also will comprise at least a portion of an
immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically that of a human
immunoglobulin. The prefix "hum", "hu" or "h" is added to antibody
clone designations when necessary to distinguish humanized
antibodies (e.g. hum6H12) from parental rodent antibodies (e.g.
mouse 6H12, or "m6H12"). The humanized forms of rodent antibodies
will generally comprise the same CDR sequences of the parental
rodent antibodies, although certain amino acid substitutions may be
included to increase affinity, increase stability of the humanized
antibody, or for other reasons.
[0052] The antibodies of the present invention also include
antibodies with modified (or blocked) Fc regions to provide altered
effector functions. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,821;
WO2003/086310; WO2005/120571; WO2006/0057702; Presta (2006) Adv.
Drug Delivery Rev. 58:640-656. Such modification can be used to
enhance or suppress various reactions of the immune system, with
possible beneficial effects in diagnosis and therapy. Alterations
of the Fc region include amino acid changes (substitutions,
deletions and insertions), glycosylation or deglycosylation, and
adding multiple Fc. Changes to the Fc can also alter the half-life
of antibodies in therapeutic antibodies, and a longer half-life
would result in less frequent dosing, with the concomitant
increased convenience and decreased use of material. See Presta
(2005) J. Allergy Clin. Immunol.116:731 at 734-35.
[0053] The term "fully human antibody" refers to an antibody that
comprises human immunoglobulin protein sequences only. A fully
human antibody may contain murine carbohydrate chains if produced
in a mouse, in a mouse cell, or in a hybridoma derived from a mouse
cell. Similarly, "mouse antibody" refers to an antibody which
comprises mouse immunoglobulin sequences only. A fully human
antibody may be generated in a human being, in a transgenic animal
having human immunoglobulin germline sequences, by phage display or
other molecular biological methods.
[0054] As used herein, the term "hypervariable region" refers to
the amino acid residues of an antibody that are responsible for
antigen-binding. The hypervariable region comprises amino acid
residues from a "complementarity determining region" or "CDR" (e.g.
residues 24-34 (CDRL1), 50-56 (CDRL2) and 89-97 (CDRL3) in the
light chain variable domain and residues 31-35 (CDRH1), 50-65
(CDRH2) and 95-102 (CDRH3) in the heavy chain variable domain
(Kabat et al. (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological
Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of
Health, Bethesda, Md.) and/or those residues from a "hypervariable
loop" (i.e. residues 26-32 (L1), 50-52 (L2) and 91-96 (L3) in the
light chain variable domain and 26-32 (H1), 53-55 (H2) and 96-101
(H3) in the heavy chain variable domain (Chothia and Lesk (1987) J.
Mol. Biol. 196: 901-917). As used herein, the term "framework" or
"FR" residues refers to those variable domain residues other than
the hypervariable region residues defined herein as CDR residues.
The residue numbering above relates to the Kabat numbering system
and does not necessarily correspond in detail to the sequence
numbering in the accompanying Sequence Listing. See Tables 2 and 3,
in which sequence numbering is with reference to the Sequence
Listing.
[0055] "Binding compound" refers to a molecule, small molecule,
macromolecule, polypeptide, antibody or fragment or analogue
thereof, or soluble receptor, capable of binding to a target.
"Binding compound" also may refer to a complex of molecules, e.g.,
a non-covalent complex, to an ionized molecule, and to a covalently
or non-covalently modified molecule, e.g., modified by
phosphorylation, acylation, cross-linking, cyclization, or limited
cleavage, which is capable of binding to a target. When used with
reference to antibodies, the term "binding compound" refers to both
antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof. "Binding" refers
to an association of the binding composition with a target where
the association results in reduction in the normal Brownian motion
of the binding composition, in cases where the binding composition
can be dissolved or suspended in solution. "Binding composition"
refers to a molecule, e.g. a binding compound, in combination with
a stabilizer, excipient, salt, buffer, solvent, or additive,
capable of binding to a target.
[0056] "Conservatively modified variants" or "conservative
substitution" refers to substitutions of amino acids are known to
those of skill in this art and may be made generally without
altering the biological activity of the resulting molecule, even in
essential regions of the polypeptide. Such exemplary substitutions
are preferably made in accordance with those set forth in Table 1
as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Exemplary Conservative Amino Acid
Substitutions Original residue Conservative substitution Ala (A)
Gly; Ser Arg (R) Lys, His Asn (N) Gln; His Asp (D) Glu; Asn Cys (C)
Ser; Ala Gln (Q) Asn Glu (E) Asp; Gln Gly (G) Ala His (H) Asn; Gln
Ile (I) Leu; Val Leu (L) Ile; Val Lys (K) Arg; His Met (M) Leu;
Ile; Tyr Phe (F) Tyr; Met; Leu Pro (P) Ala Ser (S) Thr Thr (T) Ser
Trp (W) Tyr; Phe Tyr (Y) Trp; Phe Val (V) Ile; Leu
[0057] In addition, those of skill in this art recognize that, in
general, single amino acid substitutions in non-essential regions
of a polypeptide do not substantially alter biological activity.
See, e.g., Watson et al. (1987) Molecular Biology of the Gene, The
Benjamin/Cummings Pub. Co., p. 224 (4th Edition).
[0058] The phrase "consists essentially of," or variations such as
"consist essentially of" or "consisting essentially of," as used
throughout the specification and claims, indicate the inclusion of
any recited elements or group of elements, and the optional
inclusion of other elements, of similar or different nature than
the recited elements, that do not materially change the basic or
novel properties of the specified dosage regimen, method, or
composition. As a non-limiting example, a binding compound that
consists essentially of a recited amino acid sequence may also
include one or more amino acids, including substitutions of one or
more amino acid residues, that do not materially affect the
properties of the binding compound.
[0059] "Effective amount" encompasses an amount sufficient to
ameliorate or prevent a symptom or sign of the medical condition.
Effective amount also means an amount sufficient to allow or
facilitate diagnosis. An effective amount for a particular patient
or veterinary subject may vary depending on factors such as the
condition being treated, the overall health of the patient, the
method route and dose of administration and the severity of side
affects. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,530 issued to Netti et al.
An effective amount can be the maximal dose or dosing protocol that
avoids significant side effects or toxic effects. The effect will
result in an improvement of a diagnostic measure or parameter by at
least 5%, usually by at least 10%, more usually at least 20%, most
usually at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at
least 50%, most preferably at least 60%, ideally at least 70%, more
ideally at least 80%, and most ideally at least 90%, where 100% is
defined as the diagnostic parameter shown by a normal subject. See,
e.g., Maynard et al. (1996) A Handbook of SOPs for Good Clinical
Practice, Interpharm Press, Boca Raton, Fla.; Dent (2001) Good
Laboratory and Good Clinical Practice, Urch Publ., London, UK.
[0060] "Exogenous" refers to substances that are produced outside
an organism, cell, or human body, depending on the context.
"Endogenous" refers to substances that are produced within a cell,
organism, or human body, depending on the context.
[0061] "Immune condition" or "immune disorder" encompasses, e.g.,
pathological inflammation, an inflammatory disorder, and an
autoimmune disorder or disease. "Immune condition" also refers to
infections, persistent infections, and proliferative conditions,
such as cancer, tumors, and angiogenesis, including infections,
tumors, and cancers that resist eradication by the immune system.
"Cancerous condition" includes, e.g., cancer, cancer cells, tumors,
angiogenesis, and precancerous conditions such as dysplasia.
[0062] "Inflammatory disorder" means a disorder or pathological
condition where the pathology results, in whole or in part, from,
e.g., a change in number, change in rate of migration, or change in
activation, of cells of the immune system. Cells of the immune
system include, e.g., T cells, B cells, monocytes or macrophages,
antigen presenting cells (APCs), dendritic cells, microglia, NK
cells, NKT cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells, or any
other cell specifically associated with the immunology, for
example, cytokine-producing endothelial or epithelial cells.
[0063] An "IL-17-producing cell" means a T cell that is not a
classical TH1-type T cell or classical TH2-type T cell, referred to
as T.sub.H17 cells. T.sub.H17 cells are discussed in greater detail
at Cua and Kastelein (2006) Nat. Immunol. 7:557-559; Tato and
O'Shea (2006) Nature 441:166-168; Iwakura and Ishigame (2006) J.
Clin. Invest. 116:1218-1222. "IL-17-producing cell" also means a T
cell that expresses a gene or polypeptide of Table 10B of U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0219150 (e.g., mitogen
responsive P-protein; chemokine ligand 2; interleukin-17 (IL-17);
transcription factor RAR related; and/or suppressor of cytokine
signaling 3), where expression with treatment by an IL-23 agonist
is greater than treatment with an IL-12 agonist, where "greater
than" is defined as follows. Expression with an IL-23 agonist is
ordinarily at least 5-fold greater, typically at least 10-fold
greater, more typically at least 15-fold greater, most typically at
least 20-fold greater, preferably at least 25-fold greater, and
most preferably at least 30-fold greater, than with IL-12
treatment. Expression can be measured, e.g., with treatment of a
population of substantially pure IL-17 producing cells. A Th17
response is an immune response in which the activity and/or
proliferation of Th17 cells are enhanced, typically coupled with a
repressed Th1 response.
[0064] Moreover, "IL-17-producing cell" includes a progenitor or
precursor cell that is committed, in a pathway of cell development
or cell differentiation, to differentiating into an IL-17-producing
cell, as defined above. A progenitor or precursor cell to the IL-17
producing cell can be found in a draining lymph node (DLN).
Additionally, "IL-17-producing cell" encompasses an IL-17-producing
cell, as defined above, that has been, e.g., activated, e.g., by a
phorbol ester, ionophore, and/or carcinogen, further
differentiated, stored, frozen, desiccated, inactivated, partially
degraded, e.g., by apoptosis, proteolysis, or lipid oxidation, or
modified, e.g., by recombinant technology.
[0065] As used herein, the term "isolated nucleic acid molecule"
refers to a nucleic acid molecule that is identified and separated
from at least one contaminant nucleic acid molecule with which it
is ordinarily associated in the natural source of the antibody
nucleic acid. An isolated nucleic acid molecule is other than in
the form or setting in which it is found in nature. Isolated
nucleic acid molecules therefore are distinguished from the nucleic
acid molecule as it exists in natural cells. However, an isolated
nucleic acid molecule includes a nucleic acid molecule contained in
cells that ordinarily express the antibody where, for example, the
nucleic acid molecule is in a chromosomal location different from
that of natural cells.
[0066] The expression "control sequences" refers to DNA sequences
necessary for the expression of an operably linked coding sequence
in a particular host organism. The control sequences that are
suitable for prokaryotes, for example, include a promoter,
optionally an operator sequence, and a ribosome binding site.
Eukaryotic cells are known to utilize promoters, polyadenylation
signals, and enhancers.
[0067] A nucleic acid is "operably linked" when it is placed into a
functional relationship with another nucleic acid sequence. For
example, DNA for a presequence or secretory leader is operably
linked to DNA for a polypeptide if it is expressed as a preprotein
that participates in the secretion of the polypeptide; a promoter
or enhancer is operably linked to a coding sequence if it affects
the transcription of the sequence; or a ribosome binding site is
operably linked to a coding sequence if it is positioned so as to
facilitate translation. Generally, "operably linked" means that the
DNA sequences being linked are contiguous, and, in the case of a
secretory leader, contiguous and in reading phase. However,
enhancers do not have to be contiguous. Linking is accomplished by
ligation at convenient restriction sites. If such sites do not
exist, the synthetic oligonucleotide adaptors or linkers are used
in accordance with conventional practice.
[0068] As used herein, the expressions "cell," "cell line," and
"cell culture" are used interchangeably and all such designations
include progeny. Thus, the words "transformants" and "transformed
cells" include the primary subject cell and cultures derived
therefrom without regard for the number of transfers. It is also
understood that all progeny may not be precisely identical in DNA
content, due to deliberate or inadvertent mutations. Mutant progeny
that have the same function or biological activity as screened for
in the originally transformed cell are included. Where distinct
designations are intended, it will be clear from the context.
[0069] As used herein, "polymerase chain reaction" or "PCR" refers
to a procedure or technique in which minute amounts of a specific
piece of nucleic acid, RNA and/or DNA, are amplified as described
in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,195. Generally, sequence information
from the ends of the region of interest or beyond needs to be
available, such that oligonucleotide primers can be designed; these
primers will be identical or similar in sequence to opposite
strands of the template to be amplified. The 5' terminal
nucleotides of the two primers can coincide with the ends of the
amplified material. PCR can be used to amplify specific RNA
sequences, specific DNA sequences from total genomic DNA, and cDNA
transcribed from total cellular RNA, bacteriophage or plasmid
sequences, etc. See generally Mullis et al. (1987) Cold Spring
Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol. 51:263; Erlich, ed., (1989) PCR
TECHNOLOGY (Stockton Press, N.Y.) As used herein, PCR is considered
to be one, but not the only, example of a nucleic acid polymerase
reaction method for amplifying a nucleic acid test sample
comprising the use of a known nucleic acid as a primer and a
nucleic acid polymerase to amplify or generate a specific piece of
nucleic acid.
[0070] As used herein, the term "germline sequence" refers to a
sequence of unrearranged immunoglobulin DNA sequences, including
rodent (e.g. mouse) and human germline sequences. Any suitable
source of unrearranged immunoglobulin DNA may be used. Human
germline sequences may be obtained, for example, from
JOINSOLVER.RTM. germline databases on the website for the National
Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the
United States National Institutes of Health. Mouse germline
sequences may be obtained, for example, as described in Giudicelli
et al. (2005) Nucleic Acids Res. 33:D256-D261.
[0071] "Inhibitors" and "antagonists" or "activators" and
"agonists" refer to inhibitory or activating molecules,
respectively, e.g., for the activation of, e.g., a ligand,
receptor, cofactor, a gene, cell, tissue, or organ. A modulator of,
e.g., a gene, a receptor, a ligand, or a cell, is a molecule that
alters an activity of the gene, receptor, ligand, or cell, where
activity can be activated, inhibited, or altered in its regulatory
properties. The modulator may act alone, or it may use a cofactor,
e.g., a protein, metal ion, or small molecule. Inhibitors are
compounds that decrease, block, prevent, delay activation,
inactivate, desensitize, or down regulate, e.g., a gene, protein,
ligand, receptor, or cell. Activators are compounds that increase,
activate, facilitate, enhance activation, sensitize, or up
regulate, e.g., a gene, protein, ligand, receptor, or cell. An
inhibitor may also be defined as a composition that reduces,
blocks, or inactivates a constitutive activity. An "agonist" is a
compound that interacts with a target to cause or promote an
increase in the activation of the target. An "antagonist" is a
compound that opposes the actions of an agonist. An antagonist
prevents, reduces, inhibits, or neutralizes the activity of an
agonist. An antagonist can also prevent, inhibit, or reduce
constitutive activity of a target, e.g., a target receptor, even
where there is no identified agonist.
