U.S. patent application number 12/831156 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-10 for ilt3 binding molecules and uses therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOLERX, INC.. Invention is credited to Paul Ponath, Jose F. Ponte, Michael Rosenzweig.
Application Number | 20110034675 12/831156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39051044 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110034675 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ponath; Paul ; et
al. |
February 10, 2011 |
Ilt3 Binding Molecules And Uses Therefor
Abstract
The present invention provides binding molecules that
specifically bind to ILT3, e.g., human ILT3 (hILT3), on antigen
presenting cells, such as for example, monocytes, macrophages and
dendritic cells (DC), e.g., monocyte-derived dendritic cells
(MDDC). The binding molecules of the invention are characterized by
binding to hILT3 with high affinity and downmodulating immune
responses in vitro, e.g., downmodulating alloimmune responses; the
production of inflammatory cytokines by dendritic cells, e.g.,
monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC); the upregulation of
costimulatory molecules by DC, e.g., MDDC; and/or calcium flux in
monocytes. In addition, the binding molecules upregulate the
expression of inhibitory receptors on dendritic cells, e.g.,
immature dendritic cells. Surprisingly, these same binding
molecules which downmodulate immune responses in vitro, are
immunostimulatory in vivo. Various aspects of the invention relate
to binding molecules, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.
Methods of using the binding molecules of the invention to detect
human ILT3 or to modulate human ILT3 activity, either in vitro or
in vivo, are also encompassed by the invention.
Inventors: |
Ponath; Paul; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Rosenzweig; Michael; (Boston,
MA) ; Ponte; Jose F.; (South Boston, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON P.C. (TC)
PO BOX 1022
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55440-1022
US
|
Assignee: |
TOLERX, INC.
Cambridge
MA
|
Family ID: |
39051044 |
Appl. No.: |
12/831156 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11820363 |
Jun 19, 2007 |
7777008 |
|
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12831156 |
|
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60814931 |
Jun 19, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
530/387.3 ;
530/389.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 35/00 20180101;
A61K 2039/505 20130101; C07K 2317/24 20130101; A61P 35/02 20180101;
A61P 37/02 20180101; C07K 16/2803 20130101; C07K 14/70503
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
530/387.3 ;
530/389.6 |
International
Class: |
C07K 16/28 20060101
C07K016/28 |
Claims
1-43. (canceled)
44. An isolated antibody that specifically binds ILT3, or an
antigen-binding fragment of the antibody, comprising: a heavy chain
variable region (VH) complementarity determining region 1 (VH CDR1)
comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3; a heavy
chain variable region (VH) complementarity determining region 2 (VH
CDR2) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4; a
heavy chain variable region (VH) complementarity determining region
3 (VH CDR3) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:
5; and at least one framework region present in one of SEQ ID NOs:
48-63.
45. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 44,
wherein the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is selected from
the group consisting of a single chain antibody, an scFv fragment,
a Fab fragment, a F(ab').sub.2 fragment, a humanized antibody, and
a chimeric antibody.
46. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 44,
further comprising a human heavy chain constant region.
47. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 46,
wherein the human heavy chain constant region comprises the amino
acid sequence shown in one of SEQ ID NOs: 30 or 31.
48. An isolated antibody that specifically binds ILT3, or an
antigen-binding fragment of the antibody, comprising: a heavy chain
variable region (VH) complementarity determining region 1 (VH CDR1)
comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3; a heavy
chain variable region (VH) complementarity determining region 2 (VH
CDR2) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4; and
a heavy chain variable region (VH) complementarity determining
region 3 (VH CDR3) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ
ID NO: 5; wherein framework regions of the VH are human VH
framework regions, except that one or more human framework amino
acid residues of the human VH framework regions are backmutated to
corresponding murine amino acid residues present in SEQ ID NO: 1;
wherein the one or more human framework amino acid residues
backmutated to the corresponding murine amino acid residues are
selected from the group consisting of: amino acid residue number 3,
10, 19, 40, 42, 44, 49, 76, 78, 84, 88, 93, and 97 of SEQ ID NO:
29.
49. An isolated antibody that specifically binds ILT3, or an
antigen-binding fragment of the antibody, comprising: a light chain
variable region (VL) complementarity determining region 1 (VL CDR1)
comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6; a light
chain variable region (VL) complementarity determining region 2 (VL
CDR2) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 7; a
light chain variable region (VL) complementarity determining region
3 (VL CDR3) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:
8; and at least one framework region present in one of SEQ ID NOs:
36-47 or 64.
50. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 49,
wherein the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is selected from
the group consisting of a single chain antibody, an scFv fragment,
a Fab fragment, a F(ab').sub.2 fragment, a humanized antibody, and
a chimeric antibody.
51. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 49,
further comprising a human light chain constant region.
52. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 51,
wherein the human light chain constant region comprises the amino
acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 32.
53. An isolated antibody that specifically binds ILT3, or an
antigen-binding fragment of the antibody, comprising: a light chain
variable region (VL) complementarity determining region 1 (VL CDR1)
comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6; a light
chain variable region (VL) complementarity determining region 2 (VL
CDR2) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 7; and
a light chain variable region (VL) complementarity determining
region 3 (VL CDR3) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ
ID NO: 8, wherein framework regions of the VL are human VL
framework regions, except that one or more human framework amino
acid residues of the human VL framework regions are backmutated to
corresponding murine amino acid residues present in SEQ ID NO: 2;
wherein the one or more human framework amino acid residues
backmutated to the corresponding murine amino acid residues are
selected from the group consisting of: amino acid residue number 3,
4, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 49, 58,
70, 76, 78, 79, 80, 84, 85, 86, 87, and 100 of SEQ ID NO: 28.
54. An isolated antibody that specifically binds ILT3, or an
antigen-binding fragment of the antibody, comprising: a heavy chain
variable region (VH) complementarity determining region 1 (VH CDR1)
comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3; a heavy
chain variable region (VH) complementarity determining region 2 (VH
CDR2) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4; a
heavy chain variable region (VH) complementarity determining region
3 (VH CDR3) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:
5; a light chain variable region (VL) complementarity determining
region 1 (VL CDR1) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ
ID NO: 6; a light chain variable region (VL) complementarity
determining region 2 (VL CDR2) comprising the amino acid sequence
shown in SEQ ID NO: 7; a light chain variable region (VL)
complementarity determining region 3 (VL CDR3) comprising the amino
acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8; and at least one framework
region present in one of SEQ ID NOs: 36-64.
55. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 54,
wherein the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is selected from
the group consisting of a single chain antibody, an scFv fragment,
a Fab fragment, a F(ab').sub.2 fragment, a humanized antibody, and
a chimeric antibody.
56. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 54,
further comprising a human heavy chain constant region.
57. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 56,
wherein the human heavy chain constant region comprises the amino
acid sequence shown in one of SEQ ID NOs: 30-31.
58. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 54,
further comprising a human light chain constant region.
59. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 58,
wherein the human light chain constant region comprises the amino
acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 32.
60. An isolated antibody that specifically binds ILT3, or an
antigen-binding fragment of the antibody, comprising: a heavy chain
variable region (VH) complementarity determining region 1 (VH CDR1)
comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3; a heavy
chain variable region (VH) complementarity determining region 2 (VH
CDR2) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4; a
heavy chain variable region (VH) complementarity determining region
3 (VH CDR3) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:
5; a light chain variable region (VL) complementarity determining
region 1 (VL CDR1) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ
ID NO: 6; a light chain variable region (VL) complementarity
determining region 2 (VL CDR2) comprising the amino acid sequence
shown in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a light chain variable region (VL)
complementarity determining region 3 (VL CDR3) comprising the amino
acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8; wherein framework regions of
the VH and VL are human VH and VL framework regions, except that
one or more human framework amino acid residues of the human VH
framework regions are backmutated to corresponding murine amino
acid residues present in SEQ ID NO: 1; wherein the one or more
human framework amino acid residues backmutated to the
corresponding murine amino acid residues are selected from the
group consisting of: amino acid residue number 3, 10, 19, 40, 42,
44, 49, 76, 78, 84, 88, 93, and 97 of SEQ ID NO: 29.
61. An isolated antibody that specifically binds ILT3, or an
antigen-binding fragment of the antibody, comprising: a heavy chain
variable region (VH) complementarity determining region 1 (VH CDR1)
comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3; a heavy
chain variable region (VH) complementarity determining region 2 (VH
CDR2) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4; a
heavy chain variable region (VH) complementarity determining region
3 (VH CDR3) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:
5; a light chain variable region (VL) complementarity determining
region 1 (VL CDR1) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ
ID NO: 6; a light chain variable region (VL) complementarity
determining region 2 (VL CDR2) comprising the amino acid sequence
shown in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a light chain variable region (VL)
complementarity determining region 3 (VL CDR3) comprising the amino
acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8; wherein framework regions of
the VH and VL are human VH and VL framework regions, except that
one or more human framework amino acid residues of the human VL
framework regions are backmutated to corresponding murine amino
acid residues present in SEQ ID NO: 2; wherein the one or more
human framework amino acid residues backmutated to the
corresponding murine amino acid residues are selected from the
group consisting of: amino acid residue number 3, 4, 9, 10, 13, 14,
15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 49, 58, 70, 76, 78, 79, 80,
84, 85, 86, 87, and 100 of SEQ ID NO: 28.
62. An isolated antibody that specifically binds ILT3, or an
antigen-binding fragment of the antibody, wherein the antibody or
antigen-binding fragment competes for binding to ILT3 with the
antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 44.
63. An isolated antibody that specifically binds ILT3, or an
antigen-binding fragment of the antibody, wherein the antibody or
antigen-binding fragment competes for binding to ILT3 with the
antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 49.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/471,397, filed on Jun. 19,
2006, titled "ILT3 BINDING MOLECULES AND USES THEREFOR". This
application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional
Application, U.S. Ser. No. 60/814,931, filed on Jun. 19, 2006,
titled "ILT3 BINDING MOLECULES AND USES THEREFOR". The entire
contents of each of these references are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT) 3 is a cell surface
molecule that is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. ILT3
is selectively expressed by myeloid antigen presenting cells (APCs)
such as monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DC). The
cytoplasmic region of ILT3 contains putative immunoreceptor
tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs). Co-ligation of ILT3 to
stimulatory receptors expressed by APCs results in a blunting of
the increased [Ca2+] flux and tyrosine phosphorylation triggered by
these receptors. Signal extinction involves SH2-containing protein
tyrosine phosphatase 1, which is recruited by ILT3 upon
cross-linking. ILT3 can also function in antigen capture and
presentation. It is efficiently internalized upon cross-linking and
delivers its ligand to an intracellular compartment where it is
processed and presented to T cells (Cella, et al. (1997) J. Exp.
Med. 185:1743-1751).
[0003] Thus, ILT3 is an inhibitory receptor that can negatively
regulate activation of APCs and can be used by APCs for antigen
uptake. The development of agents useful in modulating signaling
via ILT3 would be of great benefit in modulating immune
responses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides binding molecules that
specifically bind to ILT3, e.g., human ILT3 (hILT3), on cells, such
as antigen presenting cells, e.g., monocytes, macrophages and
dendritic cells, e.g., monocyte-derived dendritic cells. The
binding molecules of the invention are characterized by binding to
hILT3 with high affinity and downmodulating immune cell activation
in vitro, e.g., downmodulating alloimmune responses; the production
of inflammatory cytokines by dendritic cells, e.g.,
monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC); the upregulation of
costimulatory molecules by DC, e.g., MDDC; and/or calcium flux in
monocytes. In addition, the binding molecules upregulate the
expression of inhibitory receptors on dendritic cells, e.g.,
immature dendritic cells. Surprisingly, these same binding
molecules which downmodulate immune cell activation in vitro, are
immunostimulatory in vivo, e.g., upmodulate immune rsponses.
[0005] Accordingly, one aspect of the invention features a binding
molecule comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
[0006] In another aspect, the invention features a binding molecule
comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.
[0007] Yet another aspect of the invention features a binding
molecule comprising at least one complementarity determining region
(CDR) amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of:
SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, and SEQ ID NO:5. In one embodiment, the
binding molecule comprises at least two complementarity determining
region (CDR) amino acid sequences selected from the group
consisting of: SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, and SEQ ID NO:5. In
another embodiment, the binding molecule comprises at least three
complementarity determining region (CDR) amino acid sequences
selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4,
and SEQ ID NO:5.
[0008] Another aspect of the invention features a binding molecule
comprising at least one complementarity determining region (CDR)
amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID
NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, and SEQ ID NO:8. In one embodiment, the binding
molecule comprises at least two complementarity determining region
(CDR) amino acid sequences selected from the group consisting of:
SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, and SEQ ID NO:8. In another embodiment,
the binding molecule comprises at least three complementarity
determining region (CDR) amino acid sequences selected from the
group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, and SEQ ID NO:8.
[0009] Another aspect of the invention features a binding molecule
comprising the CDRs shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3-8.
[0010] One aspect of the invention features a binding molecule
comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and further comprising a light chain
variable region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID
NO:2.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention features a binding molecule
that binds to ILT3 on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC)
and has a binding constant (Kd) of 0.9.times.10.sup.-9 or less.
[0012] In one embodiment, the binding molecule downmodulates immune
cell activation in vitro.
[0013] In another embodiment, the binding molecule upmodulates
immune response in vivo.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the constant region of the
binding molecule comprises an IgG1 heavy chain constant region.
[0015] In one embodiment, the binding molecule binds to human ILT3
on dendritic cells
[0016] In another embodiment, the binding molecule binds to human
ILT3 on monocytes.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the binding molecule
downmodulates the production of inflammatory cytokines by dendritic
cells in vitro.
[0018] In one embodiment, the binding molecule downmodulates the
upregulation of costimulatory molecules on dendritic cells in
vitro.
[0019] In another embodiment, the binding molecule upmodulates the
expression of inhibitory receptors on dendritic cells in vitro.
[0020] In one embodiment, the binding molecule is a mouse
antibody.
[0021] In another embodiment, the binding molecule is a monoclonal
antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.
[0022] In yet another embodiment, the binding molecule is a
humanized or chimeric antibody.
[0023] Another aspect of the invention features a composition
comprising a binding molecule of the invention and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0024] In one embodiment, the composition further comprises at
least one additional therapeutic agent which upmodulates an immune
response in a subject.
[0025] One aspect of the invention features a method for
upmodulating an immune response in a subject, comprising contacting
a cell from the subject with an anti-ILT3 antibody that inhibits
immune cell activation in vitro.
[0026] Another aspect of the invention features a method for
downmodulating transplant rejection in a subject, comprising
contacting a cell from the subject with a binding molecule of the
invention, and re-introducing the cell into the subject at the time
of or prior to transplantation such that transplant rejection in a
subject is downmodulated.
[0027] Yet another aspect of the invention features a method for
treating cancer in a subject, comprising contacting a cell with a
binding molecule of the invention, such that cancer is treated in a
subject.
[0028] In one embodiment, the type of cancer is selected from the
group consisting of: pancreatic cancer, melanomas, breast cancer,
lung cancer, bronchus cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer,
pancreas cancer, stomach cancer, ovarian cancer, urinary bladder
cancer, brain or central nervous system cancer, peripheral nervous
system cancer, esophageal cancer, cervical cancer, uterine or
endometrial cancer, cancer of the oral cavity or pharynx, liver
cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, biliary tract cancer,
small bowel or appendix cancer, salivary gland cancer, thyroid
gland cancer, adrenal gland cancer, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma,
and cancer of hematological tissues.
[0029] One aspect of the invention features an isolated nucleic
acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a heavy
chain variable region comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID
NO:9.
[0030] Another aspect of the invention features an isolated nucleic
acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a light
chain variable region comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID
NO:10.
[0031] Yet another aspect of the invention features an isolated
nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding at
least one CDR selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:11,
SEQ ID NO:12, and SEQ ID NO:13. In one embodiment, the isolated
nucleic acid molecule comprises at least two CDRs. In another
embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid molecule comprises three
CDRs.
[0032] Another aspect of the invention features an isolated nucleic
acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding at least
one CDR selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:14 SEQ ID
NO:15 and SEQ ID NO:16. In one embodiment, the isolated nucleic
acid molecule comprises at least two CDRs. In another embodiment,
the isolated nucleic acid molecule comprises three CDRs.
[0033] One aspect of the invention features an isolated nucleic
acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequences shown in SEQ ID
NOs: 11-16.
[0034] One aspect of the invention features a recombinant
expression vector comprising the nucleic acid molecules of the
invention. In one embodiment, a recombinant expression vector
comprising a nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence
encoding the binding molecule of the invention is featured. In
another embodiment, the invention features a host cell into which
the recombinant expression vector of the invention has been
introduced. In another aspect the invention features a method for
producing a binding molecule that binds human ILT3, comprising
culturing the host cell of the invention in a culture medium until
a binding molecule that binds human ILT3 is produced by the
cell.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is a graph demonstrating that monocyte-derived
dendritic cells (MDDCs) differentiated in the presence of 9B11
exhibit a lower expression of cell surface co-stimulatory
molecules, such as CD86, CD80, CD83 and HLA-DR, as measured by flow
cytometry.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a graph demonstrating that MDDCs were unable to
generate an allogenic T cell response in a mixed lymphocyte
reaction.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a graph that demonstrates that MDDCs cultured in
the presence of 9B11 are unable to produce IL-12, TNF.alpha. or
IL-1.alpha. when stimulated with LPS.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a graph demonstrating that freshly isolated blood
dendritic cells incubated with 9B11 were unable to fully upregulate
the expression of co-stimulatory molecules when a cocktail of
cytokines (IL-6, IL-1.beta., TNF.alpha., and PGE) are used to
mature the cells.
[0039] FIG. 5 shows that addition of 9B11 to monocytes, induced by
activating an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)
in CD32, inhibits Ca+2 flux.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] The present invention provides binding molecules that
specifically bind to ILT3, e.g., human ILT3 (hILT3), on antigen
presenting cells, such as for example, monocytes, macrophages and
dendritic cells (DC), e.g., monocyte-derived dendritic cells
(MDDC). The binding molecules of the invention are characterized by
binding to hILT3 with high affinity and downmodulating immune
responses in vitro, e.g., downmodulating alloimmune responses; the
production of inflammatory cytokines by dendritic cells, e.g.,
monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC); the upregulation of
costimulatory molecules by DC, e.g., MDDC; and/or calcium flux in
monocytes. In addition, the binding molecules upregulate the
expression of inhibitory receptors on dendritic cells, e.g.,
immature dendritic cells. Surprisingly, these same binding
molecules which downmodulate immune responses in vitro, are
immunostimulatory in vivo.
[0041] Various aspects of the invention relate to binding
molecules, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, as well as
nucleic acids encoding binding molecules, recombinant expression
vectors and host cells for making such binding molecules. Methods
of using a binding molecule of the invention to detect human ILT3
or to modulate human ILT3 activity, either in vitro or in vivo, are
also encompassed by the invention.
[0042] In order that the present invention may be more readily
understood, certain terms are first defined.
I. Definitions
[0043] The term "immunoglobulin-like transcript 3" (abbreviated
herein as "ILT3" or "hILT3", and also known as CD85k), as used
herein, refers to the human member of the immunoglobulin
superfamily which is selectively expressed by myeloid antigen
presenting cells (APCs) such as monocytes, macrophages, and
dendritic cells, e.g., monocyte-derived dendritic cells
differentiated in the presence of IL-10 or vitamin D.sub.3. The
ILT3 protein is a transmembrane protein of 447 amino acids with a
predicted molecular mass of .about.47 kD. The amino terminal
portion of the ILT3 protein begins with a hydrophobic signal
peptide of 23 amino acids followed by an extracellular region
composed of two C2 type immunoglobulin superfamily domains. Each
domain shows two characteristic cysteines that are 49 and 50
residues apart from each other, flanked by conserved residues
(Val-x-Leu/Ile-x-Cys and His/Tyr-x-Gly-x-Tyr-x-Cys-Tyr/Phe,
respectively, where x is any amino acid). The putative
transmembrane domain of ILT3 consists of 21 amino acids, followed
by a long cytoplasmic region of 167 amino acids, which is
characterized by the presence of one Tyr-x-x-Val motif followed by
two Tyr-x-x-Leu motifs spaced by 26 amino acid residues. These
Tyr-x-x-Leu pairs and their spacing are reminiscent of the
Tyr-x-x-Leu motifs (also referred to as immunoreceptor
tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs or ITIMs) identified in KIRs
(natural-killer cell Ig receptors) as binding sites for protein
tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1.
[0044] The putative immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs
in the cytoplasmic region of ILT3 suggest an inhibitory function of
ILT3. As such, ILT3 behaves as an inhibitory receptor when
cross-linked to a stimulatory receptor.
[0045] The nucleic acid sequence of human (hILT3) ILT3 is set forth
in SEQ ID NO:17 and the amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID
NO:18.
[0046] The term "binding molecule" as used herein includes
molecules that contain at least one antigen binding site that
specifically binds to ILT3. By "specifically binds" it is meant
that the binding molecules exhibit essentially background binding
to non-ILT3 molecules. An isolated binding molecule that
specifically binds ILT3 may, however, have cross-reactivity to ILT3
molecules from other species.
[0047] The binding molecules of the invention may comprise an
immunoglobulin heavy chain of any isotype (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM,
IgD, IgA, and IgY), class (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1 and
IgA2) or subclass of immunoglobulin molecule. Binding molecules may
have both a heavy and a light chain. As used herein, the term
binding molecule also includes, antibodies (including full length
antibodies), monoclonal antibodies (including full length
monoclonal antibodies), polyclonal antibodies, multispecific
antibodies (e.g., bispecific antibodies), human, humanized or
chimeric antibodies, and antibody fragments, e.g., Fab fragments,
F(ab') fragments, fragments produced by a Fab expression library,
epitope-binding fragments of any of the above, and engineered forms
of antibodies, e.g., scFv molecules, so long as they exhibit the
desired activity, e.g., binding to ILT3.
[0048] An "antigen" is an entity (e.g., a proteinaceous entity or
peptide) to which a binding molecule specifically binds.
[0049] The term "epitope" or "antigenic determinant" refers to a
site on an antigen to which a binding molecule specifically binds.
Epitopes can be formed both from contiguous amino acids or
noncontiguous amino acids juxtaposed by tertiary folding of a
protein. Epitopes formed from contiguous amino acids are typically
retained on exposure to denaturing solvents whereas epitopes formed
by tertiary folding are typically lost on treatment with denaturing
solvents. An epitope typically includes at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 amino acids in a unique spatial
conformation. Methods of determining spatial conformation of
epitopes include, for example, X-ray crystallography and
2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance. See, e.g., Epitope
Mapping Protocols in Methods in Molecular Biology, Vol. 66, G. E.
Morris, Ed. (1996).
[0050] Binding molecules that recognize the same epitope can be
identified in a simple immunoassay showing the ability of one
antibody to block the binding of another antibody to a target
antigen, i.e., a competitive binding assay. Competitive binding is
determined in an assay in which the binding molecule being tested
inhibits specific binding of a reference binding molecule to a
common antigen, such as ILT3. Numerous types of competitive binding
assays are known, for example: solid phase direct or indirect
radioimmunoassay (RIA); solid phase direct or indirect enzyme
immunoassay (EIA) sandwich competition assay (see Stahli et al.,
Methods in Enzymology 9:242 (1983)); solid phase direct
biotin-avidin EIA (see Kirkland et al., J. Immunol. 137:3614
(1986)); solid phase direct labeled assay, solid phase direct
labeled sandwich assay (see Harlow and Lane, Antibodies: A
Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press (1988)); solid phase
direct label RIA using I-125 label (see Morel et al., Mol. Immunol.
25(1):7 (1988)); solid phase direct biotin-avidin EIA (Cheung et
al., Virology 176:546 (1990)); and direct labeled RIA. (Moldenhauer
et al., Scand. J. Immunol. 32:77 (1990)). Typically, such an assay
involves the use of purified antigen bound to a solid surface or
cells bearing either of these, an unlabeled test binding molecule
and a labeled reference binding molecule. Competitive inhibition is
measured by determining the amount of label bound to the solid
surface or cells in the presence of the test binding molecule.
Usually the test binding molecule is present in excess. Usually,
when a competing binding molecule is present in excess, it will
inhibit specific binding of a reference binding molecule to a
common antigen by at least 50-55%, 55-60%, 60-65%, 65-70% 70-75% or
more.
[0051] An epitope is also recognized by immunologic cells, for
example, B cells and/or T cells. Cellular recognition of an epitope
can be determined by in vitro assays that measure antigen-dependent
proliferation, as determined by .sup.3H-thymidine incorporation, by
cytokine secretion, by antibody secretion, or by antigen-dependent
killing (cytotoxic T lymphocyte assay).
[0052] The term "monoclonal binding molecule" as used herein refers
to a binding molecule obtained from a population of substantially
homogeneous binding molecules. Monoclonal binding molecules are
highly specific, being directed against a single antigenic site.
Furthermore, in contrast to polyclonal binding molecule
preparations which typically include different binding molecules
directed against different determinants (epitopes), each monoclonal
binding molecule is directed against a single determinant on the
antigen. The modifier "monoclonal" indicates the character of the
binding molecule as being obtained from a substantially homogeneous
population of binding molecules, and is not to be construed as
requiring production of the binding molecule by any particular
method. For example, the monoclonal binding molecules to be used in
accordance with the present invention may be made by the hybridoma
method first described by Kohler, et al., Nature 256:495 (1975), or
may be made by recombinant DNA methods (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
4,816,567). The "monoclonal binding molecules" may also be isolated
from phage antibody libraries using the techniques described in
Clackson, et al., Nature 352:624-628 (1991) and Marks et al., J.
Mol Biol. 222:581-597 (1991), for example.
[0053] The term "chimeric binding molecule" refers to a binding
molecule comprising amino acid sequences derived from different
species. Chimeric binding molecules can be constructed, for example
by genetic engineering, from binding molecule gene segments
belonging to different species.
[0054] The monoclonal binding molecules herein specifically include
"chimeric" binding molecules in which a portion of the heavy and/or
light chain is identical with or homologous to corresponding
sequences in binding molecules derived from a particular species or
belonging to a particular antibody class or subclass, while the
remainder of the chain(s) is identical with or homologous to
corresponding sequences in binding molecules derived from another
species or belonging to another antibody class or subclass, as well
as fragments of such binding molecules, so long as they exhibit the
desired biological activity (U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567; and Morrison,
et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:6851-6855 (1984)). e.g.,
binding to human ILT3 (hILT3).
[0055] Both the light and heavy chains are divided into regions of
structural and functional homology. The terms "constant" and
"variable" are used functionally. In this regard, it will be
appreciated that the variable domains of both the light (VL) and
heavy (VH) chain portions determine antigen recognition and
specificity. Conversely, the constant domains of the light chain
(CL) and the heavy chain (CH1, CH2 or CH3) confer important
biological properties such as secretion, transplacental mobility,
Fc receptor binding, complement binding, and the like. By
convention the numbering of the constant region domains increases
as they become more distal from the antigen binding site or
amino-terminus of the antibody. The N-terminus is a variable region
and at the C-terminus is a constant region; the CH3 and CL domains
actually comprise the carboxy-terminus of the heavy and light
chain, respectively.
[0056] A "variable region" when used in reference to a binding
molecule refers to the amino terminal portion of a binding molecule
which confers antigen binding onto the molecule and which is not
the constant region. The term includes complementarity determining
regions and framework regions. The term also includes functional
fragments thereof which maintain some or all of the binding
function of the whole variable region.
[0057] The term "hypervariable region" when used herein refers to
the regions of a binding molecule variable domain which are
hypervariable in sequence and/or form structurally defined loops.
The hypervariable region comprises amino acid residues from a
"complementarity determining region" or "CDR".
[0058] As used herein, the term "CDR" or "complementarity
determining region" means the noncontiguous antigen combining sites
found within the variable region of both heavy and light chain
polypeptides. These particular regions have been described by
Kabat, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 252, 6609-6616 (1977) and Kabat, et
al., Sequences of protein of immunological interest. (1991), and by
Chothia, et al., J. Mol. Biol. 196:901-917 (1987) and by MacCallum,
et al., J. Mol. Biol. 262:732-745 (1996) where the definitions
include overlapping or subsets of amino acid residues when compared
against each other. Preferably, the Kabat definition is used to
describe a CDR of a binding molecule of the invention.
