U.S. patent application number 12/788260 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-27 for targeted synthetic nanocarriers with ph sensitive release of immunomodulatory agents.
This patent application is currently assigned to Selecta Biosciences, Inc.. Invention is credited to Sam Baldwin, Fen-ni Fu, Yun Gao, Lloyd Johnston, Mark J. Keegan, Grayson B. Lipford, CHARLES ZEPP.
Application Number | 20110020388 12/788260 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43012672 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110020388 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ZEPP; CHARLES ; et
al. |
January 27, 2011 |
TARGETED SYNTHETIC NANOCARRIERS WITH PH SENSITIVE RELEASE OF
IMMUNOMODULATORY AGENTS
Abstract
This invention relates to compositions, and related methods, of
synthetic nanocarriers that target sites of action in cells, such
as antigen presenting cells (APCs), and comprise immunomodulatory
agents that dissociate from the synthetic nanocarriers in a pH
sensitive manner. Also disclosed are compositions and methods
relating to synthetic nanocarriers that encapsulate labile
immunomodulatory agents that dissociate from the synthetic
nanocarriers in a pH sensitive manner.
Inventors: |
ZEPP; CHARLES; (Hardwick,
MA) ; Gao; Yun; (Southborough, MA) ; Keegan;
Mark J.; (Groton, MA) ; Baldwin; Sam;
(Westford, MA) ; Fu; Fen-ni; (Northborough,
MA) ; Johnston; Lloyd; (Belmont, MA) ;
Lipford; Grayson B.; (Watertown, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Selecta BioSciences, Inc.;c/o Wolf, Greenfield, & Sacks, P.C.
600 Atlantic Avenue
Boston
MA
02210-2206
US
|
Assignee: |
Selecta Biosciences, Inc.
Watertown
MA
|
Family ID: |
43012672 |
Appl. No.: |
12/788260 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61217129 |
May 27, 2009 |
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61217117 |
May 27, 2009 |
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61217124 |
May 27, 2009 |
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61217116 |
May 27, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/193.1 ;
536/23.1; 544/277; 546/118; 546/82; 977/762; 977/773 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 47/64 20170801;
A61P 37/02 20180101; A61P 43/00 20180101; A61P 25/34 20180101; A61P
29/00 20180101; A61K 9/5138 20130101; A61K 47/593 20170801; A61K
39/0013 20130101; A61K 47/6935 20170801; A61P 37/04 20180101; A61P
35/00 20180101; B82Y 5/00 20130101; A61K 47/60 20170801; C07D
473/34 20130101; A61K 2039/55544 20130101; A61P 3/00 20180101; A61K
2039/6093 20130101; C08J 2367/04 20130101; A61K 2039/55555
20130101; A61P 31/00 20180101; A61K 2039/627 20130101; C08J 3/24
20130101; A61K 47/59 20170801; C08G 64/42 20130101; A61K 2039/55511
20130101; A61K 2039/62 20130101; A61K 47/6937 20170801; C07D 471/04
20130101; A61K 39/39 20130101; A61K 47/6925 20170801; C08G 63/08
20130101; A61P 25/28 20180101; A61P 25/30 20180101; A61K 2039/55561
20130101; C08G 63/06 20130101; C08G 63/912 20130101; A61K 39/385
20130101; A61K 47/58 20170801 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/193.1 ;
546/82; 544/277; 536/23.1; 546/118; 977/762; 977/773 |
International
Class: |
A61K 39/385 20060101
A61K039/385; C07D 471/04 20060101 C07D471/04; C07D 473/34 20060101
C07D473/34; C07H 21/00 20060101 C07H021/00; A61P 37/02 20060101
A61P037/02 |
Claims
1. A composition comprising: synthetic nanocarriers that comprise
an immunomodulatory agent coupled to the synthetic nanocarrier;
wherein the immunomodulatory agent dissociates from the synthetic
nanocarrier according to the following relationship:
IArel(4.5).sub.24%/IArel(7.4).sub.24%.gtoreq.1.2; wherein
IArel(4.5).sub.24% is defined as a weight of immunomodulatory agent
released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro
aqueous environment at a pH=4.5 for 24 hours divided by the sum of
the weight of immunomodulatory agent released upon exposure of the
synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous environment at a
pH=4.5 for 24 hours plus a weight of immunomodulatory agent
retained in the synthetic nanocarrier upon exposure of the
synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous environment at a
pH=4.5 for 24 hours, expressed as weight percent, and taken as an
average across a sample of the synthetic nanocarriers; and wherein
IArel(7.4).sub.24% is defined as a weight of immunomodulatory agent
released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro
aqueous environment at a pH=7.4 for 24 hours divided by the sum of
the weight of immunomodulatory agent released upon exposure of the
synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous environment at a
pH=7.4 for 24 hours plus a weight of immunomodulatory agent
retained in the synthetic nanocarrier upon exposure of the
synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous environment at a
pH=7.4 for 24 hours, expressed as weight percent, and taken as an
average across a sample of the synthetic nanocarriers.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the immunomodulatory agent
is coupled to the synthetic nanocarrier via an immunomodulatory
agent coupling moiety.
3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the immunomodulatory agent
is encapsulated within the synthetic nanocarrier.
4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the immunomodulatory agent
comprises a labile immunomodulatory agent.
5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the labile immunomodulatory
agent comprises an imidazoquinoline, an adenine derivative, or an
oligonucleotide that comprises 5'-CG-3', wherein C is unmethylated
and wherein the oligonucleotide comprises a backbone comprising one
or more unstabilized internucleotide linkages.
6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the imidazoquinoline
comprises an imidazoquinoline amine, an imidazopyridine amine, a
6,7-fused cycloalkylimidazopyridine amine, an imidazoquinoline
amine, imiquimod, or resiquimod.
7. The composition of claim 5, wherein the oligonucleotide's
backbone comprises no stabilizing chemical modifications that
function to stabilize the backbone under physiological
conditions.
8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the oligonucleotide's
backbone comprises a backbone that is not modified to incorporate
phosphorothioate stabilizing chemical modifications.
9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the immunomodulatory agent
is an adjuvant.
10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the adjuvant comprises a
Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist.
11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the TLR agonist is a TLR 3
agonist, TLR 7 agonist, TLR 8 agonist, TLR 7/8 agonist, or a TLR 9
agonist.
12. The composition of claim 10, wherein the TLR agonist is an
immunostimulatory nucleic acid.
13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the immunostimulatory
nucleic acid is an immunostimulatory DNA or immunostimulatory
RNA.
14. The composition of claim 12, wherein the immunostimulatory
nucleic acid is a CpG-containing immunostimulatory nucleic acid
that comprises one or more stabilizing chemical modifications that
function to stabilize the backbone under physiological
conditions.
15. The composition of claim 9, wherein the adjuvant comprises a
universal T-cell antigen.
16. The composition of claim 1, wherein the synthetic nanocarriers
further comprise a B cell antigen and/or a T cell antigen.
17. The composition of claim 1, wherein the synthetic nanocarriers
further comprise an antigen presenting cell (APC) targeting
feature.
18. The composition of claim 1, wherein the synthetic nanocarriers
comprise one or more biodegradable polymers.
19. The composition of claim 18, wherein the immunomodulatory agent
is coupled to the one or more biodegradable polymers via the
immunomodulatory agent coupling moiety.
20. The composition of claim 18, wherein the biodegradable polymer
comprises poly(lactide), poly(glycolide), or
poly(lactide-co-glycolide).
21. The composition of claim 18, wherein the biodegradable polymers
have a weight average molecular weight ranging from 800 Daltons to
10,000 Daltons, as determined using gel permeation
chromatography.
22. The composition of claim 2, wherein the immunomodulatory agent
coupling moiety comprises an amide bond.
23. The composition of claim 2, wherein the immunomodulatory agent
coupling moiety comprises an ester bond.
24. The composition of claim 1, wherein the synthetic nanocarriers
comprise lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles,
metallic nanoparticles, surfactant-based emulsions, dendrimers,
buckyballs, nanowires, virus-like particles, peptide or
protein-based particles, nanoparticles that comprise a combination
of nanomaterials, spheroidal nanoparticles, cubic nanoparticles,
pyramidal nanoparticles, oblong nanoparticles, cylindrical
nanoparticles, or toroidal nanoparticles.
25. A composition comprising: synthetic nanocarriers that comprise
an immunomodulatory agent coupled to the synthetic nanocarrier;
wherein the immunomodulatory agent dissociates from the synthetic
nanocarrier according to the following relationship:
IA(4.5).sub.24/IA(4.5).sub.6.gtoreq.1.2; wherein IA(4.5).sub.24 is
defined as a weight of immunomodulatory agent released upon
exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous
environment at a pH=4.5 for 24 hours taken as an average across a
sample of the synthetic nanocarriers; and wherein IA(4.5).sub.6 is
defined as a weight of immunomodulatory agent released upon
exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous
environment at a pH=4.5 for 6 hours taken as an average across a
sample of the synthetic nanocarriers.
26-30. (canceled)
31. A composition comprising: synthetic nanocarriers that comprise
an immunomodulatory agent coupled to the synthetic nanocarrier;
wherein the immunomodulatory agent dissociates from the synthetic
nanocarrier according to the following relationship:
6.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.24/IA(4.5).sub.6.gtoreq.1.2; wherein
IA(4.5).sub.24 is defined as a weight of immunomodulatory agent
released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro
aqueous environment at a pH=4.5 for 24 hours taken as an average
across a sample of the synthetic nanocarriers; and wherein
IA(4.5).sub.6 is defined as a weight of immunomodulatory agent
released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro
aqueous environment at a pH=4.5 for 6 hours taken as an average
across a sample of the synthetic nanocarriers.
32-55. (canceled)
56. A composition comprising a vaccine comprising the composition
claim 1.
57. A method comprising: administering the composition of claim 1
to a subject.
58-59. (canceled)
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 of U.S. provisional applications 61/217,129, 61/217,117,
61/217,124, and 61/217,116, each filed May 27, 2009, the contents
of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to compositions, and related methods,
of synthetic nanocarriers that target sites of action in cells,
such as antigen presenting cells (APCs), and comprise
immunomodulatory agents that dissociate from the synthetic
nanocarriers in a pH sensitive manner. The invention additionally
relates to protection of labile immunomodulatory agents by means of
their encapsulation in synthetic nanocarriers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Immunomodulatory agents are used to produce immune responses
in subjects. Stimulation of the immune system, which includes
stimulation of either or both innate immunity and adaptive
immunity, is a complex phenomenon that can result in either
protective or adverse physiologic outcomes for the host. In recent
years there has been increased interest in the mechanisms
underlying innate immunity, which is believed to initiate and
support adaptive immunity. This interest has been fueled in part by
the recent discovery of a family of highly conserved pattern
recognition receptor proteins known as Toll-like receptors (TLRs)
believed to be involved in innate immunity as receptors for
pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs).
[0004] Compositions and methods useful for modulating innate
immunity are therefore of great interest, as they may affect
therapeutic approaches to conditions involving inflammation,
allergy, asthma, infection, cancer, and immunodeficiency, etc.
[0005] It is at times advantageous to couple such agents to
delivery vehicles. However, information regarding how the release
of such agents, especially labile immunomodulatory agents, from
delivery vehicles can be controlled and what kind of release
provides for optimal in vivo effects is lacking.
[0006] There is a need for new delivery vehicles for delivering
immunomodulatory agents that allow for optimal release as well as
related methods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Aspects of the invention relate to compositions comprising
synthetic nanocarriers that comprise an immunomodulatory agent
coupled to the synthetic nanocarrier, wherein the immunomodulatory
agent dissociates from the synthetic nanocarrier according to the
following relationship:
IArel(4.5).sub.24%/IArel(7.4).sub.24%.gtoreq.1.2, wherein
IArel(4.5).sub.24% is defined as a weight of immunomodulatory agent
released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro
aqueous environment at a pH=4.5 for 24 hours divided by the sum of
the weight of immunomodulatory agent released upon exposure of the
synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous environment at a
pH=4.5 for 24 hours plus a weight of immunomodulatory agent
retained in the synthetic nanocarrier upon exposure of the
synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous environment at a
pH=4.5 for 24 hours, expressed as weight percent, and taken as an
average across a sample of the synthetic nanocarriers, and wherein
IArel(7.4).sub.24% is defined as a weight of immunomodulatory agent
released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro
aqueous environment at a pH=7.4 for 24 hours divided by the sum of
the weight of immunomodulatory agent released upon exposure of the
synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous environment at a
pH=7.4 for 24 hours plus a weight of immunomodulatory agent
retained in the synthetic nanocarrier upon exposure of the
synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous environment at a
pH=7.4 for 24 hours, expressed as weight percent, and taken as an
average across a sample of the synthetic nanocarriers.
[0008] In some embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent is coupled
to the synthetic nanocarrier via an immunomodulatory agent coupling
moiety. In certain embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent is
encapsulated within the synthetic nanocarrier. In some embodiments,
the immunomodulatory agent comprises a labile immunomodulatory
agent such as an imidazoquinoline, an adenine derivative, or an
oligonucleotide that comprises 5'-CG-3', wherein C is unmethylated
and wherein the oligonucleotide comprises a backbone comprising one
or more unstabilized internucleotide linkages. In certain
embodiments, the imidazoquinoline comprises an imidazoquinoline
amine, an imidazopyridine amine, a 6,7-fused
cycloalkylimidazopyridine amine, an imidazoquinoline amine,
imiquimod, or resiquimod.
[0009] In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide's backbone
comprises no stabilizing chemical modifications that function to
stabilize the backbone under physiological conditions. In some
embodiments, the oligonucleotide's backbone comprises a backbone
that is not modified to incorporate phosphorothioate stabilizing
chemical modifications. In some embodiments, the immunomodulatory
agent is an adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the adjuvant
comprises a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist such as a TLR 3
agonist, TLR 7 agonist, TLR 8 agonist, TLR 7/8 agonist, or a TLR 9
agonist.
[0010] In some embodiments, the TLR agonist is an immunostimulatory
nucleic acid such as an immunostimulatory DNA or immunostimulatory
RNA. In certain embodiments, the immunostimulatory nucleic acid is
a CpG-containing immunostimulatory nucleic acid that comprises one
or more stabilizing chemical modifications that function to
stabilize the backbone under physiological conditions. In some
embodiments, the adjuvant comprises a universal T-cell antigen.
[0011] In some embodiments, the synthetic nanocarriers further
comprise a B cell antigen and/or a T cell antigen. In certain
embodiments, the synthetic nanocarriers further comprise an antigen
presenting cell (APC) targeting feature. In some embodiments, the
synthetic nanocarriers comprise one or more biodegradable polymers.
In some embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent is coupled to the
one or more biodegradable polymers via the immunomodulatory agent
coupling moiety. In certain embodiments, the biodegradable polymer
comprises poly(lactide), poly(glycolide), or
poly(lactide-co-glycolide).
[0012] In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymers have a
weight average molecular weight ranging from 800 Daltons to 10,000
Daltons, as determined using gel permeation chromatography. In
certain embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent coupling moiety
comprises an amide bond. In some embodiments, the immunomodulatory
agent coupling moiety comprises an ester bond.
[0013] In some embodiments, the synthetic nanocarriers comprise
lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, metallic
nanoparticles, surfactant-based emulsions, dendrimers, buckyballs,
nanowires, virus-like particles, peptide or protein-based
particles, nanoparticles that comprise a combination of
nanomaterials, spheroidal nanoparticles, cubic nanoparticles,
pyramidal nanoparticles, oblong nanoparticles, cylindrical
nanoparticles, or toroidal nanoparticles.
[0014] Aspects of the invention relate to compositions comprising
synthetic nanocarriers that comprise an immunomodulatory agent
coupled to the synthetic nanocarrier, wherein the immunomodulatory
agent dissociates from the synthetic nanocarrier according to the
following relationship: IA(4.5).sub.24/IA(4.5).sub.6.gtoreq.1.2,
wherein IA(4.5).sub.24 is defined as a weight of immunomodulatory
agent released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in
vitro aqueous environment at a pH=4.5 for 24 hours taken as an
average across a sample of the synthetic nanocarriers, and wherein
IA(4.5).sub.6 is defined as a weight of immunomodulatory agent
released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro
aqueous environment at a pH=4.5 for 6 hours taken as an average
across a sample of the synthetic nanocarriers.
[0015] In some embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent comprises a
labile immunomodulatory agent encapsulated within the synthetic
nanocarrier. In certain embodiments, the labile immunomodulatory
agent comprises an imidazoquinoline, an adenine derivative, or an
oligonucleotide that comprises 5'-CG-3', wherein C is unmethylated
and wherein the oligonucleotide comprises a backbone comprising one
or more unstabilized internucleotide linkages. In certain
embodiments, the imidazoquinoline comprises an imidazoquinoline
amine, an imidazopyridine amine, a 6,7-fused
cycloalkylimidazopyridine amine, an imidazoquinoline amine,
imiquimod, or resiquimod. In some embodiments, the
oligonucleotide's backbone comprises no stabilizing chemical
modifications that function to stabilize the backbone under
physiological conditions. In some embodiments, the
oligonucleotide's backbone comprises a backbone that is not
modified to incorporate phosphorothioate stabilizing chemical
modifications.
[0016] Further aspects of the invention relate to compositions
comprising synthetic nanocarriers that comprise an immunomodulatory
agent coupled to the synthetic nanocarrier, wherein the
immunomodulatory agent dissociates from the synthetic nanocarrier
according to the following relationship:
6.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.24/IA(4.5).sub.6.gtoreq.1.2, wherein
IA(4.5).sub.24 is defined as a weight of immunomodulatory agent
released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro
aqueous environment at a pH=4.5 for 24 hours taken as an average
across a sample of the synthetic nanocarriers, and wherein
IA(4.5).sub.6 is defined as a weight of immunomodulatory agent
released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro
aqueous environment at a pH=4.5 for 6 hours taken as an average
across a sample of the synthetic nanocarriers.
[0017] In some embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent comprises a
labile immunomodulatory agent encapsulated within the synthetic
nanocarrier. In some embodiments, the labile immunomodulatory agent
comprises an imidazoquinoline, an adenine derivative, or an
oligonucleotide that comprises 5'-CG-3', wherein C is unmethylated
and wherein the oligonucleotide comprises a backbone comprising one
or more unstabilized internucleotide linkages. In certain
embodiments, the imidazoquinoline comprises an imidazoquinoline
amine, an imidazopyridine amine, a 6,7-fused
cycloalkylimidazopyridine amine, a imidazoquinoline amine,
imiquimod, or resiquimod.
[0018] In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide's backbone
comprises no stabilizing chemical modifications that function to
stabilize the backbone under physiological conditions. In some
embodiments, the oligonucleotide's backbone comprises a backbone
that is not modified to incorporate phosphorothioate stabilizing
chemical modifications. In certain embodiments, the
immunomodulatory agent is coupled to the synthetic nanocarrier via
an immunomodulatory agent coupling moiety. In some embodiments, the
immunomodulatory agent is encapsulated within the synthetic
nanocarrier.
[0019] In some embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent is an
adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the adjuvant comprises a
Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist such as a TLR 3 agonist, TLR 7
agonist, TLR 8 agonist, TLR 7/8 agonist, or a TLR 9 agonist. In
certain embodiments, the TLR agonist is an immunostimulatory
nucleic acid such as an immunostimulatory DNA or immunostimulatory
RNA.
[0020] In some embodiments, the immunostimulatory nucleic acid is a
CpG-containing immunostimulatory nucleic acid that comprises one or
more stabilizing chemical modifications that function to stabilize
the backbone under physiological conditions. In certain
embodiments, the adjuvant comprises a universal T-cell antigen. In
some embodiments, the synthetic nanocarriers further comprise a B
cell antigen and/or a T cell antigen.
[0021] In some embodiments, the synthetic nanocarriers further
comprise an antigen presenting cell (APC) targeting feature. In
certain embodiments, the synthetic nanocarriers comprise one or
more biodegradable polymers. In some embodiments, the
immunomodulatory agent is coupled to the one or more biodegradable
polymers via the immunomodulatory agent coupling moiety. In certain
embodiments, the biodegradable polymer comprises poly(lactide),
poly(glycolide), or poly(lactide-co-glycolide).
[0022] In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymers have a
weight average molecular weight ranging from 800 Daltons to 10,000
Daltons, as determined using gel permeation chromatography. In
certain embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent coupling moiety
comprises an amide bond. In some embodiments, the immunomodulatory
agent coupling moiety comprises an ester bond.
[0023] In some embodiments, the synthetic nanocarriers comprise
lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, metallic
nanoparticles, surfactant-based emulsions, dendrimers, buckyballs,
nanowires, virus-like particles, peptide or protein-based
particles, nanoparticles that comprise a combination of
nanomaterials, spheroidal nanoparticles, cubic nanoparticles,
pyramidal nanoparticles, oblong nanoparticles, cylindrical
nanoparticles, or toroidal nanoparticles. In certain embodiments,
compositions associated with the invention further comprise a
pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
[0024] Further aspects of the invention relate to compositions
comprising a vaccine comprising any of the compositions associated
with the invention.
[0025] Further aspects of the invention involve methods comprising
administering any of the compositions associated with the invention
to a subject. In some embodiments, the composition is in an amount
effective to induce or enhance an immune response. In some
embodiments, the subject has cancer, an infectious disease, a
non-autoimmune metabolic disease, a degenerative disease, or an
addiction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 demonstrates the release of resiquimod (R848) from
synthetic nanocarrier formulations at pH 7.4, 37.degree. C.
[0027] FIG. 2 demonstrates the release of R848 from synthetic
nanocarrier formulations at pH 4.5, 37.degree. C.
[0028] FIG. 3 demonstrates the release of R848 from synthetic
nanocarrier formulations at pH 7.4 and pH 4.5 at 24 hours.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows the level of antibody induction by synthetic
nanocarriers with a CpG-containing immunostimulatory nucleic acid
(Groups 2 and 3) as compared to the level of antibody induction by
synthetic nanocarriers without the CpG-containing immunostimulatory
nucleic acid (Group 1).
[0030] FIG. 5 shows the level of antibody induction by synthetic
nanocarriers that release a phosphodiester, non-thioated
CpG-containing immunostimulatory nucleic acid or a thioated
CpG-containing immunostimulatory nucleic acid.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows the level of antibody induction by synthetic
nanocarriers that release R848 at different rates.
[0032] FIG. 7 shows the level of antibody induction by synthetic
nanocarriers carrying entrapped phosphodiester (PO) CpG, designated
as NC-Nic/PO-CpG.
[0033] FIG. 8 shows the release of entrapped PO-CpG from
nanocarriers at a pH of 4.5 versus pH 7.5. The data demonstrates
that a labile immunomodulatory agent, such as PO-CpG, is protected
by encapsulation within a synthetic nanocarrier. Such a labile
agent can be released at a desired site of action with a pH of 4.5
(e.g., in the endosome/lysosome) with low levels of release
occurring at a pH of 7.4 (e.g., generally the pH outside of the
endosome/lysosome).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to
be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly
exemplified materials or process parameters as such may, of course,
vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein
is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the
invention only, and is not intended to be limiting of the use of
alternative terminology to describe the present invention.
[0035] All publications, patents and patent applications cited
herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety for all purposes.
[0036] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless
the content clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to
"a polymer" includes a mixture of two or more such molecules,
reference to "a solvent" includes a mixture of two or more such
solvents, reference to "an adhesive" includes mixtures of two or
more such materials, and the like.
INTRODUCTION
[0037] This invention is useful in that it provides a way to
release immunomodulatory agents more directly at the sites of
action in cells of interest, in particular antigen presenting
cells, which would result in beneficial immune response and/or
reduce off-target effects and toxicity, as the majority of the
release of the immunomodulatory agents would be at a site of action
in the cells of interest. This is of particular interest for the
delivery of adjuvants. The controlled release properties offer for
the first time a controlled way of delivering immunomodulatory
agents to the immune cells of interest and allow for a more precise
intervention on the immune system, including the ability to release
immunomodulatory agents over an extended period. All of this leads
to a very tunable system to get the optimum release of
immunomodulatory agent such that it will release primarily at a
site of action in the desired cells.
[0038] The inventors have further recognized that coupling labile
immunomodulatory agents within the inventive synthetic nanocarriers
through encapsulating the labile immunomodulatory agents within the
inventive synthetic nanocarriers, and providing a controlled way of
delivering labile immunomodulatory agents to immune cells of
interest, preferably over an extended period, results in targeted
delivery of the labile immunomodulatory agents while minimizing
off-target effects of the immunomodulatory agents, especially
off-target effects associated with systemic administration of the
immunomodulatory agents. Additionally, this approach can enhance
the performance of labile immunomodulatory agents having a short
half-life of elimination that otherwise might not have a desirable
level of pharmacological activity.
[0039] In one embodiment, the invention relates to certain
oligonucleotides. Recently, there have been a number of reports
describing the immunostimulatory effect of certain types of nucleic
acid molecules, including CpG nucleic acids, GU rich ssRNA and
double-stranded RNA. Of note, it was recently reported that
Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) recognizes bacterial DNA and
oligonucleotides containing a CpG motif wherein the cytosine is
unmethylated. Hemmi H et al. (2000) Nature 408:740-5; Bauer S. et
al. (2001) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98:9237-42. The effects of CpG
containing oligonucleotides on immune modulation have been
described extensively in U.S. patents such as U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,194,388; 6,207,646; 6,239,116; and 6,218,371, and published
international patent applications, such as WO98/37919, WO98/40100,
WO98/52581, and WO99/56755. The entire immunostimulatory nucleic
acid can be unmethylated or portions may be unmethylated but at
least the C of the 5'-CG-3' must be unmethylated.
[0040] Natural DNA oligonucleotides contain phosphodiester linkages
that are rapidly cleaved by nucleases found in the extracellular
environment. Yu, D., et al., Potent CpG oligonucleotides containing
phosphodiester linkages: in vitro and in vivo immunostimulatory
properties. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2002. 297(1): p. 83-90 ("Yu
et al."); Heeg, K., et al., Structural requirements for uptake and
recognition of CpG oligonucleotides. Int J Med Microbiol, 2008.