[0072] To examine the extent of inhibition, for example, samples or
assays comprising a given, e.g., protein, gene, cell, or organism,
are treated with a potential activating or inhibiting agent and are
compared to control samples without the agent. Control samples,
i.e., not treated with agent, are assigned a relative activity
value of 100%. Inhibition is achieved when the activity value
relative to the control is about 90% or less, typically 85% or
less, more typically 80% or less, most typically 75% or less,
generally 70% or less, more generally 65% or less, most generally
60% or less, typically 55% or less, usually 50% or less, more
usually 45% or less, most usually 40% or less, preferably 35% or
less, more preferably 30% or less, still more preferably 25% or
less, and most preferably less than 25%. Activation is achieved
when the activity value relative to the control is about 110%,
generally at least 120%, more generally at least 140%, more
generally at least 160%, often at least 180%, more often at least
2-fold, most often at least 2.5-fold, usually at least 5-fold, more
usually at least 10-fold, preferably at least 20-fold, more
preferably at least 40-fold, and most preferably over 40-fold
higher.
[0073] Endpoints in activation or inhibition can be monitored as
follows. Activation, inhibition, and response to treatment, e.g.,
of a cell, physiological fluid, tissue, organ, and animal or human
subject, can be monitored by an endpoint. The endpoint may comprise
a predetermined quantity or percentage of, e.g., an indicia of
inflammation, oncogenicity, or cell degranulation or secretion,
such as the release of a cytokine, toxic oxygen, or a protease. The
endpoint may comprise, e.g., a predetermined quantity of ion flux
or transport; cell migration; cell adhesion; cell proliferation;
potential for metastasis; cell differentiation; and change in
phenotype, e.g., change in expression of gene relating to
inflammation, apoptosis, transformation, cell cycle, or metastasis
(see, e.g., Knight (2000) Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci. 30:145-158; Hood and
Cheresh (2002) Nature Rev. Cancer 2:91-100; Timme et al. (2003)
Curr. Drug Targets 4:251-261; Robbins and Itzkowitz (2002) Med.
Clin. North Am. 86:1467-1495; Grady and Markowitz (2002) Annu. Rev.
Genomics Hum. Genet. 3:101-128; Bauer, et al. (2001) Glia
36:235-243; Stanimirovic and Satoh (2000) Brain Pathol.
10:113-126).
[0074] An endpoint of inhibition is generally 75% of the control or
less, preferably 50% of the control or less, more preferably 25% of
the control or less, and most preferably 10% of the control or
less. Generally, an endpoint of activation is at least 150% the
control, preferably at least two times the control, more preferably
at least four times the control, and most preferably at least 10
times the control.
[0075] "Ligand" refers, e.g., to a small molecule, peptide,
polypeptide, and membrane associated or membrane-bound molecule, or
complex thereof, that can act as an agonist or antagonist of a
receptor. "Ligand" also encompasses an agent that is not an agonist
or antagonist, but that can bind to the receptor. Moreover,
"ligand" includes a membrane-bound ligand that has been changed,
e.g., by chemical or recombinant methods, to a soluble version of
the membrane-bound ligand. By convention, where a ligand is
membrane-bound on a first cell, the receptor usually occurs on a
second cell. The second cell may have the same or a different
identity as the first cell. A ligand or receptor may be entirely
intracellular, that is, it may reside in the cytosol, nucleus, or
some other intracellular compartment. The ligand or receptor may
change its location, e.g., from an intracellular compartment to the
outer face of the plasma membrane. The complex of a ligand and
receptor is termed a "ligand receptor complex." Where a ligand and
receptor are involved in a signaling pathway, the ligand occurs at
an upstream position and the receptor occurs at a downstream
position of the signaling pathway.
[0076] "Small molecule" is defined as a molecule with a molecular
weight that is less than 10 kDa, typically less than 2 kDa, and
preferably less than 1 kDa. Small molecules include, but are not
limited to, inorganic molecules, organic molecules, organic
molecules containing an inorganic component, molecules comprising a
radioactive atom, synthetic molecules, peptide mimetics, and
antibody mimetics. As a therapeutic, a small molecule may be more
permeable to cells, less susceptible to degradation, and less apt
to elicit an immune response than large molecules. Small molecules,
such as peptide mimetics of antibodies and cytokines, as well as
small molecule toxins are described. See, e.g., Casset et al.
(2003) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 307:198-205; Muyldermans
(2001) J. Biotechnol. 74:277-302; Li (2000) Nat. Biotechnol.
18:1251-1256; Apostolopoulos et al. (2002) Curr. Med. Chem.
9:411-420; Monfardini et al. (2002) Curr. Pharm. Des. 8:2185-2199;
Domingues et al. (1999) Nat. Struct. Biol. 6:652-656; Sato and Sone
(2003) Biochem. J. 371:603-608; U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,482.
[0077] "Specifically" or "selectively" binds, when referring to a
ligand/receptor, antibody/antigen, or other binding pair, indicates
a binding reaction which is determinative of the presence of the
protein in a heterogeneous population of proteins and other
biologics. Thus, under designated conditions, a specified ligand
binds to a particular receptor and does not bind in a significant
amount to other proteins present in the sample. As used herein, an
antibody is said to bind specifically to a polypeptide comprising a
given sequence (in this case IL-23p19) if it binds to polypeptides
comprising the sequence of IL-23p19 but does not bind to proteins
lacking the sequence of IL-23p19. For example, an antibody that
specifically binds to a polypeptide comprising IL-23p19 may bind to
a FLAG.RTM.-tagged form of IL-23p19 but will not bind to other
FLAG.RTM.-tagged proteins.
[0078] The antibody, or binding composition derived from the
antigen-binding site of an antibody, of the contemplated method
binds to its antigen with an affinity that is at least two fold
greater, preferably at least ten times greater, more preferably at
least 20-times greater, and most preferably at least 100-times
greater than the affinity with unrelated antigens. In a preferred
embodiment the antibody will have an affinity that is greater than
about 10.sup.9 liters/mol, as determined, e.g., by Scatchard
analysis. Munsen et al. (1980) Analyt. Biochem. 107:220-239.
[0079] As used herein, the term "immunomodulatory agent" refers to
natural or synthetic agents that suppress or modulate an immune
response. The immune response can be a humoral or cellular
response. Immunomodulatory agents encompass immunosuppressive or
anti-inflammatory agents.
[0080] "Immunosuppressive agents," "immunosuppressive drugs," or
"immunosuppressants" as used herein are therapeutics that are used
in immunosuppressive therapy to inhibit or prevent activity of the
immune system. Clinically they are used to prevent the rejection of
transplanted organs and tissues (e.g. bone marrow, heart, kidney,
liver), and/or in the treatment of autoimmune diseases or diseases
that are most likely of autoimmune origin (e.g. rheumatoid
arthritis, myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus,
ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis). Immunosuppressive drugs
can be classified into four groups: glucocorticoids cytostatics;
antibodies (including Biological Response Modifiers or DMARDs);
drugs acting on immunophilins; other drugs, including known
chemotherpeutic agents used in the treatment of proliferative
disorders. For multiple sclerosis, in particular, the antibodies of
the present invention can be administered in conjunction with a new
class of myelin binding protein-like therapeutics, known as
copaxones.
[0081] "Anti-inflammatory agents" or "anti-inflammatory drugs", is
used to represent both steroidal and non-steroidal therapeutics.
Steroids, also known as corticosteroids, are drugs that closely
resemble cortisol, a hormone produced naturally by adrenal glands.
Steroids are used as the main treatment for certain inflammatory
conditions, such as: Systemic vasculitis (inflammation of blood
vessels); and Myositis (inflammation of muscle). Steroids might
also be used selectively to treat inflammatory conditions such as:
rheumatoid arthritis (chronic inflammatory arthritis occurring in
joints on both sides of the body); systemic lupus erythematosus (a
generalized disease caused by abnormal immune system function);
Sjogren's syndrome (chronic disorder that causes dry eyes and a dry
mouth).
[0082] Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, usually abbreviated
to NSAIDs, are drugs with analgesic, antipyretic and
anti-inflammatory effects--they reduce pain, fever and
inflammation. The term "non-steroidal" is used to distinguish these
drugs from steroids, which (amongst a broad range of other effects)
have a similar eicosanoid-depressing, anti-inflammatory action.
NSAIDs are generally indicated for the symptomatic relief of the
following conditions: rheumatoid arthritis; osteoarthritis;
inflammatory arthropathies (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic
arthritis, Reiter's syndrome); acute gout; dysmenorrhoea;
metastatic bone pain; headache and migraine; postoperative pain;
mild-to-moderate pain due to inflammation and tissue injury;
pyrexia; and renal colic. NSAIDs include salicylates, arlyalknoic
acids, 2-arylpropionic acids (profens), N-arylanthranilic acids
(fenamic acids), oxicams, coxibs, and sulphonanilides.
II. General
[0083] The present invention provides engineered anti-IL-23
antibodies and uses thereof to treat inflammatory, autoimmune, and
proliferative disorders. A subset of the antibodies disclosed
herein are also disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2007/0048315, specifically clones 7G10, 6H12, 13F11, 13B5, 7E2,
13G1, 11C10, 1E10, 30F11, 5B12, 6H4, 9C9, 11B10, 33D2, 20A9, 22E9,
29D5, 21A10, 49A10, 34E4, 34F9, 7D7, 33B12, 3D7, 39G2, 35F12,
10H11, 19E9 and 10G8.
[0084] A number of cytokines have a role in the pathology or repair
of neurological disorders. IL-6, IL-17, interferon-gamma (IFNgamma,
IFN-.gamma.), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)
have been associated with multiple sclerosis. Matusevicius et al.
(1999) Multiple Sclerosis 5:101-104; Lock et al. (2002) Nature Med.
8:500-508. IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and transforming growth factor-beta
1 (TGF-beta1) play a role in ALS, Parkinson's disease, and
Alzheimer's disease. Hoozemans et al. (2001) Exp. Gerontol.
36:559-570; Griffin and Mrak (2002) J. Leukocyte Biol. 72:233-238;
Ilzecka et al. (2002) Cytokine 20:239-243. TNF-alpha, IL-1beta,
IL-6, IL-8, interferon-gamma, and IL-17 appear to modulate response
to brain ischemia. See, e.g., Kostulas et al. (1999) Stroke
30:2174-2179; Li et al. (2001) J. Neuroimmunol. 116:5-14. Vascular
endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) is associated with ALS.
Cleveland and Rothstein (2001) Nature 2:806-819.
[0085] Inflammatory bowel disorders, e.g., Crohn's disease,
ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome,
are mediated by cells of the immune system and by cytokines. For
example, Crohn's disease is associated with increased IL-12 and
IFN.gamma., while ulcerative colitis is associated with increased
IL-5, IL-13, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta). IL-17
expression may also increase in Crohn's disease and ulcerative
colitis. See, e.g., Podolsky (2002) New Engl. J. Med. 347:417-429;
Bouma and Strober (2003) Nat. Rev. Immunol. 3:521-533; Bhan et al.
(1999) Immunol. Rev. 169:195-207; Hanauer (1996) New Engl. J. Med.
334:841-848; Green (2003) The Lancet 362:383-391; McManus (2003)
New Engl. J. Med. 348:2573-2574; Horwitz and Fisher (2001) New
Engl. J. Med. 344:1846-1850; Andoh et al. (2002) Int. J. Mol. Med.
10:631-634; Nielsen et al. (2003) Scand. J. Gastroenterol.
38:180-185; Fujino et al. (2003) Gut 52:65-70.
[0086] IL-23 receptor is a heterodimeric complex of IL-23R and
IL-12R.beta.1 subunits. See Parham et al. (2000) J. Immunol.
168:5699. IL-12 receptor is a complex of IL-12R.beta.1 and
IL-12R.beta.2 subunits. See Presky et al. (1996) Proc. Nat'l Acad.
Sci. USA 93:14002. IL-23R has been implicated as a critical genetic
factor in the inflammatory bowel disorders Crohn's disease and
ulcerative colitis. Duerr et al. (2006) Sciencexpress 26 Oct.
2006:1. A genome-wide association study found that the gene for
IL-23R was highly associated with Crohn's disease, with an uncommon
coding variant (Arg381Gln) conferring strong protection against the
disease. This genetic association confirms prior biological
findings (Yen et al. (2006) J. Clin. Investigation 116:1218)
suggesting that IL-23 and its receptor are promising targets for
new therapeutic approached to treating IBD.
[0087] Inflammatory diseases of the skin, joints, CNS, as well as
proliferative disorders elicit similar immune responses, thus IL-23
blockade should provide inhibition of these immune mediated
inflammatory disorders, without comprising the host ability to
fight systemic infections. Antagonizing IL-23 should relieve the
inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's
disease, Ulcerative Colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic
arthritis, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and atopic
dermatitis. Use of IL-23 inhibitors will also provide inhibition of
proliferative disorders, e.g., cancer and autoimmune disorders,
e.g., multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, and SLE. Descriptions of
IL-23 in these various disorders can be found in the following
published PCT applications: WO 04/081190; WO 04/071517; WO
00/53631; and WO 01/18051. IL-23 inhibitors may also find use in
treatment of infections, including chronic infections, such as
bacterial, mycobacterial, viral and fungal infections.
[0088] The p19 subunit of IL-23 is a member of the `long chain`
family of hematopoietic cytokines (Oppmann et al. (2000) supra) and
comprises four packed .alpha.-helices termed A, B, C and D, with an
up-up-down-down topology. The 4 helices are connected by 3
polypeptide loops. The A-B and C-D loops are modeled to be
relatively long as they connect parallel helices. The short B-C
loop connects the antiparallel B and C helices. The p19 subunit of
IL-23 is a member of the IL-6 family of helical cytokines. This
family of cytokines bind to their cognate receptors through three
conserved epitopes (site I, II and III; Bravo and Heath (2000) EMBO
J. 19:2399-2411). The p19 subunit interacts with three cytokine
receptor subunits to form the competent signaling complex. When
expressed in a cell, the p19 subunit first form a complex with the
p40 subunit, which it shares with IL-12. As noted above, the p19p40
complex is secreted from the cell as a heterodimeric protein and is
called IL-23. See, e.g., Oppmann et al., supra. The cellular
receptor complex required to transduce the IL-23 signal consists of
two members of the tall signaling receptor subunits of the
IL-6/IL-12 family of cytokines, the IL-23-specific IL-23R (see,
e.g., Parham et al. supra) and the IL-12Rb1, that is shared with
IL-12.