Nevertheless, application of either definition to refer to a CDR of
a binding molecule or grafted binding molecule or variants thereof
is within the scope of the term as defined and used herein.
[0059] As used herein, the term "framework region" or "FR" means
each domain of the framework that is separated by the CDRs.
Therefore, a variable region framework is between about 100-120
amino acids in length but refers only those amino acids outside of
the CDRs.
[0060] "Humanized" forms of non-human (e.g., murine) binding
molecules are chimeric antibodies which contain minimal sequence
derived from non-human binding molecule. For the most part,
humanized binding molecules are human binding molecules
(acceptor/recipient binding molecule) in which residues from a
hyper-variable region are replaced by residues from a hypervariable
region of a non-human species (donor binding molecule) such as
mouse, rat, rabbit or nonhuman primate having the desired
specificity, affinity, and capacity. In some instances, Fv
framework region (FR) residues of the human binding molecule are
altered, e.g., replaced by, substituted, or backmutated to
corresponding non-human residues. Furthermore, humanized binding
molecules may comprise residues which are not found in the
recipient binding molecule or in the donor binding molecule. These
modifications are generally made to further refine binding molecule
performance. In general, the humanized binding molecule will
comprise substantially all of at least one, and typically two,
variable domains, in which all or substantially all of the
hypervariable loops correspond to those of a non-human binding
molecule and all or substantially all of the FR regions are those
of a human binding molecule sequence. The humanized binding
molecule optionally also will comprise at least a portion of a
binding molecule constant region (Fc), typically that of a human
binding molecule. For further details, see Jones, et al., Nature
321:522-525 (1986); Riechmann, et al., Nature 332:323-329 (1988);
and Presta, Curr. Op. Struct. Biol. 2:593-596 (1992).
[0061] Preferably, a humanized binding molecule of the invention
comprises at least one CDR selected from the group consisting of
SEQ ID NO:3 (GFAFSSYDMS(VH CDR1)), SEQ ID NO:4 (TISSSGSYTYYPDSVKG
(VH CDR2)), SEQ ID NO:5 (LWGAMDY (VH CDR3)), SEQ ID NO:6
(RASQGLTNDLH (VL CDR1)), SEQ ID NO:7 (YASQSIS (VL CDR2)), and SEQ
ID NO:8 (QQSNSWPFT (VL CDR3)).
[0062] The term "engineered" or "recombinant" binding molecule, as
used herein includes binding molecules that are prepared,
expressed, created or isolated by recombinant means, such as
binding molecules expressed using a recombinant expression vector
transfected into a host cell, binding molecules isolated from a
recombinant, combinatorial binding molecule library, binding
molecules isolated from an animal (e.g., a mouse) that is
transgenic for human immunoglobulin genes (see e.g., Taylor, L. D.,
et al. (1992) Nucl. Acids Res. 20:6287-6295) or binding molecules
prepared, expressed, created or isolated by any other means that
involves splicing of human binding molecule gene sequences to other
DNA sequences. In certain embodiments, however, such recombinant
human binding molecules are subjected to in vitro mutagenesis (or,
when an animal transgenic for human Ig sequences is used, in vivo
somatic mutagenesis) and thus the amino acid sequences of the VH
and VL regions of the recombinant binding molecules are sequences
that, while derived from and related to human germline VH and VL
sequences, may not naturally exist within the human binding
molecule germline repertoire in vivo.
[0063] An "isolated binding molecule", as used herein, refers to a
binding molecule that is substantially free of other binding
molecules having different antigenic specificities (e.g., an
isolated binding molecule that specifically binds ILT3 is
substantially free of binding molecules that specifically bind
antigens other than ILT3). Moreover, an isolated binding molecule
may be substantially free of other cellular material and/or
chemicals. An "isolated" binding molecule is one which has been
identified and separated and/or recovered from a component of its
natural environment. Contaminant components of its natural
environment include, e.g., materials which would interfere with
diagnostic or therapeutic uses for the binding molecule, and may
include enzymes, hormones, and other proteinaceous or
nonproteinaceous solutes. In preferred embodiments, the binding
molecule will be purified (1) to greater than 95% by weight of
binding molecule as determined by the
[0064] Lowry method, and most preferably more than 99% by weight,
(2) to a degree sufficient to obtain at least 15 residues of
N-terminal or internal amino acid sequence by use of a spinning cup
sequenator, or (3) to homogeneity by SDS-PAGE under reducing or
nonreducing conditions using Coomassie blue or, preferably, silver
stain. Isolated binding molecules include binding molecules in situ
within recombinant cells since at least one component of the
binding molecule's natural environment will not be present.
Ordinarily, however, isolated binding molecules will be prepared by
at least one purification step.
[0065] As used herein the term "binding constant" "(kd)", also
referred to as "affinity constant", is a measure of the extent of a
reversible association between two molecular species includes both
the actual binding affinity as well as the apparent binding
affinity. The actual binding affinity is determined by calculating
the ratio of the Kassoc in M.sup.-1S.sup.-1 to the Kdissoc in
S.sup.-1 and has the units "M.sup.-1". Therefore, conferring or
optimizing binding affinity includes altering either or both of
these components to achieve the desired level of binding affinity.
The apparent affinity can include, for example, the avidity of the
interaction. For example, a bivalent heteromeric variable region
binding fragment can exhibit altered or optimized binding affinity
due to its valency. Binding affinity can be determined by
measurement of surface plasmon resonance, e.g., using a BIAcore
system.
[0066] The term "nucleic acid molecule", as used herein, includes
DNA molecules and RNA molecules. A nucleic acid molecule may be
single-stranded or double-stranded, but preferably is
double-stranded DNA.
[0067] The term "isolated nucleic acid molecule", as used herein in
reference to nucleic acids encoding binding molecules that bind
ILT3, refers to a nucleic acid molecule in which the nucleotide
sequences encoding the binding molecule are free of other
nucleotide sequences which other sequences may naturally flank the
nucleic acid in human genomic DNA. These sequences may optionally
include 5' or 3'nucleotide sequences important for regulation or
protein stability.
[0068] The term "vector", as used herein, refers to a nucleic acid
molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid to which it
has been linked. One type of vector is a "plasmid", which refers to
a circular double stranded DNA loop into which additional DNA
segments may be ligated. Another type of vector is a viral vector,
wherein additional DNA segments may be ligated into the viral
genome. Certain vectors are capable of autonomous replication in a
host cell into which they are introduced (e.g., bacterial vectors
having a bacterial origin of replication and episomal mammalian
vectors). Other vectors (e.g., non-episomal mammalian vectors) can
be integrated into the genome of a host cell upon introduction into
the host cell, and thereby are replicated along with the host
genome. Moreover, certain vectors are capable of directing the
expression of genes to which they are operatively linked. Such
vectors are referred to herein as "recombinant expression vectors"
(or simply, "expression vectors"). In general, expression vectors
of utility in recombinant DNA techniques are often in the form of
plasmids. In the present specification, "plasmid" and "vector" may
be used interchangeably as the plasmid is the most commonly used
form of vector. However, the invention includes such other forms of
expression vectors, such as viral vectors (e.g., replication
defective retroviruses, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses),
which serve equivalent functions.
[0069] The term "recombinant host cell" (or simply "host cell"), as
used herein, refers to a cell into which a recombinant expression
vector has been introduced. It should be understood that such terms
are intended to refer not only to the particular subject cell but
to the progeny of such a cell. Because certain modifications may
occur in succeeding generations due to either mutation or
environmental influences, such progeny may not, in fact, be
identical to the parent cell, but are still included within the
scope of the term "host cell" as used herein.
[0070] As used herein, the term "T cell" (i.e., T lymphocyte) is
includes cells within the T cell lineage, including thymocytes,
immature T cells, mature T cells and the like, from a mammal (e.g.,
human). Preferably, T cells are mature T cells that express either
CD4 or CD8, but not both, and a T cell receptor. The various T cell
populations described herein can be defined based on their cytokine
profiles and their function.
[0071] As used herein, a "professional antigen presenting cell" or
"APC" is a cell that can present antigen in a form in which it can
be recognized by cells. The cells that can "present" antigen
include B cells, monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells.
[0072] As used herein, the term "dendritic cell" or "DC" includes
APCs capable of activating naive T cells and stimulating the growth
and differentiation of B cells. DCs are lineage negative cells,
i.e., they lack cell surface markers for T cells, B cells, NK
cells, and monocytes/macrophages, however they strongly express
various costimulatory molecules (e.g., CD86, CD80, CD83, and
HLA-DR) and/or adhesion molecules. Dendritic cells can be
subdivided into two main cell types, namely "myeloid-derived
dendritic cells" ("MDDC") and "plasmacytoid-derived dendritic
cells" ("PDDC"). Cell surface markers, such as ILT3, can be used to
distinguish the two dendritic cell lineages, as can the limited
proliferative ability of PDDC. See, for example, Santiago-Schwartz,
F. (2004) Rheum. Dis. Clin. Noth Am. 30:115-134, incorporated
herein by reference. Furthermore, DCs can also be divided into
"immature DCs" and "mature DCs". Immature DCs are specialized in
antigen capture and processing, whereas mature DCs present antigen
and have an increased T-cell stimulatory capacity. Immature DCs can
be matured using art recognized techniques, such as culturing in
the presence of an inflammatory cytokine cocktail.
[0073] As used herein, the term "naive T cells" includes T cells
that have not been exposed to cognate antigen and so are not
activated or memory cells. Naive T cells are not cycling and human
naive T cells are CD45RA+. If naive T cells recognize antigen and
receive additional signals depending upon but not limited to the
amount of antigen, route of administration and timing of
administration, they may proliferate and differentiate into various
subsets of T cells, e.g. effector T cells.
[0074] As used herein, the term "memory T cell" includes
lymphocytes which, after exposure to antigen, become functionally
quiescent and which are capable of surviving for long periods in
the absence of antigen. Human memory T cells are CD45RA-.
[0075] As used herein, the term "effector T cell" or "Teff cell"
includes T cells which function to eliminate antigen (e.g., by
producing cytokines which modulate the activation of other cells or
by cytotoxic activity). The term "effector T cell" includes T
helper cells (e.g., Th1 and Th2 cells) and cytotoxic T cells. Th1
cells mediate delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses and
macrophage activation (e.g., cellular immune responses) while Th2
cells provide help to B cells and are critical in the allergic
response (e.g., humoral immune responses) (Mosmann and Coffman,
1989, Annu. Rev. Immunol. 7, 145-173; Paul and Seder, 1994, Cell
76, 241-251; Arthur and Mason, 1986, J. Exp. Med. 163, 774-786;
Paliard, et al., 1988, J. Immunol. 141, 849-855; Finkelman, et al.,
1988, J. Immunol. 141, 2335-2341).
[0076] As used herein, the term " T helper type 1 response" (Th1
response) refers to a response that is characterized by the
production of one or more cytokines selected from IFN-.gamma.,
IL-2, TNF, and lymphotoxin (LT) and other cytokines produced
preferentially or exclusively by Th1 cells rather than by Th2
cells. As used herein, a "T helper type 2 response" (Th2 response)
refers to a response by CD4+ T cells that is characterized by the
production of one or more cytokines selected from IL-4, IL-5, IL-6
and IL-10, and that is associated with efficient B cell "help"
provided by the Th2 cells (e.g., enhanced IgG1 and/or IgE
production).
[0077] As used herein, the term "regulatory T cell" or "Treg cell"
includes T cells which produce low levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and
IL-12. Regulatory T cells produce TNF.alpha., TGF.beta.,
IFN-.gamma., and IL-10, albeit at lower levels than effector T
cells. Although TGF.beta. is the predominant cytokine produced by
regulatory T cells, the cytokine is produced at levels less than or
equal to that produced by Th1 or Th2 cells, e.g., an order of
magnitude less than in Th1 or Th2 cells. Regulatory T cells can be
found in the CD4+CD25+ population of cells (see, e.g., Waldmann and
Cobbold. 2001. Immunity. 14:399). Regulatory T cells actively
suppress the proliferation and cytokine production of Th1, Th2, or
naive T cells which have been stimulated in culture with an
activating signal (e.g., antigen and antigen presenting cells or
with a signal that mimics antigen in the context of MHC, e.g.,
anti-CD3 antibody, plus anti-CD28 antibody).
[0078] As used herein, the term "anergy" or "tolerance" includes
refractivity to activating receptor-mediated stimulation. Such
refractivity is generally antigen-specific and persists after
exposure to the tolerizing antigen has ceased. For example,
tolerance is characterized by lack of cytokine production, e.g.,
IL-2. Tolerance occurs when cells are exposed to antigen and
receive a first signal (a T cell receptor or CD-3 mediated signal)
in the absence of a second signal (a costimulatory signal) or by
modulation, e.g., upmodulation of an inhibitory signal from an
inhibitory receptor, such as, for example, ILT3. Under these
conditions, reexposure of the cells to the same antigen (even if
reexposure occurs in the presence of a costimulatory polypeptide)
results in failure to produce cytokines and, thus, failure to
proliferate. For example, tolerance is characterized by lack of
cytokine production, e.g., IL-2, or can be assessed by use of a
mixed lymphocyte culture assay. Tolerance can occur to self
antigens or to foreign antigens.
[0079] As used herein, the term "inhibitory signal" refers to a
signal transmitted via an inhibitory receptor (e.g., ILT3), e.g.,
on an immune cell, such as a DC, e.g., MDDC. Such a signal
antagonizes a signal via an activating receptor (e.g., via a TCR,
CD3, BCR, or Fc polypeptide). Transduction of a signal via an
inhibitory receptor results in "downmodulation of immune cell
activation" in vitro. Transmission of a regulatory signal which can
result in, e.g., inhibition of second messenger generation; an
inhibition of proliferation; an inhibition of effector function in
the immune cell, e.g., reduced phagocytosis, reduced antibody
production, reduced cellular cytotoxicity, the failure of the
immune cell to produce mediators, (such as cytokines (e.g., IL-2)
and/or mediators of allergic responses); or the development of
tolerance.
[0080] In one embodiment, downmodulation of immune cell activation
in vitro downmodulates an alloimmune response. As used herein, an
"alloimune response" refers to an immune response that occurs
between antigenically distinct cells. An allommune response can be
measured utilizing a "mixed lymphocyte culture or reaction" ("MLC"
or "MLR") which is a type of lymphocyte proliferation test in which
lymphocytes, i.e., resting lymphocytes, i.e., lymphocytes that have
not been stimulated, from two individuals (a stimulator and a
responder), i.e., allogenic lymphocytes, are cultured together and
the proliferative response ("mixed lymphocyte reaction") is
measured by .sup.3H-labeled thymidine uptake and/or cytokine
production. In one embodiment, the MLC is a primary MLC, i.e.,
responder cells are mixed with stimulator cells at, which may or
may not have been inactivated by, e.g., gamma irradiation and
cultured for, e.g., 3 days. In another embodiment, the MLC is a
secondary MLC, i.e., responder cells are initially cultured in a
primary MLC with stimulator cells which may or may not have been
inactivated by, e.g., gamma irradiation at, and subsequently viable
cells are recovered and restimulated with new stimulators cells,
which may or may not have been inactivated by, e.g., gamma
irradiation, and cultured for an additional, e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
days.
[0081] In another embodiment, downmodulation of immune cell
activation results in downmodulation of the expression of
costimulatory molecules on a cell, e.g., a dendritic cell, or a
dampening in an increase in costimulatory molecule expression. In
yet another embodiment, downmodulation of immune cell activation in
vitro results in downmodulation of intracellular calcium flux.
[0082] In one embodiment, the activation state of MDDC is
downmodulated in vitro. In one embodiment, MDDC are derived from
monocytes cultured in the presence of, e.g., GM-CSF and IL-4 added
on, e.g., days zero and three. In one embodiment, MDDC are derived
from monocytes cultured in the presence of a binding molecule of
the invention added on, e.g., days zero and three. In another
embodiment the activation state of mature dendritic cells is
downmodulated. In one embodiment, mature dendritic cells are
derived from blood dendritic cells cultured in the presence of,
e.g., IL-6, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and PGE added on, e.g., day one.
In another embodiment the activation state of monocytes is
downmodulated.
[0083] As used herein "upmodulation of an immune response" refers
to an increase in a T cell mediated and/or B cell mediated immune
response in vivo. Exemplary immune responses include T cell
responses, e.g., cytokine production, and cellular cytotoxicity. In
addition, the term immune response includes antibody production
(humoral responses) and activation of cells of the innate immune
system, e.g.,cytokine responsive cells such as macrophages.
[0084] As used herein, the various forms of the term "modulate"
include stimulation (e.g., increasing, upmodulating, or
upregulating a particular response or activity) and inhibition
(e.g., decreasing, downmodulating, or downregulating a particular
response or activity).
[0085] "Treatment" refers to both therapeutic treatment and
prophylactic or preventative measures. Those in need of treatment
may include those already having a disorder as well as those which
do not yet have a disorder.
[0086] A "disorder" is any condition that would benefit from
treatment with the binding molecules of the present invention. This
includes chronic and acute disorders or diseases or pathological
conditions associated with immune responses that are too high or
too low.
[0087] Various aspects of the invention are described in further
detail in the following subsections.
II. ILT3 Binding Molecules
[0088] The present invention provides isolated ILT3 binding
molecules. Exemplary binding molecules of the present invention
include the 9B11 antibody, or a binding portion thereof. The 9B11
antibody is an anti-ILT3 antibody that binds to ILT3 on APC, e.g.,
monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, e.g., MDDC, e.g., human
cells, with high affinity. The binding molecules of the invention
are characterized by binding to hILT3 with high affinity and
downmodulating immune responses in vitro, e.g., downmodulating
alloimmune responses; the production of inflammatory cytokines by
dendritic cells, e.g., monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC); the
upregulation of costimulatory molecules by DC, e.g., MDDC; and/or
calcium flux in monocytes. In addition, the binding molecules
upregulate the expression of inhibitory receptors on dendritic
cells, e.g., immature dendritic cells. Surprisingly, these same
binding molecules which downmodulate immune responses in vitro, are
immunostimulatory in vivo. For example, the binding molecules
stimulate immune responses in vivo such as cellular immune
responses, e.g., DTH responses.
[0089] In one embodiment, the VH domain of a binding molecule of
the invention comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO:1. (MEFGLSLVFLVLILKGVQCEVKLVESGGDLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFAFSSYD
MSWVRQTPEKRLEWVATISSSGSYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNARNTLYLQMSS
LRSEDTALYYCERLWGAMDYWGQGTLVTVSS) (9B11 VH domain, including
leader)). It will be understood that although some of the sequences
of binding molecules described herein include leader sequences, a
binding molecule of the invention may also exclude the leader
sequence; which is optional. For example, in one embodiment, a
binding molecule of the invention comprises the amino acid sequence
of the mature protein shown in SEQ ID NO:1. e.g., amino acids
20-135 of SEQ ID NO:1.
[0090] In one embodiment, a VL domain of a binding molecule of the
invention comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO:2. (METDTILLWVLLLWVPGSTGDIVLTQSPATLSVTPGDSVSLSCRASQGLTND
LHWYQQKPHESPRLLIKYASQSISGIPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTINSVETEDFGVFF
CQQSNSWPFTFGAGTKLEIK) (9B11 VL domain, including leader)).
[0091] In one embodiment, a VH domain of a binding molecule of the
invention comprises amino acid residues 20-138 of SEQ ID NO.:1.
(EVKLVESGGDLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFAFSSYDMSWVRQTPEKRLEWVATI
SSSGSYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNARNTLYLQMSSLRSEDTALYYCERLWGAM DYWGQGTLVTVSS)
(9B11 VH domain, without leader)).
[0092] In one embodiment, a VL domain of a binding molecule of the
invention comprises amino acid residues 21-127 of SEQ ID NO.:2.
(DIVLTQSPATLSVTPGDSVSLSCRASQGLTNDLHWYQQKPHESPRLLIKYASQS
ISGIPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTINSVETEDFGVFFCQQSNSWPFTFGAGTKLEIK) (9B11 VL
domain, without leader)).
[0093] In one embodiment of the invention a VL chain comprises a
leader and/or signal sequence, i.e., amino acid residues 1-20 of
SEQ ID NO:2 (SEQ ID NO:21). In one embodiment, the VH chain
comprises a leader and/or signal sequence, i.e., amino acid
residues 1-19 of SEQ ID NO:1 (SEQ ID NO:22).
[0094] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a VH domain comprising a CDR set forth in SEQ ID NO:3.
(9B11 VH CDR1).
[0095] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a VH domain comprising a CDR set forth in SEQ ID NO:4.
(9B11 VH CDR2).
[0096] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a VH domain comprising a CDR set forth in SEQ ID NO:5.
(9B11 VH CDR3).
[0097] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a VL domain comprising a CDR set forth in SEQ ID NO:6.
(9B11 VL CDR1).
[0098] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a VL domain comprising a CDR set forth in SEQ ID NO:7.
(9B11 VL CDR2).
[0099] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a VL domain comprising a CDR set forth in SEQ ID NO:8.
(9B11 VL CDR3).
[0100] The invention also pertains to nucleic acid molecules
encoding the above amino acid sequences.
[0101] In one embodiment, a VH domain of a binding molecule of the
invention comprises the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO:9. (9B11 VH domain, including leader).
[0102] In one embodiment, a VH domain of a binding molecule of the
invention comprises nucleotides 58-405 of SEQ ID NO.:9. (9B11 VH
domain, without leader).
[0103] In one embodiment, the a VL domain of a binding molecule of
the invention comprises the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO:10. (9B11 VL domain, including leader).
[0104] In one embodiment, the a VL domain of a binding molecule of
the invention comprises nucleotides 61-383 of SEQ ID NO.:10. (9B11
VL domain, without leader).
[0105] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a VH domain comprising a CDR the nucleic acid sequence of
which is set forth in SEQ ID NO:11. (9B11 VH CDR1).
[0106] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a VH domain comprising a CDR the nucleic acid sequence of
which is set forth in SEQ ID NO:12. (9B11 VH CDR2).
[0107] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a VH domain comprising a CDR the nucleic acid sequence of
which is set forth in SEQ ID NO:13. (9B11 VH CDR3).
[0108] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a VL domain comprising a CDR the nucleic acid sequence of
which is set forth in SEQ ID NO:14. (9B11 VL CDR1).
[0109] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a VL domain comprising a CDR the nucleic acid sequence of
which is set forth in SEQ ID NO:15. (9B11 VL CDR2).
[0110] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a VL domain comprising a CDR the nucleic acid sequence of
which is set forth in SEQ ID NO:16. (9B11 VL CDR3).
[0111] In one embodiment, the a CL domain of a binding molecule of
the invention comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO:23. (Murine IgG2a light chain constant region).
[0112] In one embodiment, the a CH domain of a binding molecule of
the invention comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO:24. (Murine IgG2a heavy chain constant region).
[0113] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:25.
(Chimeric 9B11 VL/human CL IgG1).
[0114] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:26.
(Chimeric 9B11 VH/human Gly-CH IgG1).
[0115] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:27.
(Chimeric 9B11 VH/human Agly-CH IgG1).
[0116] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:28.
(Humanized 9B11 VL).
[0117] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:29.
(Humanized 9B11 VH).
[0118] In one embodiment, the a CL domain of a binding molecule of
the invention comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO:30. (Human IgG1 Gly heavy chain constant region).
[0119] In one embodiment, the a CH domain of a binding molecule of
the invention comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO:31. (Human IgG1 Agly heavy chain constant region).
[0120] In one embodiment, the a CL domain of a binding molecule of
the invention comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO:32. (Human IgG1 light chain constant region).
[0121] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:33.
(Complete Humanized 9B11 Light).
[0122] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:34.
(Complete Humanized 9B11 Heavy-Gly).
[0123] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:35.
(Complete Humanized 9B11 Heavy-Agly).
[0124] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention has
the VL amino acid sequence of the 9B11 VL region as set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 2 and the VH amino acid sequence of the 9B11 VH region
as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1. In another embodiment, a binding
molecule of the invention has LC and HC sequences as set forth in
SEQ ID NOs:23 and 24, respectively;
TABLE-US-00001 (SEQ ID NO: 23)
ADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPKDINVKWKIDGSERQNG
VLNSWTDQDSKDSTYSMSSTLTLTKDEYERHNSYTCEATHKTSTSPIVKS FNRNE; (SEQ ID
NO: 24) AKTTPPSVYPLAPGCGDTTGSSVTLGCLVKGYFPESVTVTWNSGSLSSSV
HTFPALLQSGLYTMSSSVTVPSSTWPSQTVTCSVAHPASSTTVDKKLEPS
GPISTINPCPPCKECKCPAPNLEGGPSVFIFPPNIKDVLMISLTPKVTCV
VVDVSEDDPDVQISWFVNNVEVHTAQTQTHREDYNSTIRVVSTLPIQHQD
WMSGKEFKCKVNNKDLPSPIERTISKIKGLVRAQVYILPPPAEQLSRKDV
SLTCLVVGFNPGDISVEWTSNGHTEENYKDTAPVLDSDGSYFIYSKLNMK
TSKWEKTDSFSCNVRHEGLKNYYLKKTISRSPGK.
[0125] In one embodiment of the invention the VL chain comprises a
leader and/or signal sequence, e.g., amino acid residues 1-20 of
SEQ ID NO:2. In one embodiment, the VH chain comprises a leader
and/or signal sequence, e.g., amino acid residues 1-19 of SEQ ID
NO:1. In another embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
does not comprise a leader and/or signal sequence.
[0126] In one aspect, the invention pertains to 9B11 binding
molecules and other binding molecules with equivalent properties to
9B11, such as binding to hILT3 with high affinity and downmodulate
immune responses in vitro, e.g., downmodulate alloimmune responses;
the production of inflammatory cytokines by dendritic cells, e.g.,
monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC); the upregulation of
costimulatory molecules by DC, e.g., MDDC; and/or calcium flux in
monocytes; and upregulate the expression of inhibitory receptors on
dendritic cells, e.g., immature dendritic cells and stimulating
immune response in vivo, such as a Th1 immune responses.
Accordingly, equivalent binding molecules of the invention e.g.,
generate a negative signal in a cell via ILT3 or block generation
of a stimulatory signal via an activating receptor in vitro, while
they are immunostimulatory in vivo, e.g., they sequester or
downmodulate ILT3 to prevent its association with an activating
receptor, thereby preventing the downmodulation of an immune
response.
[0127] In one embodiment, the invention provides an isolated human
binding molecule with a light chain variable region (VL) comprising
the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and optionally a leader
sequence, and a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising the
amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, and optionally a leader
sequence. In certain embodiments of the invention, the binding
molecules of the invention comprise a heavy chain constant region,
such as an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, IgE, IgM or IgD constant
region. Furthermore, the binding molecule can comprise a light
chain constant region, either a kappa light chain constant region
or a lambda light chain constant region. Preferably, the binding
molecule comprises a kappa light chain constant region.
[0128] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a light chain constant region as set forth in SEQ ID
NO:23. In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a heavy chain constant region as set forth in SEQ ID
NO:24. In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a heavy chain constant region as set forth in SEQ ID
NO:30. In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a heavy chain constant region as set forth in SEQ ID
NO:31. In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a light chain constant region as set forth in SEQ ID
NO:32.
[0129] In another embodiment, the invention provides a binding
molecule having 9B11-related VL CDR domains, for example, a binding
molecule with a light chain variable region (VL) having at least
one CDR domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the
group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, and SEQ ID NO: 8.
In another embodiment, a light chain variable region (VL) has at
least two CDR domains comprising an amino acid sequence selected
from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, and SEQ ID
NO: 8. In yet another embodiment, a light chain variable region
(VL) has CDR domains comprising the amino acid sequences consisting
of SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, and SEQ ID NO: 8.
[0130] In still other embodiments, the invention provides a binding
molecule having 9B11-related VH CDR domain, for example, a binding
molecule with a heavy chain variable region (VH) having at least
one CDR domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the
group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, and SEQ ID NO: 5.
In another embodiment, a heavy chain variable region (VH) has at
least two CDR domains comprising an amino acid sequence selected
from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, and SEQ ID
NO: 5. In yet another embodiment, a heavy chain variable region
(VH) has CDR domains comprising the amino acid sequences consisting
of SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, and SEQ ID NO: 5.