298(1-2): p. 33-8 ("Heeg et al."). Such natural oligonucleotides
may be considered labile immunomodulatory agents. Accordingly,
methods of chemically stabilizing the linkages by replacing the
phosphodiester linking group with a phosphorothioate group have
been extensively reported in the literature. See U.S. Pat. No.
6,811,975--Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides Having Modified
Internucleoside Linkages.
[0041] Phosphorothioate CpG containing oligonucleotides have been
administered systemically as vaccine adjuvants. Yu et al. However,
systemic administration of stabilized CpG oligonucleotides can
result in off-target immunostimulatory effects, such as general
inflammation, non-specific activation of lymphocytes, and flu-like
symptoms. Haas, T., et al., Sequence independent interferon-alpha
induction by multimerized phosphodiester DNA depends on spatial
regulation of Toll-like receptor-9 activation in plasmacytoid
dendritic cells. Immunology, 2009. 126(2): p. 290-8 ("Haas et
al."). Accordingly, such oligonucleotides may be usefully
incorporated in the practice of the present invention, as is
described in more detail below.
[0042] The inventors have unexpectedly and surprisingly discovered
that the problems and limitations noted above can be overcome by
practicing the invention disclosed herein. In particular, the
inventors have unexpectedly discovered that it is possible to
provide, together with related methods, a composition comprising:
synthetic nanocarriers that comprise an immunomodulatory agent
coupled to the synthetic nanocarrier; wherein the immunomodulatory
agent, preferably a labile immunodmodulatory agent, dissociates
from the synthetic nanocarrier according to the following
relationship:
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.2;
[0043] wherein IArel(4.5).sub.t% is defined as a weight of
immunomodulatory agent released upon exposure of the synthetic
nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous environment at a pH=4.5 for t
hours divided by the sum of the weight of immunomodulatory agent
released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro
aqueous environment at a pH=4.5 for t hours plus a weight of
immunomodulatory agent retained in the synthetic nanocarrier upon
exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous
environment at a pH=4.5 for t hours, expressed as weight percent,
and taken as an average across a sample of the synthetic
nanocarriers; and wherein IArel(7.4).sub.t% is defined as a weight
of immunomodulatory agent released upon exposure of the synthetic
nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous environment at a pH=7.4 for t
hours divided by the sum of the weight of immunomodulatory agent
released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro
aqueous environment at a pH=7.4 for t hours plus a weight of
immunomodulatory agent retained in the synthetic nanocarrier upon
exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous
environment at a pH=7.4 for t hours, expressed as weight percent,
and taken as an average across a sample of the synthetic
nanocarriers; and wherein t is 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20,
22, 24, 26, 28, or 30 hours.
[0044] In some embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent, preferably
a labile immunodmodulatory agent, dissociates from the synthetic
nanocarrier according to the following relationship:
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.3,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.4,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.5,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.6,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.7,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.8,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.9,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t% 2,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.2.2,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.2.5,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.2.7,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.3,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.3.5,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.4,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.4.5,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t% 5,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.5.5,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.6,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.6.5,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.7,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.7.5,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.8,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.8.5,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t% 9,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.9.5,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.10,
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.10.5, or
IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.11, wherein
IArel(4.5).sub.t%, IArel(7.4).sub.t%, and t are as defined
above.
[0045] In other embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent, preferably
a labile immunodmodulatory agent, dissociates from the synthetic
nanocarrier according to the following relationship:
2.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.2,
2.5.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.2,
3.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.2,
3.5.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.2,
4.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.2,
4.5.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.2,
5.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t% 1.2,
6.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.2,
7.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.2,
8.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.2,
9.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.1.2,
10.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t% 1.2,
10.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.2,
10.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.2.5,
10.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.3,
10.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.3.5,
10.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.4,
10.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.4.5,
10.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.5,
10.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.6,
10.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.7,
10.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.8,
10.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.9,
3.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.2,
4.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.3,
5.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.4,
6.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.5,
7.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.6,
8.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.7, or
9.ltoreq.IArel(4.5).sub.t%/IArel(7.4).sub.t%.gtoreq.8, wherein
IArel(4.5).sub.t%, IArel(7.4).sub.t%, and t are as defined above.
In some embodiments, t is 24 hours.
[0046] Accordingly, this invention relates to compositions and
methods comprising synthetic nanocarriers that release
immunomodulatory agents at significantly different rates at neutral
and acidic pH. In delivering immunomodulatory agents, to have the
most potent effect it is desirable to have the majority of the
immunomodulatory agent released inside APCs where they can have a
desired effect. When immunomodulatory agents are injected in free
form, or when they are released from a synthetic nanoparticle
outside the APCs, only a small portion of that immunomodulatory
agent finds its way to the APCs, while the rest diffuses through
the body, where the immune stimulation would be less and may result
in deleterious effects. The inventive synthetic nanocarriers
provided herein are preferentially taken up by APCs. Upon being
taken up by the APC, the synthetic nanocarriers are presumed to be
endocytosed into an endosomal/lysosomal compartment where the pH
becomes more acidic, as opposed to the neutral pH outside the
cells. Under these conditions, the immunomodulatory agent exhibits
a pH sensitive dissociation from the synthetic nanocarrier (e.g.,
from an immunomodulatory agent coupling moiety) and is released
from the synthetic nanocarrier. The immunomodulatory agent is then
free to interact with receptors associated with the
endosome/lysosome and stimulate a desired immune response. The
property of the inventive synthetic nanocarriers of having lower
release of immunomodulatory agents at or about neutral pH, or in
embodiments at or about physiological pH (i.e., pH=7.4), but
increased release at or about a pH of 4.5 is desirable for it
targets the immunomodulatory agents to the endosomal/lysosomal
compartment of APCs to which the synthetic nanocarriers target.
[0047] The immunomodulatory agents can be coupled to the synthetic
nanocarriers by any of a number of methods. Generally, the coupling
can be a result of bonding between the immunomodulatory agent and
the synthetic nanocarrier. This bonding can result in the
immunomodulatory agent being attached to the surface of the
synthetic nanocarrier and/or contained within (encapsulated) the
synthetic nanocarrier. In some embodiments, however, the
immunomodulatory agent is encapsulated by the synthetic nanocarrier
as a result of the structure of the synthetic nanocarrier rather
than bonding to the synthetic nanocarrier.
[0048] When coupling occurs as a result of bonding between the
immunomodulatory agent and synthetic nanocarrier, the coupling
occurs via an immunomodulatory agent coupling moiety. An
immunomodulatory agent coupling moiety can be any moiety through
which an immunomodulatory agent is bonded to a synthetic
nanocarrier. Such moieties include covalent bonds, such as an amide
bond or ester bond, as well as separate molecules that bond
(covalently or non-covalently) the immunomodulatory agent to the
synthetic nanocarrier. Such molecules include linkers or polymers
or a unit thereof. For example, the immunomodulatory agent coupling
moiety can comprise a charged polymer to which an immunomodulatory
agent (e.g., an immunostimulatory nucleic acid) electrostatically
binds. As another example, the immunomodulatory agent coupling
moiety can comprise a polymer or unit thereof to which the
immunomodulatory agent is covalently bonded.
[0049] In some embodiments, the polymer or unit thereof comprises a
polyester, polycarbonate, polyamide, or polyether, or unit thereof.
In other embodiments, the polymer or unit thereof comprises
poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic
acid), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), or a polycaprolactone, or
unit thereof. In some embodiments, it is preferred that the polymer
is biodegradable. Therefore, in these embodiments, it is preferred
that if the polymer comprises a polyether, such as poly(ethylene
glycol) or unit thereof, the polymer comprises a block-co-polymer
of a polyether and a biodegradable polymer such that the polymer is
biodegradable. In other embodiments, the polymer does not solely
comprise a polyether or unit thereof, such as poly(ethylene glycol)
or unit thereof. The immunomodulatory agent coupling moiety as
provided herein, therefore, can comprise one of the aforementioned
polymers or a unit thereof (e.g., a lactide or glycolide).
[0050] In some embodiments, for use as part of a synthetic
nanocarrier, the polymer of the compounds or conjugates provided
herein is insoluble in water at pH=7.4 and at 25.degree. C., is
biodegradable, or both. In other embodiments, the polymer is
insoluble in water at pH=7.4 and at 25.degree. C. but soluble at
pH=4.5 and at 25.degree. C. In still other embodiments, the polymer
is insoluble in water at pH=7.4 and at 25.degree. C. but soluble at
pH=4.5 and at 25.degree. C. and biodegradable. In other
embodiments, any of the polymers provided herein can have a weight
average molecular weight, as determined by gel permeation
chromatography, of about 800 Da to 10,000 Da (e.g., 2,000 Da).
[0051] In one embodiment, the immunomodulatory agent is an
adjuvant, such as an imidazoquinoline. Imidazoquinolines include
compounds, such as imiquimod and resiquimod (also known as R848).
Such adjuvants can be coupled to a polymer as provided above. As an
example, resiquimod was conjugated to poly-lactic acid (PLA)
polymer of .about.2000 Da. In in vitro release studies, such an
embodiment demonstrated an increase in R848 release of 3- to 6-fold
when the pH was dropped from 7.4 to 4.5. Table 1 lists the
compositions of the particles tested. These included two
formulations that encapsulated R848, 2 formulations with the PLA
coupled covalently to R848 through the R848 amine, and four
formulations with PLA coupled covalently to R848 (via a ring
opening method). In all formulations, the release of R848 was
significantly increased at the lower pH. The encapsulated release
rate is much faster than the conjugated release rates, and there
are also differences in release rates between the conjugation
methods.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Formulation Targets With A Covalent R848 Ova
PLA- PLA-R848 R848 peptide PEG- conjugate PLA (15-20K, Formulation
load* load NIC type** BI R202H) Chemistry 1 E1.5% 1.1-2.2% 25% 75%
2 E1.5%++ 1.1-2.2% 25% 75% 3 C75% 0.15-0.31% 25% Method 1 Amine 4
C75% 0.15-0.31% 25% Method 1 Amine 5 C75% 0.15-0.31% 25% Method 5
ROP-hi MW 6 C75% 0.15-0.31% 25% Method 5 ROP-lo MW 7 C50%
0.15-0.31% 25% Method 5 25% ROP-lo MW 8 C25% 0.15-0.31% 25% Method
5 50% ROP-lo MW *C = covalent R848; E = encapsulation of R848
[0052] Although the above example was with PLA, immunomodulatory
agents, such as R848, can be coupled to other polymers or units
thereof, such as those provided above and elsewhere herein
including polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) block co-polymer or unit
thereof. Immunomodulatory agents, such as R848, can be coupled to
such polymers or units thereof by an amide or ester bond. Examples
of methods for effecting such coupling are provided elsewhere
herein and in the EXAMPLES.
[0053] The inventors have also unexpectedly discovered that it is
possible to provide, together with related methods, a composition
comprising:
[0054] synthetic nanocarriers that comprise an immunomodulatory
agent coupled to the synthetic nanocarrier; wherein the
immunomodulatory agent, preferably a labile immunodmodulatory
agent, dissociates from the synthetic nanocarrier according to the
following relationship:
IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2;
[0055] wherein IA(4.5).sub.t1 is defined as a weight of
immunomodulatory agent released upon exposure of the synthetic
nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous environment at a pH=4.5 for t1
hours taken as an average across a sample of the synthetic
nanocarriers; and wherein IA(4.5).sub.t2 is defined as a weight of
immunomodulatory agent released upon exposure of the synthetic
nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous environment at a pH=4.5 for t2
hours taken as an average across a sample of the synthetic
nanocarriers; and wherein t1 is 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20,
22, 24, 26, 28 or 30 hours; t2 is 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18,
20, 22, 24, 26, or 28 hours; and t1>t2. In some embodiments, t1
is 24 hours, and t2 is 6 hours.
[0056] In some embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent, preferably
a labile immunodmodulatory agent, dissociates from the synthetic
nanocarrier according to the following relationship:
IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.5,
IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.2,
IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.2.5,
IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.3,
IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.3.5,
IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.4,
IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.4.5,
IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.5,
IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.6,
IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.7,
IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.8,
IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.9, or
IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.10; wherein IA(4.5).sub.t1,
IA(4.5).sub.t2, t1, and t2 are as defined above. In some
embodiments, t1 is 24 hours, and t2 is 6 hours.
[0057] In other embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent, preferably
a labile immunodmodulatory agent, dissociates from the synthetic
nanocarrier according to the following relationship:
10.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
10.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.2,
10.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.2.5,
10.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.3,
10.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.3.5,
10.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.4,
10.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.4.5,
10.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.5,
10.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.6,
10.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.7,
10.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.8,
10.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.9,
9.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
8.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
7.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
6.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
5.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
4.5.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
4.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
3.5.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
3.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
2.5.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
2.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
1.5.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
3.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.2,
4.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.3,
5.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.4,
6.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.5,
7.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.6,
8.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.7, or
9.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.8; wherein
IA(4.5).sub.t1, IA(4.5).sub.t2, t1, and t2 are as defined above. In
some embodiments, t1 is 24 hours, and t2 is 6 hours.
[0058] Inventive synthetic nanocarriers have also been shown to
exhibit the property of augmenting a humoral immune response to a
specific antigen. Such augmented humoral immune response has been
found to be elevated, in some embodiments, with faster release of
immunomodulatory agent. In one embodiment, the immunomodulatory
agent is a CpG-containing immunostimulatory nucleic acid, and the
CpG-containing immunostimulatory nucleic acid is encapsulated
within a synthetic nanocarrier. In in vitro studies, described
further below in the EXAMPLES, it was found that optimal release of
the CpG-containing immunostimulatory nucleic acids from synthetic
nanocarriers produced an elevated humoral immune response to
nicotine, which was also coupled to the synthetic nanocarriers. In
some embodiments, such optimal release was found to better augment
an antibody response to an antigen.
[0059] Optimal release is the dissociation of the immunomodulatory
agent from the synthetic nanocarrier that produces the best levels
of desired effect(s). In some embodiments, the desired effect is an
immediate immune response of a desired level (i.e., one that occurs
soon after the administration of the synthetic nanocarrier).
Generally, an immediate immune response is one measured on the
order of seconds, minutes, or a few hours. In other embodiments,
the desired effect is an immune response of a desired level that
occurs after a few hours. In still other embodiments, the desired
effect is an immune response of a desired level that is sustained
for an extended period of time, such as for 1, 2, 5, 10, 15 or more
hours. In other embodiments, the extended period of time is for 1,
2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or more days. In further embodiments, the
extended period of time is for 1, 2, 5, 10 or more months. In
further embodiments, the extended period of time is for 1, 2, 5, 10
or more years. In some embodiments, a composition of synthetic
nanocarriers that provides optimal release is one wherein the
immunomodulatory agent dissociates from the synthetic nanocarrier
according to one of the above relationships.
[0060] In embodiments, an immunomodulatory agent, preferably a
labile immunodmodulatory agent, that dissociates from the synthetic
nanocarrier at an intermediate rate satisfies the following
relationship: 6.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
5.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
4.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
3.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
2.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.2,
6.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.2,
6.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.2.5,
6.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.3,
6.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.3.5,
6.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.4,
6.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.5,
4.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.5,
3.5.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.5,
3.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.5,
2.5.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.1.5,
5.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.2,
4.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.2, or
3.ltoreq.IA(4.5).sub.t1/IA(4.5).sub.t2.gtoreq.2; wherein
IA(4.5).sub.t1, IA(4.5).sub.2, t1, and t2 are as defined above. In
some embodiments, t1 is 24 hours, and t2 is 6 hours.
[0061] As another example, resiquimod was encapsulated within a
synthetic nanocarrier. In in vitro studies, described further below
in the EXAMPLES, it was found that resiquimod contained in the
synthetic nanocarriers augmented humoral immune response against
nicotine also coupled to the synthetic nanocarriers. It was also
found that an intermediate release of the resiquimod from the
synthetic nanocarriers was optimal, as it resulted in a higher
level of antibody induction than fast or slow release of the
resiquimod.
[0062] Accordingly, the synthetic nanocarriers provided herein can
also comprise one or more antigens. The antigens can be B cell
antigens or T cell antigens or a combination of both. Such antigens
can be coupled to the synthetic nanocarriers such that they are
present on the surface of the synthetic nanocarriers, encapsulated
within the nanocarriers or both, in some embodiments. In
embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent augments an immune response
to such an antigen. As mentioned above, the antigen can also be
coupled to the synthetic nanocarriers. In other embodiments,
however such as antigen is not coupled to the synthetic
nanocarriers. In some of these embodiments, such an antigen can be
coadministered to a subject. In still other of these embodiments,
such an antigen is not coadministered to the subject.
DEFINITIONS
[0063] "Adjuvant" means an agent that does not constitute a
specific antigen, but boosts the strength and longevity of immune
response to an antigen. Such adjuvants may include, but are not
limited to stimulators of pattern recognition receptors, such as
Toll-like receptors, RIG-1 and NOD-like receptors (NLR), mineral
salts, such as alum, alum combined with monphosphoryl lipid (MPL) A
of Enterobacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella minnesota,
Salmonella typhimurium, or Shigella flexneri or specifically with
MPL.RTM. (AS04), MPL A of above-mentioned bacteria separately,
saponins, such as QS-21, Quil-A, ISCOMs, ISCOMATRIXT.TM., emulsions
such as MF59.TM., Montanide.RTM. ISA 51 and ISA 720, AS02
(QS21+squalene+MPL.RTM.), liposomes and liposomal formulations such
as AS01, synthesized or specifically prepared microparticles and
microcarriers such as bacteria-derived outer membrane vesicles
(OMV) of N. gonorrheae, Chlamydia trachomatis and others, or
chitosan particles, depot-forming agents, such as Pluronic.RTM.
block co-polymers, specifically modified or prepared peptides, such
as muramyl dipeptide, aminoalkyl glucosaminide 4-phosphates, such
as RC529, or proteins, such as bacterial toxoids or toxin
fragments. In embodiments, adjuvants comprise agonists for pattern
recognition receptors (PRR), including, but not limited to
Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs), specifically TLRs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9
and/or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, adjuvants
comprise agonists for Toll-Like Receptors 3, agonists for Toll-Like
Receptors 7 and 8, or agonists for Toll-Like Receptor 9; preferably
the recited adjuvants comprise imidazoquinolines; such as
resiquimod (also known as R848); adenine derivatives, such as those
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,381 (Sumitomo Pharmaceutical
Company); immunostimulatory DNA; or immunostimulatory RNA. In
specific embodiments, synthetic nanocarriers incorporate as
adjuvants compounds that are agonists for toll-like receptors
(TLRs) 7 & 8 ("TLR 7/8 agonists"). Of utility are the TLR 7/8
agonist compounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,696,076 to Tomai et
al., including but not limited to imidazoquinoline amines,
imidazopyridine amines, 6,7-fused cycloalkylimidazopyridine amines,
and 1,2-bridged imidazoquinoline amines. Preferred adjuvants
comprise imiquimod and resiquimod. In specific embodiments, an
adjuvant may be an agonist for the DC surface molecule CD40. In
certain embodiments, a synthetic nanocarrier incorporates an
adjuvant that promotes DC maturation (needed for effective priming
of naive T cells) and the production of cytokines, such as type I
interferons, which in turn stimulate antibody and cytotoxic immune
responses against desired antigen. In embodiments, adjuvants also
may comprise immunostimulatory RNA molecules, such as but not
limited to dsRNA or poly I:C (a TLR3 stimulant), and/or those
disclosed in F. Heil et al., "Species-Specific Recognition of
Single-Stranded RNA via Toll-like Receptor 7 and 8" Science
303(5663), 1526-1529 (2004); J. Vollmer et al., "Immune modulation
by chemically modified ribonucleosides and oligoribonucleotides" WO
2008033432 A2; A. Forsbach et al., "Immunostimulatory
oligoribonucleotides containing specific sequence motif(s) and
targeting the Toll-like receptor 8 pathway" WO 2007062107 A2; E.
Uhlmann et al., "Modified oligoribonucleotide analogs with enhanced
immunostimulatory activity" U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. US 2006241076; G.
Lipford et al., "Immunostimulatory viral RNA oligonucleotides and
use for treating cancer and infections" WO 2005097993 A2; G.
Lipford et al., "Immunostimulatory G,U-containing
oligoribonucleotides, compositions, and screening methods" WO
2003086280 A2. In some embodiments, an adjuvant may be a TLR-4
agonist, such as bacterial lipopolysacccharide (LPS), VSV-G, and/or
HMGB-1. In some embodiments, adjuvants may comprise TLR-5 agonists,
such as flagellin, or portions or derivatives thereof, including
but not limited to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,130,082,
6,585,980, and 7,192,725. In specific embodiments, synthetic
nanocarriers incorporate a ligand for Toll-like receptor (TLR)-9,
such as immunostimulatory oligonucleotide molecules comprising
5'-CG-3' motifs, wherein the C is unmethylated, which induce type I
interferon secretion, and stimulate T and B cell activation leading
to increased antibody production and cytotoxic T cell responses
(Krieg et al., CpG motifs in bacterial DNA trigger direct B cell
activation. Nature. 1995. 374:546-549; Chu et al. CpG
oligodeoxynucleotides act as adjuvants that switch on T helper 1
(Thi) immunity. J. Exp. Med. 1997. 186:1623-1631; Lipford et al.
CpG-containing synthetic oligonucleotides promote B and cytotoxic T
cell responses to protein antigen: a new class of vaccine
adjuvants. Eur. J. Immunol. 1997. 27:2340-2344; Roman et al.
Immunostimulatory DNA sequences function as T helper-1-promoting
adjuvants. Nat. Med. 1997. 3:849-854; Davis et al. CpG DNA is a
potent enhancer of specific immunity in mice immunized with
recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen. J. Immunol. 1998.
160:870-876; Lipford et al., Bacterial DNA as immune cell
activator. Trends Microbiol. 1998. 6:496-500. In some embodiments,
adjuvants may be proinflammatory stimuli released from necrotic
cells (e.g., urate crystals). In some embodiments, adjuvants may be
activated components of the complement cascade (e.g., CD21, CD35,
etc.). In some embodiments, adjuvants may be activated components
of immune complexes. The adjuvants also include complement receptor
agonists, such as a molecule that binds to CD21 or CD35. In some
embodiments, the complement receptor agonist induces endogenous
complement opsonization of the synthetic nanocarrier. In some
embodiments, adjuvants are cytokines, which are small proteins or
biological factors (in the range of 5 kD-20 kD) that are released
by cells and have specific effects on cell-cell interaction,
communication and behavior of other cells. In some embodiments, the
cytokine receptor agonist is a small molecule, antibody, fusion
protein, or aptamer.
[0064] "Administering" or "administration" means providing a drug
to a patient in a manner that is pharmacologically useful.
[0065] "APC targeting feature" means one or more portions of which
the inventive synthetic nanocarriers are comprised that target the
synthetic nanocarriers to professional antigen presenting cells
("APCs"), such as but not limited to dendritic cells, SCS
macrophages, follicular dendritic cells, and B cells. In
embodiments, APC targeting features may comprise immunofeature
surface(s) and/or targeting moieties that bind known targets on
APCs. In embodiments, APC targeting features may comprise one or
more B cell antigens present on a surface of synthetic
nanocarriers. In embodiments, APC targeting features may also
comprise one or more dimensions of the synthetic nanoparticles that
is selected to promote uptake by APCs.