[0089] Insights into the structural basis of `long chain`
cytokine/receptor recognition have shown that although large areas
of protein surface are buried in formation of cytokine--receptor
complexes, the affinity of the interaction is dominated by a few,
often tightly clustered amino acid residues forming an energetic
`hot spot` in the center of the binding interface. The identity of
the residues that dominate the binding energy of a large
protein-protein interface has been termed the `functional epitope.`
The affinity of the interaction (and hence biological specificity)
is consequently defined by the structural complementarity of the
functional epitopes of ligand and receptor. Detailed mutagenesis
studies have shown that the most significant residues that make up
the functional epitopes of cytokines and receptors are hydrophobic
contacts involving either non-polar side chains such as tryptophan,
the aliphatic components of non-polar side chains or the
polypeptide backbone. The non-polar `core` is surrounded by a halo
of polar residues of lesser importance for binding energy. Kinetic
studies indicate that the primary role of the functional epitopes
is to stabilize protein-protein interaction by decreasing the
dissociation rate of the complex. It has been suggested that the
initial contact between cytokine and receptor is dominated by
random diffusion or `rolling` of protein surfaces producing many
unstable contacts. The complex is then stabilized when the
functional epitopes of the receptor and ligand engage. See, e.g.,
Bravo and Heath, supra.
III. Generation of IL-23 Specific Antibodies
[0090] Any suitable method for generating monoclonal antibodies may
be used. For example, a recipient may be immunized with a linked or
unlinked (e.g. naturally occurring) form of the IL-23 heterodimer,
or a fragment thereof. Any suitable method of immunization can be
used. Such methods can include adjuvants, other immunostimulants,
repeated booster immunizations, and the use of one or more
immunization routes.
[0091] Any suitable source of IL-23 can be used as the immunogen
for the generation of the non-human antibody, specific for the p 19
subunit, of the compositions and methods disclosed herein. Such
forms include, but are not limited whole protein, including linked
and naturally occurring heterodimers, peptide(s), and epitopes,
generated through recombinant, synthetic, chemical or enzymatic
degradation means known in the art. In various embodiments the
IL-23 immunogen may be, e.g., a human p19 polypeptide, a natural
heterodimeric complex of human p19 and p40 (two
disulfide-crosslinked polypeptide chains), a fusion protein
comprising human p40 and p19 sequences (see U.S. Pat. No.
7,090,847), or chimeric IL-23 (e.g. human p19:mouse p40).
[0092] Any form of the antigen can be used to generate the antibody
that is sufficient to generate a biologically active antibody.
Thus, the eliciting antigen may be a single epitope, multiple
epitopes, or the entire protein alone or in combination with one or
more immunogenicity enhancing agents known in the art. The
eliciting antigen may be an isolated full-length protein, a cell
surface protein (e.g., immunizing with cells transfected with at
least a portion of the antigen), or a soluble protein (e.g.,
immunizing with only the extracellular domain portion of the
protein). The antigen may be produced in a genetically modified
cell. The DNA encoding the antigen may genomic or non-genomic
(e.g., cDNA) and encodes at least a portion of the extracellular
domain. As used herein, the term "portion" refers to the minimal
number of amino acids or nucleic acids, as appropriate, to
constitute an immunogenic epitope of the antigen of interest. Any
genetic vectors suitable for transformation of the cells of
interest may be employed, including but not limited to adenoviral
vectors, plasmids, and non-viral vectors, such as cationic
lipids.
[0093] Any suitable method can be used to elicit an antibody with
the desired biologic properties to inhibit IL-23. It is desirable
to prepare monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from various mammalian
hosts, such as mice, rodents, primates, humans, etc. Description of
techniques for preparing such monoclonal antibodies may be found
in, e.g., Stites et al. (eds.) BASIC AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY (4th
ed.) Lange Medical Publications, Los Altos, Calif., and references
cited therein; Harlow and Lane (1988) ANTIBODIES: A LABORATORY
MANUAL CSH Press; Goding (1986) MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES: PRINCIPLES
AND PRACTICE (2d ed.) Academic Press, New York, N.Y. Thus,
monoclonal antibodies may be obtained by a variety of techniques
familiar to researchers skilled in the art. Typically, spleen cells
from an animal immunized with a desired antigen are immortalized,
commonly by fusion with a myeloma cell. See Kohler and Milstein
(1976) Eur. J. Immunol. 6:511-519. Alternative methods of
immortalization include transformation with Epstein Barr Virus,
oncogenes, or retroviruses, or other methods known in the art. See,
e.g., Doyle et al. (eds. 1994 and periodic supplements) CELL AND
TISSUE CULTURE: LABORATORY PROCEDURES, John Wiley and Sons, New
York, N.Y. Colonies arising from single immortalized cells are
screened for production of antibodies of the desired specificity
and affinity for the antigen, and yield of the monoclonal
antibodies produced by such cells may be enhanced by various
techniques, including injection into the peritoneal cavity of a
vertebrate host. Alternatively, one may isolate DNA sequences which
encode a monoclonal antibody or a antigen binding fragment thereof
by screening a DNA library from human B cells according, e.g., to
the general protocol outlined by Huse et al. (1989) Science
246:1275-1281.
[0094] Other suitable techniques involve selection of libraries of
antibodies in phage or similar vectors. See, e.g., Huse et al.
supra; and Ward et al. (1989) Nature 341:544-546. The polypeptides
and antibodies of the present invention may be used with or without
modification, including chimeric or humanized antibodies.
Frequently, the polypeptides and antibodies will be labeled by
joining, either covalently or non-covalently, a substance which
provides for a detectable signal. A wide variety of labels and
conjugation techniques are known and are reported extensively in
both the scientific and patent literature. Suitable labels include
radionuclides, enzymes, substrates, cofactors, inhibitors,
fluorescent moieties, chemiluminescent moieties, magnetic
particles, and the like. Patents teaching the use of such labels
include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,817,837; 3,850,752; 3,939,350; 3,996,345;
4,277,437; 4,275,149; and 4,366,241. Also, recombinant
immunoglobulins may be produced, see Cabilly U.S. Pat. No.
4,816,567; and Queen et al. (1989) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA
86:10029-10033; or made in transgenic mice, see Mendez et al.
(1997) Nature Genetics 15:146-156. See also Abgenix and Medarex
technologies.
[0095] Antibodies or binding compositions against predetermined
fragments of IL-23 can be raised by immunization of animals with
conjugates of the polypeptide, fragments, peptides, or epitopes
with carrier proteins. Monoclonal antibodies are prepared from
cells secreting the desired antibody. These antibodies can be
screened for binding to normal or defective IL-23. These monoclonal
antibodies will usually bind with at least a K.sub.d of about 1
.mu.M, more usually at least about 300 nM, 30 nM, 10 nM, 3 nM, 1
nM, 300 pM, 100 pM, 30 pM or better, usually determined by ELISA.
Suitable non-human antibodies may also be identified using the
biologic assays described in Example 5, below.
IV. Humanization of IL-23 Specific Antibodies
[0096] Any suitable non-human antibody can be used as a source for
the hypervariable region. Sources for non-human antibodies include,
but are not limited to, murine, Lagomorphs (including rabbits),
bovine, and primates. For the most part, humanized antibodies are
human immunoglobulins (recipient antibody) in which hypervariable
region residues of the recipient are replaced by hypervariable
region residues from a non-human species (donor antibody) such as
mouse, rat, rabbit or nonhuman primate having the desired
specificity, affinity, and capacity. In some instances, Fv
framework region (FR) residues of the human immunoglobulin are
replaced by corresponding non-human residues. Furthermore,
humanized antibodies may comprise residues that are not found in
the recipient antibody or in the donor antibody. These
modifications are made to further refine antibody performance of
the desired biological activity. For further details, see Jones et
al. (1986) Nature 321:522-525; Reichmann et al. (1988) Nature
332:323-329; and Presta (1992) Curr. Op. Struct. Biol.
2:593-596.
[0097] Methods for recombinantly engineering antibodies have been
described, e.g., by Boss et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,397), Cabilly
et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567), Law et al. (European Patent
Application Publication No. EP438310A1) and Winter (European Patent
Application Publication No. EP239400B1).
[0098] Amino acid sequence variants of humanized anti-IL-23
antibody are prepared by introducing appropriate nucleotide changes
into the humanized anti-IL-23 antibody DNA, or by peptide
synthesis. Such variants include, for example, deletions from,
and/or insertions into, and/or substitutions of, residues within
the amino acid sequences shown for the humanized anti-IL-23
antibody (e.g. as in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2). Any combination of
deletion, insertion, and substitution is made to arrive at the
final construct, provided that the final construct possesses the
desired characteristics. The amino acid changes also may alter
post-translational processes of the humanized anti-IL-23 antibody,
such as changing the number or position of glycosylation sites.
[0099] A useful method for identification of certain residues or
regions of the humanized anti-IL-23p19 antibody polypeptide that
are preferred locations for mutagenesis is called "alanine scanning
mutagenesis," as described by Cunningham and Wells (1989) Science
244: 1081-1085. Here, a residue or group of target residues are
identified (e.g., charged residues such as Arg, Asp, His, Lys, and
Glu) and replaced by a neutral or negatively charged amino acid
(most preferably alanine or polyalanine) to affect the interaction
of the amino acids with IL-23 antigen. The amino acid residues
demonstrating functional sensitivity to the substitutions then are
refined by introducing further or other variants at, or for, the
sites of substitution. Thus, while the site for introducing an
amino acid sequence variation is predetermined, the nature of the
mutation per se need not be predetermined. For example, to analyze
the performance of a mutation at a given site, Ala scanning or
random mutagenesis is conducted at the target codon or region and
the expressed humanized anti-IL-23p19 antibody variants are
screened for the desired activity.
[0100] Amino acid sequence insertions include amino- and/or
carboxyl-terminal fusions ranging in length from one residue to
polypeptides containing a hundred or more residues, as well as
intrasequence insertions of single or multiple amino acid residues.
Examples of terminal insertions include humanized anti-IL-23
antibody with an N-terminal methionyl residue or the antibody fused
to an epitope tag. Other insertional variants of the humanized
anti-IL-23 antibody molecule include the fusion to the N- or
C-terminus of humanized anti-IL-23 antibody of an enzyme or a
polypeptide which increases the serum half-life of the
antibody.
[0101] Another type of variant is an amino acid substitution
variant. These variants have at least one amino acid residue in the
humanized anti-IL-23p19 antibody molecule removed and a different
residue inserted in its place. The sites of greatest interest for
substitutional mutagenesis include the hypervariable loops, but FR
alterations are also contemplated.
[0102] Another type of amino acid variant of the antibody alters
the original glycosylation pattern of the antibody. By altering is
meant deleting one or more carbohydrate moieties found in the
antibody, and/or adding one or more glycosylation sites that are
not present in the antibody. Glycosylation of antibodies is
typically either N-linked or O-linked. N-linked refers to the
attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the side chain of an
asparagine residue. The tripeptide sequences asparagine-X-serine
and asparagine-X-threonine, where X is any amino acid except
proline, are the recognition sequences for enzymatic attachment of
the carbohydrate moiety to the asparagine side chain. Thus, the
presence of either of these tripeptide sequences in a polypeptide
creates a potential glycosylation site. O-linked glycosylation
refers to the attachment of one of the sugars
N-acetylgalactosamine, galactose, or xylose to a hydroxyamino acid,
most commonly serine or threonine, although 5-hydroxyproline or
5-hydroxylysine may also be used.
[0103] Addition of glycosylation sites to the antibody is
conveniently accomplished by altering the amino acid sequence such
that it contains one or more of the above-described tripeptide
sequences (for N-linked glycosylation sites). The alteration may
also be made by the addition of, or substitution by, one or more
serine or threonine residues to the sequence of the original
antibody (for O-linked glycosylation sites).
[0104] Yet another type of amino acid variant is the substitution
of residues to provide for greater chemical stability of the final
humanized antibody. For example, an asparagine (N) residue may be
changed to reduce the potential for formation of isoaspartate at
any NG sequences within a rodent CDR. A similar problem may occur
at a DG sequence. Reissner and Aswad (2003) Cell. Mol. Life Sci.
60:1281. In one embodiment, the asparagine is changed to glutamine
(Q). Isoaspartate formation may debilitate or completely abrogate
binding of an antibody to its target antigen. Presta (2005) J.
Allergy Clin. Immunol. 116:731 at 734. In addition, methionine
residues in rodent CDRs may be changed to reduce the possibility
that the methionine sulfur would oxidize, which could reduce
antigen binding affinity and also contribute to molecular
heterogeneity in the final antibody preparation. Id. In one
embodiment, the methionine is changed to alanine (A). Antibodies
with such substitutions are subsequently screened to ensure that
the substitutions do not decrease IL-23p19 binding affinity to
unacceptable levels.
[0105] Nucleic acid molecules encoding amino acid sequence variants
of humanized IL-23 specific antibody are prepared by a variety of
methods known in the art. These methods include, but are not
limited to, isolation from a natural source (in the case of
naturally occurring amino acid sequence variants) or preparation by
oligonucleotide-mediated (or site-directed) mutagenesis, PCR
mutagenesis, and cassette mutagenesis of an earlier prepared
variant or a non-variant version of humanized anti-IL-23p19
antibody.
[0106] Ordinarily, amino acid sequence variants of the humanized
anti-IL-23 antibody will have an amino acid sequence having at
least 75% amino acid sequence identity with the original humanized
antibody amino acid sequences of either the heavy or the light
chain more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%,
more preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 95, 98,
or 99%. Identity or homology with respect to this sequence is
defined herein as the percentage of amino acid residues in the
candidate sequence that are identical with the humanized anti-IL-23
residues, after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if
necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity, and
not considering any conservative substitutions as part of the
sequence identity. None of N-terminal, C-terminal, or internal
extensions, deletions, or insertions into the antibody sequence
shall be construed as affecting sequence identity or homology.
[0107] The humanized antibody can be selected from any class of
immunoglobulins, including IgM, IgG, IgD, IgA, and IgE. Preferably,
the antibody is an IgG antibody. Any isotype of IgG can be used,
including IgG.sub.1, IgG.sub.2, IgG.sub.3, and IgG.sub.4. Variants
of the IgG isotypes are also contemplated. The humanized antibody
may comprise sequences from more than one class or isotype.