[0131] In another embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises at least one CDR derived from a murine anti-human ILT3
binding molecule, e.g., a 9B11 binding molecule. As used herein the
term "derived from" a designated protein refers to the origin of
the polypeptide. In one embodiment, the polypeptide or amino acid
sequence which is derived from a particular starting polypeptide is
a CDR sequence or sequence related thereto. In another embodiment,
the polypeptide or amino acid sequence which is derived from a
particular starting polypeptide is a FR sequence or sequence
related thereto. In one embodiment, the amino acid sequence which
is derived from a particular starting polypeptide is not
contiguous.
[0132] For example, in one embodiment, one, two, three, four, five,
or six CDRs are derived from a murine 9B11 antibody. In one
embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention comprises at least
one heavy or light chain CDR of a murine 9B11 antibody. In another
embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention comprises at least
two CDRs from a murine 9B11 antibody. In another embodiment, a
binding molecule of the invention comprises at least three CDRs
from a murine 9B11 antibody. In another embodiment, a binding
molecule of the invention comprises at least four CDRs from a
murine 9B11 antibody. In another embodiment, a binding molecule of
the invention comprises at least five CDRs from a murine 9B11
antibody. In another embodiment, a binding molecule of the
invention comprises at least six CDRs from a murine 9B11
antibody.
[0133] It will also be understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art that a binding molecule of the invention may be modified such
that they vary in amino acid sequence from the 9B11 molecule from
which they were derived. For example, nucleotide or amino acid
substitutions leading to conservative substitutions or changes at
"non-essential" amino acid residues may be made (e.g., in CDR
and/or framework residues) and maintain the ability to bind to
ILT3, e.g., human ILT3.
[0134] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises a polypeptide or amino acid sequence that is essentially
identical to that of a 9B11 antibody, or a portion thereof wherein
the portion consists of at least 3-5 amino acids, of at least 5-10
amino acids, at least 10-20 amino acids, at least 20-30 amino
acids, or at least 30-50 amino acids, or which is otherwise
identifiable to one of ordinary skill in the art as having its
origin in the starting sequence.
[0135] In another embodiment, a VL region of a binding molecule of
the invention shares an amino acid sequence identity that is about
80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%,
97%, 98%, 99%, to that of a 9B11 VL region wherein the portion
consists of at least 3-5 amino acids, of at least 5-10 amino acids,
at least 10-20 amino acids, at least 20-30 amino acids, or at least
30-50 amino acids, or which is otherwise identifiable to one of
ordinary skill in the art as having its origin in the starting
sequence.
[0136] In another embodiment, a VH region of a binding molecule of
the invention shares an amino acid sequence identity that is about
80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%,
97%, 98%, 99%, to that of a 9B11 VH region wherein the portion
consists of at least 3-5 amino acids, of at least 5-10 amino acids,
at least 10-20 amino acids, at least 20-30 amino acids, or at least
30-50 amino acids, or which is otherwise identifiable to one of
ordinary skill in the art as having its origin in the starting
sequence.
[0137] In another embodiment, a CDR of a binding molecule of the
invention shares an amino acid sequence identity that is about 80%,
85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%,
98%, 99%, to that of a 9B11 CDR, or which is otherwise identifiable
to one of ordinary skill in the art as having its origin in the
starting sequence.
[0138] In another embodiment, the polypeptide or amino acid
sequence which is derived from a particular starting polypeptide or
amino acid sequence shares an amino acid sequence identity that is
about 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%,
96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or which is otherwise identifiable to one of
ordinary skill in the art as having its origin in the starting
sequence.
[0139] An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a non-natural
variant of a polypeptide can be created by introducing one or more
nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into the
nucleotide sequence of the binding molecule such that one or more
amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced
into the encoded protein. Mutations may be introduced by standard
techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated
mutagenesis. In one embodiment, conservative amino acid
substitutions are made at one or more non-essential amino acid
residues. A "conservative amino acid substitution" is one in which
the amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue
having a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues having
similar side chains have been defined in the art, including basic
side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine), acidic side chains
(e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polar side chains
(e.g., glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine,
cysteine), nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine,
isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan),
beta-branched side chains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) and
aromatic side chains (e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan,
histidine). Thus, a nonessential amino acid residue in a binding
molecule polypeptide may be replaced with another amino acid
residue from the same side chain family. In another embodiment, a
string of amino acids can be replaced with a structurally similar
string that differs in order and/or composition of side chain
family members.
[0140] Alternatively, in another embodiment, mutations may be
introduced randomly along all or part of the binding molecule
coding sequence.
[0141] Preferred binding molecules of the invention comprise
framework and constant region amino acid sequences derived from a
human amino acid sequence. However, binding molecules may comprise
framework and/or constant region sequences derived from another
mammalian species. For example, a primate framework region (e.g.,
non-human primate), heavy chain portion, and/or hinge portion may
be included in the subject binding molecules. In one embodiment,
one or more murine amino acids may be present in the framework
region of a binding polypeptide, e.g., a human or non-human primate
framework amino acid sequence may comprise one or more amino acid
substitutions and/or backmutations in which the corresponding
murine amino acid residue is present. Preferred binding molecules
of the invention are less immunogenic than the starting 9B11 murine
antibody.
[0142] The present invention also features chimeric and/or
humanized binding molecules (i.e., chimeric and/or humanized
immunoglobulins) specific for ILT3. Chimeric and/or humanized
binding molecules have the same or similar binding specificity and
affinity as a mouse or other nonhuman binding molecules that
provide the starting material for construction of a chimeric or
humanized binding molecule.
[0143] A chimeric binding molecule is one whose light and heavy
chain genes have been constructed, typically by genetic
engineering, from immunoglobulin gene segments belonging to
different species. For example, the variable (V) segments of the
genes from a mouse monoclonal binding molecule may be joined to
human o constant (C) segments, such as IgG1 or IgG4. Human isotype
IgG1 is preferred. An exemplary chimeric binding molecule is thus a
hybrid protein consisting of the V or antigen-binding domain from a
mouse binding molecule and the C or effector domain from a human
binding molecule.
[0144] In one embodiment, the invention pertains to humanized
variable regions of the 9B11 binding molecule and polypeptides
comprising such humanized variable regions. In one embodiment, a
binding molecule of the invention comprises at least one humanized
9B11 binding molecule variable region, e.g., a light chain or heavy
chain variable region.
[0145] The term "humanized binding molecule" refers to a binding
molecule comprising at least one chain comprising variable region
framework residues derived from a human binding molecule chain
(referred to as the acceptor immunoglobulin or binding molecule)
and at least one complementarity determining region derived from a
mouse-binding molecule, (referred to as the donor immunoglobulin or
binding molecule). Humanized binding molecules can be produced
using recombinant DNA technology, which is discussed below. See for
example, e.g., Hwang, W. Y. K., et al. (2005) Methods 36:35; Queen
et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, (1989), 86:10029-10033; Jones
et al., Nature, (1986), 321:522-25; Riechmann et al., Nature,
(1988), 332:323-27; Verhoeyen et al., Science, (1988), 239:1534-36;
Orlandi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, (1989), 86:3833-37;
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,225,539; 5,530,101; 5,585,089; 5,693,761;
5,693,762; 6,180,370, Selick et al., WO 90/07861, and Winter, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,225,539 (incorporated by reference in their entirety for
all purposes). The constant region(s), if present, are preferably
is also derived from a human immunoglobulin.
[0146] When a preferred non-human donor binding molecule has been
selected for humanization, an appropriate human acceptor binding
molecule may be obtained, e.g., from sequence databases of
expressed human antibody genes, from germline Ig sequences or a
consensus sequence of several human binding molecules.
[0147] In one embodiment, a CDR homology based method is used for
humanization (see, e.g., Hwang, W. Y. K., et al. (2005) Methods
36:35, the contents of which is incorporated in its entirety herein
by this reference). This method generally involves substitution of
mouse CDRs into a human variable domain framework based on
similarly structured mouse and human CDRs rather than similarly
structured mouse and human frameworks. The similarity of the mouse
and human CDRs is generally determined by identifying human genes
of the same chain type (light or heavy) that have the same
combination of canonical CDR structures as the mouse binding
molecules and thus retain three-dimensional conformation of CDR
peptide backbones. Secondly, for each of the candidate variable
genes with matching canonical structures, residue to residue
homology between the mouse and candidate human CDRs is evaluated.
Finally, to generate a humanized binding molecule, CDR residues of
the chosen human candidate CDR not already identical to the mouse
CDR are converted to the mouse sequence. In one embodiment, no
mutations of the human framework are introduced into the humanized
binding molecule.
[0148] In one embodiment, human germline sequences are evaluated
for CDR homology to the ILT3 binding molecule CDRs. For example,
for the murine 9B11 antibody, all germ line light chain kappa chain
V genes with a 2-1-1 canonical structure in the IMGT database were
compared with the 9B11 antibody sequence. The same was done for the
heavy chain where all 1-3 germ line heavy chain V genes were
compared to the 9B11 amino acid sequence. Accordingly, in one
embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention comprises a human
kappa chain V region framework with a 2-1-1 canonical structure. In
another embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention comprises a
human heavy chain V region framework with a 1-3 canonical
structure.
[0149] The following potential human light chain germline sequences
were identified and may provide framework regions for a binding
molecule of the invention. More specifically, such molecules may
provide a scaffold in which any residue of the human light chain
germline CDR not identical to the 9B11 light chain CDR may be
changed to the mouse CDR amino acid:
[0150] There are two alleles of the IGKV1-17 gene. The IMGT
accession number of allele *01 of the IGKV1-17 gene is X72808. The
amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00002 (SEQ ID NO: 36)
DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGIRNDLGWYQQKPGKAPKRLIYA
ASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCLQHNSYP.
[0151] The IMGT accession number of allele *02 of the IGKV1-17 gene
is D88255. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00003 (SEQ ID NO: 37)
DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGIRNDLGWYQQKPGKAPKRLIYA
ASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISNLQPEDFATYYCLQHNSYP.
[0152] The IMGT accession number of the IGKV1-6 gene is M64858. The
amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00004 (SEQ ID NO: 38)
AIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGIRNDLGWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYA
ASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCLQDYNYP.
[0153] The IMGT accession number of the IGKV1-9 gene is Z00013. The
amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00005 (SEQ ID NO: 39)
DIQLTQSPSFLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGISSYLAWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYA
ASTLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQLNSYP.
[0154] There are two alleles of the IGKV1-12 gene. The IMGT
accession number of allele *01 of the IGKV1-12 gene is V01577. The
amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00006 (SEQ ID NO: 40)
DIQMTQSPSSVSASVGDRVTITCRASQGISSWLAWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYA
ASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQANSFP.
[0155] The IMGT accession number of allele *02 of the IGKV1-12 gene
is V01576. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00007 (SEQ ID NO: 41)
DIQMTQSPSSVSASVGDRVTITCRASQGISSWLAWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYA
ASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQANSFP.
[0156] There are two alleles of the IGKV1D-16 gene. The IMGT
accession number of allele *01 of the IGKV1D-16 gene is K01323. The
amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00008 (SEQ ID NO: 42)
DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGISSWLAWYQQKPEKAPKSLIYA
ASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQYNSYP.
[0157] The IMGT accession number of allele *02 of the IGKV1D-16
gene is V00558. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00009 (SEQ ID NO: 43)
DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRARQGISSWLAWYQQKPEKAPKSLIYA
ASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQYNSYP.
[0158] The IMGT accession number of the IGKV1-27 gene is X63398.
The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00010 (SEQ ID NO: 44)
DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGISNYLAWYQQKPGKVPKLLIYA
ASTLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCQKYNSAP.
[0159] There are two alleles of the IGKV1-39 gene. The IMGT
accession number of allele *01 of the IGKV1-39 gene is X59315. The
amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00011 (SEQ ID NO: 45)
DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQSISSYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYA
ASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQSYSTP.
[0160] The IMGT accession number of allele *02 of the IGKV1-39 gene
is X59318. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00012 (SEQ ID NO: 46)
DIQMTQSPSFLSASVGDRVTITCRASQSISSYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYA
ASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQCGYSTP.
[0161] The IMGT accession number of the IGKV1D-43 gene is X72817.
The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00013 (SEQ ID NO: 47)
AIRMTQSPFSLSASVGDRVTITCWASQGISSYLAWYQQKPAKAPKLFIYY
ASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDYTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQYYSTP.
[0162] The following potential human heavy chain germline sequences
were identified and may provide framework regions for a binding
molecule of the invention. More specifically, such molecules may
provide a scaffold in which any residue of the human light chain
germline CDR not identical to the 9B11 light chain CDR may be
changed to the mouse CDR amino acid:
[0163] There are two alleles of the IGHV3-21 gene. The IMGT
accession number of allele *01 of the IGHV3-21 gene is AB019439.
The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00014 (SEQ ID NO: 48)
EVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYSMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVSS
ISSSSSYIYYADSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAR.
[0164] The IMGT accession number of allele *02 of the IGHV3-21 gene
is M99658. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00015 (SEQ ID NO: 49)
EVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYSMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVSS
ISSSSSYIYYADSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAR.
[0165] There are two alleles and a pseudogene of the IGHV3-11 gene.
The IMGT accession number of allele *01 of the IGHV3-11 gene is
M99652. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00016 (SEQ ID NO: 50)
QVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSDYYMSWIRQAPGKGLEWVSY
ISSSGSTIYYADSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAR.
[0166] The IMGT accession number of allele *03 of the IGHV3-11 gene
is X92287. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00017 (SEQ ID NO: 51)
QVQLLESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSDYYMSWIRQAPGKGLEWVSY
ISSSSSYTNYADSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAR.
[0167] There are three alleles of the IGHV3-23 gene. The IMGT
accession number of allele *01 of the IGHV3-23 gene is M99660. The
amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00018 (SEQ ID NO: 52)
EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSA
ISGSGGSTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAK.
[0168] The IMGT accession number of allele *02 of the IGHV3-23 gene
is J00236. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00019 (SEQ ID NO: 53)
EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSA
ISGSGGSTYYGDSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAK.
[0169] The IMGT accession number of allele *03 of the IGHV3-23 gene
is U29481. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00020 (SEQ ID NO: 54)
EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSV
IYSGGSSTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAK.
[0170] There are three alleles of the IGHV3-48 gene. The IMGT
accession number of allele *01 of the IGHV3-48 gene is M99675. The
amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00021 (SEQ ID NO: 55)
EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYSMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVSY
ISSSSSTIYYADSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAR.
[0171] The IMGT accession number of allele *02 of the IGHV3-48 gene
is AB019438. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00022 (SEQ ID NO: 56)
EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYSMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVSY
ISSSSSTIYYADSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRDEDTAVYYCAR.
[0172] The IMGT accession number of allele *03 of the IGHV3-48 gene
is Z12358. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00023 (SEQ ID NO: 57)
EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYEMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVSY
ISSSGSTIYYADSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAR.
[0173] There are five alleles of the IGHV3-64 gene. The IMGT
accession number of allele *01 of the IGHV3-64 gene is M99682. The
amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00024 (SEQ ID NO: 58)
EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEYVSA
ISSNGGSTYYANSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMGSLRAEDMAVYYCAR.
[0174] The IMGT accession number of allele *02 of the IGHV3-64 gene
is AB019437. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00025 (SEQ ID NO: 59)
EVQLVESGEGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEYVSA
ISSNGGSTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMGSLRAEDMAVYYCAR.
[0175] The IMGT accession number of allele *03 of the IGHV3-64 gene
is M77298. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00026 (SEQ ID NO: 60)
EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCSASGFTFSSYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEYVSA
ISSNGGSTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYVQMSSLRAEDTAVYYCVK.
[0176] The IMGT accession number of allele *04 of the IGHV3-64 gene
is M77299. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00027 (SEQ ID NO: 61)
QVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCSASGFTFSSYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEYVSA
ISSNGGSTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAR.
[0177] The IMGT accession number of allele *05 of the IGHV3-64 gene
is M77301. The amino acid sequence is:
TABLE-US-00028 (SEQ ID NO: 62)
EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCSASGFTFSSYAMHWVRQAPGKGLEYVSA
ISSNGGSTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYVQMSSLRAEDTAVYYCVK.
[0178] Each of these germline sequences may be used to provide
framework regions for use with one or more 9B11 CDRs.
[0179] As used herein, "canonical structures" are conserved
hypervariable loop conformations made by different CDRs by which
the binding molecule forms the antigen contacts. The assignment of
canonical structure classes to a new binding molecule can be
achieved using publicly available software.
[0180] In another embodiment, the substitution of mouse CDRs into a
human variable domain framework is based on the retention of the
correct spatial orientation of the mouse variable domain framework
by identifying human variable domain frameworks which will retain
the same conformation as the mouse variable domain frameworks from
which the CDRs were derived. In one embodiment, this is achieved by
obtaining the human variable domains from human binding molecules
whose framework sequences exhibit a high degree of sequence
identity with the murine variable framework domains from which the
CDRs were derived. See Kettleborough et al., Protein Engineering
4:773 (1991); Kolbinger et al., Protein Engineering 6:971 (1993)
and Carter et al., WO 92/22653.
[0181] Preferably the human acceptor binding molecule retains the
canonical and interface residues of the donor binding molecule.
Additionally, the human acceptor binding molecule preferably has
substantial similarity in the length of CDR loops. See
Kettleborough et al., Protein Engineering 4:773 (1991); Kolbinger
et al., Protein Engineering 6:971 (1993) and Carter et al., WO
92/22653.
[0182] In another embodiment, appropriate human acceptor sequences
may be selected based on homology to framework regions of the 9B11
binding molecule. For example, the amino acid sequence of the 9B11
binding molecule may be compared to the amino acid sequence of
other known binding molecules by, for example, by comparing the FR
regions or the, variable region sequences of the 9B11 amino acid
sequence against a publicly available database of known binding
molecules and selecting those sequences with the highest percent
identity of amino acids in the variable or FR region, i.e., 80%,
85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%,
98%, 99%, 99.5%. In one embodiment, the framework sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO:63 may be used
(EVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFAFSSYDMSWVRQAPGKGLEWV
STISSSGSYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARL
WGAMDYWGQGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO:63; (Framework residues are in
bold))). In another embodiment, the framework sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:64 may be used
(DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGLTNDLHWYQQKPGKAPKRLIYY
ASQSISGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQSNSWPFTFGQGT KLEIKR (SEQ ID
NO:64; Framework residues are in bold))).
[0183] Having identified the complementarity determining regions of
the murine donor immunoglobulin and appropriate human acceptor
immunoglobulins, the next step is to determine which, if any,
residues from these components should be substituted to optimize
the properties of the resulting humanized binding molecule. In
general, substitution of human amino acid residues with murine
should be minimized, because introduction of murine residues
increases the risk of the binding molecule eliciting a
human-anti-mouse-antibody (HAMA) response in humans. Art-recognized
methods of determining immune response can be performed to monitor
a HAMA response in a particular patient or during clinical trials.
Patients administered humanized binding molecules can be given an
immunogenicity assessment at the beginning and throughout the
administration of said therapy. The HAMA response is measured, for
example, by detecting antibodies to the humanized therapeutic
reagent, in serum samples from the patient using a method known to
one in the art, including surface plasmon resonance technology
(BIACORE) and/or solid-phase ELISA analysis.
[0184] When necessary, one or more residues in the human framework
regions can be changed or substituted to residues at the
corresponding positions in the murine antibody so as to preserve
the binding affinity of the humanized antibody to the antigen. This
change is sometimes called "backmutation". Certain amino acids from
the human variable region framework residues are selected for back
mutation based on their possible influence on CDR conformation
and/or binding to antigen. The placement of murine CDR regions with
human variable framework region can result in conformational
restraints, which, unless corrected by substitution of certain
amino acid residues, lead to loss of binding affinity.
[0185] In one embodiment, the selection of amino acid residues for
backmutation can be determined, in part, by computer modeling,
using art recognized techniques. In general, molecular models are
produced starting from solved structures for immunoglobulin chains
or domains thereof. The chains to be modeled are compared for amino
acid sequence similarity with chains or domains of solved
three-dimensional structures, and the chains or domains showing the
greatest sequence similarity is/are selected as starting points for
construction of the molecular model. Chains or domains sharing at
least 50% sequence identity are selected for modeling, and
preferably those sharing at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% sequence
identity or more are selected for modeling. The solved starting
structures are modified to allow for differences between the actual
amino acids in the immunoglobulin chains or domains being modeled,
and those in the starting structure. The modified structures are
then assembled into a composite immunoglobulin. Finally, the model
is refined by energy minimization and by verifying that all atoms
are within appropriate distances from one another and that bond
lengths and angles are within chemically acceptable limits.
[0186] The selection of amino acid residues for substitution can
also be determined, in part, by examination of the characteristics
of the amino acids at particular locations, or empirical
observation of the effects of substitution or mutagenesis of
particular amino acids. For example, when an amino acid differs
between a murine variable region framework residue and a selected
human variable region framework residue, the human framework amino
acid may be substituted by the equivalent framework amino acid from
the mouse binding molecule when it is reasonably expected that the
amino acid: (1) noncovalently binds antigen directly, (2) is
adjacent to a CDR region, (3) otherwise interacts with a CDR region
(e.g., is within about 3-6 .ANG. of a CDR region as determined by
computer modeling), or (4) participates in the VL-VH interface.
[0187] Residues which "noncovalently bind antigen directly" include
amino acids in positions in framework regions which are have a good
probability of directly interacting with amino acids on the antigen
according to established chemical forces, for example, by hydrogen
bonding, Van der Waals forces, hydrophobic interactions, and the
like.
[0188] Residues which are "adjacent to a CDR region" include amino
acid residues in positions immediately adjacent to one or more of
the CDRs in the primary sequence of the humanized immunoglobulin
chain, for example, in positions immediately adjacent to a CDR as
defined by Kabat, or a CDR as defined by Chothia (See e.g., Chothia
and Lesk JMB 196:901 (1987)). These amino acids are particularly
likely to interact with the amino acids in the CDRs and, if chosen
from the acceptor, may distort the donor CDRs and reduce affinity.
Moreover, the adjacent amino acids may interact directly with the
antigen (Amit et al., Science, 233:747 (1986), which is
incorporated herein by reference) and selecting these amino acids
from the donor may be desirable to keep all the antigen contacts
that provide affinity in the original binding molecule.
[0189] Residues that "otherwise interact with a CDR region" include
those that are determined by secondary structural analysis to be in
a spatial orientation sufficient to effect a CDR region. In one
embodiment, residues that "otherwise interact with a CDR region"
are identified by analyzing a three-dimensional model of the donor
immunoglobulin (e.g., a computer-generated model). A
three-dimensional model, typically of the original donor binding
molecule, shows that certain amino acids outside of the CDRs are
close to the CDRs and have a good probability of interacting with
amino acids in the CDRs by hydrogen bonding, Van der Waals forces,
hydrophobic interactions, etc. At those amino acid positions, the
donor immunoglobulin amino acid rather than the acceptor
immunoglobulin amino acid may be selected. Amino acids according to
this criterion will generally have a side chain atom within about 3
.ANG. of some atom in the CDRs and must contain an atom that could
interact with the CDR atoms according to established chemical
forces, such as those listed above.
[0190] In the case of atoms that may form a hydrogen bond, the 3
.ANG. is measured between their nuclei, but for atoms that do not
form a bond, the 3 .ANG. is measured between their Van der Waals
surfaces. Hence, in the latter case, the nuclei must be within
about 6 .ANG. (3 .ANG. plus the sum of the Van der Waals radii) for
the atoms to be considered capable of interacting. In many cases
the nuclei will be from 4 or 5 to 6 .ANG. apart. In determining
whether an amino acid can interact with the CDRs, it is preferred
not to consider the last 8 amino acids of heavy chain CDR as part
of the CDRs, because from the viewpoint of structure, these 8 amino
acids behave more as part of the framework.
[0191] Amino acids that are capable of interacting with amino acids
in the CDRs, may be identified in yet another way. The solvent
accessible surface area of each framework amino acid is calculated
in two ways: (1) in the intact binding molecule, and (2) in a
hypothetical molecule consisting of the binding molecule with its
CDRs removed. A significant difference between these numbers of
about 10 square angstroms or more shows that access of the
framework amino acid to solvent is at least partly blocked by the
CDRs, and therefore that the amino acid is making contact with the
CDRs. Solvent accessible surface area of an amino acid may be
calculated based on a three-dimensional model of an binding
molecule, using algorithms known in the art (e.g., Connolly, J.
Appl. Cryst. 16:548 (1983) and Lee and Richards, J. Mol. Biol.
55:379 (1971), both of which are incorporated herein by reference).
Framework amino acids may also occasionally interact with the CDRs
indirectly, by affecting the conformation of another framework
amino acid that in turn contacts the CDRs.
[0192] The amino acids at several positions in the framework are
known to be capable of interacting with the CDRs in many binding
molecules (Chothia and Lesk, supra, Chothia et al., supra and
Tramontano et al., J. Mol. Biol. 215:175 (1990), all of which are
incorporated herein by reference). Notably, the amino acids at
positions 2, 48, 64 and 71 of the light chain and 26-30, 71 and 94
of the heavy chain (numbering according to Kabat) are known to be
capable of interacting with the CDRs in many binding molecules. The
amino acids at positions 35 in the light chain and 93 and 103 in
the heavy chain are also likely to interact with the CDRs. At all
these numbered positions, choice of the donor amino acid rather
than the acceptor amino acid (when they differ) to be in the
humanized immunoglobulin is preferred. On the other hand, certain
residues capable of interacting with the CDR region, such as the
first 5 amino acids of the light chain, may sometimes be chosen
from the acceptor immunoglobulin without loss of affinity in the
humanized binding molecule.
[0193] Residues which "participate in the VL-VH interface" or
"packing residues" include those residues at the interface between
VL and VH as defined, for example, by Novotny and Haber (Proc.
Natl. Acad Sci. USA, 82:4592-66 (1985)) or Chothia et al, supra.
Generally, unusual packing residues should be retained in the
humanized binding molecule if they differ from those in the human
frameworks.
[0194] In general, one or more of the amino acids fulfilling the
above criteria is substituted. In some embodiments, all or most of
the amino acids fulfilling the above criteria are substituted.
Occasionally, there is some ambiguity about whether a particular
amino acid meets the above criteria, and alternative variant
binding molecules are produced, one of which has that particular
substitution, the other of which does not. Alternative variant
binding molecules so produced can be tested in any of the assays
described herein for the desired activity, and the preferred
binding molecule selected.
[0195] Usually the CDR regions in humanized binding molecules are
substantially identical, and more usually, identical to the
corresponding CDR regions of the donor binding molecule. Although
not usually desirable, it is sometimes possible to make one or more
conservative amino acid substitutions of CDR residues without
appreciably affecting the binding affinity of the resulting
humanized binding molecule. By conservative substitutions it is
meant combinations such as Gly, Ala; Val, Ile, Leu; Asp, Glu; Asn,
Gln; Ser, Thr; Lys, Arg; and Phe, Tyr.
[0196] Additional candidates for substitution are acceptor human
framework amino acids that are unusual or "rare" for a human
immunoglobulin at that position. These amino acids can be
substituted with amino acids from the equivalent position of the
mouse donor binding molecule or from the equivalent positions of
more typical human immunoglobulins. For example, substitution may
be desirable when the amino acid in a human framework region of the
acceptor immunoglobulin is rare for that position and the
corresponding amino acid in the donor immunoglobulin is common for
that position in human immunoglobulin sequences; or when the amino
acid in the acceptor immunoglobulin is rare for that position and
the corresponding amino acid in the donor immunoglobulin is also
rare, relative to other human sequences. These criterion help
ensure that an atypical amino acid in the human framework does not
disrupt the binding molecule structure. Moreover, by replacing an
unusual human acceptor amino acid with an amino acid from the donor
binding molecule that happens to be typical for human binding
molecules, the humanized binding molecule may be made less
immunogenic.
[0197] The term "rare", as used herein, indicates an amino acid
occurring at that position in less than about 20% but usually less
than about 10% of sequences in a representative sample of
sequences, and the term "common", as used herein, indicates an
amino acid occurring in more than about 25% but usually more than
about 50% of sequences in a representative sample. For example, all
human light and heavy chain variable region sequences are
respectively grouped into "subgroups" of sequences that are
especially homologous to each other and have the same amino acids
at certain critical positions (Kabat et al., supra). When deciding
whether an amino acid in a human acceptor sequence is "rare" or
"common" among human sequences, it will often be preferable to
consider only those human sequences in the same subgroup as the
acceptor sequence.