[0066] In embodiments, targeting moieties for known targets on
macrophages ("Mphs") comprise any targeting moiety that
specifically binds to any entity (e.g., protein, lipid,
carbohydrate, small molecule, etc.) that is prominently expressed
and/or present on macrophages (i.e., subcapsular sinus-Mph
markers). Exemplary SCS-Mph markers include, but are not limited
to, CD4 (L3T4, W3/25, T4); CD9 (p24, DRAP-1, MRP-1); CD11a
(LFA-1.alpha., .alpha. L Integrin chain); CD11b (.alpha.M Integrin
chain, CR3, Mol, C3niR, Mac-1); CD11c (.alpha.X Integrin, p150, 95,
AXb2); CDw12 (p90-120); CD13 (APN, gp150, EC 3.4.11.2); CD14
(LPS-R); CD15 (X-Hapten, Lewis, X, SSEA-1,3-FAL); CD15s (Sialyl
Lewis X); CD15u (3' sulpho Lewis X); CD15su (6 sulpho-sialyl Lewis
X); CD16a (FCRIIIA); CD16b (FcgRIIIb); CDw17 (Lactosylceramide,
LacCer); CD18 (Integrin .beta.2, CD11a,b,c .beta.-subunit); CD26
(DPP IV ectoeneyme, ADA binding protein); CD29 (Platelet GPIIa,
.beta.-1 integrin, GP); CD31 (PECAM-1, Endocam); CD32
(FC.gamma.RII); CD33 (gp67); CD35 (CR1, C3b/C4b receptor); CD36
(GpIIIb, GPIV, PASIV); CD37 (gp52-40); CD38 (ADP-ribosyl cyclase,
T10); CD39 (ATPdehydrogenase, NTPdehydrogenase-1); CD40 (Bp50);
CD43 (Sialophorin, Leukosialin); CD44 (EMCRII, H-CAM, Pgp-1); CD45
(LCA, T200, B220, Ly5); CD45RA; CD45RB; CD45RC; CD45RO (UCHL-1);
CD46 (MCP); CD47 (gp42, IAP, OA3, Neurophillin); CD47R (MEM-133);
CD48 (Blast-1, Hulym3, BCM-1, OX-45); CD49a (VLA-1.alpha., .alpha.1
Integrin); CD49b (VLA-2.alpha., gpla, .alpha.2 Integrin); CD49c
(VLA-3.alpha., .alpha.3 Integrin); CD49e (VLA-5.alpha., .alpha.5
Integrin); CD49f (VLA-6.alpha., .alpha.6 Integrin, gplc); CD50
(ICAM-3); CD51 (Integrin .alpha., VNR-.alpha.,
Vitronectin-R.alpha.); CD52 (CAMPATH-1, HE5); CD53 (OX-44); CD54
(ICAM-1); CD55 (DAF); CD58 (LFA-3); CD59 (1F5Ag, H19, Protectin,
MACIF, MIRL, P-18); CD60a (GD3); CD60b (9-O-acetyl GD3); CD61 (GP
Ma, .beta.3 Integrin); CD62L (L-selectin, LAM-1, LECAM-1, MEL-14,
Leu8, TQ1); CD63 (LIMP, MLA1, gp55, NGA, LAMP-3, ME491); CD64
(Fc.gamma.RI); CD65 (Ceramide, VIM-2); CD65s (Sialylated-CD65,
VIM2); CD72 (Ly-19.2, Ly-32.2, Lyb-2); CD74 (Ii, invariant chain);
CD75 (sialo-masked Lactosamine); CD75S (.alpha.2,6 sialylated
Lactosamine); CD80 (B7, B7-1, BB1); CD81 (TAPA-1); CD82 (4F9, C33,
IA4, KAI1, R2); CD84 (p75, GR6); CD85a (ILT5, LIR2, HL9); CD85d
(ILT4, LIR2, MIR10); CD85j (ILT2, LIR1, MIR7); CD85k (ILT3, LIR5,
HM18); CD86 (B7-2/B70); CD87 (uPAR); CD88 (C5aR); CD89 (IgA Fc
receptor, FcaR); CD91 (.alpha.2M-R, LRP); CDw92 (p70); CDw93
(GR11); CD95 (APO-1, FAS, TNFRSF6); CD97 (BL-KDD/F12); CD98 (4F2,
FRP-1, RL-388); CD99 (MIC2, E2); CD99R (CD99 Mab restricted); CD100
(SEMA4D); CD101 (IGSF2, P126, V7); CD102 (ICAM-2); CD111 (PVRL1,
HveC, PRR1, Nectin 1, HIgR); CD112 (HveB, PRR2, PVRL2, Nectin2);
CD114 (CSF3R, G-CSRF, HG-CSFR); CD115 (c-fms, CSF-1R, M-CSFR);
CD116 (GMCSFR.alpha.); CDw119 (IFN.gamma.R, IFN.gamma.RA); CD120a
(TNFRI, p55); CD120b (TNFRII, p75, TNFR p80); CD121b (Type 2
IL-1R); CD122 (IL2R.beta.); CD123 (IL-3R.alpha.); CD124
(IL-4R.alpha.); CD127 (p90, IL-7R, IL-7R.alpha.); CD128a (IL-8Ra,
CXCR1, (Tentatively renamed as CD181)); CD128b (IL-8Rb, CSCR2,
(Tentatively renamed as CD182)); CD130 (gp130); CD131 (Common
.beta. subunit); CD132 (Common .gamma. chain, IL-2R.gamma.); CDw136
(MSP-R, RON, p158-ron); CDw137 (4-1BB, ILA); CD139; CD141
(Thrombomodulin, Fetomodulin); CD147 (Basigin, EMMPRIN, M6, OX47);
CD148 (HPTP-.eta., p260, DEP-1); CD155 (PVR); CD156a (CD156, ADAMS,
MS2); CD156b (TACE, ADAM17, cSVP); CDw156C (ADAM10); CD157 (Mo5,
BST-1); CD162 (PSGL-1); CD164 (MGC-24, MUC-24); CD165 (AD2, gp37);
CD168 (RHAMM, 1HABP, HMMR); CD169 (Sialoadhesin, Siglec-1); CD170
(Siglec 5); CD171 (L1CAM, NILE); CD172 (SIRP-1.alpha., MyD-1);
CD172b (SIRP.beta.); CD180 (RP105, Bgp95, Ly64); CD181 (CXCR1,
(Formerly known as CD128a)); CD182 (CXCR2, (Formerly known as
CD128b)); CD184 (CXCR4, NPY3R); CD191 (CCR1); CD192 (CCR2); CD195
(CCRS); CDw197 (CCR7 (was CDw197)); CDw198 (CCR8); CD204 (MSR);
CD205 (DEC-25); CD206 (MMR); CD207 (Langerin); CDw210 (CK); CD213a
(CK); CDw217 (CK); CD220 (Insulin R); CD221 (IGF1R); CD222 (M6P-R,
IGFII-R); CD224 (GGT); CD226 (DNAM-1, PTA1); CD230 (Prion Protein
(PrP)); CD232 (VESP-R); CD244 (2B4, P38, NAIL); CD245 (p220/240);
CD256 (APRIL, TALL2, TNF (ligand) superfamily, member 13); CD257
(BLYS, TALL1, TNF (ligand) superfamily, member 13b); CD261
(TRAIL-R1, TNF-R superfamily, member 10a); CD262 (TRAIL-R2, TNF-R
superfamily, member 10b); CD263 (TRAIL-R3, TNBF-R superfamily,
member 10c); CD264 (TRAIL-R4, TNF-R superfamily, member 10d); CD265
(TRANCE-R, TNF-R superfamily, member 11a); CD277 (BT3.1, B7 family:
Butyrophilin 3); CD280 (TEM22, ENDO180); CD281 (TLR1, TOLL-like
receptor 1); CD282 (TLR2, TOLL-like receptor 2); CD284 (TLR4,
TOLL-like receptor 4); CD295 (LEPR); CD298 (ATP1B3, Na K ATPase,
.beta.3 subunit); CD300a (CMRF-35H); CD300c (CMRF-35A); CD300e
(CMRF-35L1); CD302 (DCL1); CD305 (LAIR1); CD312 (EMR2); CD315
(CD9P1); CD317 (BST2); CD321 (JAM1); CD322 (JAM2); CDw328
(Siglec7); CDw329 (Siglec9); CD68 (gp 110, Macrosialin); and/or
mannose receptor; wherein the names listed in parentheses represent
alternative names.
[0067] In embodiments, targeting moieties for known targets on
dendritic cells ("DCs") comprise any targeting moiety that
specifically binds to any entity (e.g., protein, lipid,
carbohydrate, small molecule, etc.) that is prominently expressed
and/or present on DCs (i.e., a DC marker). Exemplary DC markers
include, but are not limited to, CD1a (R4, T6, HTA-1); CD1b (R1);
CD1c (M241, R7); CD1d (R3); CD1e (R2); CD11b (.alpha.M Integrin
chain, CR3, Mol, C3niR, Mac-1); CD11c (.alpha.X Integrin, p150, 95,
AXb2); CDw117 (Lactosylceramide, LacCer); CD19 (B4); CD33 (gp67);
CD 35 (CR1, C3b/C4b receptor); CD 36 (GpIIIb, GPIV, PASIV); CD39
(ATPdehydrogenase, NTPdehydrogenase-1); CD40 (Bp50); CD45 (LCA,
T200, B220, Ly5); CD45RA; CD45RB; CD45RC; CD45RO (UCHL-1); CD49d
(VLA-4.alpha., .alpha.4 Integrin); CD49e (VLA-5.alpha., .alpha.5
Integrin); CD58 (LFA-3); CD64 (Fc.gamma.RI); CD72 (Ly-19.2,
Ly-32.2, Lyb-2); CD73 (Ecto-5' nucloticlase); CD74 (Ii, invariant
chain); CD80 (B7, B7-1, BB1); CD81 (TAPA-1); CD83 (HB15); CD85a
(ILT5, LIR3, HL9); CD85d (ILT4, LIR2, MIR10); CD85j (ILT2, LIR1,
MIR7); CD85k (ILT3, LIR5, HM18); CD86 (B7-2/B70); CD88 (C5aB); CD97
(BL-KDD/F12); CD101 (IGSF2, P126, V7); CD116 (GM-CSFR.alpha.);
CD120a (TMFRI, p55); CD120b (TNFRII, p75, TNFR p80); CD123
(IL-3R.alpha.); CD139; CD148 (HPTP-.eta., DEP-1); CD150 (SLAM,
IPO-3); CD156b (TACE, ADAM17, cSVP); CD157 (Mo5, BST-1); CD167a
(DDR1, trkE, cak); CD168 (RHAMM, 1HABP, HMMR); CD169 (Sialoadhesin,
Siglec-1); CD170 (Siglec-5); CD171 (L1CAM, NILE); CD172
(SIRP-1.alpha., MyD-1); CD172b (SIRP.beta.); CD180 (RP105, Bgp95,
Ly64); CD184 (CXCR4, NPY3R); CD193 (CCR3); CD196 (CCR6); CD197
(CCR7 (ws CDw197)); CDw197 (CCR7, EBI1, BLR2); CD200 (OX2); CD205
(DEC-205); CD206 (MMR); CD207 (Langerin); CD208 (DC-LAMP); CD209
(DCSIGN); CDw218a (IL18R.alpha.); CDw218b (IL8R.beta.); CD227
(MUC1, PUM, PEM, EMA); CD230 (Prion Protein (PrP)); CD252 (OX40L,
TNF (ligand) superfamily, member 4); CD258 (LIGHT, TNF (ligand)
superfamily, member 14); CD265 (TRANCE-R, TNF-R superfamily, member
11a); CD271 (NGFR, p75, TNFR superfamily, member 16); CD273 (B7DC,
PDL2); CD274 (B7H1, PDL1); CD275 (B7H2, ICOSL); CD276 (B7H3); CD277
(BT3.1, B7 family: Butyrophilin 3); CD283 (TLR3, TOLL-like receptor
3); CD289 (TLR9, TOLL-like receptor 9); CD295 (LEPR); CD298
(ATP1B3, Na K ATPase .beta.3 submit); CD300a (CMRF-35H); CD300c
(CMRF-35A); CD301 (MGL1, CLECSF14); CD302 (DCL1); CD303 (BDCA2);
CD304 (BDCA4); CD312 (EMR2); CD317 (BST2); CD319 (CRACC, SLAMF7);
CD320 (8D6); and CD68 (gp110, Macrosialin); class II MHC; BDCA-1;
Siglec-H; wherein the names listed in parentheses represent
alternative names.
[0068] In embodiments, targeting can be accomplished by any
targeting moiety that specifically binds to any entity (e.g.,
protein, lipid, carbohydrate, small molecule, etc.) that is
prominently expressed and/or present on B cells (i.e., B cell
marker). Exemplary B cell markers include, but are not limited to,
CD1c (M241, R7); CD1d (R3); CD2 (E-rosette R, T11, LFA-2); CD5 (T1,
Tp67, Leu-1, Ly-1); CD6 (T12); CD9 (p24, DRAP-1, MRP-1); CD11a
(LFA-1.alpha., .alpha.L Integrin chain); CD11b (.alpha.M Integrin
chain, CR3, Mol, C3niR, Mac-1); CD11c (.alpha.X Integrin, P150, 95,
AXb2); CDw17 (Lactosylceramide, LacCer); CD18 (Integrin .beta.2,
CD11a, b, c .beta.-subunit); CD19 (B4); CD20 (B1, Bp35); CD21 (CR2,
EBV-R, C3dR); CD22 (BL-CAM, Lyb8, Siglec-2); CD23 (FceRII, B6,
BLAST-2, Leu-20); CD24 (BBA-1, HSA); CD25 (Tac antigen,
IL-2R.alpha., p55); CD26 (DPP IV ectoeneyme, ADA binding protein);
CD27 (T14, S152); CD29 (Platelet GPIIa, .beta.-1 integrin, GP);
CD31 (PECAM-1, Endocam); CD32 (FC.gamma.RII); CD35 (CR1, C3b/C4b
receptor); CD37 (gp52-40); CD38 (ADPribosyl cyclase, T10); CD39
(ATPdehydrogenase, NTPdehydrogenase-1); CD40 (Bp50); CD44 (ECMRII,
H-CAM, Pgp-1); CD45 (LCA, T200, B220, Ly5); CD45RA; CD45RB; CD45RC;
CD45RO (UCHL-1); CD46 (MCP); CD47 (gp42, IAP, OA3, Neurophilin);
CD47R (MEM-133); CD48 (Blast-1, Hulym3, BCM-1, OX-45); CD49b
(VLA-2.alpha., gpla, .alpha.2 Integrin); CD49c (VLA-3.alpha.,
.alpha.3 Integrin); CD49d (VLA-4.alpha., .alpha.4 Integrin); CD50
(ICAM-3); CD52 (CAMPATH-1, HES); CD53 (OX-44); CD54 (ICAM-1); CD55
(DAF); CD58 (LFA-3); CD60a (GD3); CD62L (L-selectin, LAM-1,
LECAM-1, MEL-14, Leu8, TQ1); CD72 (Ly-19.2, Ly-32.2, Lyb-2); CD73
(Ecto-5'-nuciotidase); CD74 (Ii, invariant chain); CD75
(sialo-masked Lactosamine); CD75S (.alpha.2, 6 sialytated
Lactosamine); CD77 (Pk antigen, BLA, CTH/Gb3); CD79a (Ig.alpha.,
MB1); CD79b (Ig.beta., B29); CD80; CD81 (TAPA-1); CD82 (4F9, C33,
IA4, KAI1, R2); CD83 (HB15); CD84 (P75, GR6); CD85j (ILT2, LIR1,
MIR7); CDw92 (p70); CD95 (APO-1, FAS, TNFRSF6); CD98 (4F2, FRP-1,
RL-388); CD99 (MIC2, E2); CD100 (SEMA4D); CD102 (ICAM-2); CD108
(SEMA7A, JMH blood group antigen); CDw119 (IFN.gamma.R,
IFN.gamma.Ra); CD120a (TNFRI, p55); CD120b (TNFRII, p75, TNFR p80);
CD121b (Type 2 IL-1R); CD122 (IL2R.beta.); CD124 (IL-4R.alpha.);
CD130 (gp130); CD132 (Common .gamma. chain, IL-2R.gamma.); CDw137
(4-1BB, ILA); CD139; CD147 (Basigin, EMMPRIN, M6, OX47); CD150
(SLAM, IPO-3); CD162 (PSGL-1); CD164 (MGC-24, MUC-24); CD166
(ALCAM, KG-CAM, SC-1, BEN, DM-GRASP); CD167a (DDR1, trkE, cak);
CD171 (L1CMA, NILE); CD175s (Sialyl-Tn (S-Tn)); CD180 (RP105,
Bgp95, Ly64); CD184 (CXCR4, NPY3R); CD185 (CXCR5); CD192 (CCR2);
CD196 (CCR6); CD197 (CCR7 (was CDw197)); CDw197 (CCR7, EBI1, BLR2);
CD200 (OX2); CD205 (DEC-205); CDw210 (CK); CD213a (CK); CDw217
(CK); CDw218a (IL18R.alpha.); CDw218b (IL18R(3); CD220 (Insulin R);
CD221 (IGF1R); CD222 (M6P-R, IGFII-R); CD224 (GGT); CD225 (Leu13);
CD226 (DNAM-1, PTA1); CD227 (MUC1, PUM, PEM, EMA); CD229 (Ly9);
CD230 (Prion Protein (Prp)); CD232 (VESP-R); CD245 (p220/240);
CD247 (CD3 Zeta Chain); CD261 (TRAIL-R1, TNF-R superfamily, member
10a); CD262 (TRAIL-R2, TNF-R superfamily, member 10b); CD263
(TRAIL-R3, TNF-R superfamily, member 10c); CD264 (TRAIL-R4, TNF-R
superfamily, member 10d); CD265 (TRANCE-R, TNF-R superfamily,
member 11a); CD267 (TACI, TNF-R superfamily, member 13B); CD268
(BAFFR, TNF-R superfamily, member 13C); CD269 (BCMA, TNF-R
superfamily, member 16); CD275 (B7H2, ICOSL); CD277 (BT3.1.B7
family: Butyrophilin 3); CD295 (LEPR); CD298 (ATP1B3 Na K ATPase
.beta.3 subunit); CD300a (CMRF-35H); CD300c (CMRF-35A); CD305
(LAIR1); CD307 (IRTA2); CD315 (CD9P1); CD316 (EW12); CD317 (BST2);
CD319 (CRACC, SLAMF7); CD321 (JAM1); CD322 (JAM2); CDw327 (Siglec6,
CD33L); CD68 (gp 100, Macrosialin); CXCR5; VLA-4; class II MHC;
surface IgM; surface IgD; APRL; and/or BAFF-R; wherein the names
listed in parentheses represent alternative names. Examples of
markers include those provided elsewhere herein.
[0069] In some embodiments, B cell targeting can be accomplished by
any targeting moiety that specifically binds to any entity (e.g.,
protein, lipid, carbohydrate, small molecule, etc.) that is
prominently expressed and/or present on B cells upon activation
(i.e., activated B cell marker). Exemplary activated B cell markers
include, but are not limited to, CD1a (R4, T6, HTA-1); CD1b (R1);
CD15s (Sialyl Lewis X); CD15u (3' sulpho Lewis X); CD15su (6
sulpho-sialyl Lewis X); CD30 (Ber-H2, Ki-1); CD69 (AIM, EA 1, MLR3,
gp34/28, VEA); CD70 (Ki-24, CD27 ligand); CD80 (B7, B7-1, BB1);
CD86 (B7-2/B70); CD97 (BLKDD/F12); CD125 (IL-5R.alpha.); CD126
(IL-6R.alpha.); CD138 (Syndecan-1, Heparan sulfate proteoglycan);
CD152 (CTLA-4); CD252 (OX40L, TNF(ligand) superfamily, member 4);
CD253 (TRAIL, TNF(ligand) superfamily, member 10); CD279 (PD1);
CD289 (TLR9, TOLL-like receptor 9); and CD312 (EMR2); wherein the
names listed in parentheses represent alternative names. Examples
of markers include those provided elsewhere herein.
[0070] "B cell antigen" means any antigen that naturally is or
could be engineered to be recognized by a B cell, and triggers
(naturally or being engineered as known in the art) an immune
response in a B cell (e.g., an antigen that is specifically
recognized by a B cell receptor on a B cell). In some embodiments,
an antigen that is a T cell antigen is also a B cell antigen. In
other embodiments, the T cell antigen is not also a B cell antigen.
B cell antigens include, but are not limited to proteins, peptides,
small molecules, and carbohydrates. In some embodiments, the B cell
antigen is a non-protein antigen (i.e., not a protein or peptide
antigen). In some embodiments, the B cell antigen is a carbohydrate
associated with an infectious agent. In some embodiments, the B
cell antigen is a glycoprotein or glycopeptide associated with an
infectious agent. The infectious agent can be a bacterium, virus,
fungus, protozoan, parasite or prion. In some embodiments, the B
cell antigen is a poorly immunogenic antigen. In some embodiments,
the B cell antigen is an abused substance or a portion thereof. In
some embodiments, the B cell antigen is an addictive substance or a
portion thereof. Addictive substances include, but are not limited
to, nicotine, a narcotic, a cough suppressant, a tranquilizer, and
a sedative. In some embodiments, the B cell antigen is a toxin,
such as a toxin from a chemical weapon or natural sources, or a
pollutant. The B cell antigen may also be a hazardous environmental
agent. In other embodiments, the B cell antigen is an alloantigen,
an allergen, a contact sensitizer, a degenerative disease antigen,
a hapten, an infectious disease antigen, a cancer antigen, an
atopic disease antigen, an addictive substance, a xenoantigen, or a
metabolic disease enzyme or enzymatic product thereof.
[0071] "Biodegradable polymer" means a polymer that degrades over
time when introduced into the body of a subject. Biodegradable
polymers, include but are not limited to, polyesters,
polycarbonates, polyketals, or polyamides. Such polymers may
comprise poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid),
poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), or polycaprolactone. In some
embodiments, the biodegradable polymer comprises a block-co-polymer
of a polyether, such as poly(ethylene glycol), and a polyester,
polycarbonate, or polyamide or other biodegradable polymer. In
embodiments, the biodegradable polymer comprises a block-co-polymer
of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic
acid), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), or polycaprolactone. In some
embodiments, however, the biodegradable polymer does not comprise a
polyether, such as poly(ethylene glycol), or consists solely of the
polyether. Generally, for use as part of a synthetic nanocarrier
the biodegradable polymer is insoluble in water at pH=7.4 and at
25.degree. C. The biodegradable polymer, in embodiments, have a
weight average molecular weight ranging from about 800 to about
50,000 Daltons, as determined using gel permeation chromatography.
In some embodiments, the weight average molecular weight is from
about 800 Daltons to about 10,000 Daltons, preferably from 800
Daltons to 10,000 Daltons, as determined using gel permeation
chromatography. In other embodiments, the weight average molecular
weight is from 1000 Daltons to 10,000 Daltons, as determined by gel
permeation chromatography. In an embodiment, the biodegradable
polymer does not comprise polyketal.
[0072] "Coadministered" means administering two or more drugs to a
subject in a manner that is correlated in time. In embodiments,
coadministration may occur through administration of two or more
drugs in the same dosage form. In other embodiments,
coadministration may encompass administration of two or more drugs
in different dosage forms, but within a specified period of time,
preferably within 1 month, more preferably within 1 week, still
more preferably within 1 day, and even more preferably within 1
hour.
[0073] "Couple" or "Coupled" or "Couples" (and the like) means
attached to or contained within the synthetic nanocarrier. In some
embodiments, the coupling is covalent. In some embodiments, the
covalent coupling is mediated by one or more linkers, polymers or a
unit thereof. In some embodiments, the coupling is non-covalent. In
some embodiments, the non-covalent coupling is mediated by charge
interactions, affinity interactions, metal coordination, physical
adsorption, hostguest interactions, hydrophobic interactions, TT
stacking interactions, hydrogen bonding interactions, van der Waals
interactions, magnetic interactions, electrostatic interactions,
dipole-dipole interactions, and/or combinations thereof. In
embodiments, the coupling may arise in the context of encapsulation
within the synthetic nanocarriers, using conventional techniques.
Any of the aforementioned couplings may be arranged to be on a
surface or within an inventive synthetic nanocarrier.
[0074] "Derived" means adapted or modified from the original
source. For example, as a non-limiting example, a peptide antigen
derived from an infectious strain may have several non-natural
amino acid residues substituted for the natural amino acid residues
found in the original antigen found in the infectious strain. The
adaptations or modifications may be for a variety of reasons,
including but not limited to increased specificity, easier antigen
processing, or improved safety.
[0075] "Dosage form" means a drug in a medium, carrier, vehicle, or
device suitable for administration to a subject.
[0076] "Effective amount" of an inventive composition is that
amount effective for a certain purpose. For example, when the
effective amount is for a therapeutic purpose the amount is
effective for treating, alleviating, ameliorating, relieving,
delaying onset of, inhibiting progression of, reducing severity of,
and/or reducing incidence of one or more symptoms or features of a
disease, disorder, and/or condition provided herein.
[0077] "Encapsulate" means to enclose within a synthetic
nanocarrier, preferably enclose completely within a synthetic
nanocarrier. Most or all of a substance that is encapsulated is not
exposed to the local environment external to the synthetic
nanocarrier. Encapsulation is distinct from absorbtion, which
places most or all of a substance on a surface of a synthetic
nanocarrier, and leaves the substance exposed to the local
environment external to the synthetic nanocarrier.
[0078] "Exhibits a pH sensitive dissociation" means that a coupling
between two entities, such as the immunomodulatory agent and the
synthetic nanocarrier or immunomodulatory agent coupling moiety, is
significantly reduced or eliminated by a change in environmental
pH. In embodiments, relevant pH sensitive dissociations may satisfy
any of the relationships or combinations thereof provided
herein.
[0079] "IArel(4.5).sub.t%" is defined as a weight of
immunomodulatory agent released upon exposure of the synthetic
nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous environment at a pH=4.5 for t
hours divided by the sum of the weight of immunomodulatory agent
released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro
aqueous environment at a pH=4.5 for t hours plus a weight of
immunomodulatory agent retained in the synthetic nanocarrier upon
exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous
environment at a pH=4.5 for t hours, expressed as weight percent,
and taken as an average across a sample of the synthetic
nanocarriers. In embodiments, t is 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18,
20, 22, 24, 26, 28, or 30 hours. In preferred embodiments, t is 24
hours.
[0080] "IArel(7.4).sub.t%" is defined as a weight of
immunomodulatory agent released upon exposure of the synthetic
nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous environment at a pH=7.4 for t
hours divided by the sum of the weight of immunomodulatory agent
released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro
aqueous environment at a pH=7.4 for t hours plus a weight of
immunomodulatory agent retained in the synthetic nanocarrier upon
exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro aqueous
environment at a pH=7.4 for t hours, expressed as weight percent,
and taken as an average across a sample of the synthetic
nanocarriers. In embodiments, t is 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18,
20, 22, 24, 26, 28, or 30 hours. In preferred embodiments, t is 24
hours.
[0081] "IA(4.5).sub.t1" is defined as a weight of immunomodulatory
agent released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in
vitro aqueous environment at pH 4.5 for t1 hours taken as an
average across a sample of the synthetic nanocarriers.
"IA(4.5).sub.t2" is defined as a weight of immunomodulatory agent
released upon exposure of the synthetic nanocarrier to an in vitro
aqueous environment at pH 4.5 for t2 hours taken as an average
across a sample of the synthetic nanocarriers. t1 is 4, 6, 8, 10,
12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 or 30 hours; t2 is 2, 4, 6, 8,
10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, or 28 hours; and t1>t2. In
preferred embodiments, t1 is 24 hours, and t2 is 6 hours.
[0082] "Immunomodulatory agent" means an agent that modulates an
immune response. "Modulate", as used herein, refers to inducing,
enhancing, stimulating, or directing an immune response. Such
agents include adjuvants that stimulate (or boost) an immune
response to an antigen but is not an antigen or derived from an
antigen. In some embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent is on the
surface of the synthetic nanocarrier and/or is incorporated within
the synthetic nanocarrier. In embodiments, the immunomodulatory
agent is coupled to the synthetic nanocarrier via a polymer or unit
thereof.
[0083] In some embodiments, all of the immunomodulatory agents of a
synthetic nanocarrier are identical to one another. In some
embodiments, a synthetic nanocarrier comprises a number of
different types of immunomodulatory agents. In some embodiments, a
synthetic nanocarrier comprises multiple individual
immunomodulatory agents, all of which are identical to one another.
In some embodiments, a synthetic nanocarrier comprises exactly one
type of immunomodulatory agent. In some embodiments, a synthetic
nanocarrier comprises exactly two distinct types of
immunomodulatory agents. In some embodiments, a synthetic
nanocarrier comprises greater than two distinct types of
immunomodulatory agents.