Optimization of the necessary constant domain sequences to generate
the desired biologic activity is readily achieved by screening the
antibodies in the biological assays described below.
[0108] Likewise, either class of light chain can be used in the
compositions and methods herein. Specifically, kappa, lambda, or
variants thereof are useful in the present compositions and
methods.
[0109] Any suitable portion of the CDR sequences from the non-human
antibody can be used. The CDR sequences can be mutagenized by
substitution, insertion or deletion of at least one residue such
that the CDR sequence is distinct from the human and non-human
antibody sequence employed. It is contemplated that such mutations
would be minimal. Typically, at least 75% of the humanized antibody
residues will correspond to those of the non-human CDR residues,
more often 90%, and most preferably greater than 95, 98, or
99%.
[0110] Any suitable portion of the FR sequences from the human
antibody can be used. The FR sequences can be mutagenized by
substitution, insertion or deletion of at least one residue such
that the FR sequence is distinct from the human and non-human
antibody sequence employed. It is contemplated that such mutations
would be minimal. Typically, at least 75% of the humanized antibody
residues will correspond to those of the human FR residues, more
often 90%, and most preferably greater than 95%.
[0111] CDR and FR residues are determined according to the standard
sequence definition of Kabat. Kabat et al. (1987) Sequences of
Proteins of Immunological Interest, National Institutes of Health,
Bethesda Md. SEQ ID NOs: 5-16, 31-47 and 93-105 show the heavy
chain variable domain sequences of various mouse anti-human
IL-23p19 antibodies, and SEQ ID NOs: 17-28, 48-64 and 106-118
depict the light chain variable domain sequences. SEQ ID NOs: 65-67
are consensus sequences for heavy chain CDRs (CDRH1, CDRH2 and
CDRH3), and are comprised of the most common amino acid residue at
each position in the heavy chain CDRs for the family of antibodies
consisting of 7G10, 6H12, 13F11, 13B5, 7E2, 13G1, 11C10, 1E10,
30F11, 5B12, 6H4, 9C9, 11B10, 33D2, 20A9, 22E9, 29D5, 21A10, 2G12,
15G2, 18E1 and 2C6. FIGS. 1A-1C provide a sequence lineup of heavy
chains of various antibodies of the present invention. This heavy
chain variable domain consensus sequence is referred to as conH
(SEQ ID NO: 119).
[0112] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, the consensus heavy chain
variable domain is closely related to mouse germline sequences
IGHV1-14 (SEQ ID NO: 120) in conjunction with IGHD-Q52 (NWD, which
is not included in the Sequence Listing because it comprises fewer
than four amino acid residues) and either IGHJ2 (SEQ ID NO: 121) or
IGHJ3 (SEQ ID NO: 122). The VH subgroups are listed in M.-P.
Lefranc (2001) "Nomenclature of the Human Immunoglobulin Heavy
(IGH) Genes", Experimental and Clinical Immunogenetics 18:100-116.
Sequences for these mouse germlines are also available at GenBank
Accession Nos. AC090843 (muIGHV1-14), L32868 (nt 2948-2956)
(muIGHD-Q52), V00770 (nt 383-430) (muIGHJ2) and V00770 (nt 766-813)
(muIGHJ3). In one embodiment of the present invention, the
anti-IL-23p19 antibody heavy chain variable region, and
particularly CDRH1 and/or CDRH2, comprises a sequence that is
closely related to these mouse germline sequences, e.g. mouse
germline sequence IGHV1-14. In some embodiments the heavy chain
variable region, CDRH1 or CDRH2 exhibit 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%,
99% or greater homology with mouse germline sequence IGHV1-14. In
other embodiments the heavy chain variable region, CDRH1 or CDRH2
exhibit 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 20 or more amino
acid changes relative to mouse germline sequence IGHV1-14. In yet
further embodiments such anti-IL-23p19 antibody heavy chains, or
CDRH1 and/or CDRH2, may further comprise one or more conservative
amino acid substitutions (as defined at Table 1) relative to mouse
germline sequence IGHV1-14. In humanized antibody embodiments it is
the CDRs, rather than the framework sequences, that are homologous
to the recited mouse germlines.
[0113] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the light chain CDRs of the
antibodies of the present invention disclosed herein are grouped
into three subfamilies, referred to as (a), (b) and (c). Light
chain subfamily (a) consists of antibodies 7G10, 6H12, 33B12,
13F11, 13B5, 13G1, 11C10, 7E2, 30F11, 34E4, 6H4, 33D2, 2C6, 2G12,
1D6, 18E1, 15G2, 17G8, 20A4, 20H7, 3C4 and 8E9. Light chain
subfamily (b) consists of antibodies 1E10, 20A9, 22E9, 29D5, 5B12,
9C9 and 11B10. Light chain subfamily (c) consists of antibodies
10G8, 19E9, 10H11, 39G2, 35F12, 49A10, 34F9 and 7D7. These light
chain subfamilies were used to derive consensus CDR sequences of
CDRL1(a), CDRL1(b) and CDRL1(c) (SEQ ID NOs: 68-70) and
corresponding consensus sequences CDRL2 (SEQ ID NOs: 71-73) and
CDRL3 (SEQ ID NOs: 74-76) for each subfamily. Consensus sequences
for light chain CDRs are comprised of the most common amino acid
residue at each position in the light chain CDRs for each subfamily
of antibodies. The light chain variable domain consensus sequences
for families (a), (b) and (c) are referred to as conLA (SEQ ID NO:
123), conLB (SEQ ID NO: 125) and conLC (SEQ ID NO: 127) in FIGS.
2A-2C.
[0114] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, the consensus light chain
variable domain for family (a) (conLA) is closely related to mouse
germline sequence IGKV5-39 (SEQ ID NO: 124); the consensus light
chain variable domain for family (b) (conLB) is closely related to
mouse germline sequence IGKV8-30 (SEQ ID NO: 126); and the
consensus light chain variable domain for family (c) (conLC) is
closely related to mouse germline sequence IGVK3-12 (SEQ ID NO:
128). Sequences for these mouse germlines are also available at
GenBank Accession Nos. AJ235964 (nt 403-689) (IGKV5-39), AJ235948
(nt 441-745) (IGKV8-30), and K02159 (nt 362-660) (IGVK3-12). In one
embodiment of the present invention, the anti-IL-23p19 antibody
light chain variable region, and particularly the light chain CDRs,
comprises a sequence that is closely related to one or more of
these three mouse germline sequences (IGKV5-39, IGKV8-30,
IGVK3-12). In some embodiments the light chain variable region, or
any of the light chain CDRs, exhibit 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%
or greater homology with one or more of the three mouse germline
sequences. In other embodiments the heavy chain variable region, or
any of the light chain CDRs, exhibit 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
12, 15, 20 or more amino acid changes relative to one or more of
the three mouse germline sequences. In yet further embodiments such
anti-IL-23p19 antibody light chains, and particularly the light
chain CDRs, may further comprise one or more conservative amino
acid substitutions (as defined at Table 1) relative to one or more
of the three mouse germline sequences. In humanized antibody
embodiments it is the CDRs, rather than the framework sequences,
that are homologous to the recited mouse germlines.
[0115] Tables 2 and 3 define various domains of humanized
anti-IL-23p19 antibodies 6H12, 7G10, 10H11, 22E9 and 17G8 (with two
variant heavy chain variable domains), as well as and the light and
heavy chain variable domains of several murine antibodies of the
present invention. Residues 1-19 of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4 represent
signal sequences for heavy and light strands of hum6H12 and
hum7G10. Light chain constant domains of hum6H12 and hum7G10 are at
residues 130-233 of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 4, respectively. Heavy chain
constant domains of hum6H12 and hum7G10 are at residues 135-464 of
SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 3, respectively, with CH1 at residues 135-242,
CH2+hinge at residues 243-357 and CH3 at residues 358-464. These
constant domains may be combined with variable domains from the
other murine antibodies disclosed herein to create chimeric
antibodies, or with humanized variable domains to create humanized
antibodies. All other antibodies are presented as light and heavy
chain variable regions (V.sub.L and V.sub.H), and thus lack signal
sequences and constant domains.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Light Chain Sequences and Domains LIGHT
CHAIN ANTIBODY SEQ ID V.sub.L CDR RESIDUES CLONE NO: RESIDUES CDRL1
CDRL2 CDRL3 hum6H12 2 20-129 43-53 69-75 108-116 hum7G10 4 20-129
43-53 69-75 108-116 hum10H11 90 1-114 24-38 54-60 93-101 hum22E9 92
1-116 24-40 56-62 95-103 hum17G8 131 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m6H12
17 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m7G10 18 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m13F11
19 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m13B5 20 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m21A10
21 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m33B12 22 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m39G2
23 1-112 24-38 54-60 93-101 m35F12 24 1-112 24-38 54-60 93-101
m49A10 25 1-112 24-38 54-60 93-101 m34F9 26 1-112 24-38 54-60
93-101 m7D7 27 1-112 24-38 54-60 93-101 m3D7 28 1-108 24-34 50-56
89-97 m13G1 48 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m11C10 49 1-108 24-34 50-56
89-97 m7E2 50 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m30F11 51 1-108 24-34 50-56
89-97 m34E4 52 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m6H4 53 1-108 24-34 50-56
89-97 m33D2 54 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m1E10 55 1-114 24-40 56-62
95-103 m20A9 56 1-114 24-40 56-62 95-103 m22E9 57 1-114 24-40 56-62
95-103 m29D5 58 1-114 24-40 56-62 95-103 m5B12 59 1-114 24-40 56-62
95-103 m9C9 60 1-114 24-40 56-62 95-103 m11B10 61 1-114 24-40 56-62
95-103 m10G8 62 1-112 24-38 54-60 93-101 m19E9 63 1-112 24-38 54-60
93-101 m10H11 64 1-112 24-38 54-60 93-101 m2G12 106 1-108 24-34
50-56 89-97 m15G2 107 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m18E1 108 1-108 24-34
50-56 89-97 m2C6 109 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m8E9 110 1-108 24-34
50-56 89-97 m1D6 111 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m17G8 112 1-108 24-34
50-56 89-97 m20A4 113 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m20H7 114 1-108 24-34
50-56 89-97 m3C4 115 1-108 24-34 50-56 89-97 m16F7 116 1-108 24-34
50-56 89-97 m14A3 117 1-112 24-38 54-60 93-101 m12C11 118 1-112
24-38 54-60 93-101
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Heavy Chain Sequences and Domains HEAVY
CHAIN ANTIBODY SEQ ID V.sub.H CDR RESIDUES CLONE NO: RESIDUES CDRH1
CDRH2 CDRH3 hum6H12 1 20-134 45-54 69-85 118-123 hum7G10 3 20-134
45-54 69-85 118-123 hum10H11 89 1-118 26-35 50-66 99-107 hum22E9 91
1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 hum17G8-A 129 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104
hum17G8-B 130 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m6H12 5 1-115 26-35 50-66
99-104 m7G10 6 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m13F11 7 1-115 26-35 50-66
99-104 m13B5 8 1-116 26-35 50-66 99-105 m21A10 9 1-115 26-35 50-66
99-104 m33B12 10 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m39G2 11 1-118 26-35
50-66 99-107 m35F12 12 1-118 26-35 50-66 99-107 m49A10 13 1-119
26-35 50-66 99-108 m3D7 14 1-122 26-35 50-66 99-111 m34F9 15 1-124
26-35 50-66 99-113 m7D7 16 1-124 26-35 50-66 99-113 m13G1 31 1-115
26-35 50-66 99-104 m11C10 32 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m7E2 33 1-115
26-35 50-66 99-104 m30F11 34 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m34E4 35
1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m6H4 36 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m33D2 37
1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m1E10 38 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m20A9 39
1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m22E9 40 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m29D5 41
1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m5B12 42 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m9C9 43
1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m11B10 44 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m10G8
45 1-118 26-35 50-66 99-107 m19E9 46 1-118 26-35 50-66 99-107
m10H11 47 1-118 26-35 50-66 99-107 m2G12 93 1-115 26-35 50-66
99-104 m15G2 94 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m18E1 95 1-115 26-35 50-66
99-104 m2C6 96 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m8E9 97 1-115 26-35 50-66
99-104 m1D6 98 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m17G8 99 1-115 26-35 50-66
99-104 m20A4 100 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m20H7 101 1-115 26-35
50-66 99-104 m3C4 102 1-115 26-35 50-66 99-104 m16F7 103 1-119
26-35 50-66 99-108 m14A3 104 1-122 26-35 50-66 99-111 m12C11 105
1-122 26-35 50-66 99-111
[0116] In one embodiment, the antibodies of the present invention
or antigen binding fragments thereof comprise CDRs comprising one
of several variable amino acids at certain positions. In one
embodiment antibodies of the present invention, or antigen binding
fragments thereof, comprise the "CDR Variable" domains listed at
SEQ ID NOs: 77-88. These "CDR Variable" sequences include the
consensus sequence of each family of related antibodies as well as
variable positions encompassing all observed sequence variants
within that family. Such sequence variants are displayed in FIGS.
1A-1C and 2A-2C.
[0117] In another embodiment, the variable amino acids in potential
CDRs are selected from those amino acids appearing two or more
times in the families reported herein. These antibodies are a
subset of the "CDR Variable" antibodies described above in which
amino acids that appear only once at a given position in a CDR in a
given family of sequences are not included in the pool of potential
CDRs. These "single occurrence" amino acid substitutions are
readily determined, and thus excluded from the "CDR Variable"
sequences, by simple inspection of FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2C. This
narrowed range of potential CDR sequences is referred to herein as
a "multiple occurrence variable CDR." This nomenclature is used
herein for convenience in referring to this subset of the "CDR
Variable" sequences.
[0118] In yet another embodiment, potential CDRs are not limited to
the "CDR Variable" sequences described above, but also include
conservatively modified variants of any observed amino acid, as
determined using the data of Table 1.
[0119] In a further embodiment, potential CDRs include variants of
any single sequence CDR disclosed herein, including consensus
sequences SEQ ID NOs: 65-76, in which the variant comprises 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more conservative amino acid
substitutions relative to the disclosed sequence, as determined
using the data of Table 1.