[0198] Additional candidates for substitution are acceptor human
framework amino acids that would be identified as part of a CDR
region under the alternative definition proposed by Chothia et al.,
supra. Additional candidates for substitution are acceptor human
framework amino acids that would be identified as part of a CDR
region under the AbM and/or contact definitions. Notably, CDR1 in
the variable heavy chain is defined as including residues
26-32.
[0199] Additional candidates for substitution are acceptor
framework residues that correspond to a rare or unusual donor
framework residue. Rare or unusual donor framework residues are
those that are rare or unusual (as defined herein) for murine
binding molecules at that position. For murine binding molecules,
the subgroup can be determined according to Kabat and residue
positions identified which differ from the consensus. These donor
specific differences may point to somatic mutations in the murine
sequence which enhances activity. Unusual residues that are
predicted to affect binding are retained, whereas residues
predicted to be unimportant for binding can be substituted.
[0200] Additional candidates for substitution are non-germline
residues occurring in an acceptor framework region. For example,
when an acceptor binding molecule chain (i.e., a human binding
molecule chain sharing significant sequence identity with the donor
binding molecule chain) is aligned to a germline binding molecule
chain (likewise sharing significant sequence identity with the
donor chain), residues not matching between acceptor chain
framework and the germline chain framework can be substituted with
corresponding residues from the germline sequence.
[0201] Other than the specific amino acid substitutions discussed
above, the framework regions of humanized binding molecules are
usually substantially identical, and more usually, identical to the
framework regions of the human binding molecules from which they
were derived. Of course, many of the amino acids in the framework
region make little or no direct contribution to the specificity or
affinity of a binding molecule. Thus, many individual conservative
substitutions of framework residues can be tolerated without
appreciable change of the specificity or affinity of the resulting
humanized binding molecule. Thus, in one embodiment the variable
framework region of the humanized binding molecule shares at least
85% sequence identity to a human variable framework region sequence
or consensus of such sequences. In another embodiment, the variable
framework region of the humanized binding molecule shares at least
90%, preferably 95%, more preferably 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence
identity to a human variable framework region sequence or consensus
of such sequences. In general, however, such substitutions are
undesirable.
[0202] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
further comprises at least one backmutation of a human amino acid
residue to the corresponding mouse amino acid residue where the
amino acid residue is an interface packing residue. "Interface
packing residues" include those residues at the interface between
VL and VH as defined, for example, by Novotny and Haber, Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 82:4592-66 (1985).
[0203] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
further comprises at least one backmutation of a human amino acid
residue to the corresponding mouse amino acid residue is a
canonical residue. "Canonical residues" are conserved framework
residues within a canonical or structural class known to be
important for CDR conformation (Tramontano et al., J. Mol. Biol.
215:175 (1990), all of which are incorporated herein by reference).
Canonical residues include 2, 25, 27B, 28, 29, 30, 33, 48, 51, 52,
64, 71, 90, 94 and 95 of the light chain and residues 24, 26, 27
29, 34, 54, 55, 71 and 94 of the heavy chain. Additional residues
(e.g., CDR structure-determining residues) can be identified
according to the methodology of Martin and Thorton (1996) J. Mol.
Biol. 263:800.
[0204] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
further comprises at least one backmutation of a human amino acid
residue to the corresponding mouse amino acid residue where the
amino acid residue is at a position capable of interacting with a
CDR. Notably, the amino acids at positions 2, 48, 64 and 71 of the
light chain and 26-30, 71 and 94 of the heavy chain (numbering
according to Kabat) are known to be capable of interacting with the
CDRs in many antibodies. The amino acids at positions 35 in the
light chain and 93 and 103 in the heavy chain are also likely to
interact with the CDRs.
[0205] Based on CLUSTAL W analysis, several amino acid residues in
the human framework were identified for potential substitution,
e.g., with corresponding amino acid residues from the 9B11 light
chain. These included positions 3, 4, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20,
21, 22, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 49, 58, 70, 76, 78, 79, 80, 84, 85, 86,
87, and 100.
[0206] In one embodiment, a variable light chain framework of a
binding molecule of the invention further comprises at least one
substitution of a human amino acid residue to the corresponding
mouse amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of:
Q3V, (i.e., the Q at position 1 of the CDR-grafted antibody which
comprises murine CDRs and human FR regions is mutated to a V, which
is the corresponding amino acid residue in the 9B11 antibody
(without leader)), Q3L, Q31, M4L, M4V, M4I, S9A, S9G, S9V, S9L,
S9I, S10T, S10Y, A13V, A13L, A13I, S14T, S14Y, VP15, R18S, R18T,
R18Y, T20S, T20Y, I21L, I21V, T22S, T22Y, G41H, G41C, K42E, K42D,
A43S, A43T, A43Y, K45R, R46L, R46I, R46V, Y49K, Y49R, V58I, V58L,
E70D, S76N, S76Q, L78V, L78I, Q79E, Q79D, P80T, P80S, P80Y, A84G,
A84A, T85L, T85I, Y86F, Y86W, Y86V, Y86L, Y86I, Y87F, Y87W, Y87V,
Y87L, Y87I, Q100A, Q100P, and Q100G.
[0207] Based on CLUSTAL W analysis, several amino acid residues in
the human framework were identified for potential substitution,
e.g., with corresponding amino acid residues from the 9B11 heavy
chain. These included positions 3, 10, 19, 40, 42, 44, 49, 76, 78,
84, 88, 93, and 97.
[0208] In one embodiment, a variable heavy chain framework of a
binding molecule of the invention further comprises at least one
substitution of a human amino acid residue to the corresponding
mouse amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of: Q3K
(i.e., the Q at position 3 of the CDR-grafted antibody which
comprises murine CDRs and human FR regions is mutated to a K, which
is the corresponding amino acid residue in the 9B11 antibody), Q3H,
Q3R, G10D, G10E, R19K, R19H, A40T, A40Y, A40S, G42E, G42D, G44R,
G44K, S49A, S49G, S49V, S49L, S49I, K76R, K76H, S78T, S78Y, N84S,
N84T, N84Y, A88S, A88T, A88Y, V93L, V93I, V93A, V93G, A97E, and
A97D.
[0209] The humanized binding molecules preferably exhibit a
specific binding affinity for antigen of at least 10.sup.7,
10.sup.8, 10.sup.9 or 10.sup.10 M.sup.-1. Usually the upper limit
of binding affinity of the humanized binding molecules for antigen
is within a factor of three, four or five of that of the donor
immunoglobulin. Often the lower limit of binding affinity is also
within a factor of three, four or five of that of donor
immunoglobulin. Alternatively, the binding affinity can be compared
to that of a humanized binding molecule having no substitutions
(e.g., a binding molecule having donor CDRs and acceptor FRs, but
no FR substitutions). In such instances, the binding of the
optimized binding molecule (with substitutions) is preferably at
least two- to three-fold greater, or three- to four-fold greater,
than that of the unsubstituted binding molecule. For making
comparisons, activity of the various binding molecules can be
determined, for example, by BIACORE (i.e., surface plasmon
resonance using unlabelled reagents) or competitive binding
assays.
[0210] Having conceptually selected the CDR and framework
components of humanized binding molecules, a variety of methods are
available for producing such binding molecules. Because of the
degeneracy of the code, a variety of nucleic acid sequences will
encode each binding molecule amino acid sequence. The desired
nucleic acid sequences can be produced by de novo solid-phase DNA
synthesis or by PCR mutagenesis of an earlier prepared variant of
the desired polynucleotide.
[0211] Oligonucleotide-mediated mutagenesis is a preferred method
for preparing substitution, deletion and insertion variants of
target polypeptide DNA. See Adelman et al. (DNA 2:183 (1983)).
Briefly, the target polypeptide DNA is altered by hybridizing an
oligonucleotide encoding the desired mutation to a single-stranded
DNA template. After hybridization, a DNA polymerase is used to
synthesize an entire second complementary strand of the template
that incorporates the oligonucleotide primer, and encodes the
selected alteration in the target polypeptide DNA.
[0212] The variable segments of binding molecules produced as
described supra (e.g., the heavy and light chain variable regions
of chimeric, humanized, or human binding molecules) are typically
linked to at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region
(Fc), typically that of a human immunoglobulin. Human constant
region DNA sequences can be isolated in accordance with well known
procedures from a variety of human cells, but preferably
immortalized B cells (see Kabat et al., supra, and Liu et al.,
W087/02671) (each of which is incorporated by reference in its
entirety for all purposes). Ordinarily, the binding molecule will
contain both light chain and heavy chain constant regions. The
heavy chain constant region usually includes CH1, hinge, CH2, CH3,
and CH4 regions. A binding molecule described herein include
antibodies having all types of constant regions, including IgM,
IgG, IgD, IgA and IgE, and any isotype, including IgG1, IgG2, IgG3
and IgG4. The choice of constant region depends, in part, or
whether binding molecule-dependent complement and/or cellular
mediated toxicity is desired. For example, isotopes IgG1 and IgG3
have complement activity and isotypes IgG2 and IgG4 do not. When it
is desired that the binding molecule (e.g., humanized binding
molecule) exhibit cytotoxic activity, the constant domain is
usually a complement fixing constant domain and the class is
typically IgG1. When such cytotoxic activity is not desirable, the
constant domain may be, e.g., of the IgG2 class. Choice of isotype
can also affect passage of antibody into the brain. Human isotype
IgG1 is preferred. Light chain constant regions can be lambda or
kappa. The humanized binding molecule may comprise sequences from
more than one class or isotype. Binding molecules can be expressed
as tetramers containing two light and two heavy chains, as separate
heavy chains, light chains, as Fab, Fab' F(ab')2, and Fv, or as
single chain binding molecules in which heavy and light chain
variable domains are linked through a spacer.
III. Production of Binding Molecules
[0213] The present invention features binding molecules having
specificity for ILT3, e.g., human ILT3. Such binding molecules can
be used in formulating various therapeutic compositions of the
invention or, preferably, provide complementarity determining
regions for the production of humanized or chimeric binding
molecules (described in detail below). The production of non-human
monoclonal binding molecules, e.g., murine, guinea pig, primate,
rabbit or rat, can be accomplished by, for example, immunizing the
animal with ILT3 or with a nucleic acid molecule encoding ILT3. For
example, the 9B11 binding molecule was made by placing the gene
encoding human ILT3 in an expression vector and immunizing animals.
A longer polypeptide comprising ILT3 or an immunogenic fragment of
ILT3 or anti-idiotypic binding molecule of ILT3 can also be used.
(see, for example, Harlow & Lane, supra, incorporated by
reference for all purposes). Such an immunogen can be obtained from
a natural source, by peptide synthesis or by recombinant
expression. Optionally, the immunogen can be administered, fused or
otherwise complexed with a carrier protein, as described below.
Optionally, the immunogen can be administered with an adjuvant. The
term "adjuvant" refers to a compound that when administered in
conjunction with an antigen augments the immune response to the
antigen, but when administered alone does not generate an immune
response to the antigen. Adjuvants can augment an immune response
by several mechanisms including lymphocyte recruitment, stimulation
of B and/or T cells, and stimulation of macrophages. Several types
of adjuvants can be used as described below. Complete Freund's
adjuvant followed by incomplete adjuvant is preferred for
immunization of laboratory animals.
[0214] Rabbits or guinea pigs are typically used for making
polyclonal binding molecules. Exemplary preparation of polyclonal
binding molecules, e.g., for passive protection, can be performed
as follows. Animals are immunized with 100 .mu.g ILT3, plus
adjuvant, and euthanized at 4-5 months. Blood is collected and IgG
is separated from other blood components. Binding molecules
specific for the immunogen may be partially purified by affinity
chromatography. An average of about 0.5-1.0 mg of
immunogen-specific binding molecule is obtained per animal, giving
a total of 60-120 mg.
[0215] Mice are typically used for making monoclonal binding
molecules. Monoclonals can be prepared against a fragment by
injecting the fragment or longer form of ILT3 into a mouse,
preparing hybridomas and screening the hybridomas for a binding
molecule that specifically binds to ILT3. Optionally, binding
molecules are screened for binding to a specific region or desired
fragment of ILT3 without binding to other nonoverlapping fragments
of ILT3. The latter screening can be accomplished by determining
binding of a binding molecule to a collection of deletion mutants
of a ILT3 peptide and determining which deletion mutants bind to
the binding molecule. Binding can be assessed, for example, by
Western blot or ELISA. The smallest fragment to show specific
binding to the binding molecule defines the epitope of the binding
molecule. Alternatively, epitope specificity can be determined by a
competition assay in which a test and reference binding molecule
compete for binding to ILT3. If the test and reference binding
molecule compete, then they bind to the same epitope (or epitopes
sufficiently proximal) such that binding of one binding molecule
interferes with binding of the other. The preferred isotype for
such binding molecules is mouse isotype IgG2a or equivalent isotype
in other species. Mouse isotype IgG2a is the equivalent of human
isotype IgG1.
[0216] In another embodiment, DNA encoding a binding molecule may
be readily isolated and sequenced using conventional procedures
(e.g., by using oligonucleotide probes that are capable of binding
specifically to genes encoding the heavy and light chains of murine
binding molecules). The isolated and subcloned hybridoma cells
serve as a preferred source of such DNA. Once isolated, the DNA may
be placed into expression vectors, which are then transfected into
prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells such as E. coli cells, simian
COS cells, Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells or myeloma cells that
do not otherwise produce immunoglobulins. More particularly, the
isolated DNA (which may be synthetic as described herein) may be
used to clone constant and variable region sequences for the
manufacture of binding molecules as described in Newman et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,570, filed Jan. 25, 1995, which is incorporated
by reference herein. Essentially, this entails extraction of RNA
from the selected cells, conversion to cDNA, and amplification by
PCR using Ig specific primers. Suitable primers for this purpose
are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,570. Transformed cells
expressing the desired antibody may be produced in relatively large
quantities to provide clinical and commercial supplies of the
binding molecule.
[0217] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that DNA
encoding binding molecules or fragments thereof (e.g., antigen
binding sites) may also be derived from antibody phage libraries,
e.g., using pd phage or Fd phagemid technology. Exemplary methods
are set forth, for example, in EP 368 684 B1; U.S. Pat. No.
5,969,108, Hoogenboom, H. R. and Chames. 2000. Immunol. Today
21:371; Nagy et al. 2002. Nat. Med. 8:801; Huie et al. 2001. Proc.
Natl. Acad Sci. USA 98:2682; Lui et al. 2002 J. Mol. Biol.
315:1063, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Several publications (e.g., Marks et al. Bio/Technology 10:779-783
(1992)) have described the production of high affinity human
binding molecules by chain shuffling, as well as combinatorial
infection and in vivo recombination as a strategy for constructing
large phage libraries. In another embodiment, Ribosomal display can
be used to replace bacteriophage as the display platform (see,
e.g., Hanes et al. 2000. Nat. Biotechnol. 18:1287; Wilson et al.
2001. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98:3750; or Irving et al. 2001 J.
Immunol. Methods 248:31. In yet another embodiment, cell surface
libraries can be screened for binding molecules (Boder et al. 2000.
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97:10701; Daugherty et al. 2000 J.
Immunol. Methods 243:211. Such procedures provide alternatives to
traditional hybridoma techniques for the isolation and subsequent
cloning of monoclonal binding molecules.
[0218] Yet other embodiments of the present invention comprise the
generation of human or substantially human binding molecules in
transgenic animals (e.g., mice) that are incapable of endogenous
immunoglobulin production (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,075,181,
5,939,598, 5,591,669 and 5,589,369 each of which is incorporated
herein by reference). For example, it has been described that the
homozygous deletion of the antibody heavy-chain joining region in
chimeric and germ-line mutant mice results in complete inhibition
of endogenous antibody production. Transfer of a human
immunoglobulin gene array to such germ line mutant mice will result
in the production of human binding molecules upon antigen
challenge. Another preferred means of generating human binding
molecules using SCID mice is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,811,524
which is incorporated herein by reference. It will be appreciated
that the genetic material associated with these human binding
molecules may also be isolated and manipulated as described
herein.
[0219] Yet another highly efficient means for generating
recombinant binding molecules is disclosed by Newman,
Biotechnology, 10: 1455-1460 (1992). Specifically, this technique
results in the generation of primatized binding molecules that
contain monkey variable domains and human constant sequences. This
reference is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
Moreover, this technique is also described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,658,570, 5,693,780 and 5,756,096 each of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
[0220] In another embodiment, lymphocytes can be selected by
micromanipulation and the variable genes isolated. For example,
peripheral blood mononuclear cells can be isolated from an
immunized mammal and cultured for about 7 days in vitro. The
cultures can be screened for specific IgGs that meet the screening
criteria. Cells from positive wells can be isolated. Individual
Ig-producing B cells can be isolated by FACS or by identifying them
in a complement-mediated hemolytic plaque assay. Ig-producing B
cells can be micromanipulated into a tube and the VH and VL genes
can be amplified using, e.g., RT-PCR. The VH and VL genes can be
cloned into an antibody expression vector and transfected into
cells (e.g., eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells) for expression.
[0221] Moreover, genetic sequences useful for producing the
polypeptides of the present invention may be obtained from a number
of different sources. For example, as discussed extensively above,
a variety of human antibody genes are available in the form of
publicly accessible deposits. Many sequences of antibodies and
antibody-encoding genes have been published and suitable antibody
genes can be chemically synthesized from these sequences using art
recognized techniques. Oligonucleotide synthesis techniques
compatible with this aspect of the invention are well known to the
skilled artisan and may be carried out using any of several
commercially available automated synthesizers. In addition, DNA
sequences encoding several types of heavy and light chains set
forth herein can be obtained through the services of commercial DNA
synthesis vendors. The genetic material obtained using any of the
foregoing methods may then be altered or synthetic to provide
obtain polypeptides of the present invention.
[0222] Alternatively, antibody-producing cell lines may be selected
and cultured using techniques well known to the skilled artisan.
Such techniques are described in a variety of laboratory manuals
and primary publications. In this respect, techniques suitable for
use in the invention as described below are described in Current
Protocols in Immunology, Coligan et al., Eds., Green Publishing
Associates and Wiley-Interscience, John Wiley and Sons, New York
(1991) which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety,
including supplements.
[0223] As is well known, RNA may be isolated from the original
hybridoma cells or from other transformed cells by standard
techniques, such as guanidinium isothiocyanate extraction and
precipitation followed by centrifugation or chromatography. Where
desirable, mRNA may be isolated from total RNA by standard
techniques such as chromatography on oligo dT cellulose. Suitable
techniques are familiar in the art.
[0224] In one embodiment, cDNAs that encode the light and the heavy
chains of the binding molecule may be made, either simultaneously
or separately, using reverse transcriptase and DNA polymerase in
accordance with well known methods. PCR may be initiated by
consensus constant region primers or by more specific primers based
on the published heavy and light chain DNA and amino acid
sequences. As discussed above, PCR also may be used to isolate DNA
clones encoding the binding molecule light and heavy chains. In
this case the libraries may be screened by consensus primers or
larger homologous probes, such as mouse constant region probes.
[0225] DNA, typically plasmid DNA, may be isolated from the cells
using techniques known in the art, restriction mapped and sequenced
in accordance with standard, well known techniques set forth in
detail, e.g., in the foregoing references relating to recombinant
DNA techniques. Of course, the DNA may be synthetic according to
the present invention at any point during the isolation process or
subsequent analysis.
[0226] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises or consists of an antigen binding fragment of an
antibody. The term "antigen-binding fragment" refers to a
polypeptide fragment of an immunoglobulin or antibody that binds
antigen or competes with intact antibody (i.e., with the intact
antibody from which they were derived) for antigen binding (i.e.,
specific binding). As used herein, the term "fragment" of an
antibody molecule includes antigen-binding fragments of antibodies,
for example, an antibody light chain (VL), an antibody heavy chain
(VH), a single chain antibody (scFv), a F(ab')2 fragment, a Fab
fragment, an Fd fragment, an Fv fragment, and a single domain
antibody fragment (DAb). Fragments can be obtained, e.g., via
chemical or enzymatic treatment of an intact or complete antibody
or antibody chain or by recombinant means.
[0227] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention is an
engineered or modified antibody. Engineered forms of antibodies
include, for example, minibodies, diabodies, diabodies fused to CH3
molecules, tetravalent antibodies, intradiabodies (e.g., Jendreyko
et al. 2003. J. Biol. Chem. 278:47813), bispecific antibodies,
fusion proteins (e.g., antibody cytokine fusion proteins) or,
bispecific antibodies. Other immunoglobulins (Ig) and certain
variants thereof are described, for example in U.S. Pat. No.
4,745,055; EP 256,654; Faulkner et al., Nature 298:286 (1982); EP
120,694; EP 125,023; Morrison, J. Immun. 123:793 (1979); Kohler et
al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:2197 (1980); Raso et al., Cancer
Res. 41:2073 (1981); Morrison et al., Ann. Rev. Immunol. 2:239
(1984); Morrison, Science 229:1202 (1985); Morrison et al., Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:6851 (1984); EP 255,694; EP 266,663; and WO
88/03559. Reassorted immunoglobulin chains also are known. See, for
example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,444,878; WO 88/03565; and EP 68,763 and
references cited therein.
[0228] In one embodiment, the modified antibodies of the invention
are minibodies. Minibodies are dimeric molecules made up of two
polypeptide chains each comprising an ScFv molecule (a single
polypeptide comprising one or more antigen binding sites, e.g., a
VL domain linked by a flexible linker to a VH domain fused to a CH3
domain via a connecting peptide.
[0229] ScFv molecules can be constructed in a VH-linker-VL
orientation or VL-linker-VH orientation.
[0230] The flexible hinge that links the VL and VH domains that
make up the antigen binding site preferably comprises from about 10
to about 50 amino acid residues. An exemplary connecting peptide
for this purpose is (Gly4Ser)3 (SEQ ID NO:20) (Huston et al. 1988.
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879). Other connecting peptides are
known in the art.
[0231] Methods of making single chain antibodies are well known in
the art, e.g., Ho et al. 1989. Gene 77:51; Bird et al. 1988 Science
242:423; Pantoliano et al. 1991. Biochemistry 30:10117; Milenic et
al. 1991. Cancer Research 51:6363; Takkinen et al. 1991. Protein
Engineering 4:837.
[0232] Minibodies can be made by constructing an ScFv component and
connecting peptide-CH3 component using methods described in the art
(see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,821 or WO 94/09817A1). These
components can be isolated from separate plasmids as restriction
fragments and then ligated and recloned into an appropriate vector.
Appropriate assembly can be verified by restriction digestion and
DNA sequence analysis.
[0233] Diabodies are similar to scFv molecules, but usually have a
short (less than 10 and preferably 1-5) amino acid residue linker
connecting both V-domains, such that the VL and VH domains on the
same polypeptide chain can not interact. Instead, the VL and VH
domain of one polypeptide chain interact with the VH and VL domain
(respectively) on a second polypeptide chain (WO 02/02781). In one
embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention is a diabody fused
to at least one heavy chain portion. In a preferred embodiment, a
binding molecule of the invention is a diabody fused to a CH3
domain.
[0234] Other forms of modified antibodies are also within the scope
of the instant invention (e.g., WO 02/02781 A1; U.S. Pat. No.
5,959,083; 6,476,198 B1; US 2002/0103345 A1; WO 00/06605; Byrn et
al. 1990. Nature. 344:667-70; Chamow and Ashkenazi. 1996. Trends
Biotechnol. 14:52).
[0235] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention
comprises an immunoglobulin constant region. It is known in the art
that the constant region mediates several effector functions. For
example, binding of the C1 component of complement to binding
molecules activates the complement system. Activation of complement
is important in the opsonisation and lysis of cell pathogens. The
activation of complement also stimulates the inflammatory response
and may also be involved in autoimmune hypersensitivity. Further,
binding molecules bind to cells via the Fc region, with a Fc
receptor site on the binding molecule Fc region binding to a Fc
receptor (FcR) on a cell. There are a number of Fc receptors which
are specific for different classes of binding molecule, including
IgG (gamma receptors), IgE (epsilon receptors), IgA (alpha
receptors) and IgM (mu receptors). Binding of binding molecule to
Fc receptors on cell surfaces triggers a number of important and
diverse biological responses including engulfment and destruction
of binding molecule-coated particles, clearance of immune
complexes, lysis of binding molecule-coated target cells by killer
cells (called antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, or
ADCC), release of inflammatory mediators, placental transfer and
control of immunoglobulin production.
[0236] In one embodiment, effector functions may be eliminated or
reduced by using a constant region of an IgG4 binding molecule,
which is thought to be unable to deplete target cells, or making Fe
variants, wherein residues in the Fc region critical for effector
function(s) are mutated using techniques known in the art, for
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,097. For example, the deletion or
inactivation (through point mutations or other means) of a constant
region domain may reduce Fc receptor binding of the circulating
modified binding molecule thereby increasing tumor localization. In
other cases it may be that constant region modifications consistent
with the instant invention moderate compliment binding and thus
reduce the serum half life and nonspecific association of a
conjugated cytotoxin. Yet other modifications of the constant
region may be used to modify disulfide linkages or oligosaccharide
moieties that allow for enhanced localization due to increased
antigen specificity or binding molecule flexibility. More
generally, those skilled in the art will realize that binding
molecules modified as described herein may exert a number of subtle
effects that may or may not be readily appreciated. However the
resulting physiological profile, bioavailability and other
biochemical effects of the modifications, such as tumor
localization, biodistribution and serum half-life, may easily be
measured and quantified using well know immunological techniques
without undue experimentation.
[0237] In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention can
be derivatized or linked to another functional molecule (e.g.,
another peptide or protein). Accordingly, a binding molecule of the
invention include derivatized and otherwise modified forms of the
anti-ILT3 binding molecules described herein, including
immunoadhesion molecules. For example, a binding molecule of the
invention can be functionally linked (by chemical coupling, genetic
fusion, noncovalent association or otherwise) to one or more other
molecular entities, such as another binding molecule (e.g., a
bispecific antibody or a diabody), a detectable agent, a cytotoxic
agent, a pharmaceutical agent, and/or a protein or peptide that can
mediate association of the binding molecule with another molecule
(such as a streptavidin core region or a polyhistidine tag).
[0238] One type of derivatized binding molecule is produced by
crosslinking two or more binding molecules (of the same type or of
different types, e.g., to create bispecific antibodies). Suitable
crosslinkers include those that are heterobifunctional, having two
distinctly reactive groups separated by an appropriate spacer
(e.g., m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester) or
homobifunctional (e.g., disuccinimidyl suberate). Such linkers are
available from Pierce Chemical Company, Rockford, Ill.
[0239] Useful detectable agents with which a binding molecule of
the invention may be derivatized include fluorescent compounds.
Exemplary fluorescent detectable agents include fluorescein,
fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine,
5-dimethylamine-1-napthalenesulfonyl chloride, phycoerythrin and
the like. A binding molecule may also be derivatized with
detectable enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase, horseradish
peroxidase, glucose oxidase and the like. When a binding molecule
is derivatized with a detectable enzyme, it is detected by adding
additional reagents that the enzyme uses to produce a detectable
reaction product. For example, when the detectable agent
horseradish peroxidase is present, the addition of hydrogen
peroxide and diaminobenzidine leads to a colored reaction product,
which is detectable. A binding molecule may also be derivatized
with biotin, and detected through indirect measurement of avidin or
streptavidin binding.
IV. Expression of Binding Molecules
[0240] A binding molecule of the invention can be prepared by
recombinant expression of immunoglobulin light and heavy chain
genes in a host cell. To express a binding molecule recombinantly,
a host cell is transfected with one or more recombinant expression
vectors carrying DNA fragments encoding the immunoglobulin light
and heavy chains of the binding molecule such that the light and
heavy chains are expressed in the host cell and, preferably,
secreted into the medium in which the host cells are cultured, from
which medium a binding molecule can be recovered. Standard
recombinant DNA methodologies are used to obtain antibody heavy and
light chain genes, incorporate these genes into recombinant
expression vectors, and introduce the vectors into host cells, such
as those described in Sambrook, Fritsch and Maniatis (eds),
Molecular Cloning; A Laboratory Manual, Second Edition, Cold Spring
Harbor, N.Y., (1989), Ausubel, F. M. et al. (eds.) Current
Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Publishing Associates,
(1989) and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,397 by Boss, et al.