[0084] "Immunomodulatory agent coupling moiety" is any moiety
through which an immunomodulatory agent is bonded to a synthetic
nanocarrier. Such moieties include covalent bonds, such as an amide
bond or ester bond, as well as separate molecules that bond
(covalently or non-covalently) the immunomodulatory agent to the
synthetic nanocarrier. Such molecules include linkers or polymers
or a unit thereof. For example, the immunomodulatory agent coupling
moiety can comprise a charged polymer to which an immunomodulatory
agent (e.g., an immunostimulatory nucleic acid) electrostatically
bonds. As another example, the immunomodulatory agent coupling
moiety can comprise a polymer or unit thereof to which the
immunomodulatory agent covalently bonds. In some embodiments, the
moiety comprises a polyester. In other embodiments, the moiety
comprises poly(ethylene glycol), poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic
acid), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), or a polycaprolactone. The
moiety may also comprise a unit of any of the foregoing polymers,
such as a lactide or glycolide.
[0085] "Labile immunomodulatory agent(s)" means immunomodulatory
agent or agents that are unstable under physiological conditions,
and degrade to the point where they are no longer pharmacologically
active. In embodiments, labile immunomodulatory agents are observed
to have systemic half-lives of elimination of less than 24 hours,
preferably less than 12 hours, more preferably less than 10 hours,
even more preferably less than 8 hours, and still more preferably
less than 6 hours. In embodiments, labile immunomodulatory agents
comprise imidazoquinolines, adenine derivative, or oligonucleotides
that comprise 5'-CG-3', wherein C is unmethylated and wherein the
oligonucleotide comprises a backbone comprising one or more
unstabilized internucleotide linkages. In embodiments, the
imidazoquinolines comprise imidazoquinoline amines, imidazopyridine
amines, 6,7-fused cycloalkylimidazopyridine amines,
imidazoquinoline amines, imiquimod or resiquimod.
[0086] "Maximum dimension of a synthetic nanocarrier" means the
largest dimension of a nanocarrier measured along any axis of the
synthetic nanocarrier. "Minimum dimension of a synthetic
nanocarrier" means the smallest dimension of a synthetic
nanocarrier measured along any axis of the synthetic nanocarrier.
For example, for a spheroidal synthetic nanocarrier, the maximum
and minimum dimension of a synthetic nanocarrier would be
substantially identical, and would be the size of its diameter.
Similarly, for a cubic synthetic nanocarrier, the minimum dimension
of a synthetic nanocarrier would be the smallest of its height,
width or length, while the maximum dimension of a synthetic
nanocarrier would be the largest of its height, width or length. In
an embodiment, a minimum dimension of at least 75%, preferably at
least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, of the synthetic
nanocarriers in a sample, based on the total number of synthetic
nanocarriers in the sample, is greater than 100 nm. In an
embodiment, a maximum dimension of at least 75%, preferably at
least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, of the synthetic
nanocarriers in a sample, based on the total number of synthetic
nanocarriers in the sample, is equal to or less than 5 .mu.m.
Preferably, a minimum dimension of at least 75%, preferably at
least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, of the synthetic
nanocarriers in a sample, based on the total number of synthetic
nanocarriers in the sample, is equal to or greater than 110 nm,
more preferably equal to or greater than 120 nm, more preferably
equal to or greater than 130 nm, and more preferably still equal to
or greater than 150 nm. Preferably, a maximum dimension of at least
75%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, of the
synthetic nanocarriers in a sample, based on the total number of
synthetic nanocarriers in the sample is equal to or less than 3
.mu.m, more preferably equal to or less than 2 .mu.m, more
preferably equal to or less than 1 .mu.m, more preferably equal to
or less than 800 nm, more preferably equal to or less than 600 nm,
and more preferably still equal to or less than 500 nm. In
preferred embodiments, a maximum dimension of at least 75%,
preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, of the
synthetic nanocarriers in a sample, based on the total number of
synthetic nanocarriers in the sample, is equal to or greater than
100 nm, more preferably equal to or greater than 120 nm, more
preferably equal to or greater than 130 nm, more preferably equal
to or greater than 140 nm, and more preferably still equal to or
greater than 150 nm. Measurement of synthetic nanocarrier sizes is
obtained by suspending the synthetic nanocarriers in a liquid
(usually aqueous) media and using dynamic light scattering (e.g.
using a Brookhaven ZetaPALS instrument).
[0087] "Obtained" means taken without adaptation or modification
from the original source. For example, in embodiments, antigens
obtained from a source may comprise the original amino acid residue
sequence found in that source. In other embodiments, for example,
antigens obtained from a source may comprise the original molecular
structure found in that source.
[0088] "Oligonucleotide" means a nucleotide molecule having from 6
to 100 nucleotides, preferably from 8 to 75 nucleotides, more
preferably from 10 to 50 nucleotides, still more preferably from 15
to 25 nucleotides, even still more preferably 20 nucleotides. In an
embodiment according to the invention, oligonucleotides comprise
less than 100 nucleotides, preferably less than 50 nucleotides,
more preferably less than 25 nucleotides, and still more preferably
less than 10 nucleotides. Any cytosine nucleotides ("C") present in
a 5'-CG-3' sequence of which the oligonucleotide may be comprised
are unmethylated, C present in parts of the oligonucleotides other
than in a 5'-CG-3' sequence of which the oligonucleotide may be
comprised may be methylated, or may be unmethylated. In
embodiments, inventive oligonucleotides comprise a backbone
comprising one or more unstabilized internucleotide linkages
(meaning internucleotide linkages that are unstable under
physiological conditions). "Unstabilized internucleotide linkage"
means a linkage between two nucleotides of which the
oligonucleotide is comprised that is not chemically modified to
stabilize the backbone, or is chemically modified to destabilize
the backbone of the oligonucleotide under physiological conditions.
An example of an unstablized internucleotide linkage is a
phophodiester internucleotide linkage. In embodiments, the
inventive oligonucleotides' backbone comprises no stabilizing
chemical modifications that function to stabilize the backbone
under physiological conditions. In embodiments, the inventive
oligonucleotides' backbone comprises a backbone that is not
modified to incorporate phosphorothioate stabilizing chemical
modifications.
[0089] "Pharmaceutically acceptable excipient" means a
pharmacologically inactive substance added to an inventive
composition to further facilitate administration of the
composition. Examples, without limitation, of pharmaceutically
acceptable excipients include calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate,
various diluents, various sugars and types of starch, cellulose
derivatives, gelatin, vegetable oils and polyethylene glycols.
[0090] "Release Rate" means the rate that an entrapped
immunomodulatory agent flows from a composition, such as a
synthetic nanocarrier, into a surrounding media in an in vitro
release test. First, the synthetic nanocarrier is prepared for the
release testing by placing into the appropriate in vitro release
media. This is generally done by exchanging the buffer after
centrifugation to pellet the synthetic nanocarrier and
reconstitution of the synthetic nanocarriers using a mild
condition. The assay is started by placing the sample at 37.degree.
C. in an appropriate temperature-controlled apparatus. A sample is
removed at various time points.
[0091] The synthetic nanocarriers are separated from the release
media by centrifugation to pellet the synthetic nanocarriers. The
release media is assayed for the immunomodulatory agent that has
dispersed from the synthetic nanocarriers. The immunomodulatory
agent is measured using HPLC to determine the content and quality
of the immunomodulatory agent. The pellet containing the remaining
entrapped immunomodulatory agent is dissolved in solvents or
hydrolyzed by base to free the entrapped immunomodulatory agent
from the synthetic nanocarriers. The pellet-containing
immunomodulatory agent is then also measured by HPLC to determine
the content and quality of the immunomodulatory agent that has not
been released at a given time point.
[0092] The mass balance is closed between immunomodulatory agent
that has been released into the release media and what remains in
the synthetic nanocarriers. Data are presented as the fraction
released or as the net release presented as micrograms released
over time.
[0093] "Subject" means an animal, including mammals such as humans
and primates; avians; domestic household or farm animals such as
cats, dogs, sheep, goats, cattle, horses and pigs; laboratory
animals such as mice, rats and guinea pigs; fish; and the like.
[0094] "Synthetic nanocarrier(s)" means a discrete object that is
not found in nature, and that possesses at least one dimension that
is less than or equal to 5 microns in size. Albumin nanoparticles
are expressly included as synthetic nanocarriers.
[0095] Synthetic nanocarriers include polymeric nanoparticles. In
some embodiments, synthetic nanocarriers can comprise one or more
polymeric matrices. The synthetic nanocarriers, however, can also
include other nanomaterials and may be, for example, lipid-polymer
nanoparticles. In some embodiments, a polymeric matrix can be
surrounded by a coating layer (e.g., liposome, lipid monolayer,
micelle, etc.). In some embodiments, the synthetic nanocarrier is
not a micelle. In some embodiments, a synthetic nanocarrier may
comprise a core comprising a polymeric matrix surrounded by a lipid
layer (e.g., lipid bilayer, lipid monolayer, etc.). In some
embodiments, the various elements of the synthetic nanocarriers can
be coupled with the polymeric matrix.
[0096] The synthetic nanocarriers may comprise one or more lipids.
In some embodiments, a synthetic nanocarrier may comprise a
liposome. In some embodiments, a synthetic nanocarrier may comprise
a lipid bilayer. In some embodiments, a synthetic nanocarrier may
comprise a lipid monolayer. In some embodiments, a synthetic
nanocarrier may comprise a micelle. In some embodiments, a
synthetic nanocarrier may comprise a non-polymeric core (e.g.,
metal particle, quantum dot, ceramic particle, bone particle, viral
particle, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, etc.) surrounded
by a lipid layer (e.g., lipid bilayer, lipid monolayer, etc.).
[0097] The synthetic nanocarriers may comprise lipid-based
nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, surfactant-based emulsions,
dendrimers, buckyballs, nanowires, virus-like particles, peptide or
protein-based particles (such as albumin nanoparticles). Synthetic
nanocarriers may be a variety of different shapes, including but
not limited to spheroidal, cubic, pyramidal, oblong, cylindrical,
toroidal, and the like. Synthetic nanocarriers according to the
invention comprise one or more surfaces. Exemplary synthetic
nanocarriers that can be adapted for use in the practice of the
present invention comprise: (1) the biodegradable nanoparticles
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,158 to Gref et al., (2) the
polymeric nanoparticles of Published U.S. Patent Application
20060002852 to Saltzman et al., (3) the lithographically
constructed nanoparticles of Published U.S. Patent Application
20090028910 to DeSimone et al., (4) the disclosure of WO
2009/051837 to von Andrian et al., or (5) the nanoparticles
disclosed in Published U.S. Patent Application 2008/0145441 to
Penades et al.
[0098] Synthetic nanocarriers according to the invention that have
a minimum dimension of equal to or less than about 100 nm,
preferably equal to or less than 100 nm, do not comprise a surface
with hydroxyl groups that activate complement or alternatively
comprise a surface that consists essentially of moieties that are
not hydroxyl groups that activate complement. In a preferred
embodiment, synthetic nanocarriers according to the invention that
have a minimum dimension of equal to or less than about 100 nm,
preferably equal to or less than 100 nm, do not comprise a surface
that substantially activates complement or alternatively comprise a
surface that consists essentially of moieties that do not
substantially activate complement. In a more preferred embodiment,
synthetic nanocarriers according to the invention that have a
minimum dimension of equal to or less than about 100 nm, preferably
equal to or less than 100 nm, do not comprise a surface that
activates complement or alternatively comprise a surface that
consists essentially of moieties that do not activate complement.
In embodiments, synthetic nanocarriers may possess an aspect ratio
greater than 1:1, 1:1.2, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:3, 1:5, 1:7, or greater than
1:10.
[0099] In some embodiments, synthetic nanocarriers are spheres or
spheroids. In some embodiments, synthetic nanocarriers are flat or
plate-shaped. In some embodiments, synthetic nanocarriers are cubes
or cubic. In some embodiments, synthetic nanocarriers are ovals or
ellipses. In some embodiments, synthetic nanocarriers are
cylinders, cones, or pyramids.
[0100] It is often desirable to use a population of synthetic
nanocarriers that is relatively uniform in terms of size, shape,
and/or composition so that each synthetic nanocarrier has similar
properties. For example, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least
95% of the synthetic nanocarriers may have a minimum dimension or
maximum dimension that falls within 5%, 10%, or 20% of the average
diameter or average dimension. In some embodiments, a population of
synthetic nanocarriers may be heterogeneous with respect to size,
shape, and/or composition.
[0101] Synthetic nanocarriers can be solid or hollow and can
comprise one or more layers. In some embodiments, each layer has a
unique composition and unique properties relative to the other
layer(s). To give but one example, synthetic nanocarriers may have
a core/shell structure, wherein the core is one layer (e.g., a
polymeric core) and the shell is a second layer (e.g., a lipid
bilayer or monolayer). Synthetic nanocarriers may comprise a
plurality of different layers.
[0102] "T cell antigen" means any antigen that is recognized by and
triggers an immune response in a T cell (e.g., an antigen that is
specifically recognized by a T cell receptor on a T cell or an NKT
cell via presentation of the antigen or portion thereof bound to a
Class I or Class II major histocompatability complex molecule
(MHC), or bound to a CD1 complex). In some embodiments, an antigen
that is a T cell antigen is also a B cell antigen. In other
embodiments, the T cell antigen is not also a B cell antigen. T
cell antigens generally are proteins or peptides. T cell antigens
may be an antigen that stimulates a CD8+ T cell response, a CD4+ T
cell response, or both. The T cell antigens, therefore, in some
embodiments can effectively stimulate both types of responses.
[0103] In some embodiments the T cell antigen is a T-helper
antigen, which is a T cell antigen that can generate an augmented
response to an unrelated B cell antigen through stimulation of T
cell help. In embodiments, a T-helper antigen may comprise one or
more peptides derived from tetanus toxoid, Epstein-Barr virus,
influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, measles virus, mumps
virus, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, diphtheria
toxoid, or a PADRE peptide. In other embodiments, a T-helper
antigen may comprise one or more lipids, or glycolipids, including
but not limited to: .alpha.-galactosylceramide (.alpha.-GalCer),
.alpha.-linked glycosphingolipids (from Sphingomonas spp.),
galactosyl diacylglycerols (from Borrelia burgdorferi),
lypophosphoglycan (from Leishmania donovani), and
phosphatidylinositol tetramannoside (PIM4) (from Mycobacterium
leprae). For additional lipids and/or glycolipids useful as
T-helper antigens, see V. Cerundolo et al., "Harnessing invariant
NKT cells in vaccination strategies." Nature Rev Immun, 9:28-38
(2009). In embodiments, CD4+ T-cell antigens may be derivatives of
a CD4+ T-cell antigen that is obtained from a source, such as a
natural source. In such embodiments, CD4+ T-cell antigen sequences,
such as those peptides that bind to MHC II, may have at least 70%,
80%, 90%, or 95% identity to the antigen obtained from the source.
In embodiments, the T cell antigen, preferably a T-helper antigen,
may be coupled to, or uncoupled from, a synthetic nanocarrier.
[0104] "Unit thereof" refers to a monomeric unit of a polymer, the
polymer generally being made up of a series of linked monomers.
[0105] "Vaccine" means a composition of matter that improves the
immune response to a particular pathogen or disease. A vaccine
typically contains factors that stimulate a subject's immune system
to recognize a specific antigen as foreign and eliminate it from
the subject's body. A vaccine also establishes an immunologic
`memory` so the antigen will be quickly recognized and responded to
if a person is re-challenged. Vaccines can be prophylactic (for
example to prevent future infection by any pathogen), or
therapeutic (for example a vaccine against a tumor specific antigen
for the treatment of cancer). Vaccines according to the invention
may comprise one or more of the synthetic nanocarriers or
compositions provided herein.
Methods of Making the Inventive Compounds, Conjugates, or Synthetic
Nanocarriers
[0106] The immunomodulatory agent can be coupled to the synthetic
nanocarrier in any manner such that the dissociation of the
immunomodulatory agent from the synthetic nanocarrier satisfies the
dissociation relationships provided herein. Methods for determining
whether or not immunomodulatory agents of synthetic nanocarriers
satisfy the dissociation relationships provided herein are provided
elsewhere above and in the EXAMPLES.
[0107] Oligonucleotides according to the invention may be
encapsulated into synthetic nanocarriers using a variety of methods
including but not limited to C. Astete et al., "Synthesis and
characterization of PLGA nanoparticles" J. Biomater. Sci. Polymer
Edn, Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 247-289 (2006); K. Avgoustakis "Pegylated
Poly(Lactide) and Poly(Lactide-Co-Glycolide) Nanoparticles:
Preparation, Properties and Possible Applications in Drug Delivery"
Current Drug Delivery 1:321-333 (2004); C. Reis et al.,
"Nanoencapsulation I. Methods for preparation of drug-loaded
polymeric nanoparticles" Nanomedicine 2:8-21 (2006). Other methods
suitable for encapsulating oligonucleotides into synthetic
nanocarriers may be used, including without limitation methods
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,632,671 to Unger Oct. 14, 2003.
[0108] In some embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent is
covalently coupled to the synthetic nanocarrier via an
immunomodulatory agent coupling moiety (e.g., a polymer or unit
thereof). In general, a polymer or unit thereof can be covalently
coupled with an immunomodulatory agent in several ways.
[0109] The following methods or any step of the methods provided
are exemplary and may be carried out under any suitable conditions.
In some cases, the reaction or any step of the methods provided may
be carried out in the presence of a solvent or a mixture of
solvents. Non-limiting examples of solvents that may be suitable
for use in the invention include, but are not limited to, p-cresol,
toluene, xylene, mesitylene, diethyl ether, glycol, petroleum
ether, hexane, cyclohexane, pentane, dichloromethane (or methylene
chloride), chloroform, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl
sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF), ethyl acetate (EtOAc),
triethylamine, acetonitrile, methyl-t-butyl ether (MTBE),
N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylacetamide (DMAC), isopropanol
(IPA), mixtures thereof, or the like. In some cases, the solvent is
selected from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, methylene
chloride, THF, DMF, NMP, DMAC, DMSO, and toluene, or a mixture
thereof.
[0110] A reaction or any step of the methods provided may be
carried out at any suitable temperature. In some cases, a reaction
or any step of the methods provided is carried out at about room
temperature (e.g., about 25.degree. C., about 20.degree. C.,
between about 20.degree. C. and about 25.degree. C., or the like).
In some cases, however, the reaction or any step of the methods
provided may be carried out at a temperature below or above room
temperature, for example, at about -20.degree. C., at about
-10.degree. C., at about 0.degree. C., at about 10.degree. C., at
about 30.degree. C., about 40.degree. C., about 50.degree. C.,
about 60.degree. C., about 70.degree. C., about 80.degree. C.,
about 90.degree. C., about 100.degree. C., about 120.degree. C.,
about 140.degree. C., about 150.degree. C. or greater. In
particular embodiments, the reaction or any step of the methods
provided is conducted at temperatures between 0.degree. C. and
120.degree. C. In some embodiments, the reaction or any step of the
methods provided may be carried out at more than one temperature
(e.g., reactants added at a first temperature and the reaction
mixture agitated at a second wherein the transition from a first
temperature to a second temperature may be gradual or rapid).
[0111] The reaction or any step of the methods provided may be
allowed to proceed for any suitable period of time. In some cases,
the reaction or any step of the methods provided is allowed to
proceed for about 10 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes,
about 40 minutes, about 50 minutes, about 1 hour, about 2 hours,
about 4 hours, about 8 hours, about 12 hours, about 16 hours, about
24 hours, about 2 days, about 3 days, about 4 days, or more. In
some cases, aliquots of the reaction mixture may be removed and
analyzed at an intermediate time to determine the progress of the
reaction or any step of the methods provided. In some embodiments,
a reaction or any step of the methods provided may be carried out
under an inert atmosphere in anhydrous conditions (e.g., under an
atmosphere of nitrogen or argon, anhydrous solvents, etc.)
[0112] The reaction products and/or intermediates may be isolated
(e.g., via distillation, column chromatography, extraction,
precipitation, etc.) and/or analyzed (e.g., gas liquid
chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, nuclear
magnetic resonance spectroscopy, etc.) using commonly known
techniques. In some cases, a synthetic nanocarrier may be analyzed
to determine the loading of immunomodulatory agent, for example,
using reverse phase HPLC.
[0113] The polymers may have any suitable molecular weight. For
example, the polymers may have a low or high molecular weight.
Non-limiting molecular weight values include 100 Da, 200 Da, 300
Da, 500 Da, 750 Da, 1000 Da, 2000 Da, 3000 Da, 4000 Da, 5000 Da,
6000 Da, 7000 Da, 8000 Da, 9000 Da, 10,000 Da, or greater. In some
embodiments, the polymers have a weight average molecular weight of
about 800 Da to about 10,000 Da. The molecular weight of a polymer
may be determined using gel permeation chromatography. Provided
below are exemplary reactions that are not intended to be
limiting.
Method 1
[0114] A polymer (e.g., PLA, PLGA) or unit thereof with at least
one acid end groups is converted to a reactive acylating agent such
as an acyl halide, acylimidazole, active ester, etc. using an
activating reagent commonly used in amide synthesis.
[0115] In this two-step method, the resulting activated polymer or
unit thereof (e.g., PLA, PLGA) is isolated and then reacted with an
immunomodulatory agent (e.g., R848) in the presence of a base to
give the desired conjugate (e.g., PLA-R848), for example, as shown
in the following scheme:
##STR00001##
[0116] Activating reagents that can be used to convert polymers or
units thereof, such as PLA or PLGA, to an activated acylating form
include, but are not limited to cyanuric fluoride,
N,N-tetramethylfluoroformamidinium hexafluorophosphate (TFFH);
Acylimidazoles, such as carbonyl diimidazole (CDI),
N,N'-carbonylbis(3-methylimidazolium) triflate (CBMIT); and Active
esters, such as N-hydroxylsuccinimide (NHS or HOSu) in the presence
of a carbodiimide such as N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC),
N-ethyl-N'-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
(EDC) or N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC); N,N'-disuccinimidyl
carbonate (DSC); pentafluorophenol in the presence of DCC or EDC or
DIC; pentafluorophenyl trifluoroacetate.
[0117] The activated polymer or unit thereof may be isolated (e.g.,
via precipitation, extraction, etc.) and/or stored under suitable
conditions (e.g., at low temperature, under argon) following
activation, or may be used immediately. The activated polymer or
unit thereof may be reacted with an immunomodulatory agent under
any suitable conditions. In some cases, the reaction is carried out
in the presence of a base and/or catalyst. Non-limiting examples of
bases/catalysts include diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) and
4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP).
Method 2
[0118] A polymer or unit thereof (e.g., PLA, PLGA having any
suitable molecular weight) with an acid end group reacts with an
immunomodulatory agent (e.g., R848) in the presence of an
activating or coupling reagent, which converts the polymer or unit
thereof (e.g., PLA, PLGA) to a reactive acylating agent in situ, to
give the desired conjugate (e.g., PLA-R848, PLGA-R848).
##STR00002##
[0119] Coupling or activating agents include but are not limited
to: activating agents used in the presence of an carbodiimide such
as EDC or DCC or DIC, such as 1-Hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt),
1-Hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (HOAt),
3,4-Dihydro-3-hydroxy-4-oxo-1,2,3-benzotriazine (HO-Dhbt),
N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS or HOSu), Pentafluorophenol (PFP);
Activating agents without carbodiimide: Phosphonium salts, such as
O-Benzotriazol-1-yloxytris(dimethylamino)phosphonium
hexafluorophosphate (BOP),
O-Benzotriazol-1-yloxytris(pyrrolidino)phosphonium
hexafluorophosphate (PyBOP),
7-Azabenzotriazol-1-yloxytris(pyrrolidino)phosphonium
hexafluorophosphate (PyAOP); uronium salts such as
O-Benzotriazol-1-yloxytris-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium
tetrafluoroborate (TBTU) and hexafluorophosphate (HBTU),
O-(7-Azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium
hexafluorophosphate (HATU),
O-(1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-1-pyridyl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-uronium
tetrafluoroborate (TPTU); Halouronium and halophosphonium salts
such as bis(tetramethylene)fluoroformamidinium hexafluorophosphate
(BTFFH), bromotris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluoro-phosphate
(BroP), bromotripyrrolidino phosphonium hexafluorophosphate
(PyBroP) and chlorotripyrrolidino phosphonium hexafluorophosphate
(PyClop); Benzotriazine derivatives such as
O-(3,4-Dihydro-4-oxo-1,2,3-benzotriazine-3-yl)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluroni-
um tetrafluoroborate (TDBTU) and
3-(diethyloxyphosphoryloxy)-1,2,3-benzotriazin-4(3H)-one (DEPBT).
Non-limiting examples of suitable solvents include DMF, DCM,
toluene, ethyl acetate, etc., as described herein.
Method 3
[0120] Immunomodulatory agents, such as R848, can also be coupled
to polymers or units thereof that are terminated in a hydroxyl
group. Such polymers or units thereof include polyethylene glycol,
polylactide, polylactide-co-glycolide, polycaprolactone, and other
like polyesters, or units thereof. In general, the reaction
proceeds as follows where an imide of the general structure (IV)
will react with the terminal hydroxyl of the aforementioned
polymers or units thereof using a catalyst used in lactone ring
opening polymerizations. The resulting reaction product (II) links
the amide of the agent to the polymer or unit thereof via an ester
bond. The compounds of formula (IV) and (II) are as follows:
##STR00003##
wherein R.sub.1.dbd.H, OH, SH, NH.sub.2, or substituted or
unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, or alkylamino;
R.sub.2.dbd.H, alkyl, or substituted alkyl; Y.dbd.N or C; R.sub.3
is absent if Y.dbd.N; or is H, alkyl, substituted alkyl, or
combined with R.sub.4 to form a carbocycle or heterocycle with the
carbon atoms of the pyridine ring to which they are connected if
Y.dbd.C; R.sub.4 is H, or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,
alkoxy, alkylthio, or alkylamino when not combined with R.sub.3 to
form a carbocycle or heterocycle with the carbon atoms of the
pyridine ring to which they are connected; or is combined with
R.sub.3 to form a carbocycle or heterocycle with the carbon atoms
of the pyridine ring to which they are connected; R.sub.5 is a
polymer or unit thereof; X is C, N, O, or S; R.sub.6 and R.sub.7
are each independently H or substituted; and R.sub.9, R.sub.10,
R.sub.11, and R.sub.12 are each independently H, a halogen, OH,
thio, NH.sub.2, or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl,
heterocyclic, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, alkylamino, or
arylamino.
[0121] Catalysts include, but are not limited to, phosphazine
bases, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU), 1,4,7-triazabicyclodecene
(TBD), and N-methyl-1,4,7-triazabicyclodecene (MTDB). Other
catalysts are known in the art and provided, for example, in Kamber
et al., Organocatalytic Ring-Opening Polymerization, Chem. Rev.