[0120] Also contemplated are chimeric antibodies. As noted above,
typical chimeric antibodies comprise a portion of the heavy and/or
light chain identical with, or homologous to, corresponding
sequences in antibodies derived from a particular species or
belonging to a particular antibody class or subclass, while the
remainder of the chain(s) is identical with or homologous to
corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from another species
or belonging to another antibody class or subclass, as well as
fragments of such antibodies, so long as they exhibit the desired
biological activity. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567; and Morrison et
al. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81: 6851-6855.
[0121] Bispecific antibodies are also useful in the present methods
and compositions. As used herein, the term "bispecific antibody"
refers to an antibody, typically a monoclonal antibody, having
binding specificities for at least two different antigenic
epitopes, e.g., IL-23p19 and IL-17. In one embodiment, the epitopes
are from the same antigen. In another embodiment, the epitopes are
from two different antigens. Methods for making bispecific
antibodies are known in the art. For example, bispecific antibodies
can be produced recombinantly using the co-expression of two
immunoglobulin heavy chain/light chain pairs. See, e.g., Milstein
et al. (1983) Nature 305: 537-39. Alternatively, bispecific
antibodies can be prepared using chemical linkage. See, e.g.,
Brennan et al. (1985) Science 229:81. Bispecific antibodies include
bispecific antibody fragments. See, e.g., Holliger et al. (1993)
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90:6444-48, Gruber et al. (1994) J.
Immunol. 152:5368.
[0122] In yet other embodiments, different constant domains may be
appended to the humanized V.sub.L and V.sub.H regions provided
herein. For example, if a particular intended use of an antibody
(or fragment) of the present invention were to call for altered
effector functions, a heavy chain constant domain other than IgG1
may be used. Although IgG1 antibodies provide for long half-life
and for effector functions, such as complement activation and
antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, such activities may not
be desirable for all uses of the antibody. In such instances an
IgG4 constant domain, for example, may be used.
V. Biological Activity of Humanized Anti-IL-23
[0123] Antibodies having the characteristics identified herein as
being desirable in a humanized anti-IL-23 antibody can be screened
for inhibitory biologic activity in vitro or suitable binding
affinity. To screen for antibodies that bind to the epitope on
human IL-23 (i.e. the p19 subunit) bound by an antibody of interest
(e.g., those that block binding of the cytokine to its receptor), a
routine cross-blocking assay such as that described in ANTIBODIES,
A LABORATORY MANUAL, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Ed Harlow and
David Lane (1988), can be performed. Antibodies that bind to the
same epitope are likely to cross-block in such assays, but not all
cross-blocking antibodies will necessarily bind at precisely the
same epitope since cross-blocking may result from steric hindrance
of antibody binding by antibodies bind at nearby, or even
non-overlapping, epitopes.
[0124] Alternatively, epitope mapping, e.g., as described in Champe
et al. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270:1388-1394, can be performed to
determine whether the antibody binds an epitope of interest.
"Alanine scanning mutagenesis," as described by Cunningham and
Wells (1989) Science 244: 1081-1085, or some other form of point
mutagenesis of amino acid residues in human IL-23 may also be used
to determine the functional epitope for an anti-IL-23 antibody of
the present invention. Mutagenesis studies, however, may also
reveal amino acid residues that are crucial to the overall
three-dimensional structure of IL-23 but that are not directly
involved in antibody-antigen contacts, and thus other methods may
be necessary to confirm a functional epitope determined using this
method.
[0125] The epitope bound by a specific antibody may also be
determined by assessing binding of the antibody to peptides
comprising fragments of human IL-23p19 (SEQ ID NO: 39). A series of
overlapping peptides encompassing the sequence of IL-23p19 may be
synthesized and screened for binding, e.g. in a direct ELISA, a
competitive ELISA (where the peptide is assessed for its ability to
prevent binding of an antibody to IL-23p19 bound to a well of a
microtiter plate), or on a chip. Such peptide screening methods may
not be capable of detecting some discontinuous functional epitopes,
i.e. functional epitopes that involve amino acid residues that are
not contiguous along the primary sequence of the IL-23p19
polypeptide chain.
[0126] The epitope bound by antibodies of the present invention may
also be determined by structural methods, such as X-ray crystal
structure determination (e.g., WO2005/044853), molecular modeling
and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, including NMR
determination of the H-D exchange rates of labile amide hydrogens
in IL-23 when free and when bound in a complex with an antibody of
interest (Zinn-Justin et al.(1992) Biochemistry 31:11335-11347;
Zinn-Justin et al. (1993) Biochemistry 32:6884-6891).
[0127] With regard to X-ray crystallography, crystallization may be
accomplished using any of the known methods in the art (e.g. Giege
et al. (1994) Acta Crystallogr. D50:339-350; McPherson (1990) Eur.
J. Biochem. 189:1-23), including microbatch (e.g. Chayen (1997)
Structure 5:1269-1274), hanging-drop vapor diffusion (e.g.
McPherson (1976) J. Biol. Chem. 251:6300-6303), seeding and
dialysis. It is desirable to use a protein preparation having a
concentration of at least about 1 mg/mL and preferably about 10
mg/mL to about 20 mg/mL. Crystallization may be best achieved in a
precipitant solution containing polyethylene glycol 1000-20,000
(PEG; average molecular weight ranging from about 1000 to about
20,000 Da), preferably about 5000 to about 7000 Da, more preferably
about 6000 Da, with concentrations ranging from about 10% to about
30% (w/v). It may also be desirable to include a protein
stabilizing agent, e.g. glycerol at a concentration ranging from
about 0.5% to about 20%. A suitable salt, such as sodium chloride,
lithium chloride or sodium citrate may also be desirable in the
precipitant solution, preferably in a concentration ranging from
about 1 mM to about 1000 mM. The precipitant is preferably buffered
to a pH of from about 4.0 to about 10.0, often from about 7.0 to
8.5, e.g. pH 8.0. Specific buffers useful in the precipitant
solution may vary and are well-known in the art. Scopes, Protein
Purification: Principles and Practice, Third ed., (1994)
Springer-Verlag, New York. Examples of useful buffers include, but
are not limited to, HEPES, Tris, MES and acetate. Crystals may be
grow at a wide range of temperatures, including 2.degree. C.,
4.degree. C., 8.degree. C. and 26.degree. C.
[0128] Antibody:antigen crystals may be studied using well-known
X-ray diffraction techniques and may be refined using computer
software such as X-PLOR (Yale University, 1992, distributed by
Molecular Simulations, Inc.; see e.g. Blundell & Johnson (1985)
Meth. Enzymol. 114 & 115, H. W. Wyckoff et al. eds., Academic
Press; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0014194), and
BUSTER (Bricogne (1993) Acta Cryst. D49:37-60; Bricogne (1997)
Meth. Enzymol. 276A:361-423, Carter & Sweet, eds.; Roversi et
al. (2000) Acta Cryst. D56:1313-1323).
[0129] Additional antibodies binding to the same epitope as an
antibody of the present invention may be obtained, for example, by
screening of antibodies raised against IL-23 for binding to the
epitope, or by immunization of an animal with a peptide comprising
a fragment of human IL-23 comprising the epitope sequence.
Antibodies that bind to the same functional epitope might be
expected to exhibit similar biological activities, such as blocking
receptor binding, and such activities can be confirmed by
functional assays of the antibodies.
[0130] Antibody affinities (e.g. for human IL-23) may be determined
using standard analysis. Preferred humanized antibodies are those
which bind human IL-23p19 with a K.sub.d value of no more than
about 1.times.10.sup.-7; preferably no more than about
1.times.10.sup.-8; more preferably no more than about
1.times.10.sup.-9; and most preferably no more than about
1.times.10.sup.-10 or even 1.times.10.sup.-11 M.
[0131] The antibodies and fragments thereof useful in the present
compositions and methods are biologically active antibodies and
fragments. As used herein, the term "biologically active" refers to
an antibody or antibody fragment that is capable of binding the
desired the antigenic epitope and directly or indirectly exerting a
biologic effect. Typically, these effects result from the failure
of IL-23 to bind its receptor. As used herein, the term "specific"
refers to the selective binding of the antibody to the target
antigen epitope. Antibodies can be tested for specificity of
binding by comparing binding to IL-23 to binding to irrelevant
antigen or antigen mixture under a given set of conditions. If the
antibody binds to IL-23 at least 10, and preferably 50 times more
than to irrelevant antigen or antigen mixture then it is considered
to be specific. An antibody that binds to IL-12 is not an
IL-23-specific antibody. An antibody that "specifically binds" to
IL-23p19 does not bind to proteins that do not comprise the
IL-23p19-derived sequences, i.e. "specificity" as used herein
relates to IL-23p19 specificity, and not any other sequences that
may be present in the protein in question. For example, as used
herein, an antibody that "specifically binds" to IL-23p19 will
typically bind to FLAG.RTM.-hIL-23p19, which is a fusion protein
comprising IL-23p19 and a FLAG.RTM. peptide tag, but it does not
bind to the FLAG.RTM. peptide tag alone or when it is fused to a
protein other than IL-23p19.
[0132] IL-23-specific binding compounds of the present invention,
such as inhibitory IL-23p19 specific antibodies, can inhibit its
biological activity in any manner, including but not limited to
production of IL-1.beta. and TNF by peritoneal macrophages and
IL-17 by T.sub.H17 T cells. See Langrish et al. (2004) Immunol.
Rev. 202:96-105. Anti-IL-23p19 antibodies will also be able to
inhibit the gene expression of IL-17A, IL-17F, CCL7, CCL17, CCL20,
CCL22, CCR1, and GM-CSF. See Langrish et al. (2005) J. Exp. Med.
201:233-240. IL-23-specific binding compounds of the present
invention, such as anti IL-23p19 antibodies, will also block the
ability of IL-23 to enhance proliferation or survival of T.sub.H17
cells. Cua and Kastelein (2006) Nat. Immunol. 7:557-559. The
inhibitory activity of engineered anti-IL-23p19 will be useful in
the treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, and proliferative
disorders. Examples of such disorders are described in PCT patent
application publications WO 04/081190; WO 04/071517; WO 00/53631;
and WO 01/18051.
VI. Pharmaceutical Compositions
[0133] To prepare pharmaceutical or sterile compositions including
IL-23p19 antibody, the cytokine analogue or mutein, antibody
thereto, or nucleic acid thereof, is admixed with a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. See, e.g.,
Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences and U.S. Pharmacopeia: National
Formulary, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa. (1984).
[0134] Formulations of therapeutic and diagnostic agents may be
prepared by mixing with physiologically acceptable carriers,
excipients, or stabilizers in the form of, e.g., lyophilized
powders, slurries, aqueous solutions or suspensions. See, e.g.,
Hardman et al. (2001) Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological
Basis of Therapeutics, McGraw-Hill, New York, N.Y.; Gennaro (2000)
Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Lippincott,
Williams, and Wilkins, New York, N.Y.; Avis et al. (eds.) (1993)
Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Parenteral Medications, Marcel Dekker,
NY; Lieberman, et al. (eds.) (1990) Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms:
Tablets, Marcel Dekker, NY; Lieberman et al. (eds.) (1990)
Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Disperse Systems, Marcel Dekker, NY;
Weiner and Kotkoskie (2000) Excipient Toxicity and Safety, Marcel
Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y.
[0135] Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of the antibody
compositions, administered alone or in combination with an
immunosuppressive agent, can be determined by standard
pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or experimental animals,
e.g., for determining the LD.sub.50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the
population) and the ED.sub.50 (the dose therapeutically effective
in 50% of the population). The dose ratio between toxic and
therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index and it can be
expressed as the ratio of LD.sub.50 to ED.sub.50. Antibodies
exhibiting high therapeutic indices are preferred. The data
obtained from these cell culture assays and animal studies can be
used in formulating a range of dosage for use in human. The dosage
of such compounds lies preferably within a range of circulating
concentrations that include the ED.sub.50 with little or no
toxicity. The dosage may vary within this range depending upon the
dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized.
[0136] The mode of administration is not particularly important.
Suitable routes of administration may, for example, include oral,
rectal, transmucosal, or intestinal administration; parenteral
delivery, including intramuscular, intradermal, subcutaneous,
intramedullary injections, as well as intrathecal, direct
intraventricular, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intranasal, or
intraocular injections. Administration of antibody used in the
pharmaceutical composition or to practice the method of the present
invention can be carried out in a variety of conventional ways,
such as oral ingestion, inhalation, topical application or
cutaneous, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, parenteral, intraarterial
or intravenous injection.
[0137] Alternately, one may administer the antibody in a local
rather than systemic manner, for example, via injection of the
antibody directly into an arthritic joint or pathogen-induced
lesion characterized by immunopathology, often in a depot or
sustained release formulation. Furthermore, one may administer the
antibody in a targeted drug delivery system, for example, in a
liposome coated with a tissue-specific antibody, targeting, for
example, arthritic joint or pathogen-induced lesion characterized
by immunopathology. The liposomes will be targeted to and taken up
selectively by the afflicted tissue.
[0138] Selecting an administration regimen for a therapeutic
depends on several factors, including the serum or tissue turnover
rate of the entity, the level of symptoms, the immunogenicity of
the entity, and the accessibility of the target cells in the
biological matrix. Preferably, an administration regimen maximizes
the amount of therapeutic delivered to the patient consistent with
an acceptable level of side effects. Accordingly, the amount of
biologic delivered depends in part on the particular entity and the
severity of the condition being treated. Guidance in selecting
appropriate doses of antibodies, cytokines, and small molecules are
available. See, e.g., Wawrzynczak (1996) Antibody Therapy, Bios
Scientific Pub. Ltd, Oxfordshire, UK; Kresina (ed.) (1991)
Monoclonal Antibodies, Cytokines and Arthritis, Marcel Dekker, New
York, N.Y.; Bach (ed.) (1993) Monoclonal Antibodies and Peptide
Therapy in Autoimmune Diseases, Marcel Dekker, New York, N.Y.;
Baert et al. (2003) New Engl. J. Med. 348:601-608; Milgrom et al.
(1999) New Engl. J. Med. 341:1966-1973; Slamon et al. (2001) New
Engl. J. Med. 344:783-792; Beniaminovitz et al. (2000) New Engl. J.
Med. 342:613-619; Ghosh et al. (2003) New Engl. J. Med. 348:24-32;
Lipsky et al. (2000) New Engl. J. Med. 343:1594-1602.
[0139] Determination of the appropriate dose is made by the
clinician, e.g., using parameters or factors known or suspected in
the art to affect treatment or predicted to affect treatment.