[0241] To express a binding molecule of the invention, DNAs
encoding partial or full-length light and heavy chains may be
inserted into expression vectors such that the genes are
operatively linked to transcriptional and translational control
sequences. In this context, the term "operatively linked" means
that a binding molecule gene is ligated into a vector such that
transcriptional and translational control sequences within the
vector serve their intended function of regulating the
transcription and translation of the binding molecule gene. In one
embodiment, the expression vector and expression control sequences
are chosen to be compatible with the expression host cell used. The
binding molecule light chain gene and the binding molecule heavy
chain gene may be inserted into separate vector or, more typically,
both genes are inserted into the same expression vector. The
binding molecule genes may be inserted into the expression vector
by standard methods (e.g., ligation of complementary restriction
sites on the binding molecule gene fragment and vector, or blunt
end ligation if no restriction sites are present). Prior to
insertion of the binding molecule light or heavy chain sequences,
the expression vector may already carry binding molecule constant
region sequences. For example, one approach to converting VH and VL
sequences to full-length binding molecule genes is to insert them
into expression vectors already encoding heavy chain constant and
light chain constant regions, respectively, such that the VH
segment is operatively linked to the CH segment(s) within the
vector and the VL segment is operatively linked to the CL segment
within the vector. Additionally or alternatively, the recombinant
expression vector can encode a signal peptide that facilitates
secretion of the binding molecule chain from a host cell. The
binding molecule chain gene can be cloned into the vector such that
the signal peptide is linked in-frame to the amino terminus of the
binding molecule chain gene. The signal peptide can be an
immunoglobulin signal peptide or a heterologous signal peptide
(i.e., a signal peptide from a non-immunoglobulin protein).
[0242] In addition to the binding molecule chain genes, the
recombinant expression vectors of the invention carry regulatory
sequences that control the expression of the binding molecule chain
genes in a host cell. The term "regulatory sequence" includes
promoters, enhancers and other expression control elements (e.g.,
polyadenylation signals) that control the transcription or
translation of the binding molecule chain genes. Such regulatory
sequences are described, for example, in Goeddel; Gene Expression
Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego,
Calif. (1990). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that the design of the expression vector, including the selection
of regulatory sequences may depend on such factors as the choice of
the host cell to be transformed, the level of expression of protein
desired, etc. Preferred regulatory sequences for mammalian host
cell expression include viral elements that direct high levels of
protein expression in mammalian cells, such as promoters and/or
enhancers derived from cytomegalovirus (CMV) (such as the CMV
promoter/enhancer), Simian Virus 40 (SV40) (such as the SV40
promoter/enhancer), adenovirus, (e.g., the adenovirus major late
promoter (AdMLP) and polyoma. For further description of viral
regulatory elements, and sequences thereof, see e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
5,168,062 by Stinski, U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,245 by Bell et al. and
U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,615 by Schaffner, et al.
[0243] In addition to the binding molecule chain genes and
regulatory sequences, the recombinant expression vectors of the
invention may carry additional sequences, such as sequences that
regulate replication of the vector in host cells (e.g., origins of
replication) and selectable marker genes. The selectable marker
gene facilitates selection of host cells into which the vector has
been introduced (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,399,216, 4,634,665 and
5,179,017, all by Axel et al.). For example, typically the
selectable marker gene confers resistance to drugs, such as G418,
hygromycin or methotrexate, on a host cell into which the vector
has been introduced. Preferred selectable marker genes include the
dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene (for use in dhfr.sup.- host
cells with methotrexate selection/amplification) and the neo gene
(for G418 selection).
[0244] For expression of the light and heavy chains, the expression
vector(s) encoding the binding molecule heavy and light chains is
transfected into a host cell by standard techniques. The various
forms of the term "transfection" are intended to encompass a wide
variety of techniques commonly used for the introduction of
exogenous DNA into a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cell, e.g.,
electroporation, calcium-phosphate precipitation, DEAE-dextran
transfection and the like. It is possible to express a binding
molecule of the invention in either prokaryotic or eukaryotic host
cells, expression of binding molecules in eukaryotic cells, and
most preferably mammalian host cells, is the most preferred because
such eukaryotic cells, and in particular mammalian cells, are more
likely than prokaryotic cells to assemble and secrete a properly
folded and immunologically active binding molecule.
[0245] Commonly, expression vectors contain selection markers
(e.g., ampicillin-resistance, hygromycin-resistance, tetracycline
resistance or neomycin resistance) to permit detection of those
cells transformed with the desired DNA sequences (see, e.g.,
Itakura et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,362).
[0246] E. coli is one prokaryotic host particularly useful for
cloning the polynucleotides (e.g., DNA sequences) of the present
invention. Other microbial hosts suitable for use include bacilli,
such as Bacillus subtilus, and other enterobacteriaceae, such as
Salmonella, Serratia, and various Pseudomonas species. In these
prokaryotic hosts, one can also make expression vectors, which will
typically contain expression control sequences compatible with the
host cell (e.g., an origin of replication). In addition, any number
of a variety of well-known promoters will be present, such as the
lactose promoter system, a tryptophan (trp) promoter system, a
beta-lactamase promoter system, or a promoter system from phage
lambda. The promoters will typically control expression, optionally
with an operator sequence, and have ribosome binding site sequences
and the like, for initiating and completing transcription and
translation.
[0247] Other microbes, such as yeast, are also useful for
expression. Saccharomyces is a preferred yeast host, with suitable
vectors having expression control sequences (e.g., promoters), an
origin of replication, termination sequences and the like as
desired. Typical promoters include 3-phosphoglycerate kinase and
other glycolytic enzymes. Inducible yeast promoters include, among
others, promoters from alcohol dehydrogenase, isocytochrome C, and
enzymes responsible for maltose and galactose utilization.
[0248] In addition to microorganisms, mammalian tissue cell culture
may also be used to express and produce the polypeptides of the
present invention (e.g., polynucleotides encoding binding
molecules). See Winnacker, From Genes to Clones, VCH Publishers,
N.Y., N.Y. (1987). Eukaryotic cells are actually preferred, because
a number of suitable host cell lines capable of secreting
heterologous proteins (e.g., intact binding molecules) have been
developed in the art, and include CHO cell lines, various Cos cell
lines, HeLa cells, myeloma cell lines, or transformed B-cells or
hybridomas. Preferably, the cells are nonhuman. Expression vectors
for these cells can include expression control sequences, such as
an origin of replication, a promoter, and an enhancer (Queen et
al., Immunol. Rev. 89:49 (1986)), and necessary processing
information sites, such as ribosome binding sites, RNA splice
sites, polyadenylation sites, and transcriptional terminator
sequences. Preferred expression control sequences are promoters
derived from immunoglobulin genes, SV40, adenovirus, bovine
papilloma virus, cytomegalovirus and the like. See Co et al., J.
Immunol. 148:1149 (1992).
[0249] Alternatively, binding molecule-coding sequences can be
incorporated in transgenes for introduction into the genome of a
transgenic animal and subsequent expression in the milk of the
transgenic animal (see, e.g., Deboer et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,741,957, Rosen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,489, and Meade et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 5,849,992). Suitable transgenes include coding sequences
for light and/or heavy chains in operable linkage with a promoter
and enhancer from a mammary gland specific gene, such as casein or
beta lactoglobulin.
[0250] Preferred mammalian host cells for expressing the
recombinant binding molecules of the invention include Chinese
Hamster Ovary (CHO cells) (including dhfr- CHO cells, described in
Urlaub and Chasin, (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:4216-4220,
used with a DHFR selectable marker, e.g., as described in R. J.
Kaufman and P. A. Sharp (1982) Mol. Biol. 159:601-621), NS0 myeloma
cells, COS cells and SP2 cells. When recombinant expression vectors
encoding binding molecule genes are introduced into mammalian host
cells, binding molecules are produced by culturing the host cells
for a period of time sufficient to allow for expression of the
binding molecule in the host cells or, more preferably, secretion
of the binding molecule into the culture medium in which the host
cells are grown. Binding molecules can be recovered from the
culture medium using standard protein purification methods.
[0251] The vectors containing the polynucleotide sequences of
interest (e.g., the binding molecule heavy and light chain encoding
sequences and expression control sequences) can be transferred into
the host cell by well-known methods, which vary depending on the
type of cellular host. For example, calcium chloride transfection
is commonly utilized for prokaryotic cells, whereas calcium
phosphate treatment, electroporation, lipofection, biolistics or
viral-based transfection may be used for other cellular hosts. (See
generally Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual
(Cold Spring Harbor Press, 2nd ed., 1989) (incorporated by
reference in its entirety for all purposes). Other methods used to
transform mammalian cells include the use of polybrene, protoplast
fusion, liposomes, electroporation, and microinjection (see
generally, Sambrook et al., supra). For production of transgenic
animals, transgenes can be microinjected into fertilized oocytes,
or can be incorporated into the genome of embryonic stem cells, and
the nuclei of such cells transferred into enucleated oocytes.
[0252] When heavy and light chains are cloned on separate
expression vectors, the vectors are co-transfected to obtain
expression and assembly of intact immunoglobulins. Once expressed,
the whole binding molecules, their dimers, individual light and
heavy chains, or other immunoglobulin forms of the present
invention can be purified according to standard procedures of the
art, including ammonium sulfate precipitation, affinity columns,
column chromatography, HPLC purification, gel electrophoresis and
the like (see generally Scopes, Protein Purification
(Springer-Verlag, N.Y., (1982)). Substantially pure binding
molecules of at least about 90 to 95% homogeneity are preferred,
and 98 to 99% or more homogeneity most preferred, for
pharmaceutical uses.
[0253] Host cells can also be used to produce portions of intact
binding molecules, such as Fab fragments or scFv molecules. It will
be understood that variations on the above procedure are within the
scope of the present invention. For example, it may be desirable to
transfect a host cell with DNA encoding either the light chain or
the heavy chain (but not both) of a binding molecule of this
invention. Recombinant DNA technology may also be used to remove
some or all of the DNA encoding either or both of the light and
heavy chains that is not necessary for binding to ILT3. The
molecules expressed from such truncated DNA molecules are also
encompassed by a binding molecule of the invention. In addition,
bifunctional binding molecules may be produced in which one heavy
and one light chain are a binding molecule of the invention and the
other heavy and light chain are specific for an antigen other than
ILT3 by crosslinking a binding molecule of the invention to a
second binding molecule by standard chemical crosslinking
methods.
[0254] In view of the foregoing, another aspect of the invention
pertains to nucleic acid, vector and host cell compositions that
can be used for recombinant expression of the binding molecules of
the invention. The nucleotide sequence encoding the 9B11 light
chain variable region is shown in SEQ ID NO: 10. The CDR1 domain of
the VL encompasses nucleotides 130-162, the CDR2 domain encompasses
nucleotides 208-228, and the CDR3 domain encompasses nucleotides
325-351 of SEQ ID NO:10. The nucleotide sequence encoding the 9B11
heavy chain variable region is also shown in SEQ ID NO: 9. The CDR1
domain of the VH encompasses nucleotides 133-162, the CDR2 domain
encompasses nucleotides 205-255, and the CDR3 domain encompasses
nucleotides 352-372 of SEQ ID NO:9. It will be appreciated by the
skilled artisan that nucleotide sequences encoding 9B11-related
binding molecule can be derived from the nucleotide sequences
encoding the 9B11 LCVR and HCVR using the genetic code and standard
molecular biology techniques.
[0255] In one embodiment, the invention provides isolated nucleic
acids encoding a 9B11-related CDR domain, e.g., comprising an amino
acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 3,
SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, and SEQ ID
NO: 8.
[0256] In still another embodiment, the invention provides an
isolated nucleic acid encoding a binding molecule light chain
variable region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2,
although the skilled artisan will appreciate that due to the
degeneracy of the genetic code, other nucleotide sequences can
encode the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. The nucleic acid
can encode only the VL or can also encode a binding molecule light
chain constant region, operatively linked to the VL. In one
embodiment, this nucleic acid is in a recombinant expression
vector.
[0257] In still another embodiment, the invention provides an
isolated nucleic acid encoding a binding molecule heavy chain
variable region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1,
although the skilled artisan will appreciate that due to the
degeneracy of the genetic code, other nucleotide sequences can
encode the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. The nucleic acid
can encode only the VH or can also encode a heavy chain constant
region, operatively linked to the VH. For example, the nucleic acid
can comprise an IgG1 or IgG2 constant region. In one embodiment,
this nucleic acid is in a recombinant expression vector.
[0258] The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors
encoding a binding molecule heavy chain and/or a binding molecule
light chain. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides
a recombinant expression vector encoding: [0259] a) a binding
molecule light chain having a variable region comprising the amino
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and [0260] b) a binding molecule
heavy chain having a variable region comprising the amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.
[0261] In another embodiment, the invention provides a recombinant
expression vector encoding: [0262] a) a binding molecule light
chain having a variable region comprising the amino acid sequence
of SEQ ID NO: 28; and [0263] b) a binding molecule heavy chain
having a variable region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ
ID NO: 29.
[0264] In one embodiment, the invention provides a recombinant
expression vector encoding: [0265] a) a binding molecule light
chain having a variable region comprising the amino acid sequence
of SEQ ID NO: 25; and [0266] b) a binding molecule heavy chain
having a variable region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ
ID NO: 26.
[0267] In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a
recombinant expression vector encoding: [0268] a) a binding
molecule light chain having a variable region comprising the amino
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; and [0269] b) a binding molecule
heavy chain having a variable region comprising the amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27.
[0270] In another embodiment, the invention provides a recombinant
expression vector encoding: [0271] a) a binding molecule light
chain having a variable region comprising the amino acid sequence
of SEQ ID NO: 33; and [0272] b) a binding molecule heavy chain
having a variable region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ
ID NO: 34. [0273] In yet another embodiment, the invention provides
a recombinant expression vector encoding: [0274] a) a binding
molecule light chain having a variable region comprising the amino
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33; and [0275] b) a binding molecule
heavy chain having a variable region comprising the amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35.
[0276] The invention also provides host cells into which one or
more of the recombinant expression vectors of the invention have
been introduced. Preferably, the host cell is a mammalian host
cell.
[0277] Still further the invention provides a method of
synthesizing a recombinant binding molecule of the invention by
culturing a host cell of the invention in a suitable culture medium
until a recombinant binding molecule of the invention is
synthesized. The method can further comprise isolating the
recombinant binding molecule from the culture medium.
V. Uses of the Binding Molecules of the Invention
[0278] Given their ability to bind to ILT3, the binding molecules
of the invention can be used to detect ILT3 (e.g., in a biological
sample, such as serum or plasma), using a conventional immunoassay,
such as an enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), an
radioimmunoassay (RIA) or tissue immunohistochemistry. The
invention provides a method for detecting hILT3 in a biological
sample comprising contacting a biological sample with a binding
molecule of the invention and detecting either the binding molecule
bound to hILT3 or unbound binding molecule, to thereby detect hILT3
in the biological sample. The binding molecule is directly or
indirectly labeled with a detectable substance to facilitate
detection of the bound or unbound binding molecule. Suitable
detectable substances include various enzymes, prosthetic groups,
fluorescent materials, luminescent materials and radioactive
materials. Examples of suitable enzymes include horseradish
peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, .beta.-galactosidase, or
acetylcholinesterase; examples of suitable prosthetic group
complexes include streptavidin/biotin and avidin/biotin; examples
of suitable fluorescent materials include umbelliferone,
fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine,
dichlorotriazinylamine fluorescein, dansyl chloride or
phycoerythrin; an example of a luminescent material includes
luminol; and examples of suitable radioactive material include
.sup.125I, .sup.131I, .sup.35S or .sup.3H.
[0279] Alternative to labeling the binding molecule, hILT3 can be
assayed in biological fluids by a competition immunoassay utilizing
ILT3 standards labeled with a detectable substance and an unlabeled
anti-hILT3 binding molecule. In this assay, the biological sample,
the labeled ILT3 standards and the anti-hILT3 binding molecule are
combined and the amount of labeled ILT3 standard bound to the
unlabeled binding molecule is determined. The amount of hILT3 in
the biological sample is inversely proportional to the amount of
labeled ILT3 standard bound to the anti-hILT3 binding molecule.
[0280] An anti-ILT3 binding molecule of the invention can also be
used to detect ILT3s from species other than humans, in particular
ILT3s from primates (e.g., chimpanzee, baboon, marmoset, cynomolgus
and rhesus).
Methods of Downmodulating Immune Responses In Vitro and In Vivo
[0281] As described in the appended examples, the binding molecules
of the invention can be used as immunoinhibitory compositions in
vitro to inhibit immune cell activation, such as an alloimmune
response (e.g., an MLC), by cells. In one embodiment, cells are
treated with an ILT-3 binding molecule in vitro, e.g., for one,
two, three, four, five, six, seven days, e.g., to reduce their
state of activation prior to their infusion into a subject.
[0282] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention provides a
method for modulating, e.g., downmodulating, immune cell
activation, e.g., an alloimmune response, in vitro. In another
embodiment, the invention provides a method of downmodulating
immune cell activation in vivo comprising introducing cells treated
in vitro with an ILT-3 binding molecule into a subject. Modulation
of an alloimmune response can be assayed using art recognized
techniques, for example, by measuring the ability of the binding
molecule to modulate the proliferative ability of T cells, e.g., in
a mixed lymphocyte reaction.
[0283] The binding molecules of the invention may also be used to
downmodulate the production of inflammatory cytokines, e.g.,
IL12p40, IL12p70, and TNF.alpha., by DC, e.g., MDDC, in vitro,
e.g., prior to introduction into a subject. Downmodulation of
inflammatory cytokine production by DC can be assayed, for example,
by ELISA.
[0284] In another embodiment, the binding molecules of the
invention may also be used to downmodulate the upregulation of
costimulatory molecules, e.g., CD86, CD80, CD83, and HLA-DR, by DC,
e.g., MDDC, in vitro, e.g., prior to introduction into a subject.
Downmodulation of the upregulation of costimulatory molecules by DC
can be assayed, for example, by FACs analysis.
[0285] In yet another embodiment, the binding molecules of the
invention may also be used to downmodulate calcium flux in
monocytes in vitro, e.g., prior to their introduction into a
subject. Calcium flux in monocytes can be measured, for example, by
FACs analysis or by calcium-chelation luminescence
spectrophotometry. See for example, Rabin, et al. (1999) J Immunol.
162:3840-3850, Youn, B. S., et al. (1998) Blood 91:3118, and Youn,
B. S., et al. (1997) J. Immunol. 159:5201, the contents of each of
these references is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0286] In one embodiment, the binding molecules of the invention
may be used to upregulate the expression of inhibitory receptors on
a cell, such as a dendritic cell, e.g., an immature dendritic cell.
Exemplary inhibitory receptors whose expression is upregulated by
the binding molecules of the invention include, but are not limited
to, CD200R, CD40L and IDO (indolamine).
[0287] In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for
preventing in a subject, a disease or condition associated with
unwanted immune cell activation comprising treating cells in vitro
with an ILT-3 binding agent and introducing them into a compatible
subject or reintroducing them into the same subject. Subjects at
risk for a disease that would benefit from treatment with the
claimed agents or methods can be identified, for example, by any or
a combination of diagnostic or prognostic assays known in the art.
Administration of a prophylactic agent can occur prior to the
manifestation of symptoms associated with an unwanted or less than
desirable immune response.
[0288] Diseases or pathological conditions that would benefit from
downmodulating the activity of ILT3 on APC, e.g., monocytes,
macrophages, and DC, e.g., MDDC, include situations of tissue, skin
and organ transplantation or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). For
example, blockage of immune cell activation results in reduced
tissue destruction in tissue transplantation. Typically, in tissue
transplants, rejection of the transplant is initiated through its
recognition as foreign by immune cells, followed by an immune
reaction that destroys the transplant. The cells treated in vitro
with an anti-ILT3 binding molecule can be administered alone or in
conjunction with another agent which downmodulates immune cell
activation, prior to or at the time of transplantation to reduce
immune cell activation to the transplant (e.g., hormonal therapy,
immunotherapy, e.g., immunosuppressive therapy, antibiotics, and
immunoglobulin). Generally, administration of products of a species
origin or species reactivity (in the case of binding molecules)
that is the same species as that of the patient is preferred. It
may also be desirable to block the costimulatory function of other
polypeptides. For example, it may be desirable to block the
function of B7-1, B7-2, or B7-1 and B7-2 by administering a soluble
form of a combination of peptides having an activity of each of
these antigens, blocking antibodies against these antigens or
blocking small molecules (separately or together in a single
composition) prior to or at the time of transplantation. Other
downmodulatory agents that can be used in connection with the
downmodulatory methods of the invention include, for example,
agents that transmit an inhibitory signal via CTLA4, soluble forms
of CTLA4, antibodies that activate an inhibitory signal via CTLA4,
blocking antibodies against other immune cell markers or soluble
forms of other receptor ligand pairs (e.g., agents that disrupt the
interaction between CD40 and CD40 ligand (e.g., anti CD40 ligand
antibodies)), antibodies against cytokines, or immunosuppressive
drugs.
[0289] Moreover, modulation of ILT3, and/or inhibition of
costimulatory signals, and/or upregulation of other inhibitory
receptors, may also be sufficient to anergize the immune cells,
thereby inducing tolerance in a subject. Induction of long-term
tolerance by modulating ILT3 may avoid the necessity of repeated
administration of these blocking reagents.
[0290] Accordingly, the methods of the invention can be used to
treat a subject suffering from a disorder, which method comprises
contacting a cell from a subject with a binding molecule of the
invention such that an immune response is downmodulated.
Preferably, the subject is a human subject. Alternatively, the
subject can be a mammal expressing ILT3 with which a binding
molecule of the invention cross-reacts.
Methods of Upmodulating Immune Responses In Vivo
[0291] As described in the appended examples, the binding molecules
of the invention can be used as immunostimulatory compositions,
e.g., alone or as part of a vaccine, to promote B cell, and/or T
cell activation, e.g., either Th1 or Th2 cell activation, in a
subject. That is, the binding molecules of the invention can serve
as adjuvants used in combination with an antigen of interest to
enhance an immune response to that antigen of interest in vivo. For
example, to stimulate an antibody or cellular immune response to an
antigen of interest (e.g., for vaccination purposes), the antigen
and a binding molecules of the invention can be coadministered
(e.g., coadministered at the same time in the same or separate
compositions, or sequentially in time such that an enhanced immune
response occurs). The antigen of interest and the binding molecules
can be formulated together into a single pharmaceutical composition
or in separate compositions. In a preferred embodiment, the antigen
of interest and the binding molecule are administered
simultaneously to the subject. Alternatively, in certain situations
it may be desirable to administer the antigen first and then the
binding molecule or vice versa (for example, in the case of an
antigen that naturally evokes a Th1 response, it may be beneficial
to first administer the antigen alone to stimulate a Th1 response
and then administer a binding molecule, alone or together with a
boost of antigen, to shift the immune response to a Th2 response).
In preferred embodiments, an ILT3 binding molecule of the invention
is administered at the time of priming with antigen, i.e., at the
time of the first administration of antigen. For example, day -3,
-2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3. A particularly preferred day of
administration of an ILT3 binding molecule of the invention is day
-1.
[0292] In one embodiment, an ILT-3 binding molecule is administered
with an antigen of interest. An antigen of interest is one to which
an immune response is desired. For example, one capable of
providing protection in subject against challenge by an infectious
agent from which the antigen was derived. In another embodiment,
the invention pertains to administration of an ILT-3 binding
molecule of the invention to increase immune responses without
having to administer an antigen.
[0293] Exemplary antigens of interest therefore include those
derived from infectious agents, wherein an immune response directed
against the antigen serves to prevent or treat disease caused by
the agent. Such antigens include, but are not limited to, viral,
bacterial, fungal or parasite proteins and any other proteins,
glycoproteins, lipoprotein, glycolipids, and the like. Antigens of
interest also include those which provide benefit to a subject
which is at risk for acquiring or which is diagnosed as having a
tumor. The subject is preferably a mammal and most preferably, is a
human.
[0294] Typical antigens of interest may be classified as follows:
protein antigens, such as ceruloplasmin and serum albumin;
bacterial antigens, such as teichoic acids, flagellar antigens,
capsular polysaccharides, and extra-cellular bacterial products and
toxins; glycoproteins and glycolipids; viruses, such as animal,
plant, and bacterial viruses; conjugated and synthetic antigens,
such as proteinhapten conjugates, molecules expressed
preferentially by tumors, compared to normal tissue; synthetic
polypeptides; and nucleic acids, such as ribonucleic acid and
deoxyribonucleic acid. The term "infectious agent," as used herein,
includes any agent which expresses an antigen which elicits a host
cellular immune response. Non-limiting examples of viral antigens
which may be considered useful as include, but are not limited to,
the nucleoprotein (NP) of influenza virus and the Gag proteins of
HIV. Other heterologous antigens include, but are not limited to,
HIV Env protein or its component parts gp120 and gp41, HIV Nef
protein, and the HIV Pol proteins, reverse transcriptase and
protease. In addition, other viral antigens such as Ebola virus
(EBOV) antigens, such as, for example, EBOV NP or glycoprotein
(GP), either full-length or GP deleted in the mucin region of the
molecule (Yang Z-Y, et al. (2000) Nat Med 6:886-9, 2000), small pox
antigens, hepatitis A, B or C virus, human rhinovirus such as type
2 or type 14, Herpes simplex virus, poliovirus type 2 or 3,
foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), rabies virus, rotavirus,
influenza virus, coxsackie virus, human papilloma virus (HPV), for
example the type 16 papilloma virus, the E7 protein thereof, and
fragments containing the E7 protein or its epitopes; and simian
immunodeficiency virus (SW) may be used. The antigens of interest
need not be limited to antigens of viral origin. Parasitic
antigens, such as, for example, malarial antigens are included, as
are fungal antigens, bacterial antigens and tumor antigens.
Examples of antigens derived from bacteria are those derived from
Bordetella pertussis (e.g., P69 protein and filamentous
haemagglutinin (FHA) antigens), Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus
anthracis, and E. coli antigens such as E. coli heat Labile toxin B
subunit (LT-B), E. coli K88 antigens, and enterotoxigenic E. coli
antigens. Other examples of antigens include Schistosoma mansoni
P28 glutathione S-transferase antigens (P28 antigens) and antigens
of flukes, mycoplasma, roundworms, tapeworms, Chlamydia
trachomatis, and malaria parasites, e.g., parasites of the genus
plasmodium or babesia, for example Plasmodium falciparum, and
peptides encoding immunogenic epitopes from the aforementioned
antigens.
[0295] By the term "tumor-related antigen," as used herein, is
meant an antigen which affects tumor growth or metastasis in a host
organism. The tumor-related antigen may be an antigen expressed by
a tumor cell, or it may be an antigen which is expressed by a
non-tumor cell, but which when so expressed, promotes the growth or
metastasis of tumor cells. The types of tumor antigens and
tumor-related antigens include any known or heretofore unknown
tumor antigen, including, without limitation, the bcr/abl antigen
in leukemia, HPVE6 and E7 antigens of the oncogenic virus
associated with cervical cancer, the MAGE1 and MZ2-E antigens in or
associated with melanoma, and the MVC-1 and HER-2 antigens in or
associated with breast cancer.
[0296] An infection, disease or disorder which may be treated or
prevented by the administration of a composition of the invention
includes any infection, disease or disorder wherein a host immune
response acts to prevent the infection, disease or disorder.
Diseases, disorders, or infection which may be treated or prevented
by the administration of the compositions of the invention include,
but are not limited to, any infection, disease or disorder caused
by or related to a fungus, parasite, virus, or bacteria, diseases,
disorders or infections caused by or related to various agents used
in bioterrorism, listeriosis, Ebola virus, SARS, small pox,
hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, diseases and disorders
caused by human rhinovirus, HIV and AIDS, Herpes, polio,
foot-and-mouth disease, rabies, diseases or disorders caused by or
related to: rotavirus, influenza, coxsackie virus, human papilloma
virus, SIV, malaria, cancer, e.g., tumors, and diseases or
disorders caused by or related to infection by Bordetella
pertussis, Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus anthracis, E. coli, flukes,
mycoplasma, roundworms, tapeworms, Chlamydia trachomatis, and
malaria parasites, etc.