2007, 107, 58-13-5840. Non-limiting examples of suitable solvents
include methylene chloride, chloroform, and THF.
[0122] A specific example of a reaction completed by such a method
is shown here:
##STR00004##
wherein R.sub.5--OH contains two hydroxyl groups (e.g., a diol,
HO--R.sub.5--OH), each of which are functionalized by reaction with
an imide associated with R848. In some cases, HO--R.sub.5--OH is a
poly-diol such as poly(hexamethyl carbonate) diol or
polycaprolactone diol.
[0123] In embodiments where a poly-diol is employed, one of the
diol groups may be protected with a protecting group (e.g.,
t-butyloxycarbonyl), thus the poly-diol would be a compound of
formula HO--R.sub.5--OP, wherein P is a protecting group. Following
reaction with an immunomodulatory agent to form a immunomodulatory
agent-R.sub.5--OP conjugate, the protecting group may be removed
and the second diol group may be reacted with any suitable reagent
(e.g., PLGA, PLA).
Method 4
[0124] A conjugate (e.g., R848-PLA) can be formed via a one-pot
ring-opening polymerization of an immunomodulatory agent (e.g.,
R848) with a polymer or unit thereof (e.g., D/L-lactide) in the
presence of a catalyst, for example, as shown in the following
scheme:
##STR00005##
[0125] In a one-step procedure, the immunomodulatory agent and the
polymer or unit thereof may be combined into a single reaction
mixture comprising a catalyst. The reaction may proceed at a
suitable temperature (e.g., at about 150.degree. C.) and the
resulting conjugate may be isolated using commonly known
techniques. Non-limiting examples of suitable catalysts include
DMAP and tin ethylhexanoate.
Method 5
[0126] A conjugate can be formed two-step ring opening
polymerization of an immunomodulatory agent (e.g., R848) with one
or more polymers or units thereof (e.g., D/L-lactide and glycolide)
in the presence of a catalyst, for example, as shown in the
following scheme:
##STR00006##
[0127] The polymers or units thereof may be first combined, and in
some cases, heated (e.g., to 135.degree. C.) to form a solution.
The immunomodulatory agent may be added to a solution comprising
the polymers or units thereof, followed by addition of a catalyst
(e.g., tin ethylhexanoate). The resulting conjugate may be isolated
using commonly known techniques. Non-limiting examples of suitable
catalysts include DMAP and tin ethylhexanoate.
[0128] In some embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent, antigen,
and/or targeting moiety can be covalently associated with a
polymeric matrix. In some embodiments, covalent association is
mediated by a linker. In some embodiments, the immunomodulatory
agent, antigen, and/or targeting moiety can be noncovalently
associated with a polymeric matrix. For example, in some
embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent, antigen, and/or targeting
moiety can be encapsulated within, surrounded by, and/or dispersed
throughout a polymeric matrix. Alternatively or additionally, the
immunomodulatory agent, antigen, and/or targeting moiety can be
associated with a polymeric matrix by hydrophobic interactions,
charge interactions, van der Waals forces, etc.
[0129] The immunomodulatory agents can also be encapsulated within
the nanocarriers. The nanocarriers, therefore, can be of any
material that is pH sensitive provided that the resulting inventive
synthetic nanocarriers satisfy the dissociation relationships
provided herein. Such synthetic nanocarriers are well known in the
art and include polyketal nanocarriers, pH sensitive liposomes,
acid-swelling, cross-linked nanoparticles, such as those of Griset
et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 2469-2471, which in their
initial state are hydrophobic, but upon cellular internalization
transform to a hydrophilic structure (a hydrogel particle), and
polymeric nanoparticles, such as those of Griset, Dissertation
entitled: Delivery of Paclitaxel via pH-Responsive Polymeric
Nanoparticles for Prevention of Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma
Recurrence, Ohio State University, 2003. The pH sensitive synthetic
nanocarriers also include those that comprise polymers that
dissolve at a pH below 6 or polymers that swell at an acidic pH. In
some embodiments, the synthetic nanocarriers are of a non-polyketal
material. In other embodiment, the synthetic nanocarriers are not
micelles.
[0130] A wide variety of polymers and methods for forming polymeric
matrices therefrom are known conventially. In general, a polymeric
matrix comprises one or more polymers. Polymers may be natural or
unnatural (synthetic) polymers. Polymers may be homopolymers or
copolymers comprising two or more monomers. In terms of sequence,
copolymers may be random, block, or comprise a combination of
random and block sequences. Typically, polymers in accordance with
the present invention are organic polymers.
[0131] Examples of polymers suitable for use in the present
invention include, but are not limited to polyethylenes,
polycarbonates (e.g., poly(1,3-dioxan-2one)), polyanhydrides (e.g.,
poly(sebacic anhydride)), polyhydroxyacids (e.g.,
poly(.beta.-hydroxyalkanoate)), polypropylfumerates,
polycaprolactones, polyamides (e.g., polycaprolactam), polyacetals,
polyethers, polyesters (e.g., polylactide, polyglycolide),
poly(orthoesters), polycyanoacrylates, polyvinyl alcohols,
polyurethanes, polyphosphazenes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates,
polyureas, polystyrenes, polyamines, and polysaccharides (e.g.,
chitosan).
[0132] In some embodiments, polymers in accordance with the present
invention include polymers which have been approved for use in
humans by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under 21
C.F.R. .sctn.177.2600, including but not limited to polyesters
(e.g., polylactic acid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid),
polycaprolactone, polyvalerolactone, poly(1,3-dioxan-2one));
polyanhydrides (e.g., poly(sebacic anhydride)); polyethers (e.g.,
polyethylene glycol); polyurethanes; polymethacrylates;
polyacrylates; and polycyanoacrylates.
[0133] In some embodiments, polymers can be hydrophilic. For
example, polymers may comprise anionic groups (e.g., phosphate
group, sulphate group, carboxylate group); cationic groups (e.g.,
quaternary amine group); or polar groups (e.g., hydroxyl group,
thiol group, amine group). In some embodiments, a synthetic
nanocarrier comprising a hydrophilic polymeric matrix generates a
hydrophilic environment within the synthetic nanocarrier. In some
embodiments, polymers can be hydrophobic. In some embodiments, a
synthetic nanocarrier comprising a hydrophobic polymeric matrix
generates a hydrophobic environment within the synthetic
nanocarrier. Selection of the hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity of
the polymer may have an impact on the nature of materials that are
incorporated (e.g., coupled) within the synthetic nanocarrier.
[0134] In some embodiments, polymers may be modified with one or
more moieties and/or functional groups. A variety of moieties or
functional groups can be used in accordance with the present
invention. In some embodiments, polymers may be modified with PEG,
with a carbohydrate, and/or with acyclic polyacetals derived from
polysaccharides (Papisov, 2001, ACS Symposium Series, 786:301).
[0135] In some embodiments, polymers may be modified with a lipid
or fatty acid group. In some embodiments, a fatty acid group may be
one or more of butyric, caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric,
myristic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic, behenic, or lignoceric
acid. In some embodiments, a fatty acid group may be one or more of
palmitoleic, oleic, vaccenic, linoleic, alpha-linoleic,
gamma-linoleic, arachidonic, gadoleic, arachidonic,
eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, or erucic acid.
[0136] In some embodiments, polymers may be polyesters, including
copolymers comprising lactic acid and glycolic acid units, such as
poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide),
collectively referred to herein as "PLGA"; and homopolymers
comprising glycolic acid units, referred to herein as "PGA," and
lactic acid units, such as poly-L-lactic acid, poly-D-lactic acid,
poly-D,L-lactic acid, poly-L-lactide, poly-D-lactide, and
poly-D,L-lactide, collectively referred to herein as "PLA." In some
embodiments, exemplary polyesters include, for example,
polyhydroxyacids; PEG copolymers and copolymers of lactide and
glycolide (e.g., PLA-PEG copolymers, PGA-PEG copolymers, PLGA-PEG
copolymers, and derivatives thereof. In some embodiments,
polyesters include, for example, polyanhydrides, poly(ortho ester),
poly(ortho ester)-PEG copolymers, poly(caprolactone),
poly(caprolactone)-PEG copolymers, polylysine, polylysine-PEG
copolymers, poly(ethyleneimine), poly(ethylene imine)-PEG
copolymers, poly(L-lactide-co-L-lysine), poly(serine ester),
poly(4-hydroxy-L-proline ester),
poly[.alpha.-(4-aminobutyl)-L-glycolic acid], and derivatives
thereof.
[0137] In some embodiments, a polymer may be PLGA. PLGA is a
biocompatible and biodegradable co-polymer of lactic acid and
glycolic acid, and various forms of PLGA are characterized by the
ratio of lactic acid:glycolic acid. Lactic acid can be L-lactic
acid, D-lactic acid, or D,L-lactic acid. The degradation rate of
PLGA can be adjusted by altering the lactic acid:glycolic acid
ratio. In some embodiments, PLGA to be used in accordance with the
present invention is characterized by a lactic acid:glycolic acid
ratio of approximately 85:15, approximately 75:25, approximately
60:40, approximately 50:50, approximately 40:60, approximately
25:75, or approximately 15:85.
[0138] In some embodiments, polymers may be one or more acrylic
polymers. In certain embodiments, acrylic polymers include, for
example, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid copolymers, methyl
methacrylate copolymers, ethoxyethyl methacrylates, cyanoethyl
methacrylate, aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer, poly(acrylic
acid), poly(methacrylic acid), methacrylic acid alkylamide
copolymer, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(methacrylic acid
anhydride), methyl methacrylate, polymethacrylate, poly(methyl
methacrylate) copolymer, polyacrylamide, aminoalkyl methacrylate
copolymer, glycidyl methacrylate copolymers, polycyanoacrylates,
and combinations comprising one or more of the foregoing polymers.
The acrylic polymer may comprise fully-polymerized copolymers of
acrylic and methacrylic acid esters with a low content of
quaternary ammonium groups.
[0139] In some embodiments, polymers can be cationic polymers. In
general, cationic polymers are able to condense and/or protect
negatively charged strands of nucleic acids (e.g., DNA, RNA, or
derivatives thereof). Amine-containing polymers such as
poly(lysine) (Zauner et al., 1998, Adv. Drug Del. Rev., 30:97; and
Kabanov et al., 1995, Bioconjugate Chem., 6:7), poly(ethylene
imine) (PEI; Boussif et al., 1995, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA,
1995, 92:7297), and poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (Kukowska-Latallo
et al., 1996, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 93:4897; Tang et al.,
1996, Bioconjugate Chem., 7:703; and Haensler et al., 1993,
Bioconjugate Chem., 4:372) are positively-charged at physiological
pH, form ion pairs with nucleic acids, and mediate transfection in
a variety of cell lines.
[0140] In some embodiments, polymers can be degradable polyesters
bearing cationic side chains (Putnam et al., 1999, Macromolecules,
32:3658; Barrera et al., 1993, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 115:11010; Kwon
et al., 1989, Macromolecules, 22:3250; Lim et al., 1999, J. Am.
Chem. Soc., 121:5633; and Zhou et al., 1990, Macromolecules,
23:3399). Examples of these polyesters include
poly(L-lactide-co-L-lysine) (Barrera et al., 1993, J. Am. Chem.
Soc., 115:11010), poly(serine ester) (Zhou et al., 1990,
Macromolecules, 23:3399), poly(4-hydroxy-L-proline ester) (Putnam
et al., 1999, Macromolecules, 32:3658; and Lim et al., 1999, J. Am.
Chem. Soc., 121:5633), and poly(4-hydroxy-L-proline ester) (Putnam
et al., 1999, Macromolecules, 32:3658; and Lim et al., 1999, J. Am.
Chem. Soc., 121:5633).
[0141] The properties of these and other polymers and methods for
preparing them are well known in the art (see, for example, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,123,727; 5,804,178; 5,770,417; 5,736,372; 5,716,404;
6,095,148; 5,837,752; 5,902,599; 5,696,175; 5,514,378; 5,512,600;
5,399,665; 5,019,379; 5,010,167; 4,806,621; 4,638,045; and
4,946,929; Wang et al., 2001, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 123:9480; Lim et
al., 2001, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 123:2460; Langer, 2000, Acc. Chem.
Res., 33:94; Langer, 1999, J. Control. Release, 62:7; and Uhrich et
al., 1999, Chem. Rev., 99:3181). More generally, a variety of
methods for synthesizing certain suitable polymers are described in
Concise Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Polymeric Amines and
Ammonium Salts, Ed. by Goethals, Pergamon Press, 1980; Principles
of Polymerization by Odian, John Wiley & Sons, Fourth Edition,
2004; Contemporary Polymer Chemistry by Allcock et al.,
Prentice-Hall, 1981; Deming et al., 1997, Nature, 390:386; and in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,506,577, 6,632,922, 6,686,446, and 6,818,732.
[0142] In some embodiments, polymers can be linear or branched
polymers. In some embodiments, polymers can be dendrimers. In some
embodiments, polymers can be substantially cross-linked to one
another. In some embodiments, polymers can be substantially free of
cross-links. In some embodiments, polymers can be used in
accordance with the present invention without undergoing a
cross-linking step. It is further to be understood that inventive
compounds and synthetic nanocarriers may comprise block copolymers,
graft copolymers, blends, mixtures, and/or adducts of any of the
foregoing and other polymers. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that the polymers listed herein represent an exemplary,
not comprehensive, list of polymers that can be of use in
accordance with the present invention.
[0143] In some embodiments, synthetic nanocarriers may comprise
metal particles, quantum dots, ceramic particles, etc.
[0144] In some embodiments, synthetic nanocarriers may optionally
comprise one or more amphiphilic entities. In some embodiments, an
amphiphilic entity can promote the production of synthetic
nanocarriers with increased stability, improved uniformity, or
increased viscosity. In some embodiments, amphiphilic entities can
be associated with the interior surface of a lipid membrane (e.g.,
lipid bilayer, lipid monolayer, etc.). Many amphiphilic entities
known in the art are suitable for use in making synthetic
nanocarriers in accordance with the present invention. Such
amphiphilic entities include, but are not limited to,
phosphoglycerides; phosphatidylcholines; dipalmitoyl
phosphatidylcholine (DPPC); dioleylphosphatidyl ethanolamine
(DOPE); dioleyloxypropyltriethylammonium (DOTMA);
dioleoylphosphatidylcholine; cholesterol; cholesterol ester;
diacylglycerol; diacylglycerolsuccinate; diphosphatidyl glycerol
(DPPG); hexanedecanol; fatty alcohols such as polyethylene glycol
(PEG); polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether; a surface active fatty acid,
such as palmitic acid or oleic acid; fatty acids; fatty acid
monoglycerides; fatty acid diglycerides; fatty acid amides;
sorbitan trioleate (Span.RTM.85) glycocholate; sorbitan monolaurate
(Span.RTM.20); polysorbate 20 (Tween.RTM.20); polysorbate 60
(Tween.RTM.60); polysorbate 65 (Tween.RTM.65); polysorbate 80
(Tween.RTM.80); polysorbate 85 (Tween.RTM.85); polyoxyethylene
monostearate; surfactin; a poloxomer; a sorbitan fatty acid ester
such as sorbitan trioleate; lecithin; lysolecithin;
phosphatidylserine; phosphatidylinositol; sphingomyelin;
phosphatidylethanolamine (cephalin); cardiolipin; phosphatidic
acid; cerebrosides; dicetylphosphate;
dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol; stearylamine; dodecylamine;
hexadecyl-amine; acetyl palmitate; glycerol ricinoleate; hexadecyl
sterate; isopropyl myristate; tyloxapol; poly(ethylene
glycol)5000-phosphatidylethanolamine; poly(ethylene
glycol)-400-monostearate; phospholipids; synthetic and/or natural
detergents having high surfactant properties; deoxycholates;
cyclodextrins; chaotropic salts; ion pairing agents; and
combinations thereof. An amphiphilic entity component may be a
mixture of different amphiphilic entities. Those skilled in the art
will recognize that this is an exemplary, not comprehensive, list
of substances with surfactant activity. Any amphiphilic entity may
be used in the production of synthetic nanocarriers to be used in
accordance with the present invention.
[0145] In some embodiments, synthetic nanocarriers may optionally
comprise one or more carbohydrates. Carbohydrates may be natural or
synthetic. A carbohydrate may be a derivatized natural
carbohydrate. In certain embodiments, a carbohydrate comprises
monosaccharide or disaccharide, including but not limited to
glucose, fructose, galactose, ribose, lactose, sucrose, maltose,
trehalose, cellbiose, mannose, xylose, arabinose, glucoronic acid,
galactoronic acid, mannuronic acid, glucosamine, galatosamine, and
neuramic acid. In certain embodiments, a carbohydrate is a
polysaccharide, including but not limited to pullulan, cellulose,
microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC),
hydroxycellulose (HC), methylcellulose (MC), dextran, cyclodextran,
glycogen, starch, hydroxyethylstarch, carageenan, glycon, amylose,
chitosan, N,O-carboxylmethylchitosan, algin and alginic acid,
starch, chitin, heparin, konjac, glucommannan, pustulan, heparin,
hyaluronic acid, curdlan, and xanthan. In certain embodiments, the
carbohydrate is a sugar alcohol, including but not limited to
mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, maltitol, and
lactitol.
[0146] Synthetic nanocarriers may be prepared using a wide variety
of methods known in the art. For example, synthetic nanocarriers
can be formed by methods as nanoprecipitation, flow focusing
fluidic channels, spray drying, single and double emulsion solvent
evaporation, solvent extraction, phase separation, milling,
microemulsion procedures, microfabrication, nanofabrication,
sacrificial layers, simple and complex coacervation, and other
methods well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Alternatively or additionally, aqueous and organic solvent
syntheses for monodisperse semiconductor, conductive, magnetic,
organic, and other nanomaterials have been described (Pellegrino et
al., 2005, Small, 1:48; Murray et al., 2000, Ann. Rev. Mat. Sci.,
30:545; and Trindade et al., 2001, Chem. Mat., 13:3843). Additional
methods have been described in the literature (see, e.g., Doubrow,
Ed., "Microcapsules and Nanoparticles in Medicine and Pharmacy,"
CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1992; Mathiowitz et al., 1987, J. Control.
Release, 5:13; Mathiowitz et al., 1987, Reactive Polymers, .delta.:
275; and Mathiowitz et al., 1988, J. Appl. Polymer Sci., 35:755,
and also U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,578,325 and 6,007,845).
[0147] In certain embodiments, synthetic nanocarriers are prepared
by a nanoprecipitation process or spray drying. Conditions used in
preparing synthetic nanocarriers may be altered to yield particles
of a desired size or property (e.g., hydrophobicity,
hydrophilicity, external morphology, "stickiness," shape, etc.).
The method of preparing the synthetic nanocarriers and the
conditions (e.g., solvent, temperature, concentration, air flow
rate, etc.) used may depend on the materials to be coupled to the
synthetic nanocarriers and/or the composition of the polymer
matrix.
[0148] If particles prepared by any of the above methods have a
size range outside of the desired range, particles can be sized,
for example, using a sieve.
[0149] Coupling can be achieved in a variety of different ways, and
can be covalent or non-covalent. Such couplings may be arranged to
be on a surface or within an inventive synthetic nanocarrier.
Elements of the inventive synthetic nanocarriers (such as moieties
of which an immunofeature surface is comprised, targeting moieties,
polymeric matrices, and the like) may be directly coupled with one
another, e.g., by one or more covalent bonds, or may be coupled by
means of one or more linkers. Additional methods of functionalizing
synthetic nanocarriers may be adapted from Published US Patent
Application 2006/0002852 to Saltzman et al., Published US Patent
Application 2009/0028910 to DeSimone et al., or Published
International Patent Application WO/2008/127532 A1 to Murthy et
al.
[0150] Any suitable linker can be used in accordance with the
present invention. Linkers may be used to form amide linkages,
ester linkages, disulfide linkages, etc. Linkers may contain carbon
atoms or heteroatoms (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, etc.). In
some embodiments, a linker is an aliphatic or heteroaliphatic
linker. In some embodiments, the linker is a polyalkyl linker. In
certain embodiments, the linker is a polyether linker. In certain
embodiments, the linker is a polyethylene linker. In certain
specific embodiments, the linker is a polyethylene glycol (PEG)
linker.
[0151] In some embodiments, the linker is a cleavable linker. To
give but a few examples, cleavable linkers include protease
cleavable peptide linkers, nuclease sensitive nucleic acid linkers,
lipase sensitive lipid linkers, glycosidase sensitive carbohydrate
linkers, pH sensitive linkers, hypoxia sensitive linkers,
photo-cleavable linkers, heat-labile linkers, enzyme cleavable
linkers (e.g., esterase cleavable linker), ultrasound-sensitive
linkers, x-ray cleavable linkers, etc. In some embodiments, the
linker is not a cleavable linker.
[0152] A variety of methods can be used to couple a linker or other
element of a synthetic nanocarrier with the synthetic nanocarrier.
General strategies include passive adsorption (e.g., via
electrostatic interactions), multivalent chelation, high affinity
non-covalent binding between members of a specific binding pair,
covalent bond formation, etc. (Gao et al., 2005, Curr. Op.
Biotechnol., 16:63). In some embodiments, click chemistry can be
used to associate a material with a synthetic nanocarrier.
[0153] Non-covalent specific binding interactions can be employed.
For example, either a particle or a biomolecule can be
functionalized with biotin with the other being functionalized with
streptavidin. These two moieties specifically bind to each other
noncovalently and with a high affinity, thereby associating the
particle and the biomolecule. Other specific binding pairs could be
similarly used. Alternately, histidine-tagged biomolecules can be
associated with particles conjugated to nickel-nitrolotriaceteic
acid (Ni-NTA).
[0154] For additional general information on coupling, see the
journal Bioconjugate Chemistry, published by the American Chemical
Society, Columbus Ohio, PO Box 3337, Columbus, Ohio, 43210;
"Cross-Linking," Pierce Chemical Technical Library, available at
the Pierce web site and originally published in the 1994-95 Pierce
Catalog, and references cited therein; Wong S S, Chemistry of
Protein Conjugation and Cross-linking, CRC Press Publishers, Boca
Raton, 1991; and Hermanson, G. T., Bioconjugate Techniques,
Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, 1996.
[0155] It is to be understood that the compositions of the
invention can be made in any suitable manner, and the invention is
in no way limited to compositions that can be produced using the
methods described herein. Selection of an appropriate method may
require attention to the properties of the particular moieties
being associated.
Pharmaceutical Compositions and Methods of Use
[0156] Compositions according to the invention comprise inventive
synthetic nanocarriers in combination with pharmaceutically
acceptable excipients. The compositions may be made using
conventional pharmaceutical manufacturing and compounding
techniques to arrive at useful dosage forms. In an embodiment,
inventive synthetic nanocarriers are suspended in sterile saline
solution for injection together with a preservative.
[0157] In some embodiments, inventive synthetic nanocarriers are
manufactured under sterile conditions or are terminally sterilized.
This can ensure that resulting composition are sterile and
non-infectious, thus improving safety when compared to non-sterile
compositions. This provides a valuable safety measure, especially
when subjects receiving synthetic nanocarriers have immune defects,
are suffering from infection, and/or are susceptible to infection.
In some embodiments, inventive synthetic nanocarriers may be
lyophilized and stored in suspension or as lyophilized powder
depending on the formulation strategy for extended periods without
losing activity.
[0158] The inventive compositions may be administered by a variety
of routes of administration, including but not limited to
subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal, oral, parenteral,
intranasal, transmucosal, rectal; ophthalmic, transdermal,
transcutaneous or by a combination of these routes.
[0159] The compositions and methods described herein can be used to
induce, enhance, stimulate, modulate, or direct an immune response.
The compositions and methods described herein can be used in the
diagnosis, prophylaxis and/or treatment of conditions such as
cancers, infectious diseases, metabolic diseases, degenerative
diseases, inflammatory diseases, immunological diseases, or other
disorders and/or conditions. The compositions and methods described
herein can also be used for the prophylaxis or treatment of an
addiction, such as an addiction to nicotine or a narcotic. The
compositions and methods described herein can also be used for the
prophylaxis and/or treatment of a condition resulting from the
exposure to a toxin, hazardous substance, environmental toxin, or
other harmful agent.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Preparation of Activated Polymer
[0160] PLA (dl-polylactide) (Resomer R202H from
Boehringer-Ingelheim, KOH equivalent acid number of 0.21 mmol/g,
intrinsic viscosity (iv): 0.21 dl/g) (10 g, 2.1 mmol, 1.0 eq) was
dissolved in dichloromethane (DCM) (35 mL). EDC (2.0 g, 10.5 mmol,
5 eq) and NHS (1.2 g, 10.5 mmol, 5 eq) were added. The solids were
dissolved with the aid of sonication. The resulting solution was
stirred at room temperature for 6 days. The solution was
concentrated to remove most of DCM and the residue was added to a
solution of 250 mL of diethyl ether and 5 mL of MeOH to precipitate
out the activated PLA-NHS ester. The solvents were removed and the
polymer was washed twice with ether (2.times.200 mL) and dried
under vacuum to give PLA-NHS activated ester as a white foamy solid
(.about.8 g recovered, H NMR was used to confirm the presence of
NHS ester). The PLA-NHS ester was stored under argon in a below -10
C freezer before use.
[0161] Alternatively, the reaction can be performed in DMF, THF,
dioxane, or CHCl3 instead of DCM. DCC can be used instead of EDC
(resulting DCC-urea is filtered off before precipitation of the
PLA-NHS ester from ether). The amount of EDC or DCC and NHS can be
in the range of 2-10 eq of the PLA.
[0162] In the same manner, PLA with iv of 0.33 dl/g and acid number
of 0.11 mmol/g or PLGA (Resomer RG653H, 65% lactide-35% glycolide,
iv: 0.39 dl/g and acid number 0.08 mmol/g) or PLGA (Resomer RG752H,
75% lactide-25% glycolide, iv: 0.19 dl/g and acid number of 0.22
mmol/g) is converted to the corresponding PLA-NHS or PLGA-NHS
activated ester and stored under argon in a below -10 C freezer
before use.
Example 2
Preparation of Activated Polymer
[0163] PLA (R202H, acid number of 0.21 mmol/g) (2.0 g, 0.42 mmol,
1.0 eq) was dissolved in 10 mL of dry acetonitrile.