Generally, the dose begins with an amount somewhat less than the
optimum dose and it is increased by small increments thereafter
until the desired or optimum effect is achieved relative to any
negative side effects. Important diagnostic measures include those
of symptoms of, e.g., the inflammation or level of inflammatory
cytokines produced. Preferably, a biologic that will be used is
substantially derived from the same species as the animal targeted
for treatment (e.g. a humanized antibody for treatment of human
subjects), thereby minimizing any immune response to the
reagent.
[0140] Antibodies, antibody fragments, and cytokines can be
provided by continuous infusion, or by doses at intervals of, e.g.,
one day, 1-7 times per week, one week, two weeks, monthly,
bimonthly, etc. Doses may be provided intravenously,
subcutaneously, topically, orally, nasally, rectally,
intramuscular, intracerebrally, intraspinally, or by inhalation. A
preferred dose protocol is one involving the maximal dose or dose
frequency that avoids significant undesirable side effects. A total
weekly dose is generally at least 0.05 .mu.g/kg, 0.2 .mu.g/kg, 0.5
.mu.g/kg, 1 .mu.g/kg, 10 .mu.g/kg, 100 .mu.g/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, 1.0
mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg body weight or more.
See, e.g., Yang et al. (2003) New Engl. J. Med. 349:427-434; Herold
et al. (2002) New Engl. J. Med. 346:1692-1698; Liu et al. (1999) J.
Neurol. Neurosurg. Psych. 67:451-456; Portielji et al. (20003)
Cancer Immunol. Immunother. 52:133-144. The desired dose of a small
molecule therapeutic, e.g., a peptide mimetic, natural product, or
organic chemical, is about the same as for an antibody or
polypeptide, on a moles/kg basis.
[0141] As used herein, "inhibit" or "treat" or "treatment" includes
a postponement of development of the symptoms associated with
autoimmune disease or pathogen-induced immunopathology and/or a
reduction in the severity of such symptoms that will or are
expected to develop. The terms further include ameliorating
existing uncontrolled or unwanted autoimmune-related or
pathogen-induced immunopathology symptoms, preventing additional
symptoms, and ameliorating or preventing the underlying causes of
such symptoms. Thus, the terms denote that a beneficial result has
been conferred on a vertebrate subject with an autoimmune or
pathogen-induced immunopathology disease or symptom, or with the
potential to develop such a disease or symptom.
[0142] As used herein, the term "therapeutically effective amount"
or "effective amount" refers to an amount of an IL-23p19 specific
binding compound, e.g. and antibody, that when administered alone
or in combination with an additional therapeutic agent to a cell,
tissue, or subject is effective to prevent or ameliorate the
autoimmune disease or pathogen-induced immunopathology associated
disease or condition or the progression of the disease. A
therapeutically effective dose further refers to that amount of the
compound sufficient to result in amelioration of symptoms, e.g.,
treatment, healing, prevention or amelioration of the relevant
medical condition, or an increase in rate of treatment, healing,
prevention or amelioration of such conditions. When applied to an
individual active ingredient administered alone, a therapeutically
effective dose refers to that ingredient alone. When applied to a
combination, a therapeutically effective dose refers to combined
amounts of the active ingredients that result in the therapeutic
effect, whether administered in combination, serially or
simultaneously. An effective amount of therapeutic will decrease
the symptoms typically by at least 10%; usually by at least 20%;
preferably at least about 30%; more preferably at least 40%, and
most preferably by at least 50%.
[0143] Methods for co-administration or treatment with a second
therapeutic agent, e.g., a cytokine, antibody, steroid,
chemotherapeutic agent, antibiotic, or radiation, are well known in
the art, see, e.g., Hardman et al. (eds.) (2001) Goodman and
Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 10.sup.th ed.,
McGraw-Hill, New York, N.Y.; Poole and Peterson (eds.) (2001)
Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice: A Practical Approach,
Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Phila., Pa.; Chabner and Longo
(eds.) (2001) Cancer Chemotherapy and Biotherapy, Lippincott,
Williams & Wilkins, Phila., Pa. The pharmaceutical composition
of the invention may also contain other immunosuppressive or
immunomodulating agents. Any suitable immunosuppressive agent can
be employed, including but not limited to anti-inflammatory agents,
corticosteroids, cyclosporine, tacrolimus (i.e., FK-506),
sirolimus, interferons, soluble cytokine receptors (e.g., sTNRF and
sIL-1R), agents that neutralize cytokine activity (e.g., inflixmab,
etanercept), mycophenolate mofetil, 15-deoxyspergualin,
thalidomide, glatiramer, azathioprine, leflunomide,
cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and the like. The pharmaceutical
composition can also be employed with other therapeutic modalities
such as phototherapy and radiation.
[0144] Typical veterinary, experimental, or research subjects
include monkeys, dogs, cats, rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs,
horses, and humans.
VII. Antibody Production
[0145] In one embodiment, for recombinant production of the
antibodies of the present invention, the nucleic acids encoding the
two chains are isolated and inserted into one or more replicable
vectors for further cloning (amplification of the DNA) or for
expression. DNA encoding the monoclonal antibody is readily
isolated and sequenced using conventional procedures (e.g., by
using oligonucleotide probes that are capable of binding
specifically to genes encoding the heavy and light chains of the
antibody). Many vectors are available. The vector components
generally include, but are not limited to, one or more of the
following: a signal sequence, an origin of replication, one or more
marker genes, an enhancer element, a promoter, and a transcription
termination sequence. In one embodiment, both the light and heavy
chains of the humanized anti-IL-23p19 antibody of the present
invention are expressed from the same vector, e.g. a plasmid or an
adenoviral vector.
[0146] Antibodies of the present invention may be produced by any
method known in the art. In one embodiment, antibodies are
expressed in mammalian or insect cells in culture, such as chinese
hamster ovary (CHO) cells, human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells,
mouse myeloma NSO cells, baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells,
Spodoptera frugiperda ovarian (Sf9) cells. In one embodiment,
antibodies secreted from CHO cells are recovered and purified by
standard chromatographic methods, such as protein A, cation
exchange, anion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and
hydroxyapatite chromatography. Resulting antibodies are
concentrated and stored in 20 mM sodium acetate, pH 5.5.
[0147] In another embodiment, the antibodies of the present
invention are produced in yeast according to the methods described
in WO2005/040395. Briefly, vectors encoding the individual light or
heavy chains of an antibody of interest are introduced into
different yeast haploid cells, e.g. different mating types of the
yeast Pichia pastoris, which yeast haploid cells are optionally
complementary auxotrophs. The transformed haploid yeast cells can
then be mated or fused to give a diploid yeast cell capable of
producing both the heavy and the light chains. The diploid strain
is then able to secret the fully assembled and biologically active
antibody. The relative expression levels of the two chains can be
optimized, for example, by using vectors with different copy
number, using transcriptional promoters of different strengths, or
inducing expression from inducible promoters driving transcription
of the genes encoding one or both chains.
[0148] In one embodiment, the respective heavy and light chains of
a plurality of different anti-IL-23p19 antibodies (the "original"
antibodies) are introduced into yeast haploid cells to create a
library of haploid yeast strains of one mating type expressing a
plurality of light chains, and a library of haploid yeast strains
of a different mating type expressing a plurality of heavy chains.
These libraries of haploid strains can be mated (or fused as
spheroplasts) to produce a series of diploid yeast cells expressing
a combinatorial library of antibodies comprised of the various
possible permutations of light and heavy chains. The combinatorial
library of antibodies can then be screened to determine whether any
of the antibodies has properties that are superior (e.g. higher
affinity for IL-23) to those of the original antibodies. See. e.g.,
WO2005/040395.
[0149] In another embodiment, antibodies of the present invention
are human domain antibodies in which portions of an antibody
variable domain are linked in a polypeptide of molecular weight
approximately 13 kDa. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Publication No.
2004/0110941. Such single domain, low molecular weight agents
provide numerous advantages in terms of ease of synthesis,
stability, and route of administration.
VIII. Uses
[0150] The present invention provides methods for using engineered
anti-IL-23 antibodies and fragments thereof for the treatment and
diagnosis of inflammatory disorders and conditions, e.g., of the
central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and
gastrointestinal tract, as well as autoimmune and proliferative
disorders.
[0151] Methods are provided for the treatment of, e.g., multiple
sclerosis (MS), including relapsing-remitting MS and primary
progressive MS, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(a.k.a. ALS; Lou Gehrig's disease), ischemic brain injury, prion
diseases, and HIV-associated dementia. Also provided are methods
for treating neuropathic pain, posttraumatic neuropathies,
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), peripheral polyneuropathy, and nerve
regeneration.
[0152] Provided are methods for treating or ameliorating one or
more of the following features, symptoms, aspects, manifestations,
or signs of multiple sclerosis, or other inflammatory disorder or
condition of the nervous system: brain lesions, myelin lesions,
demyelination, demyelinated plaques, visual disturbance, loss of
balance or coordination, spasticity, sensory disturbances,
incontinence, pain, weakness, fatigue, paralysis, cognitive
impairment, bradyphrenia, diplopia, optic neuritis, paresthesia,
gait ataxia, fatigue, Uhtoff's symptom, neuralgia, aphasia,
apraxia, seizures, visual-field loss, dementia, extrapyramidal
phenomena, depression, sense of well-being, or other emotional
symptoms, chronic progressive myelopathy, and a symptom detected by
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including gadolinium-enhancing
lesions, evoked potential recordings, or examination of
cerebrospinal fluid. See, e.g., Kenealy et al. (2003) J.
Neuroimmunol. 143:7-12; Noseworthy et al. (2000) New Engl. J. Med.
343:938-952; Miller et al. (2003) New Engl. J. Med. 348:15-23;
Chang et al. (2002) New Engl. J. Med. 346:165-173; Bruck and
Stadelmann (2003) Neurol. Sci. 24 Suppl. 5:S265-S267.
[0153] Moreover, the present invention provides methods for
treating and diagnosing inflammatory bowel disorders, e.g., Crohn's
disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and irritable bowel
syndrome. Provided are methods for treating or ameliorating one or
more of the following symptoms, aspects, manifestations, or signs
of an inflammatory bowel disorder: malabsorption of food, altered
bowel motility, infection, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal
bleeding, weight loss, signs of malnutrition, perianal disease,
abdominal mass, and growth failure, as well as intestinal
complications such as stricture, fistulas, toxic megacolon,
perforation, and cancer, and including endoscopic findings, such
as, friability, aphthous and linear ulcers, cobblestone appearance,
pseudopolyps, and rectal involvement and, in addition, anti-yeast
antibodies. See, e.g., Podolsky, supra; Hanauer, supra; Horwitz and
Fisher, supra.
[0154] Also contemplated is treatment of inflammatory disorders
such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, arthritis, including
rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis,
autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and type
I diabetes, and proliferative disorders such as cancer. See, e.g.,
PCT patent applications WO 04/081190; WO 04/071517; WO 00/53631;
and WO 01/18051.
[0155] The IL-23p19 binding compounds of the present invention can
also be used in combination with one or more antagonists of other
cytokines (e.g. antibodies), including but not limited to, IL-17A,
IL-17F, IL-1.beta., IL-6 and TGF-.beta.. See, e.g., Veldhoen (2006)
Immunity 24:179-189; Dong (2006) Nat. Rev. Immunol. 6(4):329-333.
In various embodiments, an IL-23p19 binding compound of the
invention is administered before, concurrently with, or after
administration of the another antagonist or antagonists, such as an
anti-IL-17A antibody. In one embodiment, an IL-17A binding compound
is used in treatment of the acute early phase of an adverse immune
response (e.g. MS, Crohn's Disease) alone or in combination with an
IL-23 antagonist antibody of the present invention. In the latter
case, the IL-17A binding compound may be gradually decreased and
treatment with the antagonist of IL-23 alone is continued to
maintain suppression of the adverse response. Alternatively,
antagonists to IL-1.beta., IL-6 and/or TGF-.beta. may be
administered concurrently, before or after an IL-23p19 binding
compound of the present invention. See Cua and Kastelein (2006)
Nat. Immunol. 7:557-559; Tato and O'Shea (2006) Nature 441:166-168;
Iwakura and Ishigame (2006) J. Clin. Invest. 116:1218-1222.
[0156] The broad scope of this invention is best understood with
reference to the following examples, which are not intended to
limit the inventions to the specific embodiments. The specific
embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only,
and the invention is to be limited by the terms of the appended
claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
General Methods
[0157] Standard methods in molecular biology are described.
Maniatis et al. (1982) Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold
Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Sambrook
and Russell (2001) Molecular Cloning, 3.sup.rd ed., Cold Spring
Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Wu (1993)
Recombinant DNA, Vol. 217, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif..
Standard methods also appear in Ausbel et al. (2001) Current
Protocols in Molecular Biology, Vols. 1-4, John Wiley and Sons,
Inc. New York, N.Y., which describes cloning in bacterial cells and
DNA mutagenesis (Vol. 1), cloning in mammalian cells and yeast
(Vol. 2), glycoconjugates and protein expression (Vol. 3), and
bioinformatics (Vol. 4).
[0158] Methods for protein purification including
immunoprecipitation, chromatography, electrophoresis,
centrifugation, and crystallization are described. Coligan et al.
(2000) Current Protocols in Protein Science, Vol. 1, John Wiley and
Sons, Inc., New York. Chemical analysis, chemical modification,
post-translational modification, production of fusion proteins,
glycosylation of proteins are described. See, e.g., Coligan et al.
(2000) Current Protocols in Protein Science, Vol. 2, John Wiley and
Sons, Inc., New York; Ausubel et al. (2001) Current Protocols in
Molecular Biology, Vol. 3, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., NY, N.Y., pp.
16.0.5-16.22.17; Sigma-Aldrich, Co. (2001) Products for Life
Science Research, St. Louis, Mo.; pp. 45-89; Amersham Pharmacia
Biotech (2001) BioDirectory, Piscataway, N.J., pp. 384-391.
Production, purification, and fragmentation of polyclonal and
monoclonal antibodies are described. Coligan et al. (2001) Current
Protcols in Immunology, Vol. 1, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New
York; Harlow and Lane (1999) Using Antibodies, Cold Spring Harbor
Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Harlow and Lane, supra.
Standard techniques for characterizing ligand/receptor interactions
are available. See, e.g., Coligan et al. (2001) Current Protcols in
Immunology, Vol. 4, John Wiley, Inc., New York.
[0159] Methods for flow cytometry, including fluorescence activated
cell sorting detection systems (FACS.RTM.), are available. See,
e.g., Owens et al. (1994) Flow Cytometry Principles for Clinical
Laboratory Practice, John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, N.J.; Givan
(2001) Flow Cytometry, 2.sup.nd ed.; Wiley-Liss, Hoboken, N.J.;
Shapiro (2003) Practical Flow Cytometry, John Wiley and Sons,
Hoboken, N.J. Fluorescent reagents suitable for modifying nucleic
acids, including nucleic acid primers and probes, polypeptides, and
antibodies, for use, e.g., as diagnostic reagents, are available.