Immune Responses to Tumor Cells
[0297] Regulatory T cells play an important role in the maintenance
of immunological self-tolerance by suppressing immune responses
against autoimmune diseases and cancer. Accordingly, in one
embodiment, upmodulating an immune response would be beneficial for
enhancing an immune response in cancer. Therefore, the binding
molecules of the invention can be used in the treatment of
malignancies, to inhibit tumor growth or metastasis. The binding
molecules may be administered systemically or locally to the tumor
site.
[0298] In one embodiment, modulation of ILT3 function may be useful
in the induction of tumor immunity. An ILT3 binding molecule can be
administered to a patient having tumor cells (e.g., sarcoma,
melanoma, lymphoma, leukemia, neuroblastoma, carcinoma) to overcome
tumor-specific tolerance in the subject.
[0299] As used herein, the term "neoplastic disease" is
characterized by malignant tumor growth or in disease states
characterized by benign hyperproliferative and hyperplastic cells.
The common medical meaning of the term "neoplasia" refers to "new
cell growth" that results as a loss of responsiveness to normal
growth controls, e.g., neoplastic cell growth.
[0300] As used herein, the terms "hyperproliferative",
"hyperplastic", malignant" and "neoplastic" are used
interchangeably, and refer to those cells in an abnormal state or
condition characterized by rapid proliferation or neoplasia. The
terms are meant to include all types of hyperproliferative growth,
hyperplastic growth, cancerous growths or oncogenic processes,
metastatic tissues or malignantly transformed cells, tissues, or
organs, irrespective of histopathologic type or stage of
invasiveness. A "hyperplasia" refers to cells undergoing an
abnormally high rate of growth. However, as used herein, the terms
neoplasia and hyperplasia can be used interchangeably, as their
context will reveal, referring generally to cells experiencing
abnormal cell growth rates. Neoplasias and hyperplasias include
"tumors," which may be either benign, premalignant or
malignant.
[0301] The terms "neoplasia," "hyperplasia," and "tumor" are often
commonly referred to as "cancer," which is a general name for more
than 100 disease that are characterized by uncontrolled, abnormal
growth of cells. Examples of cancer include, but are not limited
to: breast; colon; non-small cell lung, head and neck; colorectal;
lung; prostate; ovary; renal; melanoma; and gastrointestinal (e.g.,
pancreatic and stomach) cancer; and osteogenic sarcoma.
[0302] In one embodiment, the cancer is selected from the group
consisting of: pancreatic cancer, melanomas, breast cancer, lung
cancer, bronchus cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer,
pancreas cancer, stomach cancer, ovarian cancer, urinary bladder
cancer, brain or central nervous system cancer, peripheral nervous
system cancer, esophageal cancer, cervical cancer, uterine or
endometrial cancer, cancer of the oral cavity or pharynx, liver
cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, biliary tract cancer,
small bowel or appendix cancer, salivary gland cancer, thyroid
gland cancer, adrenal gland cancer, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma,
cancer of hematological tissues.
Immune Responses to Infectious Agents
[0303] Upregulation of immune responses may be in the form of
enhancing an existing immune response or eliciting an initial
immune response. For example, enhancing an immune response by
modulation of ILT3 may be useful in cases of viral infection. As
anti-ILT3 binding molecules act to enhance immune responses, they
would be therapeutically useful in situations where more rapid or
thorough clearance of pathogenic agents, e.g., bacteria and viruses
would be beneficial.
[0304] As used herein, the term "viral infection" includes
infections with organisms including, but not limited to, HIV (e.g.,
HIV-1 and HIV-2), human herpes viruses, cytomegalovirus (esp.
Human), Rotavirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Varicella Zoster Virus,
hepatitis viruses, such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus,
hepatitis C virus and hepatitis E virus, paramyxoviruses:
Respiratory Syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, measles virus,
mumps virus, human papilloma viruses (for example HPV6, 11, 16, 18
and the like), flaviviruses (e.g. Yellow Fever Virus, Dengue Virus,
Tick-borne encephalitis virus, Japanese Encephalitis Virus) or
influenza virus.
[0305] As used herein, the term "bacterial infections" include
infections with a variety of bacterial organisms, including
gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Examples include, but are
not limited to, Neisseria spp, including N. gonorrhea and N.
meningitidis, Streptococcus spp, including S. pneumoniae, S.
pyogenes, S. agalactiae, S. mutans; Haemophilus spp, including H.
influenzae type B, non typeable H. influenzae, H. ducreyi;
Moraxella spp, including M catarrhalis, also known as Branhamella
catarrhalis; Bordetella spp, including B. pertussis, B.
parapertussis and B. bronchiseptica; Mycobacterium spp., including
M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, M. leprae, M. avium, M.
paratuberculosis, M. smegmatis; Legionella spp, including L.
pneumophila; Escherichia spp, including enterotoxic E. coli,
enterohemorragic E. coli, enteropathogenic E. coli; Vibrio spp,
including V. cholera, Shigella spp, including S. sonnei, S.
dysenteriae, S. flexnerii; Yersinia spp, including Y.
enterocolitica, Y. pestis, Y. pseudotuberculosis, Campylobacter
spp, including C. jejuni and C. coli; Salmonella spp, including S.
typhi, S. paratyphi, S. choleraesuis, S. enteritidis; Listeria
spp., including L. monocytogenes; Helicobacter spp, including H.
pylori; Pseudomonas spp, including P. aeruginosa, Staphylococcus
spp., including S. aureus, S. epidermidis; Enterococcus spp.,
including E. faecalis, E. faecium; Clostridium spp., including C.
tetani, C. botulinum, C. difficile; Bacillus spp., including B.
anthracis; Corynebacterium spp., including C. diphtheriae; Borrelia
spp., including B. burgdorferi, B. garinii, B. afzelii, B.
andersonii, B. hermsii; Ehrlichia spp., including E. equi and the
agent of the Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis; Rickettsia spp,
including R. rickettsii; Chlamydia spp., including C. trachomatis,
C. neumoniae, C. psittaci; Leptsira spp., including L. interrogans;
Treponema spp., including T. pallidum, T. denticola, T.
hyodysenteriae. Preferred bacteria include, but are not limited to,
Listeria, mycobacteria, mycobacteria (e.g., tuberculosis), Anthrax,
Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
[0306] In another embodiment, T cells can be removed from a
patient, and contacted in vitro with an anti-ILT3 binding molecule,
optionally with an activating signal (e.g., antigen plus APCs or a
polyclonal antibody) and reintroduced into the patient.
[0307] Anti- ILT3 binding molecules may also be used
prophylactically in vaccines against various pathogens. Immunity
against a pathogen, e.g., a virus, could be induced by vaccinating
with a viral protein along with an ILT3 binding molecule (as
described above). Alternately, an expression vector which encodes
genes for both a pathogenic antigen and an ILT3 binding molecule,
e.g., a vaccinia virus expression vector engineered to express a
nucleic acid encoding a viral protein and a nucleic acid encoding
an ILT3 binding molecule, can be used for vaccination. Pathogens
for which vaccines may be useful include, for example, hepatitis B,
hepatitis C, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, HIV-1, HIV-2,
tuberculosis, malaria and schistosomiasis.
[0308] The present invention further encompasses binding molecules
conjugated to a diagnostic or therapeutic agent. The binding
molecules can be used diagnostically to, for example, monitor the
development or progression of a tumor as part of a clinical testing
procedure to, e.g., determine the efficacy of a given treatment
regimen. Detection can be facilitated by coupling the antibody to a
detectable substance. Examples of detectable substances include
various enzymes, prosthetic groups, fluorescent materials,
luminescent materials, bioluminescent materials, radioactive
materials, positron emitting metals using various positron emission
tomographies, and nonradioactive paramagnetic metal ions. The
detectable substance may be coupled or conjugated either directly
to the binding molecule or indirectly, through an intermediate
(such as, for example, a linker known in the art) using techniques
known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,900 for
metal ions which can be conjugated to binding molecules for use as
diagnostics according to the present invention. Examples of
suitable enzymes include horseradish peroxidase, alkaline
phosphatase, beta-galactosidase, or acetylcholinesterase; examples
of suitable prosthetic group complexes include streptavidin/biotin
and avidin/biotin; examples of suitable fluorescent materials
include umbelliferone, fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate,
rhodamine, dichlorotriazinylamine fluorescein, dansyl chloride or
phycoerythrin; an example of a luminescent material includes
luminol; examples of bioluminescent materials include luciferase,
luciferin, and aequorin; and examples of suitable radioactive
material I.sup.125 I.sup.131, I.sup.111, In.sup.99 Tc.
[0309] Further, a binding molecule may be conjugated to a
therapeutic moiety such as a cytotoxin, e.g., a cytostatic or
cytocidal agent, a therapeutic agent or a radioactive metal ion,
e.g., alpha-emitters such as, for example, .sup.213Bi. A cytotoxin
or cytotoxic agent includes any agent that is detrimental to cells.
Examples include paclitaxol, cytochalasin B, gramicidin D, ethidium
bromide, emetine, mitomycin, etoposide, tenoposide, vincristine,
vinblastine, colchicin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, dihydroxy
anthracin dione, mitoxantrone, mithramycin, actinomycin D,
1-dehydrotestosterone, glucocorticoids, procaine, tetracaine,
lidocaine, propranolol, and puromycin and analogs or homologs
thereof. Therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to,
antimetabolites (e.g., methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine,
6-thioguanine, cytarabine, 5-fluorouracil decarbazine), alkylating
agents (e.g., mechlorethamine, thioepa chlorambucil, melphalan,
carnustine (BSNU) and lomustine (CCNU), cyclothosphamide, busulfan,
dibromomannitol, streptozotocin, mitomycin C, and
cis-dichlorodiamine platinum (II) (DDP) cisplatin), anthracyclines
(e.g., daunorubicin (formerly daunomycin) and doxorubicin),
antibiotics (e.g., dactinomycin (formerly actinomycin), bleomycin,
mithramycin, and anthramycin (AMC)), and anti-mitotic agents (e.g.,
vincristine and vinblastine).
[0310] The present invention is further directed to binding
molecule-based therapies which involve administering binding
molecules of the invention to an animal, preferably a mammal, and
most preferably a human, patient for treating, detecting, and/or
preventing one or more of the disclosed diseases, disorders, or
conditions. Therapeutic compounds of the invention include, but are
not limited to, binding molecules of the invention (including
analogs and derivatives thereof as described herein) and
anti-idiotypic binding molecules as described herein. The binding
molecules of the invention can be used to treat, diagnose, inhibit
or prevent diseases, disorders or conditions associated with
aberrant activity of ILT3, including, but not limited to, any one
or more of the diseases, disorders, or conditions described herein
(e.g., binding molecules of the invention may be provided in
pharmaceutically acceptable compositions as known in the art or as
described herein.
[0311] The binding molecules of this invention may be
advantageously utilized in combination with other monoclonal or
chimeric binding molecules, or with lymphokines or hematopoietic
growth factors (such as, e.g., IL-2, IL-3 and IL-7), for example,
which serve to increase the number or activity of effector cells
which interact with the binding molecules.
[0312] The binding molecules of the invention may be administered
alone or in combination with other types of treatments, e.g.,
immunostimulatory treatments or treatments designed to control the
proliferation of a target of activated immune cells (e.g., cancer
cells or pathogens). Exemplary therapies include e.g., radiation
therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy and
anti-tumor agents, antibiotics, and immunoglobulin. Generally,
administration of products of a species origin or species
reactivity (in the case of binding molecules) that is the same
species as that of the patient is preferred. Thus, in a preferred
embodiment, human binding molecules, derivatives, analogs, or
nucleic acids, are administered to a human patient for therapy or
prophylaxis.
[0313] A binding molecule of the invention can be administered to a
human subject for therapeutic purposes. Moreover, a binding
molecule of the invention can be administered to a non-human mammal
expressing ILT3 with which the binding molecule cross-reacts (e.g.,
a primate) for veterinary purposes or as an animal model of human
disease. Regarding the latter, such animal models may be useful for
evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of binding molecules of the
invention (e.g., testing of dosages and time courses of
administration).
[0314] The present invention is further directed to binding
molecule-based therapies which involve administering binding
molecules of the invention to an animal, preferably a mammal, and
most preferably a human, patient for treating, detecting, and/or
preventing one or more of the disclosed diseases, disorders, or
conditions. Therapeutic compounds of the invention include, but are
not limited to, binding molecules of the invention (including
analogs and derivatives thereof as described herein) and
anti-idiotypic binding molecules as described herein. The binding
molecules of the invention can be used to treat, diagnose, inhibit
or prevent diseases, disorders or conditions associated with
aberrant activity of ILT3, including, but not limited to, any one
or more of the diseases, disorders, or conditions described herein
(e.g., binding molecules of the invention may be provided in
pharmaceutically acceptable compositions as known in the art or as
described herein).
VI. Pharmaceutical Compositions
[0315] The binding molecules of the invention can be incorporated
into pharmaceutical compositions suitable for administration to a
subject. Typically, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a
binding molecule of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier. As used herein the language "pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier" is intended to include any and all solvents, dispersion
media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and
absorption delaying agents, and the like, compatible with
pharmaceutical administration. The use of such media and agents for
pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art. Except
insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the
active compound, use thereof in the compositions is contemplated.
Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporated into the
compositions.
[0316] A pharmaceutical composition of the invention is formulated
to be compatible with its intended route of administration.
Examples of routes of administration include parenteral, e.g.,
intravenous, intradermal, subcutaneous, oral (e.g., inhalation),
transdermal (topical), transmucosal, and rectal administration.
Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal, or
subcutaneous application can include the following components: a
sterile diluent such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed
oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other
synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or
methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium
bisulfite; chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic
acid; buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates and agents
for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose.
pH can be adjusted with acids or bases, such as hydrochloric acid
or sodium hydroxide. The parenteral preparation can be enclosed in
ampules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass
or plastic.
[0317] Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for injectable use
include sterile aqueous solutions (where water soluble) or
dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation
of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion. For intravenous
administration, suitable carriers include physiological saline,
bacteriostatic water, Cremophor EL.TM. (BASF, Parsippany, N.J.) or
phosphate buffered saline (PBS). In all cases, the composition must
be sterile and should be fluid to the extent that easy
syringeability exists. It must be stable under the conditions of
manufacture and storage and must be preserved against the
contaminating action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
The carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for
example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene
glycol, and liquid polyetheylene glycol, and the like), and
suitable mixtures thereof. The proper fluidity can be maintained,
for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the
maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion
and by the use of surfactants. Prevention of the action of
microorganisms can be achieved by various antibacterial and
antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol,
ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like. In many cases, it is
preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars,
polyalcohols such as manitol, sorbitol, and sodium chloride in the
composition. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions
can be brought about by including in the composition an agent which
delays absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and
gelatin.
[0318] Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by
incorporating the active compound in the required amount in an
appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients
enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization.
Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active
compound into a sterile vehicle which contains a basic dispersion
medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated
above. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of
sterile injectable solutions, the preferred methods of preparation
are vacuum drying and freeze-drying which yields a powder of the
active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a
previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.
[0319] Oral compositions generally include an inert diluent or an
edible carrier. They can be enclosed in gelatin capsules or
compressed into tablets. For the purpose of oral therapeutic
administration, the active compound can be incorporated with
excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules.
Oral compositions can also be prepared using a fluid carrier for
use as a mouthwash, wherein the compound in the fluid carrier is
applied orally and swished and expectorated or swallowed.
Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents, and/or adjuvant
materials can be included as part of the composition. The tablets,
pills, capsules, troches and the like can contain any of the
following ingredients, or compounds of a similar nature: a binder
such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; an
excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as
alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant such as
magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicon
dioxide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin; or a
flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, or orange
flavoring.
[0320] For administration by inhalation, the compounds are
delivered in the form of an aerosol spray from pressured container
or dispenser which contains a suitable propellant, e.g., a gas such
as carbon dioxide, or a nebulizer.
[0321] Systemic administration can also be by transmucosal or
transdermal means. For transmucosal or transdermal administration,
penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in
the formulation. Such penetrants are generally known in the art,
and include, for example, for transmucosal administration,
detergents, bile salts, and fusidic acid derivatives. Transmucosal
administration can be accomplished through the use of nasal sprays
or suppositories. For transdermal administration, the active
compounds are formulated into ointments, salves, gels, or creams as
generally known in the art.
[0322] The compounds can also be prepared in the form of
suppositories (e.g., with conventional suppository bases such as
cocoa butter and other glycerides) or retention enemas for rectal
delivery.
[0323] In one embodiment, the binding molecules of the invention
are prepared with carriers that will protect the compound against
rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release
formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery
systems. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as
ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid,
collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Methods for
preparation of such formulations should be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The materials can also be obtained commercially
from Alza Corporation and Nova Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Liposomal
suspensions can also be used as pharmaceutically acceptable
carriers. These can be prepared according to methods known to those
skilled in the art, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,522,811.
[0324] It is especially advantageous to formulate oral or
parenteral compositions in dosage unit form for ease of
administration and uniformity of dosage. Dosage unit form as used
herein refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary
dosages for the subject to be treated; each unit containing a
predetermined quantity of active compound calculated to produce the
desired therapeutic effect in association with the required
pharmaceutical carrier. The specification for the dosage unit forms
of the invention are dictated by and directly dependent on the
unique characteristics of the active compound and the particular
therapeutic effect to be achieved, and the limitations inherent in
the art of compounding such an active compound for the treatment of
individuals.
[0325] Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of such compounds can be
determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures
or experimental animals, e.g., for determining the LD50 (the dose
lethal to 50% of the population) and the ED50 (the dose
therapeutically effective in 50% of the population). The dose ratio
between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index and
it can be expressed as the ratio LD50/ED50. Compounds which exhibit
large therapeutic indices are preferred. While compounds that
exhibit toxic side effects can be used, care should be taken to
design a delivery system that targets such compounds to the site of
affected tissue in order to minimize potential damage to uninfected
cells and, thereby, reduce side effects.
[0326] The data obtained from the cell culture assays and animal
studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in
humans. The dosage of such compounds lies preferably within a range
of circulating concentrations that include the ED50 with little or
no toxicity. The dosage may vary within this range depending upon
the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized.
For any compound used in the method of the invention, the
therapeutically effective dose can be estimated initially from cell
culture assays. A dose can be formulated in animal models to
achieve a circulating plasma concentration range that includes the
IC50 (i.e., the concentration of the test compound which achieves a
half-maximal inhibition of symptoms) as determined in cell culture.
Such information can be used to more accurately determine useful
doses in humans. Levels in plasma can be measured, for example, by
high performance liquid chromatography.
[0327] The pharmaceutical compositions can be included in a
container, pack, or dispenser together with instructions for
administration.
VII. Administration of Binding Molecules of the Invention
[0328] Binding molecules of the invention are administered to
subjects in a biologically compatible form suitable for
pharmaceutical administration in vivo. By "biologically compatible
form suitable for administration in vivo" is meant a form of the
agent to be administered in which any toxic effects are outweighed
by the therapeutic effects of the binding molecule.
[0329] Administration of a therapeutically active amount of the
therapeutic compositions of the present invention is defined as an
amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary to
achieve the desired result. For example, a therapeutically active
amount of binding molecule may vary according to factors such as
the disease state, age, sex, and weight of the individual, and the
ability of the binding molecule to elicit a desired response in the
individual. Dosage regimens can be adjusted to provide the optimum
therapeutic response. For example, several divided doses can be
administered daily or the dose can be proportionally reduced as
indicated by the exigencies of the therapeutic situation.
[0330] The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may include
a "therapeutically effective amount" or a "prophylactically
effective amount" of a binding molecule of the invention. A
"therapeutically effective amount" refers to an amount effective,
at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the
desired therapeutic result. A therapeutically effective amount of
the binding molecule may vary according to factors such as the
disease state, age, sex, and weight of the individual, and the
ability of the binding molecule to elicit a desired response in the
individual. A therapeutically effective amount is also one in which
any toxic or detrimental effects of the binding molecule are
outweighed by the therapeutically beneficial effects. A
"prophylactically effective amount" refers to an amount effective,
at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the
desired prophylactic result. Typically, since a prophylactic dose
is used in subjects prior to or at an earlier stage of disease, the
prophylactically effective amount will be less than the
therapeutically effective amount.
[0331] Dosage regimens may be adjusted to provide the optimum
desired response (e.g., a therapeutic or prophylactic response).
For example, a single bolus may be administered, several divided
doses may be administered over time or the dose may be
proportionally reduced or increased as indicated by the exigencies
of the therapeutic situation. It is especially advantageous to
formulate parenteral compositions in dosage unit form for ease of
administration and uniformity of dosage. Dosage unit form as used
herein refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary
dosages for the mammalian subjects to be treated; each unit
containing a predetermined quantity of active compound calculated
to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the
required pharmaceutical carrier. The specification for the dosage
unit forms of the invention are dictated by and directly dependent
on (a) the unique characteristics of the active compound and the
particular therapeutic or prophylactic effect to be achieved, and
(b) the limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an
active compound for the treatment of sensitivity in
individuals.
[0332] An exemplary, non-limiting range for a therapeutically or
prophylactically effective amount of a binding molecule of the
invention is, e.g., from about 0.1-25 mg/kg, from about 1.0-10
mg/kg, from about 0.5-2.5 mg/kg, from about 5-25 mg/kg, from about
1-400 mg/kg. It is to be noted that dosage values may vary with the
type and severity of the condition to be alleviated. It is to be
further understood that for any particular subject, specific dosage
regimens should be adjusted over time according to the individual
need and the professional judgment of the person administering or
supervising the administration of the compositions, and that dosage
ranges set forth herein are exemplary only and are not intended to
limit the scope or practice of the claimed composition. Additional,
non-limiting ranges for a therapeutically or prophylactically
effective amount of a binding molecule of the invention is from
about 0.0001 to 100 mg/kg, and from about 0.01 to 5 mg/kg (e.g.,
0.02 mg/kg, 0.25 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.75 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg,
etc.), of the subject body weight. For example, dosages can be 1
mg/kg body weight or 10 mg/kg body weight or within the range of
1-10 mg/kg, preferably at least 1 mg/kg. Doses intermediate in the
above ranges are also intended to be within the scope of the
invention.
[0333] Subjects can be administered such doses daily, on
alternative days, weekly or according to any other schedule
determined by empirical analysis. An exemplary treatment entails
administration in multiple dosages over a prolonged period, for
example, of at least six months. Additional exemplary treatment
regimes entail administration once per every two weeks or once a
month or once every 3 to 6 months. Exemplary dosage schedules
include 1-10 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg on consecutive days, 30 mg/kg on
alternate days or 60 mg/kg weekly.
[0334] Binding molecules of the invention can be administered on
multiple occasions. Intervals between single dosages can be, e.g.,
daily, weekly, monthly or yearly. Intervals can also be irregular
as indicated by measuring blood levels of binding molecule in the
patient.
[0335] Binding molecules of the invention can optionally be
administered in combination with other agents that are effective in
treating the disorder or condition in need of treatment (e.g.,
prophylactic or therapeutic). Preferred additional agents are those
which are art recognized and are standardly administered for a
particular disorder.
[0336] The binding molecule can be administered in a convenient
manner such as by injection (subcutaneous, intravenous, etc.), oral
administration, inhalation, transdermal application, or rectal
administration. Depending on the route of administration, the
active compound can be coated in a material to protect the compound
from the action of enzymes, acids and other natural conditions
which may inactivate the compound. For example, to administer the
agent by other than parenteral administration, it may be desirable
to coat, or co-administer the agent with, a material to prevent its
inactivation.
[0337] A binding molecule of the present invention can be
administered by a variety of methods known in the art, although for
many therapeutic applications, the preferred route/mode of
administration is intravenous injection or infusion. As will be
appreciated by the skilled artisan, the route and/or mode of
administration will vary depending upon the desired results. In
certain embodiments, the active compound may be prepared with a
carrier that will protect the compound against rapid release, such
as a controlled release formulation, including implants,
transdermal patches, and microencapsulated delivery systems.
Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene
vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen,
polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Many methods for the
preparation of such formulations are patented or generally known to
those skilled in the art. See, e.g., Sustained and Controlled
Release Drug Delivery Systems, J. R. Robinson, ed., Marcel Dekker,
Inc., New York, 1978.
[0338] In certain embodiments, a binding molecule of the invention
may be orally administered, for example, with an inert diluent or
an assimilable edible carrier. The compound (and other ingredients,
if desired) may also be enclosed in a hard or soft shell gelatin
capsule, compressed into tablets, or incorporated directly into the
subject's diet. For oral therapeutic administration, the compounds
may be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of
ingestible tablets, buccal tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs,
suspensions, syrups, wafers, and the like. To administer a compound
of the invention by other than parenteral administration, it may be
necessary to coat the compound with, or co-administer the compound
with, a material to prevent its inactivation.
[0339] Binding molecules can be co-administered with enzyme
inhibitors or in an appropriate carrier such as liposomes.
Pharmaceutically acceptable diluents include saline and aqueous
buffer solutions. Adjuvant is used in its broadest sense and
includes any immune stimulating compound such as interferon.
Adjuvants contemplated herein include resorcinols, non-ionic
surfactants such as polyoxyethylene oleyl ether and n-hexadecyl
polyethylene ether. Enzyme inhibitors include pancreatic trypsin
inhibitor, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DEEP) and trasylol.
Liposomes include water-in-oil-in-water emulsions as well as
conventional liposomes (Sterna et al. (1984) J. Neuroimmunol.
7:27).
[0340] The active compound may also be administered parenterally or
intraperitoneally. Dispersions can also be prepared in glycerol,
liquid polyethylene glycols, and mixtures thereof and in oils.
Under ordinary conditions of storage and use, these preparations
may contain a preservative to prevent the growth of
microorganisms.
[0341] When the active compound is suitably protected, as described
above, the binding molecule can be orally administered, for
example, with an inert diluent or an assimilable edible
carrier.
[0342] Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporated into
the compositions. In certain embodiments, a binding molecule of the
invention is coformulated with and/or coadministered with one or
more additional therapeutic agents. For example, an anti-ILT3
binding molecule of the invention may be coformulated and/or
coadministered with one or more additional antibodies that bind
other targets e.g., antibodies that bind other cytokines or that
bind cell surface molecules. Such combination therapies may
advantageously utilize lower dosages of the administered
therapeutic agents, thus avoiding possible toxicities or
complications associated with the various monotherapies.
[0343] The present invention further encompasses binding molecules
conjugated to a diagnostic or therapeutic agent. A binding molecule
can be used diagnostically to, for example, monitor the development
or progression of a tumor as part of a clinical testing procedure
to, e.g., determine the efficacy of a given treatment regimen.
Detection can be facilitated by coupling the antibody to a
detectable substance. Examples of detectable substances include
various enzymes, prosthetic groups, fluorescent materials,
luminescent materials, bioluminescent materials, radioactive
materials, positron emitting metals using various positron emission
tomographies, and nonradioactive paramagnetic metal ions. The
detectable substance may be coupled or conjugated either directly
to the binding molecule or indirectly, through an intermediate
(such as, for example, a linker known in the art) using techniques
known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,900 for
metal ions which can be conjugated to binding molecules for use as
diagnostics according to the present invention. Examples of
suitable enzymes include horseradish peroxidase, alkaline
phosphatase, beta-galactosidase, or acetylcholinesterase; examples
of suitable prosthetic group complexes include streptavidin/biotin
and avidin/biotin; examples of suitable fluorescent materials
include umbelliferone, fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate,
rhodamine, dichlorotriazinylamine fluorescein, dansyl chloride or
phycoerythrin; an example of a luminescent material includes
luminol; examples of bioluminescent materials include luciferase,
luciferin, and aequorin; and examples of suitable radioactive
material I.sup.125 I.sup.131, I.sup.111, In.sup.99 Tc.