N,N'-disuccinimidyl carbonate (DSC) (215 mg, 1.26 mmol, 3.0 eq) and
catalytic amount of 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) were
added. The resulting mixture was stirred under argon for 1 day. The
resulting solution was concentrated to almost dryness. The residue
was then added to 40 mL of ether to precipitate out the polymer
which was washed twice with ether (2.times.30 mL) and dried under
vacuum to give PLA-NHS activated ester (1H NMR showed the amount of
NHS ester at about 80%).
Example 3
Preparation of Activated Polymer
[0164] PLA (R202H) (5.0 g, 1.05 mmol) was dissolved in 25 mL of
anhydrous DCM and 2.5 mL of anhydrous DMF. DCC (650 mg, 3.15 mmol,
5.0 eq) and pentafluorophenol (PFP) (580 mg, 3.15 mmol, 5.0 eq)
were added. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature
for 6 days and then concentrated to remove DCM. The resulting
residue was added to 250 mL of ether to precipitate out the
activated PLA polymer which was washed with ether (2.times.100 mL)
and dried under vacuum to give PLA-PFP activated ester as a white
foamy solid (4.0 g).
Example 4
Conjugation of Immunomodulatory Agent
[0165] PLA-NHS (1.0 g), R848 (132 mg, 0.42 mmol) and
diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) (0.073 mL, 0.42 mmol) were dissolved
in 2 mL of dry DMF under argon. The resulting solution was heated
at 50-60 C for 2 days. The solution was cooled to rt and added to
40 mL of de-ionized (DI) water to precipitate out the polymer
product. The polymer was then washed with DI water (40 mL) and
ether (2.times.40 mL) and dried at 30 C under vacuum to give
R848-PLA conjugate as a white foamy solid (0.8 g, H NMR showed the
conjugation of R848 to PLA via the amide bond). The degree of
conjugation (loading) of R848 on the polymer was confirmed by HPLC
analysis as follows: a weighed amount of polymer was dissolved in
THF/MeOH and treated with 15% NaOH. The resulting hydrolyzed
polymer products were analyzed for the amount of R848 by HPLC in
comparison with a standard curve.
Example 5
Conjugation of Immunomodulatory Agent
[0166] PLA-NHS (1.0 g, 0.21 mmol, 1.0 eq), R848 (132 mg, 0.42 mmol,
2.0 eq), DIPEA (0.15 mL, 0.84 mmol, 4.0 eq) and DMAP (25 mg, 0.21
mmol, 1.0 eq) were dissolved in 2 mL of dry DMF under argon. The
resulting solution was heated at 50-60 C for 2 days. The solution
was cooled to rt and added to 40 mL of de-ionized (DI) water to
precipitate out the polymer product. The polymer was then washed
with DI water (40 mL) and ether (2.times.40 mL) and dried at 30 C
under vacuum to give PLA-R848 conjugate as a white foamy solid (0.7
g, 20 mg of the polymer was hydrolyzed in solution of 0.2 mL of
THF, 0.1 mL of MeOH and 0.1 mL of 15% NaOH. The amount of R848 on
the polymer was determined to be about 35 mg/g by reverse phase
HPLC analysis (C18 column, mobile phase A: 0.1% TFA in water,
mobile phase B: 0.1% TFA in CH3CN, gradient).
Example 6
Conjugation of Immunomodulatory Agent
[0167] PLA (R202H) (2.0 g, 0.42 mmol, 1.0 eq), DCC (260 mg, 1.26
mmol, 3.0 eq), NHS (145 mg, 1.26 mmol, 3.0 eq), R848 (200 mg, 0.63
mmol, 1.5 eq), DMAP (77 mg, 0.63 mmol, 1.5 eq) and DIPEA (0.223 mL,
1.26 mmol, 3.0 eq) were dissolved in 4 mL of dry DMF. The mixture
was heated at 50-55 C for 3 days. The mixture was cooled to rt and
diluted with DCM. The DCC-urea was filtered off and the filtrate
was concentrated to remove DCM. The resulting residue in DMF was
added to water (40 mL) to precipitate out the polymer product which
was washed with water (40 mL), ether/DCM (40 mL/4 mL) and ether (40
mL). After drying under vacuum at 30 C, the desired PLA-R848
conjugate was obtained as a white foamy solid (1.5 g).
Example 7
Conjugation of Immunomodulatory Agent
[0168] PLA (R202H) (2.0 g, 0.42 mmol, 1.0 eq), EDC (242 mg, 1.26
mmol, 3.0 eq), HOAt (171 mg, 1.26 mmol, 3.0 eq), R848 (200 mg, 0.63
mmol, 1.5 eq), and DIPEA (0.223 mL, 1.26 mmol, 3.0 eq) were
dissolved in 4 mL of dry DMF. The mixture was heated at 50-55 C for
2 days. The solution was cooled to rt and added to water (40 mL) to
precipitate out the polymer product which was washed with water (40
mL), ether/MeOH (40 mL/2 mL) and ether (40 mL). The orange colored
polymer was dissolved in 4 mL of DCM and the resulting solution was
added to 40 mL of ether to precipitate out the polymer without much
of the orange color. The light colored polymer was washed with
ether (40 mL). After drying under vacuum at 30 C, the desired
PLA-R848 conjugate was obtained as a light brown foamy solid (1.5
g).
Example 8
Conjugation of Immunomodulatory Agent
[0169] PLA (R202H) (1.0 g, 0.21 mmol, 1.0 eq), EDC (161 mg, 0.84
mmol, 4.0 eq), HOBt.H2O (65 mg, 0.42 mmol, 2.0 eq), R848 (132 mg,
0.42 mmol, 2.0 eq), and DIPEA (0.150 mL, 0.84 mmol, 4.0 eq) were
dissolved in 2 mL of dry DMF. The mixture was heated at
50-55.degree. C. for 2 days. The solution was cooled to room
temperature and added to water (40 mL) to precipitate out the
polymer product. The orange colored polymer was dissolved in 2 mL
of DCM and the resulting solution was added to 40 mL of ether to
precipitate out the polymer which was washed with water/acetone (40
mL/2 mL) and ether (40 mL). After drying under vacuum at 30.degree.
C., the desired PLA-R848 conjugate was obtained as an off-white
foamy solid (1.0 g, loading of R848 on polymer was about 45 mg/g
based on HPLC analysis and confirmed by .sup.1H NMR). In the same
manner, PLGA (75% Lactide)-R848 and PLGA (50% lactide)-R848 were
prepared.
Example 9
Conjugation of Immunomodulatory Agent
##STR00007##
[0171] To a round bottom flask equipped with a stir bar and
condenser was added the imidazoquinoline, resiquimod (R-848, 218
mg, 6.93.times.10.sup.-4 moles), D/L lactide (1.0 g,
6.93.times.10.sup.-3 moles) and anhydrous sodium sulfate (800 mg).
The flask and contents were dried under vacuum at 55.degree. C. for
8 hours. After cooling, the flask was then flushed with argon and
toluene (50 mL) was added. The reaction was stirred in an oil bath
set at 120.degree. C. until all of the lactide had dissolved and
then tin ethylhexanoate (19 mg, 15 .mu.L) was added via pipette.
Heating was continued under argon for 16 hours. After cooling, the
reaction was diluted with ether (200 mL) and the solution was
washed with water (200 mL). The solution was dried over magnesium
sulfate, filtered and evaporated under vacuum to give 880 mg. of
crude polylactic acid-R-848 conjugate. The crude polymer was
chromatographed on silica using 10% methanol in methylene chloride
as eluent. The fractions containing the conjugate were pooled and
evaporated to give the purified conjugate. This was dried under
high vacuum to provide the conjugate as a solid foam in a yield of
702 mg (57.6%). By integrating the NMR signals for the aromatic
protons of the quinoline and comparing this to the integrated
intensity of the lactic acid CH proton it was determined that the
molecular weight of the conjugate was approximately 2 KD. GPC
showed that the conjugate contained less than 5% of free R848.
Example 10
Preparation of Low MW PLA-R848 Conjugate
##STR00008##
[0173] A solution of PLA-CO2H (average MW: 950, DPI:1.32; 5.0 g,
5.26 mmol) and HBTU (4.0 g, 10.5 mmol) in EtOAc (120 mL) was
stirred at room temperature under argon for 45 min. Compound R848
(1.65 g, 5.26 mmol) was added, followed by DIPEA (5.5 mL, 31.6
mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 h and then
at 50-55.degree. C. for 15 h. After cooling, the mixture was
diluted with EtOAc (150 mL) and washed with 1% citric acid solution
(2.times.40 mL), water (40 mL) and brine solution (40 mL). The
solution was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 (10 g) and concentrated to
a gel-like residue. Methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) (150 mL) was then
added and the polymer conjugate precipitated out of solution. The
polymer was then washed with MTBE (50 mL) and dried under vacuum at
room temperature for 2 days as a white foam (5.3 g, average MW by
GPC is 1200, PDI: 1.29; R848 loading is 20% by HPLC).
Example 11
Preparation of Low MW PLA-R848 Conjugate
##STR00009##
[0175] A solution of PLA-CO2H (average MW: 1800, DPI:1.44; 9.5 g,
5.26 mmol) and HBTU (4.0 g, 10.5 mmol) in EtOAc (120 mL) was
stirred at room temperature under argon for 45 min. Compound R848
(1.65 g, 5.26 mmol) was added, followed by DIPEA (5.5 mL, 31.6
mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 h and then
at 50-55.degree. C. for 15 h. After cooling, the mixture was
diluted with EtOAc (150 mL) and washed with 1% citric acid solution
(2.times.40 mL), water (40 mL) and brine solution (40 mL). The
solution was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 (10 g) and concentrated to
a gel-like residue. Methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) (150 mL) was then
added and the polymer conjugate precipitated out of solution. The
polymer was then washed with MTBE (50 mL) and dried under vacuum at
room temperature for 2 days as a white foam (9.5 g, average MW by
GPC is 1900, PDI: 1.53; R848 loading is 17% by HPLC).
Example 12
Conjugation of R848 to PCADK Via Imide Ring Opening
[0176] The following example describes the synthesis of a
polyketal, PCADK, according to a method provided in Pulendran et
al, WO 2008/127532, as illustrated in step 1 below.
[0177] PCADK is synthesized in a 50 mL two-necked flask, connected
to a short-path distilling head. First, 5.5 mg of re-crystallized
p-toluenesulfonic acid (0.029 mmol, Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.), is
dissolved in 6.82 mL of ethyl acetate, and added to a 30 mL benzene
solution (kept at 100.degree. C.), which contains
1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (12.98 g, 90.0 mmol, Aldrich). The ethyl
acetate is allowed to boil off, and distilled 2,2-dimethoxypropane
(10.94 mL, 90.0 mmol, Aldrich) is added to the benzene solution,
initiating the polymerization reaction. Additional doses of
2,2-dimethoxypropane (5 mL) and benzene (25 mL) are subsequently
added to the reaction every hour for 6 hours via a metering funnel
to compensate for 2,2-dimethoxypropane and benzene that is
distilled off. After 8 hours, the reaction is stopped by addition
of 500 .mu.L of triethylamine. The polymer is isolated by
precipitation in cold hexane (stored at -20.degree. C.) followed by
vacuum filtration. The molecular weight of PCADK is determined by
gel permeation chromatography (GPC) (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan)
equipped with a UV detector. THF is used as the mobile phase at a
flow rate of 1 ml/min. Polystyrene standards from Polymer
Laboratories (Amherst, Mass.) are used to establish a molecular
weight calibration curve. This compound is used to generate the
PCADK particles in all subsequent experiments.
[0178] R848 may be conjugated to the terminal alcohol groups of the
PCADK having molecular weight 6000 via imide ring opening,
according to the step 2 shown below.
Step 1: Preparation of PCADK
##STR00010##
[0179] Step 2: Conjugation of PCADK to R848
##STR00011##
[0181] In step 2, the polymer from step 1 (12 g,
2.0.times.10.sup.-3 moles) is dissolved in methylene chloride 100
mL, and the lactam of R848 (3.3 g, 8.0.times.10.sup.-3 moles) is
added. This slurry is stirred as
1,5,7-triazabicyclo-[4,4,0]dec-5-ene (TBD, 0.835 g,
6.times.10.sup.-3 moles) is added in a single portion. After
stiffing at room temperature overnight, a clear solution forms. The
solution is diluted with methylene chloride (100 mL) and the
solution is washed with 5% citric acid. This solution is dried over
sodium sulfate after which it is filtered and evaporated under
vacuum. After drying under high vacuum there is obtained 11.3 grams
(81%) of polymer. A portion is hydrolyzed in acid and the R848
content is determined to be 9% by weight.
Example 13
Conjugation of R848 to Poly-Caprolactonediol Via Imide Ring
Opening
[0182] Imide ring opening is used to attach R854 to the terminal
alcohol groups of poly-caprolactonediol of molecular weight 2000.
The polycaprolactone diol is purchased from Aldrich Chemical
Company, Cat. #189421 and has the following structure:
##STR00012##
[0183] The polycaprolactone diol-R854 conjugate has the following
structure:
##STR00013##
[0184] The polymer (5 g, 2.5.times.10.sup.-3 moles) is dissolved in
methylene chloride 25 mL and the lactam of R854 (2.4 g,
5.0.times.10.sup.-3 moles) is added. This slurry is stirred as
1,5,7-triazabicyclo-[4,4,0]dec-5-ene (TBD, 0.557 g,
4.times.10.sup.-3 moles) is added in a single portion. After
stirring at room temperature for 15 minutes, a clear pale yellow
solution forms. The solution is diluted with methylene chloride
(100 mL) and the solution is washed with 5% citric acid. This
solution is dried over sodium sulfate after which it is filtered
and evaporated under vacuum. After drying under high vacuum there
is obtained 5.2 grams (70%) of polymer. A portion is hydrolyzed in
acid and the R848 content is determined to be 18.5% by weight.
Example 14
Conjugation of R848 to Poly-(Hexamethylene Carbonate)Diol Via Imide
Ring Opening
[0185] Imide ring opening is used to attach R848 to the terminal
alcohol groups of poly-(hexamethylene carbonate)diol of molecular
weight 2000. The poly(hexamethylene carbonate) diol is purchased
from Aldrich Chemical Company, Cat # 461164, and has the following
structure:
HO--[CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.4CH.sub.2OCO.sub.2]nCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.4-
CH.sub.2--OH.
[0186] The poly(hexamethylene carbonate) diol-R848 conjugate has
the following structure:
##STR00014##
[0187] The polymer (5 g, 2.5.times.10.sup.-3 moles) is dissolved in
methylene chloride 25 mL and the lactam of R848 (2.06 g,
5.0.times.10.sup.-3 moles) is added. This slurry is stirred as
1,5,7-triazabicyclo-[4,4,0]dec-5-ene (TBD, 0.557 g,
4.times.10.sup.-3 moles) is added in a single portion. After
stirring at room temperature overnight a clear pale yellow solution
forms. The solution is diluted with methylene chloride (100 mL) and
the solution is washed with 5% citric acid. This solution is dried
over sodium sulfate after which it is filtered and evaporated under
vacuum. After drying under high vacuum there is obtained 5.9 grams
(84%) of polymer. NMR is used to determine the R848 content which
is determined to be 21%.
Example 15
Polylactic Acid Conjugates of an Imidazoquinoline Using a Tin
Ethylhexanoate Catalyst
##STR00015##
[0189] To a two necked round bottom flask equipped with a stir bar
and condenser was added the imidazoquinoline resiquimod (R-848, 100
mg, 3.18.times.10.sup.-4 moles), D/L lactide (5.6 g,
3.89.times.10.sup.-2 moles) and anhydrous sodium sulfate (4.0 g).
The flask and contents were dried under vacuum at 50.degree. C. for
8 hours. The flask was then flushed with argon and toluene (100 mL)
was added. The reaction was stirred in an oil bath set at
120.degree. C. until all of the lactide had dissolved and then tin
ethylhexanoate (75 mg, 60 .mu.L) was added via pipette. Heating was
continued under argon for 16 hours. After cooling, water (20 mL)
was added and stiffing was continued for 30 minutes. The reaction
was diluted with additional toluene (200 mL) and was then washed
with water (200 mL). The toluene solution was then washed in turn
with 10% sodium chloride solution containing 5% conc. Hydrochloric
acid (200 mL) followed by saturated sodium bicarbonate (200 mL).
TLC (silica, 10% methanol in methylene chloride) showed that the
solution contained no free R-848. The solution was dried over
magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under vacuum to give
3.59 grams of polylactic acid-R-848 conjugate. A portion of the
polymer was hydrolyzed in base and examined by HPLC for R-848
content. By comparison to a standard curve of R-848 concentration
vs. HPLC response, it was determined that the polymer contained
4.51 mg of R-848 per gram of polymer. The molecular weight of the
polymer was determined by GPC to be about 19,000.
Example 16
Low Molecular Weight Polylactic Acid Conjugates of an
Imidazoquinoline
##STR00016##
[0191] To a round bottom flask equipped with a stir bar and
condenser was added the imidazoquinoline, resiquimod (R-848, 218
mg, 6.93.times.10.sup.-4 moles), D/L lactide (1.0 g,
6.93.times.10.sup.-3 moles) and anhydrous sodium sulfate (800 mg).
The flask and contents were dried under vacuum at 55.degree. C. for
8 hours. After cooling, the flask was then flushed with argon and
toluene (50 mL) was added. The reaction was stirred in an oil bath
set at 120.degree. C. until all of the lactide had dissolved and
then tin ethylhexanoate (19 mg, 15 .mu.L) was added via pipette.
Heating was continued under argon for 16 hours. After cooling, the
reaction was diluted with ether (200 mL) and the solution was
washed with water (200 mL). The solution was dried over magnesium
sulfate, filtered and evaporated under vacuum to give 880 mg. of
crude polylactic acid-R-848 conjugate. The crude polymer was
chromatographed on silica using 10% methanol in methylene chloride
as eluent. The fractions containing the conjugate were pooled and
evaporated to give the purified conjugate. This was dried under
high vacuum to provide the conjugate as a solid foam in a yield of
702 mg (57.6%). By integrating the NMR signals for the aromatic
protons of the quinoline and comparing this to the integrated
intensity of the lactic acid CH proton it was determined that the
molecular weight of the conjugate was approximately 2 KD. GPC
showed that the conjugate contained less than 5% of free R848.
Example 17
Low Molecular Weight Polylactic Acid Co-Glycolic Acid Conjugates of
an Imidazoquinoline
##STR00017##
[0193] To a round bottom flask equipped with a stir bar and
condenser was added the imidazoquinoline, resiquimod (R-848, 436
mg, 1.39.times.10.sup.-3 moles), glycolide (402 mg,
3.46.times.10.sup.-3 moles), D/L lactide (2.0 g,
1.39.times.10.sup.-2 moles) and anhydrous sodium sulfate (1.6 g).
The flask and contents were dried under vacuum at 55.degree. C. for
8 hours. After cooling, the flask was then flushed with argon and
toluene (60 mL) was added. The reaction was stirred in an oil bath
set at 120.degree. C. until all of the R848, glycolide and lactide
had dissolved and then tin ethylhexanoate (50 mg, 39 .mu.L) was
added via pipette. Heating was continued under argon for 16 hours.
After cooling, the reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate (200 mL)
and the solution was washed with water (200 mL). The solution was
dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under vacuum
to give crude PLGA-R-848 conjugate. The crude polymer was
chromatographed on silica using 10% methanol in methylene chloride
as eluent. The fractions containing the conjugate were pooled and
evaporated to give the purified conjugate. This was dried under
high vacuum to provide the conjugate as a solid foam in a yield of
1.55 g (54.6%). By integrating the NMR signals for the aromatic
protons of the quinoline and comparing this to the integrated
intensity of the lactic acid CH proton it was determined that the
molecular weight of the conjugate was approximately 2 KD. GPC
showed that the conjugate contained no detectable free R848.
Example 18
Polylactic Acid Conjugates of an Imidazoquinoline Using A Lithium
Diisopropylamide Catalysis
[0194] The imidazoquinoline (R-848), D/L lactide, and associated
glassware were all dried under vacuum at 50.degree. C. for 8 hours
prior to use. To a round bottom flask equipped with a stir bar and
condenser was added the R-848 (33 mg, 1.05.times.10.sup.-4 moles),
and dry toluene (5 mL). This was heated to reflux to dissolve all
of the R-848. The solution was stirred under nitrogen and cooled to
room temperature to provide a suspension of finely divided R-848.
To this suspension was added a solution of lithium diisopropyl
amide (2.0 M in THF, 50 .mu.L, 1.0.times.10.sup.-4 moles) after
which stirring was continued at room temperature for 5 minutes. The
pale yellow solution that had formed was added via syringe to a hot
(120.degree. C.) solution of D/L lactide (1.87 g,
1.3.times.10.sup.-2 moles) under nitrogen. The heat was removed and
the pale yellow solution was stirred at room temperature for one
hour. The solution was diluted with methylene chloride (200 mL) and
this was then washed with 1% hydrochloric acid (2.times.50 mL)
followed by saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (50 mL). The
solution was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated
under vacuum to give the polylactic acid-R-848 conjugate. TLC
(silica, 10% methanol in methylene chloride) showed that the
solution contained no free R-848. The polymer was dissolved in
methylene chloride (10 mL) and the solution was dripped into
stirred hexane (200 mL). The precipitated polymer was isolated by
decantation and was dried under vacuum to give 1.47 grams of the
polylactic acid--R-848 conjugate as a white solid. A portion of the
polymer was hydrolyzed in base and examined by HPLC for R-848
content. By comparison to a standard curve of R-848 concentration
vs. HPLC response, it was determined that the polymer contained
10.96 mg of R-848 per gram of polymer.
Example 19
Attachment of Immunomodulatory Agent to Low MW PLA
[0195] PLA (D/L-polylactide) with MW of 5000 (10.5 g, 2.1 mmol, 1.0
eq) is dissolved in dichloromethane (DCM) (35 mL). EDC (2.0 g, 10.5
mmol, 5 eq) and NHS (1.2 g, 10.5 mmol, 5 eq) are added. The
resulting solution is stirred at room temperature for 3 days. The
solution is concentrated to remove most of DCM and the residue is
added to a solution of 250 mL of diethyl ether and 5 mL of MeOH to
precipitate out the activated PLA-NHS ester. The solvents are
removed and the polymer is washed twice with ether (2.times.200 mL)
and dried under vacuum to give PLA-NHS activated ester as a white
foamy solid (.about.8 g recovered, H NMR can be used to confirm the
presence of NHS ester). The PLA-NHS ester is stored under argon in
a below -10.degree. C. freezer before use.
[0196] Alternatively, the reaction can be performed in DMF, THF,
dioxane, or CHCl3 instead of DCM. DCC can be used instead of EDC
(resulting DCC-urea is filtered off before precipitation of the
PLA-NHS ester from ether). The amount of EDC or DCC and NHS can be
in the range of 2-10 eq of the PLA.
Example 20
Attachment of Immunomodulatory Agent to Low MW PLGA
[0197] In the same manner as provided above for polymer activation,
low MW PLGA with 50% to 75% glycolide is converted to the
corresponding PLGA-NHS activated ester and is stored under argon in
a below -10.degree. C. freezer before use.
Example 21
One-Pot Ring-Opening Polymerization of R848 with D/L-Lactide in the
Presence of a Catalyst
##STR00018##
[0199] A mixture of R848 (0.2 mmol, 63 mg), D/L-lactide (40 mmol,
5.8 g), and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) (50 mg, 0.4 mmol) in 2
mL of anhydrous toluene was heated slowly to 150.degree. C. (oil
bath temperature) and maintained at this temperature for 18 h
(after 3 hr, no R848 was left). The mixture was cooled to ambient
temperature and the resulting mixture was quenched with water (50
mL) to precipitate out the resulting polymer, R848-PLA. The polymer
was then washed sequentially with 45 mL each of MeOH, iPrOH, and
ethyl ether. The polymer was dried under vacuum at 30.degree. C. to
give an off-white puffy solid (5.0 g). Polymeric structure was
confirmed by .sup.1H NMR in CDCl.sub.3. A small sample of the
polymer was treated with 2 N NaOH aq in THF/MeOH to determine the
loading of R848 on the polymer by reverse phase HPLC. The loading
of R848 is 3 mg per gram of polymer (0.3% loading-27.5% of
theory).
Example 22
Two Step Ring Opening Polymerization of R848 with D/L-Lactide and
Glycolide
##STR00019##
[0201] A mixture of D/L-lactide (10.8 g, 0.075 moles) and glycolide
(2.9 g, 0.025 moles) was heated to 135.degree. C. under argon. Once
all of the materials had melted and a clear solution had resulted,
R848 (1.08 g, 3.43.times.10.sup.-3 moles) was added. This solution
was stirred at 135.degree. C. under a slow stream of argon for one
hour. Tin ethylhexanoate (150 .mu.L) was added and heating was
continued for 4 hours. After cooling, the solid pale brown mass was
dissolved in methylene chloride (250 mL) and the solution was
washed with 5% tartaric acid solution (2.times.200 mL). The
methylene chloride solution was dried over magnesium sulfate,
filtered, and then concentrated under vacuum. The residue was
dissolved in methylene chloride (20 mL) and 2-propanol (250 mL) was
added with stirring. The polymer that separated was isolated by
decantation of the 2-propanol and was dried under high vacuum. NMR
showed that the polymer was 71.4% lactide and 28.6% glycolide with
a molecular weight of 4000. The loading of R848 was close to
theoretical by NMR.
Example 23
Preparation of PLGA-R848 Conjugate
##STR00020##
[0203] A mixture of PLGA (Lakeshores Polymers, MW .about.5000,
7525DLG1A, acid number 0.7 mmol/g, 10 g, 7.0 mmol) and HBTU (5.3 g,
14 mmol) in anhydrous EtOAc (160 mL) was stirred at room
temperature under argon for 50 minutes. Compound R848 (2.2 g, 7
mmol) was added, followed by diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) (5 mL,
28 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 h and
then at 50-55.degree. C. overnight (about 16 h). After cooling, the
mixture was diluted with EtOAc (200 mL) and washed with saturated
NH.sub.4Cl solution (2.times.40 mL), water (40 mL) and brine
solution (40 mL). The solution was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 (20
g) and concentrated to a gel-like residue. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
(300 mL) was then added and the polymer conjugate precipitated out
of solution. The polymer was then washed with IPA (4.times.50 mL)
to remove residual reagents and dried under vacuum at 35-40.degree.