Molecular Probes (2003) Catalogue, Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene,
Oreg.; Sigma-Aldrich (2003) Catalogue, St. Louis, Mo.
[0160] Standard methods of histology of the immune system are
described. See, e.g., Muller-Harmelink (ed.) (1986) Human Thymus:
Histopathology and Pathology, Springer Verlag, New York, N.Y.;
Hiatt, et al. (2000) Color Atlas of Histology, Lippincott,
Williams, and Wilkins, Phila, Pa.; Louis, et al. (2002) Basic
Histology: Text and Atlas, McGraw-Hill, New York, N.Y.
[0161] Software packages and databases for determining, e.g.,
antigenic fragments, leader sequences, protein folding, functional
domains, glycosylation sites, and sequence alignments, are
available. See, e.g., GenBank, Vector NTI.RTM. Suite (Informax,
Inc, Bethesda, Md.); GCG Wisconsin Package (Accelrys, Inc., San
Diego, Calif.); DeCypher.RTM. (TimeLogic Corp., Crystal Bay, Nev.);
Menne et al. (2000) Bioinformatics 16: 741-742; Menne et al. (2000)
Bioinformatics Applications Note 16:741-742; Wren et al. (2002)
Comput. Methods Programs Biomed 68:177-181; von Heijne (1983) Eur.
J. Biochem. 133:17-21; von Heijne (1986) Nucleic Acids Res.
14:4683-4690.
Example 2
Humanization of Anti-Human IL-23p19 Antibodies
[0162] The humanization of mouse anti-human IL-23p19 antibodies
6H12 and 7G10, was performed as essentially as described in PCT
patent application publications WO 2005/047324 and WO
2005/047326.
[0163] Variable light and heavy domains of selected anti-IL-23
monoclonal antibodies (6H12 and 7G10) were cloned and fused to a
human kappa light chain (CL domain) and human IgG1 heavy chain
(CH1-hinge-CH2-CH3), respectively.
[0164] The amino acid sequence of the non-human VH domain was
compared to a group of five human VH germline amino acid sequences;
one representative from subgroups IGHV1 and IGHV4 and three
representatives from subgroup IGHV3. The VH subgroups are listed in
M.-P. Lefranc (2001) "Nomenclature of the Human Immunoglobulin
Heavy (IGH) Genes", Experimental and Clinical Immunogenetics
18:100-116. 6H12 and 7G10 antibodies scored highest against human
heavy chain germline DP-14 in subgroup VH1.
[0165] For all non-human antibodies, the VL sequences were of the
kappa subclass of VL. The amino acid sequence of the non-human VL
domain was compared to a group of four human VL kappa germline
amino acid sequences. The group of four is comprised of one
representative from each of four established human VL subgroups
listed in V. Barbie & M.-P. Lefranc (1998) "The Human
Immunoglobulin Kappa Variable (IGKV) Genes and Joining (IGKJ)
Segments", Experimental and Clinical Immunogenetics 15:171-183 and
M.-P. Lefranc (2001) "Nomenclature of the Human Immunoglobulin
Kappa (IGK) Genes", Experimental and Clinical Immunogenetics
18:161-174. The four subgroups also correspond to the four
subgroups listed in Kabat et al. (1991-5th Ed.) "Sequences of
Proteins of Immunological Interest", U. S. Department of Health and
Human Services, NIH Pub. 91-3242, pp. 103-130. 6H12 and 7G10
antibodies scored highest against human light chain germline Z-012
in subgroup VLkI.
[0166] An additional amino acid substitution was made in CDRH2 of
antibody 6H12, wherein the D residue (Asp) in the parental rodent
antibody (SEQ ID NO: 5) was replaced with an A residue (Ala) in the
humanized form (SEQ ID NO: 1). This change was made to avoid a
potential site for isoaspartate formation.
[0167] Once the target amino acid sequences of the variable heavy
and light chains were determined, plasmids encoding the full-length
humanized antibody were generated. Starting with a plasmid encoding
a humanized anti-IL-10 antibody having VH3 DP-46 and VLkI Z-012
germline frameworks, the plasmids were altered using Kunkel
mutagenesis (Kunkel (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A 82:488-492)
to change the DNA sequence to the target humanized 6H12 or 7G10
sequences. Simultaneously, codon optimization was incorporated into
the changes to provide for potentially optimal expression. The
resulting humanized heavy and light chain sequences, including
signal sequences, are provided at SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2 (antibody
6H12) and at SEQ ID NOs: 3 and 4 (for antibody 7G10),
respectively.
[0168] An analogous procedure was performed to determine the proper
human frameworks for humanization of antibodies 10H11 and 22E9.
Antibody 10H11 scored highest against human antibody heavy chain
germline DP-46 in subgroup VH3 and light chain germline Z-A27 in
subgroup VLkIII. Antibody 22E9 scored highest against human
antibody heavy chain germline DP-14 in subgroup VH1 and light chain
germline Z-B3 in subgroup VLkIV. The resulting humanized heavy and
light chain variable domain sequences are provided at SEQ ID NOs:
89 and 90 (antibody 10H11) and at SEQ ID NOs: 91 and 92 (antibody
22E9), respectively.
[0169] An analogous procedure was performed to determine the proper
human frameworks for humanization of antibody 17G8. With regard to
the light chain, the humanized form of antibody 17G8 (SEQ ID NO:
131) is based on human antibody light chain germline subgroup I,
the same as antibodies 7G10 and 6H12. With regard to the heavy
chain, amino acid substitutions were also made in CDRH2 in the
humanization process. One form of the humanized heavy chain of 17G8
(SEQ ID NO: 129) is based on human antibody heavy chain germline
subgroup I, the same as antibodies 7G10 and 6H12, and has an N
(Asn) to K (Lys) substitution at position 63 (N63K). Another form
of the humanized heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 130) is based on human
antibody heavy chain germline subgroup III, and has N63K and I59Y
substitutions. Residue numbering is according to the Sequence
Listing, not Kabat numbering. Humanized antibody 17G8 may comprise
the light chain in conjunction with either form of the heavy chain,
or with the original rodent CDRs (i.e. SEQ ID NO: 129 with a K63N
substitution).
[0170] In yet another embodiment, humanized antibody 17G8 comprises
a R98A substitution in the humanized 17G8 heavy chain sequence
relative to the sequence disclosed at SEQ ID NOs: 129 and 130,
which sequences are provided as SEQ ID NOs: 132 and 133,
respectively. Residue 98 is not within a CDR as the CDR is
typically defined in the Kabat nomenclature. When the R98A
substitution is made in the 17G8 heavy chain sequence disclosed at
SEQ ID NO: 129 the activity in the Ba/F3 proliferation bioassay
improves (i.e. the IC50 decreases) over 1000-fold, to a level
similar to the parental mouse antibody prior to humanization.
[0171] Humanized forms of other (rodent) antibodies disclosed
herein may be constructed using the human frameworks disclosed for
humanized antibodies 6H12, 7G10, 10H11, 22E9 or 17G8, or by
repeating the procedure for selection of the best human frameworks
by the methods disclosed in this Example. Substitution of the human
frameworks disclosed herein as part of humanized antibodies 6H12,
7G10, 10H11, 22E9 or 17G8 is most appropriate for antibodies with
CDR sequences similar to the respective humanized antibody, such as
those falling into the same "sequence families" illustrated in the
figures. "Sequence families" are the groupings of antibody
sequences used to derive a consensus sequence.
Example 3
Determining the Equilibrium Dissociation Constant (K.sub.d) for
Humanized Anti-Human IL-23 using KinExA Technology
[0172] The equilibrium dissociation constant (K.sub.d) for anti
human IL-23 antibodies is determined using the KinExA 3000
instrument. Sapidyne Instruments Inc., Boise Id., USA. KinExA uses
the principle of the Kinetic Exclusion Assay method based on
measuring the concentration of uncomplexed antibody in a mixture of
antibody, antigen and antibody-antigen complex. The concentration
of free antibody is measured by exposing the mixture to a
solid-phase immobilized antigen for a very brief period of time. In
practice, this is accomplished by flowing the solution phase
antigen-antibody mixture past antigen-coated particles trapped in a
flow cell. Data generated by the instrument are analyzed using
custom software. Equilibrium constants are calculated using a
mathematical theory based on the following assumptions:
[0173] 1. The binding follows the reversible binding equation for
equilibrium:
k.sub.on[Ab][Ag]=k.sub.off[AbAg]
[0174] 2. Antibody and antigen bind 1:1 and total antibody equals
antigen-antibody complex plus free antibody.
[0175] 3. Instrument signal is linearly related to free antibody
concentration.
[0176] 98 micron PMMA particles (Sapidyne, Cat No. 440198) are
coated with biotinylated rhIL-23 according to Sapidyne "Protocol
for coating PMMA particles with biotinylated ligands having short
or nonexistent linker arms". To make biotinylated rhIL-23, EZ-link
TFP PEO-biotin (Pierce, Cat. No. 21219) is used according to
manufacturer's recommendations (Pierce bulletin 0874). Experimental
procedures are done according to the KinExA 3000 manual.
[0177] Three forms of the heterodimeric IL-23 protein are used.
Native or non-linked human IL-23 is comprised of two
disulfide-linked chains, p19 and p40. "Non-linked" IL-23 is
comprised of human p40 coexpressed in 293T cells with human
p19:FLAG.RTM.-tag peptide and purified over an anti-FLAG.RTM.
peptide affinity column.
[0178] "Elastikine" IL-23 is a single-chain peptide comprised of
FLAG.RTM.-tag peptide:GLU-tag peptide:human p40:elasti-linker:human
p19. The elasti-linker peptide sequence is derived from R&D
Systems form of commercial IL-23. R&D Systems, Minneapolis,
Minn., USA. Elastikine is expressed in 293T cells and purified over
an anti-FLAG.RTM. peptide affinity column.
[0179] A non-tagged, non-linked form of native human IL-23p19/p40
coexpressed in SF9 cells is purchased from eBioscience (CAT No.
34-8239). eBioscience, San Diego, Calif., USA.
[0180] KinExA experiments are performed essentially as described at
Example 3 of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0048315.
Table 4 shows the results of the KinExA analysis.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 K.sub.d Values Determined by KinExA Human
IL-23 Antibody K.sub.d (pM) elastikine 6H12 54, 48 non-linked 6H12
>1200 eBioscience 6H12 >1000, >920 elastikine hu6H12 28,
36 elastikine 7G10 41, 9.2 elastikine hu7G10 49, 16 elastikine 39G2
19 non-linked 39G2 34 eBioscience 39G2 620 elastikine 35F12 53
eBioscience 35F12 >700 elastikine 13B5 22 eBioscience 13B5 55
elastikine 7D7 2.7 elastikine 3D7 0.84 elastikine 49A10 7.4
elastikine 13F11 11 elastikine 33B12 6.8
Example 4
Determining the Equilibrium Dissociation Constant (K.sub.d) for
Humanized Anti-Human IL-23p19 Antibodies using BIAcore
Technology
[0181] BIAcore determinations are performed essentially as
described at Example 4 of U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2007/0048315. Briefly, ligands (anti-IL-23 mAbs) are immobilized on
a BIAcore CM5 sensor chip using standard amine-coupling procedure.
IL-23 (various forms) is diluted in PBS to produce various
concentrations. Kinetic constants for the various interactions are
determined using BIAevaluation software 3.1. The K.sub.d is
determined using the calculated dissociation and association rate
constants. In certain experiments, proteins are used at the
following concentrations: anti-IL-23 mAb hu7G10 in PBS at 0.33
mg/mL; anti-IL-23 mAb hu6H12 in PBS at 0.2 mg/mL; bac-wt human
IL-23 in PBS at 0.30 mg/mL; eBioscience human IL-23 in PBS at 0.10
mg/mL; N222Q human IL-23 in PBS at 0.33 mg/mL.
[0182] In addition to the forms of IL-23 described in Example 3,
other forms are also used. "Bac-wt" human IL-23 is identical to
"elastikine" human IL-23 in sequence. This IL-23 is expressed in
SF9 cells and purified over an anti-FLAG.RTM. peptide affinity
column. "N222Q" human IL-23 is identical to "elastikine" human
IL-23 in sequence except for alteration of Asn222 to Gln in the p40
subunit (GenBank Accession No. P29460). This IL-23 is expressed in
SF9 cells and purified over an anti-FLAG.RTM. peptide affinity
column.
[0183] Table 5 provides the K.sub.d values as determined by
BIAcore.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 K.sub.d Determination by BIAcore Human IL-23
Antibody K.sub.d (nM) bac-wt hu7G10 10 N222Q hu7G10 0.3, 1.0
eBioscience hu7G10 3.2, 9.0 bac-wt hu6H12 5.1 N222Q hu6H12 0.5
eBioscience hu6H12 4.1
Example 5
Proliferation Bioassays for the Assessment of Neutralizing
Anti-IL-23 Antibodies
[0184] The ability of a monoclonal antibody to biologically
neutralize IL-23 is assessed by the application of short-term
proliferation bioassays that employ cells that express recombinant
IL-23 receptors. The IL-23R transfectant cell line
(Ba/F3-2.21o-hIL-23R) expresses both hIL-23R and hIL-12R.beta.1,
and is responsive to both human IL-23 and cynomolgus monkey IL-23.
The transfectant Ba/F3-2.21o cells proliferate in response to human
IL-23 and the response can be inhibited by a neutralizing
anti-IL-23 antibody. An antibody is titrated against a
concentration of IL-23 chosen within the linear region of the
dose-response curve, near plateau and above EC50. Proliferation, or
lack thereof, is measured by colorimetric means using Alamar Blue,
a growth indicator dye based on detection of metabolic activity.
The ability of an antibody to neutralize IL-23 is assessed by its
IC50 value, or concentration of antibody that induces half-maximal
inhibition of IL-23 proliferation.
[0185] Ba/F3 transfectants are maintained in RPMI-1640 medium, 10%
fetal calf serum, 50 .mu.M 2-mercaptoethanol, 2 mM L-Glutamine, 50
.mu.g/mL penicillin-streptomycin, and 10 ng/mL mouse IL-3. Ba/F3
proliferation bioassays are performed in RPMI-1640 medium, 10%
fetal calf serum, 50 .mu.M 2-mercaptoethanol, 2 mM L-Glutamine, and
50 .mu.g/mL penicillin-streptomycin.