[0344] Further, a binding molecule may be conjugated to a
therapeutic moiety such as a cytotoxin, e.g., a cytostatic or
cytocidal agent, a therapeutic agent, a radioactive metal ion,
e.g., alpha-emitters such as, for example, .sup.213Bi, biological
toxins, prodrugs, peptides, proteins, enzymes, viruses, lipids,
biological response modifiers, pharmaceutical agents,
immunologically active ligands (e.g., lymphokines or other
antibodies). In another embodiment, a binding molecule of the
invention can be conjugated to a molecule that decreases
vascularization of tumors. In other embodiments, the disclosed
compositions may comprise binding molecules of the invention
coupled to drugs or prodrugs. Still other embodiments of the
present invention comprise the use of binding molecules of the
invention conjugated to specific biotoxins or their cytotoxic
fragments such as ricin, gelonin, pseudomonas exotoxin or
diphtheria toxin. The selection of which conjugated or unconjugated
binding molecule to use will depend on the type and stage of
cancer, use of adjunct treatment (e.g., chemotherapy or external
radiation) and patient condition. It will be appreciated that one
skilled in the art could readily make such a selection in view of
the teachings herein.
[0345] A cytotoxin or cytotoxic agent includes any agent that is
detrimental to cells. Examples include paclitaxol, cytochalasin B,
gramicidin D, ethidium bromide, emetine, mitomycin, etoposide,
tenoposide, vincristine, vinblastine, colchicin, doxorubicin,
daunorubicin, dihydroxy anthracin dione, mitoxantrone, mithramycin,
actinomycin D, 1-dehydrotestosterone, glucocorticoids, procaine,
tetracaine, lidocaine, propranolol, and puromycin and analogs or
homologs thereof. Therapeutic agents include, but are not limited
to, antimetabolites (e.g., methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine,
6-thioguanine, cytarabine, 5-fluorouracil decarbazine), alkylating
agents (e.g., mechlorethamine, thioepa chlorambucil, melphalan,
carmustine (BSNU) and lomustine (CCNU), cyclothosphamide, busulfan,
dibromomannitol, streptozotocin, mitomycin C, and
cis-dichlorodiamine platinum (II) (DDP) cisplatin), anthracyclines
(e.g., daunorubicin (formerly daunomycin) and doxorubicin),
antibiotics (e.g., dactinomycin (formerly actinomycin), bleomycin,
mithramycin, and anthramycin (AMC)), and anti-mitotic agents (e.g.,
vincristine and vinblastine).
[0346] This invention is further illustrated by the following
examples, which should not be construed as limiting. The contents
of all references, patents and published patent applications cited
throughout this application, as well as the Figures, are
incorporated herein by reference.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Isolation and Purification of 9B11
[0347] The gene encoding ILT3 was cloned and used to immunize mice
for generation of anti-ILT3 monoclonal antibodies. The 9B11
antibody is an IgG1 antibody.
[0348] The 9B11 antibody was purified as follows: [0349] 1. Washed
20 ml Protein G (Pharmacia HR 10/30) with 5 CV of dPBS [0350] 2.
Loaded 1 L (run 1) or 2 L (run 2) of mouse anti-human ILT3
supernatant [0351] 3. Washed with 10 CV of dPBS [0352] 4. Eluted
with 100 mM Citrate, pH 2.8 directly into 1 M Tris (20-25% v:v)
[0353] 5. Stripped with 100 mM Citrate, pH 2.8, 0.3 M NaCl The 9B11
antibody was shown to cross-react to cynomolgus monkey and baboon
monocytes.
Example 2
Dendritic Cells Treated In Vitro With 9B11 Have Lower Expression of
Cell Surface Co-Stimulatory Molecules
[0354] MDDC were derived in the presence of either IL-10 or
anti-ILT3 mAbs (5A1, 9B11, or 9G3). Immature and mature dendritic
cells were used as controls. In addition MDDC were also derived in
the presence of TRX1 as a negative control. The results are shown
in FIG. 1 which demonstrates that MDDC differentiated in the
presence of 9B11 have lower expression of cell surface
co-stimulatory molecules, such as CD86, CD80, CD83 and HLA-DR as
measured by flow cytometry.
[0355] As shown above, cells that are differentiated in the
presence of 9B11 demonstrate a decreased cell surface expression
pattern of costimulatory molecules. Therefore, it is likely that
these cells will be unable to generate an allogenic response of T
cells in a mixed lymphocyte reaction. As shown in FIG. 2, MDDCs
differentiated in the presence of 9B11 result in anergic T cell
stimulation in a mixed lymphocyte reaction. DCs were added at
either 500 or 1000 cells to 2.times.10.sup.5 T cells. The cells
were stimulated for 3 days prior to the addition of
.sup.3H-thymidine.
[0356] Furthermore, MDDCs derived in the presence of 9B11 are
unable to produce IL-12, TNF-.alpha. or IL-1.alpha. when stimulated
with LPS. Monocytes were treated with GM-CSF and IL-4 on days 0 and
3. IL-10 or ILT3 (9B11; 10 .mu.g/ml) was added on day 0 and 3. On
day 5 cells were washed and LPS (5 .mu.g/ml) and were added to the
mature cultures. Supernatant fluid was harvested 48 hours after the
addition of LPS. Cytokines were measured by ELISA (Pierce Endogen).
Two different monocyte donors were used (donor #26 and donor #5)
(FIG. 3).
[0357] Freshly isolated blood dendritic cells incubated with 9B11
were unable to fully upregulate the expression of co-stimulatory
molecules when a cocktail of cytokines (IL-6, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha,
and PGE) was used to mature the cells. Freshly isolated blood
dendritic cells were incubated with 9B11 24 hours prior to the
addition of the maturation cocktail. The cells were phenotyped 48
hours later to determine if treatment with 9B11 results in
decreased expression of co-stimulatory molecules. As shown in FIG.
4, treatment of monocytes with 9B11 resulted in decreased
expression of both CD86 and HLA-DR.
[0358] 9B11 also inhibits Ca.sup.+2 flux in monocytes induced by
the activating immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif
(ITAM), CD32. Monocytes were treated with anti-CD32 followed by a
goat anti-mouse IgG, IgM to cross-link, which will result in
significant Ca+2 flux. However, incubation with 9B11 prior to the
addition of CD32 and cross-linking resulted in decreased Ca+2 flux
by these monocytes. This was specific for the ILT3 antibodies as an
isotype control (mouse IgG1) resulted in less inhibition of Ca+2
flux (FIG. 5).
[0359] Intracellular calcium flux studies using flow cytometry
analysis was performed as described by Rabin, et al. (J. Immunol.
(1999)162:3840-3850). Briefly, monocyte-derived dendritic cells
(2.times.10.sup.7) were suspended in HBSS-HEPES (HBSS supplemented
with 10 mM HEPES, Ca.sup.++, Mg.sup.++, and 1% fetal calf serum).
Indo-1 and pleuronic detergent (Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.)
were added at final concentrations of 5 .mu.M and 300 .mu.g/mL,
respectively. The cell suspension was incubated at 30.degree. C.
for 45 minutes with gentle agitation. Cells were then washed twice
with the HBSS-HEPES, stained with anti-CD1a, and washed again.
Calcium flux for CD1a.sup.+ dendritic cells was performed using a
FACSVantage flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson) equipped with an
argon laser tuned to 488 nM and a krypton laser tuned to 360 nM.
Indo-1 fluorescence was analyzed at 390/20 nM and 530/20 nM for
bound and free calcium, respectively. Before stimulation, cell
suspensions were warmed at 37.degree. C. for 3 minutes. The
CD1a.sup.+ cell population was gated, and baseline fluorescent
ratios were collected for 30 seconds. Cells were then stimulated
with either fMLP (10.sup.5 M), T-20 peptide (10.sup.5 M), or
F-peptide (10 .sup.5 M) followed by fMLP (10.sup.8 M). Collections
continued until calcium flux returned to basal levels. Changes in
Indo-1 fluorescence were expressed as the ratio of bound to free
intracellular calcium, and scattergrams represented the entire
CD1a.sup.+ cell population at the time of stimulation. Data
analysis was performed using Flowjo software (Tree Star, San
Carlos, Calif.).
Example 3
Dendritic Cells Treated In Vitro With 9B11 Have Higher Expression
of Cell Surface Inhibitory Receptors
[0360] 9B11 was also shown to upmodulate the expression of
inhibitory receptors, e.g., receptors that generate a negative
inhibitory in a cell. Monocytes were isolated using magnetic bead
separation technology. The monocytes were treated every other day
with 9B11, GM-CSF and IL4. On day 5, a portion of these cells were
matured using IL1b, IL6, TNF.alpha., and PGE2. Cells were incubated
for a further seven days and then RNA was prepared from immature
dendritic cells (iDC) (cells not treated with IL1b, IL6,
TNF.alpha., and PGE2) and mature dendritic cells (mDC). The RNA was
used to generate cDNA for QPCR. The data is expressed relative to
the housekeeping gene 18sRNA. A mouse IgG1 was used as an isotype
control and both antibodies were used at a concentration of 10
.mu.g/ml.
[0361] The results show that the culturing of monocytes such that
they develop into dendritic cells in the presence of an ILT3
binding molecule causes some inhibitory molecules to upregulate.
IDO (indolamine) is extremely overexpressed in ILT3 binding
molecule treated cells. This molecule is associated with the
generation of tolerance. Tolergenic dendritic cells have also been
shown to express CD200R and have been shown to be tolergenic in
vivo. CD200R and CD40L were also elevated in ILT3 binding molecule
treated cells compared to isotype controls, and although 9B11
treatment increased expression of FCGRIIb and FCGRIIa, all of the
samples had equal expression of FCGRIIa compared to FCGRIIb. The
effect is specific to immature DC, as the expression of the same
receptors on mature DC is no different from isotype control.
Example 4
In Vivo Characterization of 9B11
[0362] Rhesus macaques were immunized with 9B11 during the priming
phase e.g., at days -1, 0, and +1, of a vaccination protocol using
Mycobacterium tuberculosis as antigen. Subsequent challenge with
antigen at day +18 resulted in exacerbation of a cutaneous DTH
response. These results indicate that 9B11 acts as an adjuvant
useful in enhancing immune responses (e.g., in the case of
infection and or malignancy) with less associated morbidity
compared to existing adjuvants.
Example 7
Preparation of a Chimeric anti-ILT3 Binding Molecule
[0363] The 9B11 variable light chain region was grafted to a human
light chain constant region using conventional molecular biological
techniques. The IgG1 light chain constant region was used. The
amino acid sequence of the complete chimeric light chain GITR
binding molecule is shown below:
TABLE-US-00029 (SEQ ID NO: 25)
DIVLTQSPATLSVTPGDSVSLSCRASQGLTNDLHWYQQKPHESPRLLIKY
ASQSISGIPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTINSVETEDFGVFFCQQSNSWPFTFGA
GTKLEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKV
DNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQG
LSSPVTKSFNRGEC
[0364] The 9B11 variable heavy chain was also grafted to a human
heavy chain constant region using conventional molecular biological
techniques. The IgG1 heavy chain constant region was used. The
amino acid sequence of the complete chimeric heavy chain ILT3
binding molecule is shown below (also referred to as "Gly"):
TABLE-US-00030 (SEQ ID NO: 26)
EVKLVESGGDLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFAFSSYDMSWVRQTPEKRLEWVAT
ISSSGSYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNARNTLYLQMSSLRSEDTALYYCERLW
GAMDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFP
EPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICN
VNHKPSNTKVDKKVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPICDT
LMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTY
RVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYT
LPPSRDELTICNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLD
SDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.
[0365] Since the amino acid sequence NX(S/T) is a putative
consensus sequence for a glycosylation site which may affect the
production of the binding molecule, and IgG1 constant region of the
9B11 heavy chain has the sequence NST, a second version of the
heavy chain constant region was prepared to conservatively
substitute a glutamine for an asparagine at amino acid residue 296
(bolded and underlined above) of SEQ ID NO:27. Accordingly, a
second human constant region was grafted to the 9B11 heavy chain
variable region. The amino acid sequence of the complete chimeric
heavy chain ILT3 binding molecule is shown below (also referred to
as "Agly"):
TABLE-US-00031 (SEQ ID NO: 27)
EVKLVESGGDLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFAFSSYDMSWVRQTPEKRLEWVAT
ISSSGSYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNARNTLYLQMSSLRSEDTALYYCERLW
GAMDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFP
EPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICN
VNHKPSNTKVDKKVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTL
MISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYR
VVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTL
PPSRDELTICNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDS
DGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.
Example 8
Preparation of Humanized Forms of the 9B11 Anti-ILT3 Binding
Molecule
[0366] The CDR homology based strategy described in Hwang et al.
(2005) Methods (36) 35-42 was used to humanize 9B11. The heavy and
light chain amino acid sequences were blasted using a publicly
available database, and the results indicated that 9B11 had a 1-3
heavy chain canonical structure and a 2-1-1 light chain canonical
structure. From this, all germ line kappa chain V genes with a
2-1-1 canonical structure in the IMGT database were compared with
the 9B11 antibody sequence. The same was done for the heavy chain
where all 1-3 germ line heavy chain V genes were compared to the
9B11 amino acid sequence. Only the CDR sequences were compared and
the frameworks were selected based on which germline sequences had
the most matches in the CDRs. (see alignments below).
[0367] For the light chain, the 1-17*01 sequence had 15 matches in
the CDRs and was selected. The J.kappa.3 J gene segment sequence
has the most matches, however, the J.kappa.2 J gene sequence
(GQGTKLEIKR) (SEQ ID NO:19) may also be used.
TABLE-US-00032 Light Chain V Genes with 2-1-1 Canonical Structure
IMGT Gene CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 IDs Name IGKV1-6 RASQGIRNDLG......
AASSLSQ....... LQDYNYP.. 12 IGKV1-9 RASQGISSYLA......
AASTLQS....... QQLNSYP.. 14 IGKV1-12 RASQGISSWLA......
AASSLQS....... QQANSFP.. 14 IGKV1-16 RASQGISSWLA......
AASSLQS....... QQYNSYP.. 14 IGKV1D-16 RARQGISSWLA......
AASSLQS....... QQYNSYP.. 13 IGKV1-17 RASQGIRNDLG......
AASSLQS....... LQHNSYP.. 15 IGKV1-27 RASQGISNYLA......
AASTLQS....... QKYNSAP.. 14 IGKV1-39 RASQSISSYLN......
AASSLQS....... QQSYSTP.. 13 IGKV1D-43 WASQGISSYLA......
YASSLQS....... QQYYSTP.. 13 9B11 RASQGLTNDLH...... YASQSIS.......
QQSNSWP
[0368] All germ line light chain kappa chain V genes with a 2-1-1
canonical structure in the IMGT database were compared with the
9B11 antibody sequence. The same was done for the heavy chain where
all 3-1 germ line heavy chain V genes were compared to the 9B11
amino acid sequence
[0369] Using this methodology one version of the light chain can be
made:
TABLE-US-00033 (SEQ ID NO: 28)
DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGLTNDLHWYQQKPGKAPKRLIYY
ASQSISGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQSNSWPFTFGQ GTKLEIK (the
CDRs are italicized)
[0370] A number of heavy chain germline sequences had 16 matches to
the 9B11 antibody, however, 3-21*01 was selected because the S at
the start of CDR 2 is most similar (conservative amino acid
substitution) to the T in the chimeric sequence. In addition, the
framework of 3-21*01 ends with CAR as opposed to CAK or CARI in the
other heavy chain germline sequences with 16 matches.
[0371] For the J gene segment of the heavy chain, JH4 had the most
matches and was therefore, selected. The amino acid sequences are
then reverse translated and primers corresponding to the desired
nucleotide sequence are obtained from IDT (Coralville, Iowa).
TABLE-US-00034 Heavy Chain V Genes with 1-3 Canonical Structures
IMGT Gene Name CDR1 CDR2 IDs IGHV3-11 DYYMS..... YISSSGSTIYYADSVKG
16 IGHV3-21 SYSMN..... SISSSSSYIYYADSVKG 16 IGHV3-23-1 SYAMS.....
AISGSGGSTYYADSVKG 16 IGHV3-23-2 SYAMS..... AISGSGGSTYYGDSVKG 16
IGHV3-48 SYSMN..... YISSSSSTIYYADSVKG 15 IGHV3-48-3 SYEMN.....
YISSSGSTIYYADSVKG 16 9B11 SYDMS..... TISSSGSYTYYPDSVKG
[0372] Using this methodology one version of the heavy chain can be
made:
TABLE-US-00035 (SEQ ID NO: 29)
EVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFAFSSYDMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVST
ISSSGSYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARLW
GAMDYWGQGTLVTVSS.
[0373] A CLUSTAL W (1.82) multiple sequence alignment (using a
Blosum scoring matrix with a gap penalty of 10) of the 9B11 light
chain variable region and the 1-17*01 germline light chain sequence
was also performed. The results are presented below:
TABLE-US-00036 9B11 DIVLTQSPATLSVTPGDSVSLSCRASQGLTNDLHWYQQKP
1-17*01 DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGIRNDLGWYQQKP ** :****::**.: **
*:::******: *** ****** 9B11
HESPRLLIKYASQSISGIPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTINSVETEDFGVFFCQQSNSWPFTFGA
1-17*01
GKAPKRLIYAASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCLQHNSYP----- ::*:
** **. **:***********:*****.*::.***..::* * **:* 9B11 GTKLEIK
1-17*01 -------
[0374] Based on the CLUSTAL W analyses, several amino acid residues
in the human framework were identified for potential substitution
with amino acid residues corresponding to the 9B11 framework
residues in the humanized 9B11 light chain. Specifically, the Q at
position 3, the M at position 4, the S at position 9, the S at
position 10, the A at position 13, the S at position 14, the V at
position 15, the Rat position 18, the T at position 20, the I at
position 21, the Tat position 22, the G at position 41, the K at
position 42, the A at position 43, the K at position 45, the R at
position 46, the Y at position 49, the V at position 58, the E at
position 70, the S at position 76, the L at position 78, the Q at
position 79, the P at position 80, the A at position 84, the T at
position 85, the Y at position 86, the Y at position 87, and the Q
at position 100.
[0375] Similarly, a CLUSTAL W (1.82) multiple sequence alignment
(using a Blosum scoring matrix with a gap penalty of 10) of the
9B11 heavy chain variable region and the germline heavy chain
proteins with a 3-21*01 amino acid sequence was also performed. The
results are presented below:
TABLE-US-00037 9B11
EVKLVESGGDLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFAFSSYDMSWVRQTPEKRLEWVATISSSGSYTYY
3-21-01
EVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYSMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSISSSSSYIYY
**:******.********:********:****.*.****:* * ****::****.** ** 9B11
PDSVKGRFTISRDNARNTLYLQMSSLRSEDTALYYCER 3-21-01
ADSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAR
.**************:*:*****.***:****:*** *
[0376] Based on the CLUSTAL W analyses, several amino acid residues
in the human framework were identified for potential substitution
with amino acid residues corresponding to the 9B11 framework
residues in the humanized 9B11 heavy chain.
[0377] Specifically, the Q at position 3, the G at position 10, the
R at position 19, the A at position 40, the G at position 42, the G
at position 44, the S at position 49, the K at position 76, the S
at position 78, the N at position 84, the A at position 88, the V
at position 93, and/or the A at position 97.
[0378] Based on the above, two humanized full-length 9B11 binding
molecules can be made having the following humanized heavy and
light chain combinations:
[0379] Full-length Version 1 (Hu9B11-Gly)--humanized (Hu) 9B11
Light chain (L)/humanized Heavy chain and comprising a constant
region having an N ("Gly")
[0380] Full-length Version 2 (Hu9B11-Agly)--humanized (Hu) 9B11
Light chain (L)/humanized Heavy chain and comprising a constant
region having an A ("Agly")
[0381] The amino acid sequence of the glycosylated IgG1 heavy chain
constant region that was used to make the full-length binding
molecules is shown below:
TABLE-US-00038 (SEQ ID NO: 30)
ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV
HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKKVEP
KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS
HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK
EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTC
LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW
QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.
[0382] The amino acid sequence of the aglycosylated IgG1 heavy
chain constant region that was used to make the full-length binding
molecules is shown below:
TABLE-US-00039 (SEQ ID NO: 31)
ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV
HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKKVEP
KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS
HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK
EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTC
LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW
QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.
[0383] The amino acid sequence of the IgG1 light chain constant
region that was used to make the full-length binding molecules is
shown below:
TABLE-US-00040 (SEQ ID NO: 32)
RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG
NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK SFNRGEC.
[0384] The complete amino acid sequence of the humanized 9B11 light
chain is shown below:
TABLE-US-00041 (SEQ ID NO: 33)
DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGLTNDLHWYQQKPGKAPKRLIYY
ASQSISGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQSNSWPFTFGQ
GTKLEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKV
DNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQG
LSSPVTKSFNRGEC.
[0385] The leader sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:21 may optionally
be included.
[0386] The complete amino acid sequences of the humanized 9B11
heavy chain versions Hu9B11-Gly and Hu9B11 -Agly are shown
below:
TABLE-US-00042 Hu9B11-Gly (SEQ ID NO: 34)
EVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFAFSSYDMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVST
ISSSGSYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARLW GAMDYWGQGTLVTVSS
ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV
HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKKVEP
KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPICPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDV
SHEDPEVICFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLN
GICEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVS
LTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDK
SRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK; and Hu9B11-Agly (SEQ ID NO: 35)
EVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFAFSSYDMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVST
ISSSGSYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARLW GAMDYWGQGTLVTVSS
ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV
HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHICPSNTKVDKKVE
PKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDV
SHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNG
KEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLT
CLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSR
WQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK
[0387] The leader sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:22 may optionally
be included.
Equivalents
[0388] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to
ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many
equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described
herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the
following claims.