C. for 3 days as a white powder (10.26 g, MW by GPC is 5200, R848
loading is 12% by HPLC).
Example 24
Preparation of PLGA-854A Conjugate
##STR00021##
[0205] A mixture of PLGA (Lakeshores Polymers, MW .about.5000,
7525DLG1A, acid number 0.7 mmol/g, 1.0 g, 7.0 mmol) and HBTU (0.8
g, 2.1 mmol) in anhydrous EtOAc (20 mL) was stirred at room
temperature under argon for 45 minutes. Compound 845A (0.29 g, 0.7
mmol) was added, followed by diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) (0.73
mL, 4.2 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 h
and then at 50-55.degree. C. overnight (about 15 h). After cooling,
the mixture was diluted with EtOAc (100 mL) and washed with
saturated NH4Cl solution (2.times.20 mL), water (20 mL) and brine
solution (20 mL). The solution was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 (10
g) and concentrated to a gel-like residue. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
(40 mL) was then added and the polymer conjugate precipitated out
of solution. The polymer was then washed with IPA (4.times.25 mL)
to remove residual reagents and dried under vacuum at 35-40.degree.
C. for 2 days as a white powder (1.21 g, MW by GPC is 4900, 854A
loading is 14% by HPLC).
Example 25
Preparation of PLGA-BBHA Conjugate
##STR00022##
[0207] A mixture of PLGA (Lakeshores Polymers, MW .about.5000,
7525DLG1A, acid number 0.7 mmol/g, 1.0 g, 7.0 mmol) and HBTU (0.8
g, 2.1 mmol) in anhydrous EtOAc (30 mL) was stirred at room
temperature under argon for 30 minutes. Compound BBHA (0.22 g, 0.7
mmol) in 2 mL of dry DMSO was added, followed by
diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) (0.73 mL, 4.2 mmol). The mixture was
stirred at room temperature for 20 h. Additional amounts of HBTU
(0.53 g, 1.4 mmol) and DIPEA (0.5 mL, 2.8 mmol) were added and the
mixture was heated at 50-55.degree. C. for 4 h. After cooling, the
mixture was diluted with EtOAc (100 mL) and washed with saturated
NH4Cl solution 20 mL), water (2.times.20 mL) and brine solution (20
mL). The solution was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 (10 g) and
concentrated to a gel-like residue. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (35 mL)
was then added and the brownish polymer conjugate precipitated out
of solution. The polymer was then washed with IPA (2.times.20 mL)
to remove residual reagents and dried under vacuum at 35-40.degree.
C. for 2 days as a brownish powder (1.1 g).
Example 26
Conjugation of R848 to Polyglycine, a Polyamide
##STR00023##
[0209] The t-butyloxycarbonyl (tBOC) protected polyglycine
carboxylic acid (I) is prepared by ring opening polymerization of
glycine N-carboxyanhydride (Aldrich cat #369772) using
6-aminohexanoic acid benzyl ester (Aldrich cat #S33465) by the
method of Aliferis et al. (Biomacromolecules, 5, 1653, (2004)).
Protection of the end amino group as the t-BOC carbamate followed
by hydrogenation over palladium on carbon to remove the benzyl
ester completes the synthesis of BOC protected polyglycine
carboxylic acid (I).
[0210] A mixture of BOC-protected polyglycine carboxylic acid (5
gm, MW=2000, 2.5.times.10.sup.-3 moles) and HBTU (3.79 gm,
1.0.times.10.sup.-2 moles) in anhydrous DMF (100 mL) is stirred at
room temperature under argon for 50 minutes. Then R848 (1.6 gm,
5.0.times.10.sup.-3 moles) is added, followed by
diisopropylethylamine (4 mL, 2.2.times.10.sup.-2 moles). The
mixture is stirred at RT for 6 h and then at 50-55.degree. C.
overnight (16 h). After cooling, the DMF is evaporated under vacuum
and the residue is triturated in EtOAc (100 mL). The polymer is
isolated by filtration and the polymer is then washed with
2-propanol (4.times.25 mL) to remove residual reagents and dried
under vacuum at 35-40.degree. C. for 3 days. The polymer is
isolated as an off white solid in a yield of 5.1 g (88%). The R848
loading can be determined by NMR is 10.1%.
[0211] The t-BOC protecting group is removed using trifluoroacetic
acid and the resulting polymer is grafted to PLA with carboxyl end
groups by conventional methods.
Example 27
Preparation of a PLGA Conjugate of the Polyglycine/R848 Polymer
[0212] Step 1: A t-BOC protected polyglycine/R848 conjugate (5 g)
is dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid (25 mL) and this solution is
warmed at 50.degree. C. for one hour. After cooling, the
trifluoroacetic acid is removed under vacuum and the residue is
triturated in ethyl acetate (25 mL). The polymer is isolated by
filtration and is washed well with 2-propanol. After drying under
vacuum there is obtained 4.5 grams of polymer as an off white
solid.
[0213] Step 2: A mixture of PLGA (Lakeshores Polymers, MW
.about.5000, 7525DLG1A, acid number 0.7 mmol/g, 10 g, 7.0 mmol) and
HBTU (5.3 g, 14 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (100 mL) is stirred at RT
under argon for 50 minutes. The polymer from above (1.4 g, 7 mmol)
dissolved in dry DMF (20 mL) is added, followed by
diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) (5 mL, 28 mmol). The mixture is
stirred at RT for 6 h and then at 50-55.degree. C. overnight (16
h). After cooling, the DMF is evaporated under vacuum, and the
residue is dissolved in methylene chloride (50 mL). The polymer is
precipitated by the addition of 2-propanol (200 mL). The polymer is
isolated by decantation and is washed with 2-propanol (4.times.50
mL) to remove residual reagents and then dried under vacuum at
35-40 C overnight. There is obtained 9.8 g (86%) of the block
copolymer.
Example 28
Preparation of PLGA-2-Butoxy-8-Hydroxy-9-Benzyl Adenine
Conjugate
##STR00024##
[0215] A mixture of PLGA (Lakeshores Polymers, MW .about.5000,
7525DLG1A, acid number 0.7 mmol/g, 1.0 g, 7.0 mmol) and HBTU (0.8
g, 2.1 mmol) in anhydrous EtOAc (30 mL) is stirred at RT under
argon for 30 minutes. Compound (I) (0.22 g, 0.7 mmol) in 2 mL of
dry DMSO is added, followed by diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) (0.73
mL, 4.2 mmol). The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 20 h.
Additional amounts of HBTU (0.53 g, 1.4 mmol) and DIPEA (0.5 mL,
2.8 mmol) are added and the mixture is heated at 50-55.degree. C.
for 4 h. After cooling, the mixture is diluted with EtOAc (100 mL)
and washed with saturated NH.sub.4Cl solution 20 mL), water
(2.times.20 mL) and brine solution (20 mL). The solution is dried
over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 (10 g) and concentrated to a gel-like
residue. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (35 mL) is then added and the
brownish polymer conjugate precipitates out of solution. The
polymer is then washed with IPA (2.times.20 mL) to remove residual
reagents and dried under vacuum at 35-40.degree. C. for 2 days as a
brownish powder (1.0 g).
Example 29
Preparation of PLGA-2,9-Dibenzyl-8-Hydroxyadenine Conjugate
##STR00025##
[0217] A mixture of PLGA (Lakeshores Polymers, MW .about.5000,
7525DLG1A, acid number 0.7 mmol/g, 1.0 g, 7.0 mmol) and HBTU (0.8
g, 2.1 mmol) in anhydrous EtOAc (30 mL) is stirred at RT under
argon for 30 minutes. Compound (II) (0.24 g, 0.7 mmol) in 2 mL of
dry DMSO is added, followed by diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) (0.73
mL, 4.2 mmol). The mixture is stirred at RT for 20 h. Additional
amounts of HBTU (0.53 g, 1.4 mmol) and DIPEA (0.5 mL, 2.8 mmol) are
added and the mixture is heated at 50-55.degree. C. for 4 h. After
cooling, the mixture is diluted with EtOAc (100 mL) and washed with
saturated NH.sub.4Cl solution 20 mL), water (2.times.20 mL) and
brine solution (20 mL). The solution is dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4
(10 g) and concentrated to a gel-like residue. Isopropyl alcohol
(IPA) (35 mL) is then added and the brownish polymer conjugate
precipitated out of solution. The polymer is then washed with IPA
(2.times.20 mL) to remove residual reagents and dried under vacuum
at 35-40.degree. C. for 2 days as a brownish powder (1.2 g).
Example 30
Imide Ring Opening Used to Attach
2-Pentyl-8-Hydroxy-9-Benzyladenine to the Terminal Alcohol Groups
of Poly-Hexamethylene Carbonate) Diol of Molecular Weight 2000
[0218] The poly(hexamethylene carbonate) diol is purchased from
Aldrich Chemical Company, Cat # 461164.
[0219] Poly(hexamethylene carbonate) diol:
HO--[CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.4CH.sub.2OCO.sub.2]nCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.4-
CH.sub.2--OH
[0220] Poly(hexamethylene carbonate) diol-8-oxoadenine
conjugate:
##STR00026##
[0221] The polymer (5 g, 2.5.times.10.sup.-3 moles) is dissolved in
methylene chloride 25 mL and the lactam of
2-pentyl-8-hydroxy-9-benzyladenine (2.05 g, 5.0.times.10.sup.-3
moles) is added. This slurry is stirred as
1,5,7-triazabicyclo-[4,4,0]dec-5-ene (TBD, 0.557 g,
4.times.10.sup.-3 moles) is added in a single portion. After
stirring at room temperature overnight a clear pale yellow solution
forms. The solution is diluted with methylene chloride (100 mL),
and the solution is washed with 5% citric acid. This solution is
dried over sodium sulfate after which it is filtered and evaporated
under vacuum. After drying under high vacuum there is obtained 5.5
grams (78%) of polymer. NMR is used to determine the benzyladenine
content which is 18%.
Example 31
Nicotine-PEG-PLA Conjugates
[0222] A 3-nicotine-PEG-PLA polymer was synthesized as follows:
[0223] First, monoamino poly(ethylene glycol) from JenKem.RTM. with
a molecular weight of 3.5 KD (0.20 gm, 5.7.times.10.sup.-5 moles)
and an excess of 4-carboxycotinine (0.126 gm, 5.7.times.10.sup.-4
moles) were dissolved in dimethylformamide (5.0 mL). The solution
was stirred and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.124 gm,
6.0.times.10.sup.-4 moles) was added. This solution was stirred
overnight at room temperature. Water (0.10 mL) was added and
stiffing was continued for an additional 15 minutes. The
precipitate of dicyclohexylurea was removed by filtration and the
filtrates were evaporated under vacuum. The residue was dissolved
in methylene chloride (4.0 mL) and this solution was added to
diethyl ether (100 mL). The solution was cooled in the refrigerator
for 2 hours and the precipitated polymer was isolated by
filtration. After washing with diethyl ether, the solid white
polymer was dried under high vacuum. The yield was 0.188 gm. This
polymer was used without further purification for the next
step.
[0224] The cotinine/PEG polymer (0.20 gm, 5.7.times.10-5 moles) was
dissolved in dry tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) under nitrogen and the
solution was stirred as a solution of lithium aluminum hydride in
tetrahydrofuran (1.43 mL of 2.0M, 2.85.times.10-3 moles) was added.
The addition of the lithium aluminum hydride caused the polymer to
precipitate as a gelatinous mass. The reaction was heated to
80.degree. C. under a slow stream of nitrogen and the
tetrahydrofuran was allowed to evaporate. The residue was then
heated at 80.degree. C. for 2 hours. After cooling, water (0.5 mL)
was cautiously added. Once the hydrogen evolution had stopped, 10%
methanol in methylene chloride (50 mL) was added and the reaction
mixture was stirred until the polymer had dissolved. This mixture
was filtered through Celite.RTM. brand diatomaceous earth
(available from EMD Inc. as Celite.RTM. 545, part #CX0574-3) and
the filtrates were evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The residue
was dissolved in methylene chloride (4.0 mL) and this solution was
slowly added to diethyl ether (100 mL). The polymer separated as a
white flocculent solid and was isolated by centrifugation. After
washing with diethyl ether, the solid was dried under vacuum. The
yield was 0.129 gm.
[0225] Next, a 100 mL round bottom flask, equipped with a stir bar
and reflux condenser was charged with the PEG/nicotine polymer
(0.081 gm, 2.2.times.10-5 moles), D/L lactide (0.410 gm,
2.85.times.10-3 moles) and anhydrous sodium sulfate (0.380 gm).
This was dried under vacuum at 55.degree. C. for 8 hours. The flask
was cooled and flushed with argon and then dry toluene (10 mL) was
added. The flask was placed in an oil bath set at 120.degree. C.,
and once the lactide had dissolved, tin ethylhexanoate (5.5 mg,
1.36.times.10-5 moles) was added. The reaction was allowed to
proceed at 120.degree. C. for 16 hours. After cooling to room
temperature, water (15 mL) was added and stirring was continued for
30 minutes. Methylene chloride (200 mL) was added, and after
agitation in a separatory funnel, the phases were allowed to
settle. The methylene chloride layer was isolated and dried over
anhydrous magnesium sulfate. After filtration to remove the drying
agent, the filtrates were evaporated under vacuum to give the
polymer as a colorless foam. The polymer was dissolved in
tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) and this solution was slowly added to water
(150 mL) with stiffing. The precipitated polymer was isolated by
centrifugation and the solid was dissolved in methylene chloride
(10 mL). The methylene chloride was removed under vacuum and the
residue was dried under vacuum. 3-nicotine-PEG-PLA polymer yield
was 0.38 gm.
Example 32
Synthetic Nanocarrier Formulation
[0226] For encapsulated adjuvant formulations, Resiquimod (aka
R848) was synthesized according to the synthesis provided in
Example 99 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,640 to Gerster et al.
[0227] R848 was conjugated to PLA by a method provided above, and
the PLA structure was confirmed by NMR.
[0228] PLA-PEG-nicotine conjugate was prepared according to Example
31.
[0229] PLA was purchased (Boehringer Ingelheim Chemicals, Inc.,
2820 North Normandy Drive, Petersburg, Va. 23805). The polyvinyl
alcohol (Mw=11 KD-31 KD, 85-89% hydrolyzed) was purchased from VWR
scientific. Ovalbumin peptide 323-339 was obtained from Bachem
Americas Inc. (3132 Kashiwa Street, Torrance Calif. 90505. Part
#406-4565).
[0230] The above materials were used to prepare the following
solutions: [0231] 1. Resiquimod (R848) @ 10 mg/mL and PLA @ 100
mg/mL in methylene chloride or PLA-R848 conjugate @ 100 mg/mL in
methylene chloride [0232] 2. PLA-PEG-nicotine in methylene chloride
@ 100 mg/mL [0233] 3. PLA in methylene chloride @ 100 mg/mL [0234]
4. Ovalbumin peptide 323-339 in water @ 10 or 69 mg/mL [0235] 5.
Polyvinyl alcohol in water @50 mg/mL.
[0236] Solution #1 (0.25 to 0.75 mL), solution #2 (0.25 mL),
solution #3 (0.25 to 0.5 mL) and solution #4 (0.1 mL) were combined
in a small vial and the mixture was sonicated at 50% amplitude for
40 seconds using a Branson Digital Sonifier 250. To this emulsion
was added solution #5 (2.0 mL) and sonication at 35% amplitude for
40 seconds using the Branson Digital Sonifier 250 forms the second
emulsion. This was added to a beaker containing phosphate buffer
solution (30 mL) and this mixture was stirred at room temperature
for 2 hours to form the nanoparticles.
[0237] To wash the particles a portion of the nanoparticle
dispersion (7.4 mL) was transferred to a centrifuge tube and spun
at 5,300 g for one hour, supernatant was removed, and the pellet
was re-suspended in 7.4 mL of phosphate buffered saline. The
centrifuge procedure was repeated and the pellet was re-suspended
in 2.2 mL of phosphate buffered saline for a final nanoparticle
dispersion of about 10 mg/mL.
Example 33
Double Emulsion with Multiple Primary Emulsions Materials
[0238] Ovalbumin peptide 323-339, a 17 amino acid peptide known to
be a T cell epitope of Ovalbumin protein, was purchased from Bachem
Americas Inc. (3132 Kashiwa Street, Torrance Calif. 90505.)
[0239] Resiquimod (aka R848) was synthesized according to a method
provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,608,201.
[0240] PLA-R848, resiquimod, was conjugated to PLA with a molecular
weight of approximately 2,500 Da according to a method provided
above.
[0241] PLGA-R848, resiquimod, was conjugated to PLGA with a
molecular weight of approximately 4,100 Da according to a method
provided above.
[0242] PS-1826 DNA oligonucleotide with fully phosphorothioated
backbone having nucleotide sequence 5'-TCC ATG ACG TTC CTG ACG
TT-3' with a sodium counter-ion was purchased from Oligos Etc (9775
SW Commerce Circle C-6, Wilsonville, Oreg. 97070.)
[0243] PO-1826 DNA oligonucleotide with phosphodiester backbone
having nucleotide sequence 5'-TCC ATG ACG TTC CTG ACG TT-3' with a
sodium counter-ion was purchased from Oligos Etc. (9775 SW Commerce
Circle C-6, Wilsonville, Oreg. 97070.)\
[0244] PLA with an inherent viscosity of 0.21 dL/g was purchased
from SurModics Pharmaceuticals (756 Tom Martin Drive, Birmingham,
Ala. 35211. Product Code 100 .quadrature.L 2A.)
[0245] PLA with an inherent viscosity of 0.71 dL/g was purchased
from SurModics Pharmaceuticals (756 Tom Martin Drive, Birmingham,
Ala. 35211. Product Code 100 .quadrature.L 7A.)
[0246] PLA with an inherent viscosity of 0.19 dL/g was purchased
from Boehringer Ingelheim Chemicals, Inc. (Petersburg, Va. Product
Code R202H.)
[0247] PLA-PEG-nicotine with a molecular weight of approximately
18,500 to 22,000 Da was prepared according to a method provided
above.
[0248] PLA-PEG-R848 with a molecular weight of approximately 15,000
Da was synthesized was prepared according to a method provided
above.
[0249] Polyvinyl alcohol (Mw=11,000-31,000, 87-89% hydrolyzed) was
purchased from J. T. Baker (Part Number U232-08).
[0250] Batches were produced using a double emulsion process with
multiple primary emulsions. The table below references the solution
suffix (e.g., B in Solution #1 column indicates Solution #1B was
used) and volume of solution used.
TABLE-US-00002 Solution Solution Solution Solution Solution Sample
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 Number (Volume) (Volume) (Volume) (Volume) (Volume)
1 B (0.1 ml) C (1.0 ml) A (0.1 ml) C (1.0 ml) A (2.0 ml) 2 A (0.2
ml) A (1.0 ml) A (0.1 ml) A (1.0 ml) A (3.0 ml) 3 A (0.2 ml) B (1.0
ml) A (0.1 ml) B (1.0 ml) A (3.0 ml) 4 A (0.2 ml) B (1.0 ml) A (0.1
ml) B (1.0 ml) A (3.0 ml)
[0251] Solution 1A: Ovalbumin peptide 323-339 @ 35 mg/mL in dilute
hydrochloric acid aqueous solution. The solution was prepared by
dissolving ovalbumin peptide in 0.13N hydrochloric acid solution at
room temperature.
[0252] Solution 1B: Ovalbumin peptide 323-339 @ 70 mg/mL in dilute
hydrochloric acid aqueous solution. The solution was prepared by
dissolving ovalbumin peptide in 0.13N hydrochloric acid solution at
room temperature.
[0253] Solution 2A: 0.21-IV PLA @ 75 mg/mL and PLA-PEG-nicotine @
25 mg/ml in methylene chloride. The solution was prepared by first
preparing two separate solutions at room temperature: 0.21-IV PLA @
100 mg/mL in pure methylene chloride and PLA-PEG-nicotine @ 100
mg/mL in pure methylene chloride. The final solution was prepared
by adding 3 parts PLA solution for each part of PLA-PEG-nicotine
solution.
[0254] Solution 2B: 0.71-IV PLA @ 75 mg/mL and PLA-PEG-nicotine @
25 mg/ml in methylene chloride. The solution was prepared by first
preparing two separate solutions at room temperature: 0.71-IV PLA @
100 mg/mL in pure methylene chloride and PLA-PEG-nicotine @ 100
mg/mL in pure methylene chloride. The final solution was prepared
by adding 3 parts PLA solution for each part of PLA-PEG-nicotine
solution.
[0255] Solution 2C, 0.19-IV PLA @ 75 mg/mL and PLA-PEG-nicotine @
25 mg/ml in methylene chloride. The solution was prepared by first
preparing two separate solutions at room temperature: 0.19-IV PLA @
100 mg/mL in pure methylene chloride and PLA-PEG-nicotine @ 100
mg/mL in pure methylene chloride. The final solution was prepared
by adding 3 parts PLA solution for each part of PLA-PEG-nicotine
solution.
[0256] Solution 3A: Oligonucleotide (either PS-1826 or P0-1826) @
200 mg/ml in purified water. The solution was prepared by
dissolving oligonucleotide in purified water at room
temperature.
[0257] Solution 4A: Same as Solution #2A.
[0258] Solution 4B: Same as Solution #2B.
[0259] Solution 4C: Same as Solution #2C.
[0260] Solution 5A: Polyvinyl alcohol @ 50 mg/mL in 100 mM pH 8
phosphate buffer.
[0261] Two separate primary water in oil emulsions were prepared.
W1/O2 was prepared by combining solution 1 and solution 2 in a
small pressure tube and sonicating at 50% amplitude for 40 seconds
using a Branson Digital Sonifier 250. W3/O4 was prepared by
combining solution 3 and solution 4 in a small pressure tube and
sonicating at 50% amplitude for 40 seconds using a Branson Digital
Sonifier 250. A third emulsion with two inner emulsion
([W1/O2,W3/O4]/W5) emulsion was prepared by combining 0.5 ml of
each primary emulsion (W1/O2 and W3/O4) and solution 5 and
sonicating at 30% amplitude for 40 to 60 seconds using the Branson
Digital Sonifier 250.
[0262] The third emulsion was added to a beaker containing 70 mM
phosphate buffer solution (30 mL) and stirred at room temperature
for 2 hours to allow for the methylene chloride to evaporate and
for the nanocarriers to form. A portion of the nanocarriers were
washed by transferring the nanocarrier suspension to a centrifuge
tube and spinning at 13,823 g for one hour, removing the
supernatant, and re-suspending the pellet in phosphate buffered
saline. The washing procedure was repeated and the pellet was
re-suspended in phosphate buffered saline for a final nanocarrier
dispersion of about 10 mg/mL.
[0263] The amounts of oligonucleotide and peptide in the
nanocarrier were determined by HPLC analysis.
Example 34
Standard Double Emulsion
Materials
[0264] As provided in Example 33 above.
[0265] Batches were produced using a standard double emulsion
process. The table below references the solution suffix (e.g., B in
Solution #1 column indicates Solution #1B was used) and volume of
solution used.
TABLE-US-00003 Solution #1 Solution #2 Solution #3 Solution #4
Solution #5 Sample Number (Volume) (Volume) (Volume) (Volume)
(Volume) 1 A (0.1 ml) A (0.75 ml) A (0.25 ml) None A (2.0 ml) 2 A
(0.1 ml) None A (0.25 ml) A (0.75 ml) A (2.0 ml) 3 A (0.1 ml) B
(0.75 ml) A (0.25 ml) None A (2.0 ml) 4 B (0.1 ml) C (0.75 ml) A
(0.25 ml) None B (2.0 ml) 5 B (0.1 ml) D (0.25 ml) A (0.25 ml) A
(0.50 ml) B (2.0 ml) 6 C (0.2 ml) None A (0.25 ml) A (0.75 ml) B
(2.0 ml) 7 D (0.1 ml) None A (0.25 ml) A (0.75 ml) B (2.0 ml)
[0266] Solution 1A: Ovalbumin peptide 323-339 @ 69 mg/mL in
de-ionized water. The solution was prepared by slowly adding
ovalbumin peptide to the water while mixing at room
temperature.
[0267] Solution 1B: Ovalbumin peptide 323-339 @ 70 mg/mL in dilute
hydrochloric acid aqueous solution. The solution was prepared by
dissolving ovalbumin peptide in 0.13N hydrochloric acid solution at
room temperature.
[0268] Solution 1C: Oligonucleotide (PS-1826) @ 50 mg/ml in
purified water. The solution was prepared by dissolving
oligonucleotide in purified water at room temperature.
[0269] Solution 1D: Ovalbumin peptide 323-339 @ 17.5 mg/mL in
dilute hydrochloric acid aqueous solution. The solution was
prepared by dissolving ovalbumin peptide @ 70 mg/ml in 0.13N
hydrochloric acid solution at room temperature and then diluting
the solution with 3 parts purified water per one part of starting
solution.
[0270] Solution 2A: R848 @ 10 mg/ml and 0.19-IV PLA @ 100 mg/mL in
pure methylene chloride prepared at room temperature.
[0271] Solution 2B: PLA-R848 @ 100 mg/ml in pure methylene chloride
prepared at room temperature.
[0272] Solution 2C: PLGA-R848 @ 100 mg/ml in pure methylene
chloride prepared at room temperature.
[0273] Solution 2D: PLA-PEG-R848 @ 100 mg/ml in pure methylene
chloride prepared at room temperature.
[0274] Solution 3A: PLA-PEG-nicotine @ 100 mg/ml in pure methylene
chloride prepared at room temperature.
[0275] Solution 4A: 0.19-IV PLA @ 100 mg/mL in pure methylene
chloride prepared at room temperature.
[0276] Solution 5A: Polyvinyl alcohol @ 50 mg/mL in de-ionized
water.
[0277] Solution 5B: Polyvinyl alcohol @ 50 mg/mL in 100 mM pH 8
phosphate buffer.
[0278] The water in oil (W/O) primary emulsion was prepared by
combining solution 1 and solution 2, solution 3, and solution 4 in
a small pressure tube and sonicating at 50% amplitude for 40
seconds using a Branson Digital Sonifier 250. The water/oil/water
(W/O/W) double emulsion was prepared by adding solution 5 to the
primary emulsion and sonicating at 30% to 35% amplitude for 40
seconds using the Branson Digital Sonifier 250.