[0186] Assays are performed in 96-well flat bottom plates in 150
.mu.L per well. Anti-IL-23 antibodies are pre-incubated with IL-23
for 30-60 min, followed by addition of cells and incubation for
40-48 hours. Alamar Blue (Biosource Cat #DAL1100) is added and
allowed to develop for 5-12 hours. Absorbance is then read at 570
nm and 600 nm (VERSAmax Microplate Reader, Molecular Probes,
Eugene, Oreg., USA), and an OD.sub.570-600 is obtained.
[0187] Cells are used in a healthy growth state, generally at
densities of 3-8.times.10.sup.5/mL. Cells are counted, pelleted,
washed twice in bioassay medium, and suspended to the appropriate
density for plating. An IL-23 dose response is performed using
serial 1:3 dilutions (25:50 .mu.L in bioassay medium) of IL-23. A
neutralizing antibody dose response is also performed using serial
1:3 dilutions (25:50 .mu.L in bioassay medium).
[0188] IC50 values are determined using GraphPad Prism.RTM. 3.0
software (Graphpad Software Inc., San Diego, Calif., USA), in which
absorbance is plotted against cytokine or antibody concentration
and IC50 values are determined using non-linear regression (curve
fit) of sigmoidal dose-response.
[0189] Table 6 shows the IC50 values for blocking of Ba/F3 cell
proliferation by anti-IL-23p19 antibodies. Values for multiple
determinations are included for some antibodies, and values with
standard deviations (.+-.SD) are provided for others.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 IC50 Values for Blocking of Ba/F3 Cell
Proliferation by Anti-IL-23 Antibodies Antibody Human IL-23 IC50
(pM) 7G10 elastikine 22, 18 7G10 non-linked 3000 7G10 eBioscience
3100, 510 hu7G10 elastikine 29 hu7G10 non-linked 10000 hu7G10
eBioscience 7800 6H12 elastikine 9, 11 6H12 non-linked 1500 6H12
eBioscience 1300, 500 hu6H12 elastikine 27 hu6H12 non-linked 4000
hu6H12 eBioscience 3200 13B5 elastikine 7, 5 13B5 non-linked 113
13B5 eBioscience 31 33B12 elastikine 4, 3 33B12 non-linked 193
33B12 eBioscience 57 39G2 elastikine 9, 5 39G2 non-linked 67 39G2
eBioscience 11 35F12 elastikine 15, 5 35F12 non-linked 73 35F12
eBioscience 12 3D7 elastikine 3, 3 3D7 non-linked 37 3D7
eBioscience 2 17G8 non-linked 3 .+-. 2 2G12 non-linked 183 .+-. 60
15G2 non-linked 133 .+-. 17 18E1 non-linked 48 .+-. 8 2C6
non-linked 11 .+-. 3 8E9 non-linked 8 .+-. 5 1D6 non-linked 16 .+-.
7 20A4 non-linked 5 .+-. 3 20H7 non-linked 3 .+-. 1 3C4 non-linked
12 .+-. 10 16F7 non-linked 141 .+-. 23 14A3 non-linked 135 .+-. 25
12C11 non-linked 57 .+-. 13
Example 6
Epitope for Anti-IL-23p19 Antibody 7G10
[0190] The epitope for the binding of antibody 7G10 to human
IL-23p19 is determined by X-ray crystallography. Coordinates are
determined for a complex of an Fab fragment of the chimeric form of
antibody 7G10 and non-linked human IL-23, which comprises p19 and
p40 subunits. Crystallization conditions are 12% polyethylene
glycol 3350, 200 mM ammonium citrate, 100 mM HEPES-NaOH (pH 8).
Crystals may also be obtained with other buffers at or around pH
8.
[0191] The sequence of human IL-23p19 is found at SEQ ID NO: 29 and
the sequence of the mature form of human IL-12/IL-23 p40 is found
at residues 23-328 of GenBank Accession No. P29460. The p40 subunit
in the IL-23 used to determine the crystal structure is the N222Q
variant, as described supra. The chimeric form of antibody 7G10
comprises i) a heavy chain comprising the mouse 7G10 V.sub.H domain
(SEQ ID NO: 6) fused to a human heavy chain constant region
(residues 135-464 of SEQ ID NO: 3), and ii) a light chain
comprising the mouse 7G10 V.sub.L domain (SEQ ID NO: 18) fused to a
human light chain constant region (residues 130-233 of SEQ ID NO:
4).
[0192] IL-23 amino acid residues within 4.0 .ANG. of residues on
antibody 7G10 include E82, G86, S87, D88, T91, G92, E93, P94, S95,
H106, P133, 5134, Q135, P136, W137, R139, L140. Additional residues
K83, F90 and L110 are within 5.0 .ANG.. An amino acid residue on
IL-23p19 is considered to be within a given distance of the
antibody (e.g. 4.0 .ANG. or 5.0 .ANG.) if the coordinates of any
atom of the residue are within the given distance of the
coordinates of any atom of the antibody.
[0193] Most of these contacted residues fall into two main clusters
along the primary structure of IL-23p19, with the first cluster
comprising residues 82-95 (in which 11 of 14 residues are within
5.0 .ANG. of the antibody and 9 of 14 are within 4.0 .ANG.) and the
second cluster comprising residues 133-140 (in which 7 of 8
residues are within 4.0 .ANG. of the antibody). These clusters
define epitopes comprising stretches of 8 or more contiguous amino
acid residues of IL-23p19 in which 50%, 70% and 85% or more of the
residues are within 5.0 .ANG. of the antibody.
[0194] Antibodies binding to either or both of these clusters would
be expected to block binding of antibody 7G10. Given the strong
sequence homology between all six CDR sequences (see FIGS. 1A-1C
and 2A-2C), it is likely that the other antibodies in both the
"(a)" light chain subfamily (conLA) and the heavy chain consensus
subfamily (conH), i.e. antibodies 6H12, 13F11, 13B5, 13G1, 11C10,
7E2, 30F11, 6H4, 33D2, 2C6, 2G12, 18E1, 15G2, 17G8, will also bind
to substantially the same epitope in IL-23p19 as antibody 7G10. The
consensus CDR sequences for the antibodies of the "(a) light chain
subfamily" variable domain sequence are provided at SEQ ID NOs: 68,
71 and 74. Corresponding heavy chain variable domain consensus
sequences are provided at SEQ ID NOs: 65-67. Antibodies binding to
the same epitope as antibody 7G10 would be expected to exhibit
similar biological activities, such as blocking Ba/F3 cell
proliferation in the assay described at Example 5 and Table 6,
albeit with perhaps somewhat variable affinities and IC50s.
Example 7
Mouse Splenocyte Assay for IL-23 Based on IL-17 Production
[0195] The biological activity of anti-IL-23p19 antibodies of the
present invention is assessed using the splenocyte assay
essentially as described in Aggarwal et al. (2003) J. Biol. Chem.
278:1910 and Stumhofer et al. (2006) Nature Immunol. 7:937. The
mouse splenocyte assay measures the activity of IL-23 in a sample
as a level of IL-17 production by murine splenocytes. The
inhibitory activity of anti-IL-23p19 antibodies is then assessed by
determining the concentration of antibody necessary to reduce the
IL-23 activity in a given sample by 50% (the IC50). The IC50 as
measured by this assay is greater than or equal to the equilibrium
dissociation binding constant (K.sub.d), i.e. the K.sub.d may be
equal to or lower than the IC50. As always, lower IC50 and K.sub.d
values reflect higher activities and affinities.
[0196] Briefly, spleens are obtained from 8-12 wk old female
C57BL/6J mice (Jackson Laboratories, Bar Harbor, Me., USA). Spleens
are ground, pelleted twice, and filtered through a cell strainer
(70 .mu.m nylon). The recovered cells are cultured in 96-well
plates (4.times.10.sup.5 cells/well) in the presence of human IL-23
(10 ng/ml, .about.170 pM) and mouse-anti-CD3e antibodies (1
.mu.g/ml) (BD Pharmingen, Franklin Lakes, N.J., USA), with or
without the anti-IL-23p19 antibody to be assayed. Anti IL-23p19
antibodies are added at 10 .mu.g/ml and at a series of 3-fold
dilutions. Cells are cultured for 72 hours, pelleted, and the
supernatant is assayed for IL-17 levels by sandwich ELISA.
[0197] IL-17 ELISA is performed as follows. Plates are coated with
a capture anti-IL-17 antibody (100 ng/well) overnight at 4.degree.
C., washed and blocked. Samples and standards are added and
incubated for two hours at room temperature with shaking. Plates
are washed, and a biotinylated anti-IL-17 detection antibody (100
ng/well) is added and incubated for one hour at room temperature
with shaking. The capture and detection antibodies are different
antibodies that both bind to mouse IL-17 but do not cross-block.
Plates are washed, and bound detection antibody is detected using
streptavidin-HRP (horseradish peroxidase) and TMB
(3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine). The plate is then read at 450-650
nm and the concentration of IL-17 in samples is calculated by
comparison with standards.
[0198] Splenocyte assay IC50 values for several antibodies of the
present invention are provided at Table 7. The antibodies tested
show IC50s of 14-155 pM.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Splenocyte Assay IC50s Antibody Clone IC50
(pM) m17G8 18 m2G12 106 m15G2 95 m18E1 92 m2C6 37 m8E9 34 m1D6 27
m20A4 24 m20H7 33 m3C4 14 m16F7 155 m14A3 53 m12C11 79
[0199] Table 8 provides a brief description of the sequences in the
sequence listing. SEQ ID NOs. 93-133 (*) are not disclosed in U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0048315. SEQ ID NOs. 77-80,
83 and 88 (**) are modified forms of SEQ ID NOs. 78-81, 84 and 89
of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0048315 comprising
additional variability at one or more positions.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Sequence Identifiers SEQ ID NO: Description
1 hum6H12 HC 2 hum6H12 LC 3 hum7G10 HC 4 hum7G10 LC 5 m6H12 V.sub.H
6 m7G10 V.sub.H 7 m13F11 V.sub.H 8 m13B5 V.sub.H 9 m21A10 V.sub.H
10 m33B12 V.sub.H 11 m39G2 V.sub.H 12 m35F12 V.sub.H 13 m49A10
V.sub.H 14 m3D7 V.sub.H 15 m34F9 V.sub.H 16 m7D7 V.sub.H 17 m6H12
V.sub.L 18 m7G10 V.sub.L 19 m13F11 V.sub.L 20 m13B5 V.sub.L 21
m21A10 V.sub.L 22 m33B12 V.sub.L 23 m39G2 V.sub.L 24 m35F12 V.sub.L
25 m49A10 V.sub.L 26 m34F9 V.sub.L 27 m7D7 V.sub.L 28 m3D7 V.sub.L
29 Human IL23p19 30 Murine IL-23p19 31 m13G1 V.sub.H 32 m11C10
V.sub.H 33 m7E2 V.sub.H 34 m30F11 V.sub.H 35 m34E4 V.sub.H 36 m6H4
V.sub.H 37 m33D2 V.sub.H 38 m1E10 V.sub.H 39 m20A9 V.sub.H 40 m22E9
V.sub.H 41 m29D5 V.sub.H 42 m5B12 V.sub.H 43 m9C9 V.sub.H 44 m11B10
V.sub.H 45 m10G8 V.sub.H 46 m19E9 V.sub.H 47 m10H11 V.sub.H 48
m13G1 V.sub.L 49 m11C10 V.sub.L 50 m7E2 V.sub.L 51 m30F11 V.sub.L
52 m34E4 V.sub.L 53 m6H4 V.sub.L 54 m33D2 V.sub.L 55 m1E10 V.sub.L
56 m20A9 V.sub.L 57 m22E9 V.sub.L 58 m29D5 V.sub.L 59 m5B12 V.sub.L
60 m9C9 V.sub.L 61 m11B10 V.sub.L 62 m10G8 V.sub.L 63 m19E9 V.sub.L
64 m10H11 V.sub.L 65 CDRH1 Consensus 66 CDRH2 Consensus 67 CDRH3
Consensus 68 CDRL1(a) Consensus 69 CDRL1(b) Consensus 70 CDRL1(c)
Consensus 71 CDRL2(a) Consensus 72 CDRL2(b) Consensus 73 CDRL2(c)
Consensus 74 CDRL3(a) Consensus 75 CDRL3(b) Consensus 76 CDRL3(c)
Consensus 77 CDRH1 Variable ** 78 CDRH2 Variable ** 79 CDRH3
Variable ** 80 CDRL1(a) Variable ** 81 CDRL1(b) Variable 82
CDRL1(c) Variable 83 CDRL2(a) Variable ** 84 CDRL2(b) Variable 85
CDRL2(c) Variable 86 CDRL3(a) Variable 87 CDRL3(b) Variable 88
CDRL3(c) Variable ** 89 hum10H11 V.sub.H 90 hum10H11 V.sub.L 91
hum22E9 V.sub.H 92 hum22E9 V.sub.L 93 m2G12 V.sub.H * 94 m15G2
V.sub.H * 95 m18E1 V.sub.H * 96 m2C6 V.sub.H * 97 m8E9 V.sub.H * 98
m1D6 V.sub.H * 99 m17G8 V.sub.H * 100 m20A4 V.sub.H * 101 m20H7
V.sub.H * 102 m3C4 V.sub.H * 103 m16F7 V.sub.H * 104 m14A3 V.sub.H
* 105 m12C11 V.sub.H * 106 m2G12 V.sub.L * 107 m15G2 V.sub.L * 108
m18E1 V.sub.L * 109 m2C6 V.sub.L * 110 m8E9 V.sub.L * 111 m1D6
V.sub.L* 112 m17G8 V.sub.L* 113 m20A4 V.sub.L * 114 m20H7 V.sub.L *
115 m3C4 V.sub.L * 116 m16F7 V.sub.L * 117 m14A3 V.sub.L* 118
m12C11 V.sub.L* 119 V.sub.H consensus A * 120 muIGHV1-14 germline *
121 muIGHJ2 germline * 122 muIGHJ3 germline * 123 V.sub.L consensus
A * 124 muIGKV5-39 germline * 125 V.sub.L consensus B * 126
muIGKV8-30 germline * 127 VL consensus C * 128 muIGKV3-12 germline
* 129 hum17G8 V.sub.H A* 130 hum17G8 V.sub.H B* 131 hum17G8 V.sub.L
* 132 hum17G8V.sub.H A R98A * 133 hum17G8 V.sub.H B R98A *
* * * * *