[0279] The double emulsion was added to a beaker containing
phosphate buffer solution (30 mL) and stirred at room temperature
for 2 hours to allow for the methylene chloride to evaporate and
for the nanocarriers to form. A portion of the nanocarriers were
washed by transferring the nanocarrier suspension to a centrifuge
tube and spinning at 5,000 to 9,500 RPM for one hour, removing the
supernatant, and re-suspending the pellet in phosphate buffered
saline. The washing procedure was repeated and the pellet was
re-suspended in phosphate buffered saline for a final nanocarrier
dispersion of about 10 mg/mL.
Example 35
Determination of Amount of Agents
[0280] Method for R848 and Peptides (e.g., Ova Peptide, Human
Peptide, TT2pDT5t)
[0281] The amount of R848 (immunostimulatory agent) and ova peptide
(T cell antigen) was measured using reverse phase HPLC on an
Agilent 1100 system at appropriate wavelengths (.lamda.=254 nm for
R848 and 215 nm for ova peptide) equipped with an Agilent Zorbax
SB-C18 column (3.5 .mu.m. 75.times.4.6 mm. Column Temp=40.degree.
C. (part no. 866953-902)) using Mobile Phase A (MPA) of 95%
water/5% acetonitrile/0.1% TFA and Mobile Phase B (MPB) of 90%
acetonitrile/10% water/0.09% TFA (Gradient: B=5 to 45% in 7
minutes; ramp to 95% B to 9 min; decrease back to 5% B to 9.5 min
and kept equilibrating to end. Total run time was 13 minute with
flow rate of 1 mL/min).
Method for CpG
[0282] The amount of CpG (immunostimulatory agent) was measured
using reverse phase HPLC on Agilent 1100 system at 260 nm equipped
with Waters XBridge C-18 (2.5 micron particle, 50.times.4.6 mm ID
(part No. 186003090), column temp. 600 C) using mobile phase A of
2% acetonitrile in 100 mM TEA-acetic acid buffer, pH about 8.0 and
mobile B as 90% acetonitrile, 10% water (column equilibrated at 5%
B, increased to 55% B in 8.5 min, then ramped to 90% B to 12
minutes. Strength of B was rapidly decreased to 5% in one minute
and equilibrated until stop time, 16 minutes. The flow rate was 1
mL/min until end of the method, 16 minutes).
Method for Nicotine Analog
[0283] Nicotine analog was measured using reverse phase HPLC on
Agilent 1100 system at 254 nm equipped with Waters X-Bridge C-18 (5
micron particle, 100.times.4.6 mm ID, column temp at 400 C) using
Mobile Phase A (MPA) of 95% water/5% acetonitrile/0.1% TFA and
Mobile Phase B (MPB) of 90% acetonitrile/10% water/0.09% TFA
(gradient: column was equilibrated at 5% B increased to 45% B in 14
minutes. Then ramped up to 95% B from 14 to 20 minutes. Mobile B
strength was quickly decreased back to 5% and requilibrated until
the end of the method. The flow rate of the method was maintained
at 0.5 ml/min with total run time of 25 minutes. The NC suspension
was centrifuged @14000 rpm for about 15-30 minutes depending on
particle size. The collected pellets were treated with 200 uL of
conc. NH.sub.4OH (8 M) for 2 h with agitation until the solution
turns clear. A 200 uL of 1% TFA was added to neutralize the mixture
solution, which brought the total volume of the pellet solution to
200 uL. An aliquot of 50 uL of the solution was diluted with MPA(or
water) to 200 uL and analyzed on HPLC as above to determine the
amount present in the pellets.
Encapsulated Free R848 in Nanocarrier
[0284] 0.5 mL of the NC suspension was centrifuged @14000 Orpm for
about 15 minutes. The collected pellet was dissolved with 0.3 mL of
acetonitrile and centrifuged briefly @ 14000 rpm to remove any
residual insolubles. The clear solution was further diluted with 4
times equivalent volume of MPA and assayed on reverse phase HPLC
described above.
[0285] Encapsulated CpG in Nanocarrier
[0286] 330 uL of NC suspension from the manufacture (about 10 mg/mL
suspension in PBS) was spun down at 14000 rpm for 15 to 30 minutes
depending on particle size. The collected pellets were re-suspended
with 500 uL of water and sonicated for 30 minutes to fully disperse
the particles. The NC was then heated at 600.degree. C. for 10
minutes. Additional 200 uL of 1 N NaOH was added to the mixture,
heated for another 5 minutes where the mixture becomes clear. The
hydrolyzed NC solution was centrifuged briefly at 14000 rpm. A
final 2.times. dilution of the clear solution using water was then
made and assayed on the reverse HPLC described above.
Encapsulated T Cell Antigens (e.g., Ova Peptide, or Human Peptide,
TT2pDT5t)
[0287] 330 uL of NC suspension from the manufacture (about 10 mg/mL
suspension in PBS) was spun down at 14000 rpm for 15 to 30 minutes.
100 uL of acetonitrile was added to the pellets to dissolve the
polymer components of the NC. The mixture was vortexed and
sonicated for 1 to 5 minutes. 100 uL 0.2% TFA was added to the
mixture to extract the peptides and sonicated for another 5 minutes
to ensure the break down of the aggregates. The mixture was
centrifuged at 14000 rpm for 15 minutes to separate any insoluble
materials (e.g., polymers). A 50 uL aliquot of the supernatant
diluted with 150 uL of MPA (or water) was taken and assayed on the
reverse phase HPLC as described above.
Amount of Conjugated Nicotine Analog (B Cell Antigen) in
Nanocarriers
[0288] 1.5 mL of NC suspension was spun down @ 14000 rpm for about
15 minutes, the pellets were hydrolyzed using 150 uL of
concentrated NH.sub.4OH (8M) for about 2-3 h until the solution
turns clear. A 150 uL of 2% TFA(aq) solution was added to the
pellet mixture to neutralize the solution. A 100 uL aliquot of the
mixture was diluted with 200 uL of water and assayed on reverse
phase HPLC described above and quantified based on the standard
curve established using the precursor (PEG-nicotine) of the
PLA-PEG-nicotine used in the manufacture.
Example 36
Release Rate Testing
[0289] The release of T-cell antigen, ova peptide and adjuvant,
R848 from the synthetic nanocarrier (nanoparticles) in PBS (100 mM,
pH=7.4) and Citrate buffer (100 mM, pH=4.5) at 37.degree. C. were
performed as follows:
[0290] Analytical Method: The amount of R848 and ova peptide
released is measured using reverse phase HPLC on a Agilent 1100
system at .lamda.=215 nm equipped with an Agilent Zorbax SB-C18
column (3.5 .mu.m. 75.times.4.6 mm. Column Temp=40.degree. C. (part
no. 866953-902)) using Mobile Phase A (MPA) of 98% water/2%
acetonitrile/0.1% TFA and Mobile Phase B (MPB) of 90%
acetonitrile/10% water/0.09% TFA with Gradient: B=5 to 45% in 7
minutes; ramp to 95% B to 9 min; re-EQ to end. 13 minute run time.
Flow=1 mL/min.
[0291] The total amount of R848 and ova peptide present in the
nanoparticles was as shown in Table 1. An aqueous suspension of the
tested synthetic nanocarriers was then diluted to a final stock
volume of 4.4 mL with PBS.
(A) In Vitro Release Rate Measurement in PBS (pH=7.4):
[0292] For T0 sample, a 200 .mu.L aliquot was immediately removed
from each of the NP sample and centrifuged @ 14000 rpm in a
microcentrifuge tubes using a Microcentrifuge (Model: Galaxy 16).
100 .mu.L of supernatant was removed and diluted to 200 .mu.L in
HPLC Mobile Phase A (MPA) and assayed for the amount of R848 and
ova peptide released on the reverse phase HPLC.
[0293] For time point measurements: 9.times.200 .mu.L of each of
the samples were added to microcentrifuge tubes (3.times.200 for
unconjugated) and 300 .mu.L of 37 C PBS was added to each above
aliquot and the samples were placed immediately in 37.degree. C.
oven. At the following time points: 24 hr, 48 hr, 96 hr and 144 hr
(for conjugated R848) or 2 h, 16 h and 24 h (for unconjugated
(encapsulated) R848), the samples were centrifuged and assayed for
the amount of R848 and ova peptide released as above for T0
sample.
(B) In Vitro Release Rate Measurement in Citrate Buffer
(pH=4.5):
[0294] For T0 sample, a 200 .mu.L aliquot was removed from each of
the samples and centrifuged @ 6000 rpm for 20 minutes and the
supernatant was removed. The residue nanoparticles was resuspended
in 200 uL of citrate buffer and centrifuged @ 14000 rpm for 15
minutes. 100 uL of the supernatant was removed and diluted to 200
uL with MPA and assayed for R848 and peptide as above.
[0295] For time point measurements: 9.times.200 uL of each of the
samples were added to microcentrifuge tubes (3.times.200 for
unconjugated) and centrifuged for 20 minutes @ 6000 rpm and the
supernatants were removed. The residue NPs were then resuspended in
500 uL of citrate buffer and placed in 37.degree. C. oven. At the
following time points: 24 hr, 48 hr, 96 hr and 144 hr (for
conjugated R848) or 2 h, 16 h and 24 h (for unconjugated
(encapsulated) R848), the samples were centrifuged and assayed for
the amount of R848 and ova peptide released as above for T0
sample.
[0296] In order to complete the mass balance from above
measurements in PBS and Citrate buffer, the remaining pellets
(conjugated R848 samples only) from each sample was treated with
200 uL of conc. NH4OH (8 M) for 3 h with mixing. After the mixture
was settled, 200 uL of 1% TFA was added to bring total volume of
the pellet to 400 uL. An aliquot of 50 uL of the solution was
diluted with MPA to 200 uL and analyzed on HPLC as above to
determine the amount of R848 and ova peptide that remained in the
pellet after in vitro release to close the mass balance. For
unconjugated samples, the sample was diluted with TFA in
acetonitrile and assayed as above for R848 and peptide.
[0297] The results are summarized in FIGS. 1-3.
Materials and Method--
[0298] HPLC--Agilent 1100. .lamda.=215 nm. Column Temp=40.degree.
C.
[0299] Column--Agilent Zorbax SB-C18, 3.5 .mu.m. 75.times.4.6 mm.
(part no. 866953-902)
[0300] C18 guard column
[0301] Mobile Phase A (MPA)--98% water/2% acetonitrile/0.1% TFA
[0302] Mobile Phase B (MPB)--90% acetonitrile/10% water/0.09% TFA
[0303] Gradient: B=5 to 45% in 7 minutes; ramp to 95% B to 9 min;
re-EQ to end. 13 minute run time. Flow=1 mL/min.
[0304] PBS--100 mM, pH=7.4.
[0305] Citrate Buffer--100 mM, pH=4.5.
[0306] Oven--
[0307] Microcentrifuge--Galaxy 16
[0308] Microcentrifuge tubes
[0309] Sonicator
[0310] Pipets--20, 200, 1000 .mu.L adjustable
[0311] HPLC grade water--EMD--#WX0008-1.
[0312] NH.sub.4OH--.about.8M. Mallinkcrodt.
[0313] TFA, 0.2%. Prep Apr. 27, 2009.
[0314] TFA, 1%. Prep May 13, 2009.
[0315] Thermometer [0316] SAMPLES--"6-1" and "6-2" have entrapped
R848. All of the rest have conjugated R848. The estimated values
are based on the loading results from the "62" series.
TABLE-US-00004 [0316] TABLE 2 Estimated R848 and Ova peptide in
synthetic nanocarriers: Estimated R848 in Estimated Ova in Sample
ID NPs (.mu.g/mL) NPs (.mu.g/mL) 1 54 146 2 166 184 3 119 32 4 114
34 5 465 37 6 315 34 7 116 40
[0317] Sample volumes were slightly below what was planned. To
ensure enough material is available for all time points, the
following volumes of PBS were added to the samples to bring them
all to 4.4 mL.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 3 Sample Volume PBS added Sample ID Volume
(mL) (mL) 1 4.35 0.05 2 4.23 0.17 3 4.21 0.19 4 4.20 0.20 5 4.21
0.19 6 4.19 0.21 7 4.20 0.20
Procedure--
[0318] 1) T=0 Sample Prep [0319] a. PBS [0320] i. Remove a 200
.mu.L aliquot from each of the samples. Microcentrifuge @ 14000
rpm. Remove supernatant. [0321] ii. Dilute supernatant 100
.mu.L>200 .mu.L in MPA. (DF=2). [0322] iii. Assay for peptide
and R848. [0323] b. Citrate [0324] i. Remove a 200 .mu.L aliquot
from each of the samples. Microcentrifuge @ 6000 rpm for 20
minutes. Remove supernatant. [0325] ii. Add 200 .mu.L of citrate
buffer and thoroughly resuspend. [0326] iii. Microcentrifuge @
14000 rpm for 15 minutes. Remove supernatant. [0327] iv. Dilute
supernatant 100 .mu.L>200 .mu.L in MPA. (DF=2) [0328] v. Assay
for peptide and R848. [0329] 2) PBS IVR [0330] a. Add 9.times.200
.mu.L of each of the samples to microcentrifuge tubes. (3.times.200
for unconjugated) [0331] b. To each aliquot add 300 .mu.L of 37 C
PBS. [0332] c. Immediately place samples in 37 C oven. [0333] 3)
Citrate IVR [0334] a. Add 9.times.200 .mu.L of each of the samples
to microcentrifuge tubes. (3.times.200 for unconjugated) [0335] b.
Centrifuge for 20 minutes @ 6000 rpm. [0336] c. Remove the
supernatants. [0337] d. To each tube, add 500 .mu.L of citrate
buffer and resuspend thoroughly. [0338] e. Place samples in 37 C
oven [0339] 4) For lots 1-4 and 8, remove the samples (see step 6)
at the following time points: [0340] a. Conjugated [0341] i. 24 hr
[0342] ii. 48 hr (2 days) [0343] iii. 96 hr (4 days) [0344] iv. 144
hr (6 days) [0345] v. Further time points TBD based on the above
data. [0346] b. Non conjugated [0347] i. 2 hr [0348] ii. 16 hr
[0349] iii. 24 hr [0350] 5) For lots 6 and 7, remove samples at the
following time points: [0351] a. PBS [0352] i. 24 hr [0353] ii. 48
hr (2 days) [0354] iii. 96 hr (4 days) [0355] iv. 144 hr (6 days)
[0356] v. Further time points TBD based on the above data. [0357]
b. Citrate [0358] i. 2 hr [0359] ii. 16 hr [0360] iii. 24 hr [0361]
iv. 48 hr (2 days) [0362] v. 72 hr (3 days) [0363] vi. 96 hr (4
days) [0364] vii. 120 hr (5 days) [0365] viii. Further time points
TBD based on the above data. [0366] 6) Sample as follows: [0367] a.
Microcentrifuge @ 14000 rpm for 15 minutes. [0368] b. Remove
supernatant. [0369] c. Dilute 100 .mu.L to 200 .mu.L in MPA. (DF=2)
[0370] 7) Assay for peptide and R848. This will provide the amount
released at each time point.
[0371] To Complete Mass Balance, Perform the Following: [0372] 8)
To the remaining pellets (conjugated only) add 200 uL NH.sub.4OH.
[0373] 9) Vortex briefly and sonicate to disperse. [0374] 10) Add
stir bar. Allow to sit until clear (at least 3 hours). [0375] 11)
Add 200 uL of 1% TFA (total pellet volume=400 .mu.L). [0376] 12)
Dilute 50 .mu.L to 200 .mu.L in MPA. Analyze by HPLC to determine
peptide and R848 remaining in the pellet. (DF=4). [0377] 13) For
unconjugated lots, assay for peptide and R848 with typical AcN/TFA
method.
Example 37
Release Rate Testing
[0378] The release of antigen (e.g., ova peptide, T cell antigen)
and immunostimulatory agents (e.g., R848, CpG) from synthetic
nanocarriers in phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS) (100 mM,
pH=7.4) and citrate buffer (100 mM, pH=4.5) at 37.degree. C. was
determined as follows:
[0379] The release of R848 from the nanocarrier composed of
conjugated R848 and the ova peptide was achieved by exchanging
desired amount of the aqueous suspension of the tested synthetic
nanocarriers obtained from the manufacture (e.g., about 10 mg/mL in
PBS) into the same volume of the appropriate release media (Citrate
buffer 100 mM) via centrifugation and re-suspension.
In Vitro Release Rate Measurement in PBS (pH=7.4)
[0380] 1 mL of the PBS suspension NC was centrifuged @ 14000 rpm in
microcentrifuge tubes generally from 15-30 minutes depending on
particle size. The collected supernatant was then diluted with
equal volume of the mobile phase A (MPA) or water and assayed on
reverse phase HPLC for the amount of the R848 release during the
storage. The remaining pellet was re-suspended to homogeneous
suspension in 1 mL of PBS and placed to 37.degree. C. thermal
chamber with constant gentle agitation
[0381] For T0 sample, a 150 .mu.L aliquot was immediately removed
from NC suspension prior placing the NC suspension to 37.degree. C.
thermal chamber and centrifuged @ 14000 rpm in microcentrifuge
tubes using a microcentrifuge (Model: Galaxy 16). 100 .mu.L of the
supernatant was removed and diluted to 200 .mu.L with HPLC Mobile
Phase A (MPA) or water and assayed for the amount of R848 and ova
peptide released on the reverse phase HPLC.
[0382] For time point measurements, 150 .mu.L aliquot was removed
from the 37.degree. C. NC sample suspension, and the samples were
centrifuged and assayed for the amount of R848 and ova peptide
released in the same manner as for T0 sample. The R848 and ova
peptide released was tested at 6 h, 24 h for routine monitoring
with additional 2 h, 48 h, 96 h and 144 h for complete release
profile establishment.
In Vitro Release Rate Measurement in Citrate Buffer (pH=4.5)
[0383] A 100 mM sodium citrate buffer (pH=4.5) was applied to
exchange the original NC storage solution (e.g., PBS) instead of
the PBS buffer, pH=7.4. In order to complete the mass balance from
above measurements in PBS and Citrate buffer, the remaining pellets
from each time point were treated with 100 uL of NH.sub.4OH (8 M)
for 2 h (or more) with agitation until solution turn clear. A 100
uL of 1% TFA was added to neutralize the mixture, which brought the
total volume of the pellet solution to 200 uL. An aliquot of 50 uL
of the mixture was diluted with MPA (or water) to 200 uL and
analyzed on HPLC as above to determine the amount of unreleased
R848 remaining in the pellets after in vitro release to close the
mass balance. For unconjugated samples, the sample was diluted with
TFA in acetonitrile and assayed as above for R848.
[0384] The release of CpG was determined similar to the measurement
of R848 and ova peptide in terms of sample preparation and
monitored time points. However, the amount of the CpG in the
release media was assayed by the reverse phase HPLC method
described above.
Example 38
Immunization with NC-Nic Carrying CpG Adjuvant
[0385] Groups of five mice were immunized three times
(subcutaneously, hind limbs) at 2-week intervals (days 0, 14 and
28) with 100 .mu.g of NC-Nic. NC-Nic was a composition of
nanocarriers exhibiting nicotine on the outer surface and, for all
groups of mice except for Group 1, carrying CpG-1826 (thioated)
adjuvant, which was released from the nanocarriers at different
rates. The nanocarriers were prepared according to a method
provided above. Serum anti-nicotine antibodies were then measured
on days 26 and 40. EC.sub.50 for anti-nicotine antibodies as
measured in standard ELISA against polylysine-nicotine are shown in
FIG. 4.
[0386] The Group 1 mice were administered NC-Nic w/o CpG-1826
containing Ova peptide and polymers, 75% of which were PLA and 25%
were PLA-PEG-Nic. The Group 2 mice were administered NC-Nic
containing ova peptide, polymers, 75% of which were PLA and 25%
were PLA-PEG-Nic, and 3.2% CpG-1826; release rate at 24 hours: 4.2
.mu.g CpG per mg of NC. The Group 3 mice were administered NC-Nic
containing polymers, 75% of which were PLA and 25% were
PLA-PEG-Nic, and 3.1% CpG-1826; release rate at 24 hours: 15 .mu.g
CpG per mg of NC. Release was determined at a pH of 4.5.
[0387] The results shown in FIG. 4 demonstrate that entrapment of
adjuvant into nanocarriers is beneficial for the immune response
against NC-associated antigen, and, furthermore, that the higher
release rate of entrapped CpG adjuvant from within the nanocarriers
(NC) at 24 hours produced an immune response, which was elevated
compared to one induced by NC with a slower release rate of CpG
adjuvant (a TLR9 agonist).
Example 39
Immunization with NC-Nic Carrying Two Forms of CpG Adjuvant
[0388] Groups of five mice were immunized two times
(subcutaneously, hind limbs) at 4-week intervals (days 0, and 28)
with 100 .mu.g of NC-Nic and serum anti-nicotine antibodies were
then measured on days 12, 24 and 40. NC-Nic was a composition of
nanocarriers exhibiting nicotine on the outer surface and carrying
one of two forms of CpG-1826 adjuvant. The nanocarriers were
prepared according to a method provided above. EC.sub.50 for
anti-nicotine antibodies as measured in standard ELISA against
polylysine-nicotine are shown in FIG. 5.
[0389] The Group 1 mice were administered NC-Nic containing ova
peptide, polymers, 75% of which were PLA and 25% were PLA-PEG-Nic,
and 6.2% CpG-1826 (thioated); release rate at 24 hours: 16.6 .mu.g
CpG per mg of NC. The Group 2 mice were administered NC-Nic
containing ova peptide, polymers, 75% of which were PLA and 25%
were PLA-PEG-Nic, and 7.2% CpG-1826 (thioated); release rate at 24
hours: 13.2 .mu.g CpG per mg of NC. The Group 3 mice were
administered NC-Nic containing ova peptide, polymers, 75% of which
were PLA and 25% were PLA-PEG-Nic, and 7.9% CpG-1826
(phosphodiester or PO, non-thioated); release rate at 24 hours:
19.6 .mu.g CpG per mg of NC. The Group 4 mice were administered
NC-Nic containing ova peptide, polymers, 75% of which were PLA and
25% were PLA-PEG-Nic, and 8.5% CpG-1826 (PO, non-thioated); release
rate at 24 hours: 9.3 .mu.g CpG per mg of NC. Release was
determined at a pH of 4.5.
[0390] The results shown in FIG. 5 demonstrate that the rate of
release of entrapped adjuvant (CpG, TLR9 agonist) from nanocarriers
influenced production of an antibody to NC-bound antigen (nicotine)
with the nanocarrier exhibiting higher release rate at 24 hours
induced stronger humoral immune response (group 1>group 2 and
group 3>group 4). This was true irrespective of CpG form used
(more stable, thioated or less stable non-thioated).
Example 40
Immunization with NC-Nic Carrying R848
[0391] Groups of five mice were immunized three times
(subcutaneously, hind limbs) at 2-week intervals (days 0, 14 and
28) with 100 .mu.g of NC-Nic and serum anti-nicotine antibodies
were then measured on days 26, 40 and 54. The nanocarriers were
prepared according to a method provided above. EC.sub.50 for
anti-nicotine antibodies as measured in standard ELISA against
polylysine-nicotine are shown in FIG. 6.
[0392] The Group 1 mice were administered NC-Nic containing ova
peptide and polymers, 75% of which were PLA and 25% were
PLA-PEG-Nic, but without adjuvant. The Group 2 mice were
administered NC-Nic containing ova peptide, polymers, 75% of which
were PLA and 25% were PLA-PEG-Nic, and 1.0% R848; of which 92% is
released at 2 hours and more than 96% is released at 6 hours. The
Group 3 mice were administered NC-Nic containing ova peptide,
polymers, 75% of which were PLA-R848 and 25% were PLA-PEG-Nic, and
1.3% R848, of which 29.4% is released at 6 hours and 67.8% is
released at 24 hours. The Group 4 mice were administered NC-Nic
containing ova peptide, polymers, 75% of which were PLA-R848 and
25% were PLA-PEG-Nic, and 1.4% of R848, of which 20.4% is released
at 6 hours and 41.5% is released at 24 hours. The Group 5 mice were
administered NC-Nic containing ova peptide, polymers, 25% of which
were PLA-PEG-R848, 50% PLA, and 25% were PLA-PEG-Nic, and 0.7% of
R848; of which less than 1% is released at 24 hours. Release was
determined at a pH of 4.5.
[0393] The results shown in FIG. 6 demonstrate that R848 adjuvant
(a TLR 7/8 agonist) contained in the NC augments humoral immune
response against NC-associated antigen (groups 2-5>>group 1).
Furthermore, neither fast (group 2), nor slow (group 5) release of
R848 was elevated an immune response to the same level as NC
releasing R848 at intermediate rate (group 3.apprxeq.group
4>group 2.apprxeq.group 5).
Example 41
Immunization with NC-Nic Carrying Entrapped PO CpG
[0394] Groups of five mice were immunized three times
(subcutaneously, hind limbs) at 2-week intervals (days 0, 14 and
28) with 100 .mu.g of NC-Nic (nanocarrier exhibiting nicotine on
the outer surface) with entrapped PO-CpG or not containing
entrapped PO-CpG admixed with free PO-CpG. The synthetic
nanocarriers were prepared according to methods provided above.
Serum anti-nicotine antibodies were then measured in both groups on
days 26 and 40. EC.sub.50 for anti-nicotine antibodies as
determined in standard ELISA against polylysine-nicotine are shown
in FIG. 7.
[0395] The group 1 mice were immunized with a NC-Nic with 1826
PO-CpG and MHC-II helper peptide from ovalbumin (Ov-II)
encapsulated (6.6% PO-CpG; 2.3% Ov-II). The group 2 mice were
immunized with a NC-Nic with 0.7% of entrapped Ov-II admixed with
20 .mu.g of free 1826 PO-CpG.
[0396] This experiment demonstrates that the entrapment of PO-CpG
within the nanocarrier (NC) generates a humoral immune response,
which was superior to one induced when a .about.3-fold higher dose
of free PO-CpG is admixed to NC without entrapped PO-CpG (antibody
titer in group 1>antibody titer in group 2).
* * * * *