Sequence CWU 1
1
641135PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic protein sequence 1Met Glu Phe Gly Leu Ser Leu Val Phe Leu
Val Leu Ile Leu Lys Gly 1 5 10 15Val Gln Cys Glu Val Lys Leu Val
Glu Ser Gly Gly Asp Leu Val Lys 20 25 30Pro Gly Gly Ser Leu Lys Leu
Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Ala Phe 35 40 45Ser Ser Tyr Asp Met Ser
Trp Val Arg Gln Thr Pro Glu Lys Arg Leu 50 55 60Glu Trp Val Ala Thr
Ile Ser Ser Ser Gly Ser Tyr Thr Tyr Tyr Pro 65 70 75 80Asp Ser Val
Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Arg Asn 85 90 95Thr Leu
Tyr Leu Gln Met Ser Ser Leu Arg Ser Glu Asp Thr Ala Leu 100 105
110Tyr Tyr Cys Glu Arg Leu Trp Gly Ala Met Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly
115 120 125Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ser 130 1352127PRTArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic protein
sequence 2Met Glu Thr Asp Thr Ile Leu Leu Trp Val Leu Leu Leu Trp
Val Pro 1 5 10 15Gly Ser Thr Gly Asp Ile Val Leu Thr Gln Ser Pro
Ala Thr Leu Ser 20 25 30Val Thr Pro Gly Asp Ser Val Ser Leu Ser Cys
Arg Ala Ser Gln Gly 35 40 45Leu Thr Asn Asp Leu His Trp Tyr Gln Gln
Lys Pro His Glu Ser Pro 50 55 60Arg Leu Leu Ile Lys Tyr Ala Ser Gln
Ser Ile Ser Gly Ile Pro Ser 65 70 75 80Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser
Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Asn 85 90 95Ser Val Glu Thr Glu Asp
Phe Gly Val Phe Phe Cys Gln Gln Ser Asn 100 105 110Ser Trp Pro Phe
Thr Phe Gly Ala Gly Thr Lys Leu Glu Ile Lys 115 120
125310PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic peptide 3Gly Phe Ala Phe Ser Ser Tyr Asp Met Ser 1 5
10417PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic peptide 4Thr Ile Ser Ser Ser Gly Ser Tyr Thr Tyr Tyr Pro
Asp Ser Val Lys 1 5 10 15Gly57PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic peptide 5Leu Trp Gly Ala Met Asp Tyr
1 5611PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic peptide 6Arg Ala Ser Gln Gly Leu Thr Asn Asp Leu His 1 5
1077PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic peptide 7Tyr Ala Ser Gln Ser Ile Ser 1 589PRTArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic peptide 8Gln
Gln Ser Asn Ser Trp Pro Phe Thr 1 59405DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic nucleotide
sequence 9atggagttcg ggttaagctt ggttttcctt gtcctaattt taaaaggtgt
ccagtgtgaa 60gtgaagctgg tggagtctgg gggagactta gtgaagcctg gggggtccct
gaaactctcc 120tgtgcagcct ctggattcgc tttcagtagc tatgacatgt
cttgggttcg ccagactccg 180gagaagaggc tggaatgggt cgcaaccatt
agtagtagtg gtagttacac ctactaccca 240gacagtgtga agggccgatt
caccatctcc agagacaatg ccaggaacac cctgtacctg 300caaatgagca
gtctgaggtc tgaggacacg gccttgtatt actgtgaaag actatggggg
360gctatggact actggggcca agggacacta gtcacagtct cctca
40510383DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic nucleotide sequence 10atggagacag acacaatcct gctatgggtg
ctgctgctct gggttccagg ctccaccggt 60gacatcgtgc tgacccagtc tccagccacc
ctgtctgtga ctccaggaga tagcgtcagt 120ctttcctgca gggccagcca
aggtcttacc aacgacctac actggtatca acaaaaacca 180catgagtctc
caaggcttct catcaagtat gcttcccagt ccatctctgg gatcccctcc
240aggttcagtg gcagtggatc agggacagat ttcactctca ctatcaacag
tgtggagact 300gaagattttg gagtgttttt ctgtcaacag agtaacagct
ggccattcac gttcggagct 360gggaccaagc tggaaatcaa acg
3831130DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic oligonucleotide 11ggattcgctt tcagtagcta tgacatgtct
301251DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic oligonucleotide 12accattagta gtagtggtag ttacacctac
tacccagaca gtgtgaaggg c 511321DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic oligonucleotide 13ctatgggggg
ctatggacta c 211433DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic oligonucleotide 14agggccagcc aaggtcttac
caacgaccta cac 331521DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic oligonucleotide 15tatgcttccc
agtccatctc t 211627DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic oligonucleotide 16caacagagta acagctggcc attcacg
27175354DNAHomo sapiens 17atgatcccca ccttcacggc tctgctctgc
ctcggtgaga tttaaagagg gggaggggag 60acccgagtct tggaggaaat ttgcctcaca
gccaggccct ggttctttag gagactcaaa 120aatctcaggg tagccgggcg
cggtggctca cgcctgtaat cccagcactt tgggaggccg 180aggcgggcgg
atcacgaggt caggagatcg agaccatcct ggctaacacg gtgaaaccct
240gtctctacta aaaatacaaa aaattagccg ggggtggttg caggcgcctg
tggtcccagc 300cactcgggag gctgaggcag gagaatggcg tgaacccggg
aggcggagct tgcagtgagc 360caagatcgca ccaccgcact ccagcctggg
tgacagcgag actccgtctc aaaaaaaaaa 420aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa
atctcagggt aaaaaaagga cctgctcagg cttccggggc 480aaatccctca
cagggaactc tcttccaggg ctgagtctgg gccccaggac ccacatgcag
540gcaggtgatt ctgtccccag ctgtcccagg tccctcctcc tcactgggac
aaggggccac 600ccatgggcag ctgggggagg agacagcagt tctgggtgac
tgatgaggat gacggggggg 660tcctggggct gagagctggg atctgagggc
tgaggaaggt cttgggatcc agcctctgat 720tttcttccag ggcccctccc
caaacccacc ctctgggctg agccaggctc tgtgatcagc 780tgggggaact
ctgtgaccat ctggtgtcag gggaccctgg aggctcggga gtaccgtctg
840gataaagagg aaagcccagc accctgggac agacagaacc cactggagcc
caagaacaag 900gccagattct ccatcccatc catgacagag gactatgcag
ggagataccg ctgttactat 960cgcagccctg taggctggtc acagcccagt
gaccccctgg agctggtgat gacaggtgag 1020aggacactca ggggtcccag
ccccaggctc tgccctcagg aagggggtca gctctcaggg 1080gcatctccct
ctcacagccc agccctgggg atgatgtggg aggtgggagc cccatttaac
1140acggtgcctc cttctctcct aggagcctac agtaaaccca ccctttcagc
cctgccgagt 1200cctcttgtga cctcaggaaa gagcgtgacc ctgctgtgtc
agtcacggag cccaatggac 1260actttccttc tgatcaagga gcgggcagcc
catcccctac tgcatctgag atcagagcac 1320ggagctcagc agcaccaggc
tgaattcccc atgagtcctg tgacctcagt gcacgggggg 1380acctacaggt
gcttcagctc acacggcttc tcccactacc tgctgtcaca ccccagtgac
1440cccctggagc tcatagtctc aggtgaggct cctgaccctg tcctctctga
gctcagtggc 1500tccgttcatg ccctgctgcc aggagagctc tgggcaggga
tggagggaga ggggctcagc 1560cagtggggga ctcagccctc agaggggagg
aggacaacag gggccctccc aggcatgccc 1620atgctcttct ccctcaccta
gggtccagaa ggtgccaggt ggacagagaa atggtccttg 1680ggaagctgca
gggcagatat agggagaggt tcaatttgat gtggagaccc aagggcaacc
1740ccagactctc accctcctct tgtccttcta cccaggatcc ttggagggtc
ccaggccctc 1800acccacaagg tccgtctcaa cagctggtga gtctcagagg
cctctgtcca gagagtttcc 1860aaagcccgag gcctgtctca agacatgctc
agtggatcta agtcctcgtt ccaattctca 1920gctgggcttg cttccacggg
tgtgggagtc gggcagcgac ttgggaggca ccacaggctc 1980ccaaggccct
gaggctgggc tggtgagggg tgagggggtc aaggctgaag gagatgttgc
2040ggggagaaac cgacctgatg cggggagcag ggcagcccca gccctcacat
ccctgttcta 2100acccagcagg ccctgaggac cagcccctca tgcctacagg
gtcagtcccc cacagtggtg 2160agtgaggggc tctgagtggg aggtgggcag
ggtctagggg agccaagggt gggttctgtc 2220ctaggttcag gctcctctgg
aggtggtgat gtggacaggc ccctcccctg catgggcctc 2280agtttctcca
agtgtaaagg agagaggcct gtgggtggga aagttccttt cagctctgac
2340tcccagctgt gccctcctgg gagaggaggc ctcccaggga acctcccaga
cccgattccg 2400caggggcctg tccggtccca cctgcagcag agacggtgac
ctggggcagg ggaggggagc 2460agggcggtgg ttcaagacag tcaggctctt
tccctgcaac tctggggctt ggctctggtg 2520caggaacaag ggctgcagct
cagactcccg ggtttccttc ccagctctgc cgcttcctgg 2580ctggaggggt
ctggggcagg cgattcccct ctctgagcct cagtttgtgc atctgtgaaa
2640tgggtggaga gagggtggca atctcaggtt gcacaactgc tgtgagggtt
ggaggtaatg 2700aaagaaagac ccagcacaca cagtaggtgc acacacagta
ggtgtgcaca tcaatgacat 2760catccccatt cctgatgtca tcacgcccaa
ggtctgagaa ggcactggga ggtactgatc 2820ggggtcttgg tggtctccat
cctgcttctc tccctcctcc tcttcctcct cctccaacac 2880tggcgtcagg
gaaaacacag gacattgggt aagtaggaaa ttgggggacc cgtgggctga
2940tggagggtgg gctcagggca ccagccaaag ggactccaga taggagaggt
catcttagaa 3000actctgctcc agaaattccc agtgagaaaa tctagaaaga
agaaaatgaa tgagggagta 3060atggaagtgc tttattcttt cggtttttct
aaacttagaa agtatttaaa acatccttgc 3120aagtgtattt tcaggtttcc
tttcctcttg acttgcatgt gcaaggcagg tggttctaac 3180gttcccagag
ctgagactct gtccatcttc ccccagccca gagacaggct gatttccaac
3240gtcctccagg ggctgccgag ccagagccca aggacggggg cctacagagg
aggtaattct 3300gcccaaagac ctcagactcc cacccatccc aacagccacc
tcactgtccc cttacactcc 3360cgtatcctcc cccaggtcca gcccagctgc
tgacgtccag ggagaaaact tctgtgagtg 3420agaggcagag aaggtgcacc
tggggtggag ctgggggtcc caaaatttca atagcaatgg 3480gggcaggagc
acaggctagg attggtcagg gactcaggga gaagtggtct gaacccacat
3540tgtgggacct cggggacatc gcagcccctc cctgcgttgc agtggcacta
atgggaacag 3600ggcagggacc agcaggaatg agaggtccca gggaaccttc
ccaggagatg aaccccttgc 3660tctactccag caggtgctgc cgtgaagaac
acacagcctg aggacggggt ggaaatggac 3720actcgggtga gaacccgccc
ctgtccccag caccaaaggc ctcctggtgc cagatctaat 3780cctgcaggac
ttctctgtcc tccttccccc ggctctcagc atcgtcacgg tggacccctc
3840cttgtccagc acgctgcctc ctgcctgctg ggacctcact ctctcctgct
gtcctgggac 3900ctcatgggcc tcctcccggg tccccttcct gctcctcatc
ctctgtttgg ccatctggtt 3960gttagagagc tccccaggcc tcaggaggat
gacgaataaa tgaaccactc cagtcccctg 4020ggctcccctt cattcattca
tctagtgagt gttcccaggg agctcactgt ggatggggct 4080ccccatggga
gctgcagaca cagcagggag caaagccgcc cccgcctcct gagctcacct
4140cgtggtggga gacaaaatgc aaataaatgc atcgtgtcca ggagtgcaac
gtgctgtaag 4200gaacataaac caggtaaagg gcagagagtg tggggcagtg
gggccagtct gaatggaaag 4260ggagggctgt ctgctcagct gtcatctgag
aagcctggac ggagagggcc acgtgatcct 4320ctaatggacg agcccctgca
ggcagaggaa acagccgtgc aaaggccccg aggcagcagc 4380gagctcttgc
aggaaggccg cgtgaggctg cagccaaatg ggcaaggtca gagtgaggag
4440cagagaccag aaccacaggg agggagcggc cagaccctcc acggccttag
ggcatccctg 4500agattccgtc aggaaaggga tgtaatcgga tcaccctggg
aacagtgggg aaaattgact 4560ccagggagtc aggaggattc aaggacaccc
cccaccactg tctctctcca gcagagccca 4620cacgatgaag acccccaggc
agtgacgtat gccgaggtga aacactccag acctaggaga 4680gaaatggcct
ctcctccctc cccactgtct ggggaattcc tggacacaaa ggacagacag
4740gcagaagagg acagacagat ggacactgag gtgagtcctt tcctctccag
gcccccaggc 4800ctcccccacc cccaccacgt tccttccctc tcactctccc
ccgctgcagg ctgctgcatc 4860tgaagccccc caggatgtga cctacgccca
gctgcacagc tttaccctca gacagaaggc 4920aactgagcct cctccatccc
aggaaggggc ctctccagct gagcccagtg tctatgccac 4980tctggccatc
cactaatcca ggggggaccc agaccccaca agccatggag actcaggacc
5040ccagaaggca tggaagctgc ctccagtaga catcactgaa ccccagccag
cccagacccc 5100tgacacagac cactagaaga ttccgggaac gttgggagtc
acctgattct gcaaagataa 5160ataatatccc tgcattatca aaataaagta
gcagacctct caattcacaa tgagttaact 5220gataaaacaa aacagaagtc
agacaatgtt ttaaattgaa tgatcatgta aatattacac 5280atcaaaccaa
tgacatggga aaatgggagc ttctatgcag gcaggacaaa aaatagaggg
5340ggatccacta gttc 535418434PRTHomo sapiens 18Met Ile Pro Thr Phe
Thr Ala Leu Leu Cys Leu Gly Leu Ser Leu Gly 1 5 10 15Pro Arg Thr
His Met Gln Ala Gly Pro Leu Pro Lys Pro Thr Leu Trp 20 25 30Ala Glu
Pro Gly Ser Val Ile Ser Trp Gly Asn Ser Val Thr Ile Trp 35 40 45Cys
Gln Gly Thr Leu Glu Ala Arg Glu Tyr Arg Leu Asp Lys Glu Glu 50 55
60Ser Pro Ala Pro Trp Asp Arg Gln Asn Pro Leu Glu Pro Lys Asn Lys
65 70 75 80Ala Arg Phe Ser Ile Pro Ser Met Thr Glu Asp Tyr Ala Gly
Arg Tyr 85 90 95Arg Cys Tyr Tyr Arg Ser Pro Val Gly Trp Ser Gln Pro
Ser Asp Pro 100 105 110Leu Glu Leu Val Met Thr Gly Ala Tyr Ser Lys
Pro Thr Leu Ser Ala 115 120 125Leu Pro Ser Pro Leu Val Thr Ser Gly
Lys Ser Val Thr Leu Leu Cys 130 135 140Gln Ser Arg Ser Pro Met Asp
Thr Phe Leu Leu Ile Lys Glu Arg Ala145 150 155 160Ala His Pro Leu
Leu His Leu Arg Ser Glu His Gly Ala Gln Gln His 165 170 175Gln Ala
Glu Phe Pro Met Ser Pro Val Thr Ser Val His Gly Gly Thr 180 185
190Tyr Arg Cys Phe Ser Ser His Gly Phe Ser His Tyr Leu Leu Ser His
195 200 205Pro Ser Asp Pro Leu Glu Leu Ile Val Ser Gly Ser Leu Glu
Gly Pro 210 215 220Arg Pro Ser Pro Thr Arg Ser Val Ser Thr Ala Ala
Gly Pro Glu Asp225 230 235 240Gln Pro Leu Met Pro Thr Gly Ser Val
Pro His Ser Gly Leu Arg Arg 245 250 255His Trp Glu Val Leu Ile Gly
Val Leu Val Val Ser Ile Leu Leu Leu 260 265 270Ser Leu Leu Leu Phe
Leu Leu Leu Gln His Trp Arg Gln Gly Lys His 275 280 285Arg Thr Leu
Ala Gln Arg Gln Ala Asp Phe Gln Arg Pro Pro Gly Ala 290 295 300Ala
Glu Pro Glu Pro Lys Asp Gly Gly Leu Gln Arg Arg Ser Ser Pro305 310
315 320Ala Ala Asp Val Gln Gly Glu Asn Phe Cys Ala Ala Val Lys Asn
Thr 325 330 335Gln Pro Glu Asp Gly Val Glu Met Asp Thr Arg Gln Ser
Pro His Asp 340 345 350Glu Asp Pro Gln Ala Val Thr Tyr Ala Glu Val
Lys His Ser Arg Pro 355 360 365Arg Arg Glu Met Ala Ser Pro Pro Ser
Pro Leu Ser Gly Glu Phe Leu 370 375 380Asp Thr Lys Asp Arg Gln Ala
Glu Glu Asp Arg Gln Met Asp Thr Glu385 390 395 400Ala Ala Ala Ser
Glu Ala Pro Gln Asp Val Thr Tyr Ala Gln Leu His 405 410 415Ser Phe
Thr Leu Arg Gln Lys Ala Thr Glu Pro Pro Pro Ser Gln Glu 420 425
430Gly Ala 1910PRTHomo sapiens 19Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Leu Glu Ile
Lys Arg 1 5 102015PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic linker peptide 20Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly
Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 1 5 10 152120PRTArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic peptide 21Met
Glu Thr Asp Thr Ile Leu Leu Trp Val Leu Leu Leu Trp Val Pro 1 5 10
15Gly Ser Thr Gly 202219PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic peptide 22Met Glu Phe Gly Leu Ser Leu
Val Phe Leu Val Leu Ile Leu Lys Gly 1 5 10 15Val Gln Cys23105PRTMus
musculus 23Ala Asp Ala Ala Pro Thr Val Ser Ile Phe Pro Pro Ser Ser
Glu Gln 1 5 10 15Leu Thr Ser Gly Gly Ala Ser Val Val Cys Phe Leu
Asn Asn Phe Tyr 20 25 30Pro Lys Asp Ile Asn Val Lys Trp Lys Ile Asp
Gly Ser Glu Arg Gln 35 40 45Asn Gly Val Leu Asn Ser Trp Thr Asp Gln
Asp Ser Lys Asp Ser Thr 50 55 60Tyr Ser Met Ser Ser Thr Leu Thr Leu
Thr Lys Asp Glu Tyr Glu Arg 65 70 75 80His Asn Ser Tyr Thr Cys Glu
Ala Thr His Lys Thr Ser Thr Ser Pro 85 90 95Ile Val Lys Ser Phe Asn
Arg Asn Glu 100 10524334PRTMus musculus 24Ala Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro
Ser Val Tyr Pro Leu Ala Pro Gly Cys Gly 1 5 10 15Asp Thr Thr Gly
Ser Ser Val Thr Leu Gly Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Tyr 20 25 30Phe Pro Glu
Ser Val Thr Val Thr Trp Asn Ser Gly Ser Leu Ser Ser 35 40 45Ser Val
His Thr Phe Pro Ala Leu Leu Gln Ser Gly Leu Tyr Thr Met 50 55 60Ser
Ser Ser Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Thr Trp Pro Ser Gln Thr Val 65 70
75 80Thr Cys Ser Val Ala His Pro Ala Ser Ser Thr Thr Val Asp Lys
Lys 85 90 95Leu Glu Pro Ser Gly Pro Ile Ser Thr Ile Asn Pro Cys Pro
Pro Cys 100 105 110Lys Glu Cys Lys Cys Pro Ala Pro Asn Leu Glu Gly
Gly Pro Ser Val 115 120 125Phe Ile Phe Pro Pro Asn Ile Lys Asp Val
Leu Met Ile Ser Leu Thr 130 135 140Pro Lys Val Thr Cys Val Val Val
Asp Val Ser Glu Asp Asp Pro Asp145 150 155 160Val Gln Ile Ser Trp
Phe Val Asn Asn Val Glu Val His Thr Ala Gln 165 170 175Thr Gln Thr
His Arg Glu Asp Tyr Asn Ser Thr Ile Arg Val Val Ser 180 185 190Thr
Leu Pro Ile Gln His Gln Asp Trp Met Ser Gly Lys Glu Phe Lys 195
200 205Cys Lys Val Asn Asn Lys Asp Leu Pro Ser Pro Ile Glu Arg Thr
Ile 210 215 220Ser Lys Ile Lys Gly Leu Val Arg Ala Gln Val Tyr Ile
Leu Pro Pro225 230 235 240Pro Ala Glu Gln Leu Ser Arg Lys Asp Val
Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val 245 250 255Val Gly Phe Asn Pro Gly Asp Ile
Ser Val Glu Trp Thr Ser Asn Gly 260 265 270His Thr Glu Glu Asn Tyr
Lys Asp Thr Ala Pro Val Leu Asp Ser Asp 275 280 285Gly Ser Tyr Phe
Ile Tyr Ser Lys Leu Asn Met Lys Thr Ser Lys Trp 290 295 300Glu Lys
Thr Asp Ser Phe Ser Cys Asn Val Arg His Glu Gly Leu Lys305 310 315
320Asn Tyr Tyr Leu Lys Lys Thr Ile Ser Arg Ser Pro Gly Lys 325
33025214PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic protein sequence 25Asp Ile Val Leu Thr Gln Ser Pro Ala
Thr Leu Ser Val Thr Pro Gly 1 5 10 15Asp Ser Val Ser Leu Ser Cys
Arg Ala Ser Gln Gly Leu Thr Asn Asp 20 25 30Leu His Trp Tyr Gln Gln
Lys Pro His Glu Ser Pro Arg Leu Leu Ile 35 40 45Lys Tyr Ala Ser Gln
Ser Ile Ser Gly Ile Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser Gly
Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Asn Ser Val Glu Thr 65 70 75 80Glu Asp
Phe Gly Val Phe Phe Cys Gln Gln Ser Asn Ser Trp Pro Phe 85 90 95Thr
Phe Gly Ala Gly Thr Lys Leu Glu Ile Lys Arg Thr Val Ala Ala 100 105
110Pro Ser Val Phe Ile Phe Pro Pro Ser Asp Glu Gln Leu Lys Ser Gly
115 120 125Thr Ala Ser Val Val Cys Leu Leu Asn Asn Phe Tyr Pro Arg
Glu Ala 130 135 140Lys Val Gln Trp Lys Val Asp Asn Ala Leu Gln Ser
Gly Asn Ser Gln145 150 155 160Glu Ser Val Thr Glu Gln Asp Ser Lys
Asp Ser Thr Tyr Ser Leu Ser 165 170 175Ser Thr Leu Thr Leu Ser Lys
Ala Asp Tyr Glu Lys His Lys Val Tyr 180 185 190Ala Cys Glu Val Thr
His Gln Gly Leu Ser Ser Pro Val Thr Lys Ser 195 200 205Phe Asn Arg
Gly Glu Cys 21026446PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic protein sequence 26Glu Val Lys Leu Val Glu Ser
Gly Gly Asp Leu Val Lys Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Lys Leu Ser
Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Ala Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Asp Met Ser Trp
Val Arg Gln Thr Pro Glu Lys Arg Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ala Thr Ile
Ser Ser Ser Gly Ser Tyr Thr Tyr Tyr Pro Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly
Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Arg Asn Thr Leu Tyr 65 70 75
80Leu Gln Met Ser Ser Leu Arg Ser Glu Asp Thr Ala Leu Tyr Tyr Cys
85 90 95Glu Arg Leu Trp Gly Ala Met Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu
Val 100 105 110Thr Val Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe
Pro Leu Ala 115 120 125Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala
Ala Leu Gly Cys Leu 130 135 140Val Lys Asp Tyr Phe Pro Glu Pro Val
Thr Val Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly145 150 155 160Ala Leu Thr Ser Gly Val
His Thr Phe Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser 165 170 175Gly Leu Tyr Ser
Leu Ser Ser Val Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu 180 185 190Gly Thr
Gln Thr Tyr Ile Cys Asn Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr 195 200
205Lys Val Asp Lys Lys Val Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys Thr His Thr
210 215 220Cys Pro Pro Cys Pro Ala Pro Glu Leu Leu Gly Gly Pro Ser
Val Phe225 230 235 240Leu Phe Pro Pro Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met
Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro 245 250 255Glu Val Thr Cys Val Val Val Asp Val
Ser His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val 260 265 270Lys Phe Asn Trp Tyr Val Asp
Gly Val Glu Val His Asn Ala Lys Thr 275 280 285Lys Pro Arg Glu Glu
Gln Tyr Asn Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val 290 295 300Leu Thr Val
Leu His Gln Asp Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys305 310 315
320Lys Val Ser Asn Lys Ala Leu Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser
325 330 335Lys Ala Lys Gly Gln Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu
Pro Pro 340 345 350Ser Arg Asp Glu Leu Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu
Thr Cys Leu Val 355 360 365Lys Gly Phe Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val
Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly 370 375 380Gln Pro Glu Asn Asn Tyr Lys Thr
Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser Asp385 390 395 400Gly Ser Phe Phe Leu
Tyr Ser Lys Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp 405 410 415Gln Gln Gly
Asn Val Phe Ser Cys Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His 420 425 430Asn
His Tyr Thr Gln Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 435 440
44527446PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic protein sequence 27Glu Val Lys Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly
Asp Leu Val Lys Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Lys Leu Ser Cys Ala
Ala Ser Gly Phe Ala Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Asp Met Ser Trp Val Arg
Gln Thr Pro Glu Lys Arg Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ala Thr Ile Ser Ser
Ser Gly Ser Tyr Thr Tyr Tyr Pro Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe
Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Arg Asn Thr Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln
Met Ser Ser Leu Arg Ser Glu Asp Thr Ala Leu Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Glu
Arg Leu Trp Gly Ala Met Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val 100 105
110Thr Val Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala
115 120 125Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu Gly
Cys Leu 130 135 140Val Lys Asp Tyr Phe Pro Glu Pro Val Thr Val Ser
Trp Asn Ser Gly145 150 155 160Ala Leu Thr Ser Gly Val His Thr Phe
Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser 165 170 175Gly Leu Tyr Ser Leu Ser Ser
Val Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu 180 185 190Gly Thr Gln Thr Tyr
Ile Cys Asn Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr 195 200 205Lys Val Asp
Lys Lys Val Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys Thr His Thr 210 215 220Cys
Pro Pro Cys Pro Ala Pro Glu Leu Leu Gly Gly Pro Ser Val Phe225 230
235 240Leu Phe Pro Pro Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr
Pro 245 250 255Glu Val Thr Cys Val Val Val Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp
Pro Glu Val 260 265 270Lys Phe Asn Trp Tyr Val Asp Gly Val Glu Val
His Asn Ala Lys Thr 275 280 285Lys Pro Arg Glu Glu Gln Tyr Ala Ser
Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val 290 295 300Leu Thr Val Leu His Gln Asp
Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys305 310 315 320Lys Val Ser Asn
Lys Ala Leu Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser 325 330 335Lys Ala
Lys Gly Gln Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro 340 345
350Ser Arg Asp Glu Leu Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val
355 360 365Lys Gly Phe Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser
Asn Gly 370 375 380Gln Pro Glu Asn Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val
Leu Asp Ser Asp385 390 395 400Gly Ser Phe Phe Leu Tyr Ser Lys Leu
Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp 405 410 415Gln Gln Gly Asn Val Phe Ser
Cys Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His 420 425 430Asn His Tyr Thr Gln
Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 435 440 44528107PRTArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic protein
sequence 28Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu Ser Ala Ser
Val Gly 1 5 10 15Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Gly
Leu Thr Asn Asp 20 25 30Leu His Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala
Pro Lys Arg Leu Ile 35 40 45Tyr Tyr Ala Ser Gln Ser Ile Ser Gly Val
Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Glu Phe Thr Leu
Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr
Cys Gln Gln Ser Asn Ser Trp Pro Phe 85 90 95Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr
Lys Leu Glu Ile Lys 100 10529116PRTArtificial SequenceDescription
of Artificial Sequence Synthetic protein sequence 29Glu Val Gln Leu
Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu
Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Ala Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Asp
Met Ser Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40
45Ser Thr Ile Ser Ser Ser Gly Ser Tyr Thr Tyr Tyr Pro Asp Ser Val
50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Lys Asn Ser Leu
Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val
Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala Arg Leu Trp Gly Ala Met Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln
Gly Thr Leu Val 100 105 110Thr Val Ser Ser 11530330PRTHomo sapiens
30Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro Ser Ser Lys 1
5 10 15Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu Gly Cys Leu Val Lys Asp
Tyr 20 25 30Phe Pro Glu Pro Val Thr Val Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly Ala Leu
Thr Ser 35 40 45Gly Val His Thr Phe Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser Gly
Leu Tyr Ser 50 55 60Leu Ser Ser Val Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu
Gly Thr Gln Thr 65 70 75 80Tyr Ile Cys Asn Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser
Asn Thr Lys Val Asp Lys 85 90 95Lys Val Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys
Thr His Thr Cys Pro Pro Cys 100 105 110Pro Ala Pro Glu Leu Leu Gly
Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Leu Phe Pro Pro 115 120 125Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr
Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Val Thr Cys 130 135 140Val Val Val
Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val Lys Phe Asn Trp145 150 155
160Tyr Val Asp Gly Val Glu Val His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu
165 170 175Glu Gln Tyr Asn Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr
Val Leu 180 185 190His Gln Asp Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys
Lys Val Ser Asn 195 200 205Lys Ala Leu Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr
Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys Gly 210 215 220Gln Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr
Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg Asp Glu225 230 235 240Leu Thr Lys Asn Gln
Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Phe Tyr 245 250 255Pro Ser Asp
Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn 260 265 270Asn
Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe 275 280
285Leu Tyr Ser Lys Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn
290 295 300Val Phe Ser Cys Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His
Tyr Thr305 310 315 320Gln Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 325
33031330PRTHomo sapiens 31Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro
Leu Ala Pro Ser Ser Lys 1 5 10 15Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala
Leu Gly Cys Leu Val Lys Asp Tyr 20 25 30Phe Pro Glu Pro Val Thr Val
Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser 35 40 45Gly Val His Thr Phe Pro
Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser 50 55 60Leu Ser Ser Val Val
Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln Thr 65 70 75 80Tyr Ile Cys
Asn Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr Lys Val Asp Lys 85 90 95Lys Val
Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys Thr His Thr Cys Pro Pro Cys 100 105
110Pro Ala Pro Glu Leu Leu Gly Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Leu Phe Pro Pro
115 120 125Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Val
Thr Cys 130 135 140Val Val Val Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val
Lys Phe Asn Trp145 150 155 160Tyr Val Asp Gly Val Glu Val His Asn
Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu 165 170 175Glu Gln Tyr Ala Ser Thr Tyr
Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu 180 185 190His Gln Asp Trp Leu
Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val Ser Asn 195 200 205Lys Ala Leu
Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys Gly 210 215 220Gln
Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg Asp Glu225 230
235 240Leu Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Phe
Tyr 245 250 255Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln
Pro Glu Asn 260 265 270Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser
Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe 275 280 285Leu Tyr Ser Lys Leu Thr Val Asp Lys
Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn 290 295 300Val Phe Ser Cys Ser Val Met
His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr305 310 315 320Gln Lys Ser Leu
Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 325 33032107PRTHomo sapiens 32Arg Thr Val
Ala Ala Pro Ser Val Phe Ile Phe Pro Pro Ser Asp Glu 1 5 10 15Gln
Leu Lys Ser Gly Thr Ala Ser Val Val Cys Leu Leu Asn Asn Phe 20 25
30Tyr Pro Arg Glu Ala Lys Val Gln Trp Lys Val Asp Asn Ala Leu Gln
35 40 45Ser Gly Asn Ser Gln Glu Ser Val Thr Glu Gln Asp Ser Lys Asp
Ser 50 55 60Thr Tyr Ser Leu Ser Ser Thr Leu Thr Leu Ser Lys Ala Asp
Tyr Glu 65 70 75 80Lys His Lys Val Tyr Ala Cys Glu Val Thr His Gln
Gly Leu Ser Ser 85 90 95Pro Val Thr Lys Ser Phe Asn Arg Gly Glu Cys
100 10533214PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic protein sequence 33Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser
Pro Ser Ser Leu Ser Ala Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15Asp Arg Val Thr Ile
Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Gly Leu Thr Asn Asp 20 25 30Leu His Trp Tyr
Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Arg Leu Ile 35 40 45Tyr Tyr Ala
Ser Gln Ser Ile Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55 60Ser Gly
Ser Gly Thr Glu Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75
80Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Ser Asn Ser Trp Pro Phe
85 90 95Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Leu Glu Ile Lys Arg Thr Val Ala
Ala 100 105 110Pro Ser Val Phe Ile Phe Pro Pro Ser Asp Glu Gln Leu
Lys Ser Gly 115 120 125Thr Ala Ser Val Val Cys Leu Leu Asn Asn Phe
Tyr Pro Arg Glu Ala 130 135 140Lys Val Gln Trp Lys Val Asp Asn Ala
Leu Gln Ser Gly Asn Ser Gln145
150 155 160Glu Ser Val Thr Glu Gln Asp Ser Lys Asp Ser Thr Tyr Ser
Leu Ser 165 170 175Ser Thr Leu Thr Leu Ser Lys Ala Asp Tyr Glu Lys
His Lys Val Tyr 180 185 190Ala Cys Glu Val Thr His Gln Gly Leu Ser
Ser Pro Val Thr Lys Ser 195 200 205Phe Asn Arg Gly Glu Cys
21034446PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic protein sequence 34Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly
Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala
Ala Ser Gly Phe Ala Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Asp Met Ser Trp Val Arg
Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ser Thr Ile Ser Ser
Ser Gly Ser Tyr Thr Tyr Tyr Pro Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe
Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Lys Asn Ser Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln
Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala
Arg Leu Trp Gly Ala Met Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val 100 105
110Thr Val Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala
115 120 125Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu Gly
Cys Leu 130 135 140Val Lys Asp Tyr Phe Pro Glu Pro Val Thr Val Ser
Trp Asn Ser Gly145 150 155 160Ala Leu Thr Ser Gly Val His Thr Phe
Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser 165 170 175Gly Leu Tyr Ser Leu Ser Ser
Val Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu 180 185 190Gly Thr Gln Thr Tyr
Ile Cys Asn Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr 195 200 205Lys Val Asp
Lys Lys Val Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys Thr His Thr 210 215 220Cys
Pro Pro Cys Pro Ala Pro Glu Leu Leu Gly Gly Pro Ser Val Phe225 230
235 240Leu Phe Pro Pro Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr
Pro 245 250 255Glu Val Thr Cys Val Val Val Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp
Pro Glu Val 260 265 270Lys Phe Asn Trp Tyr Val Asp Gly Val Glu Val
His Asn Ala Lys Thr 275 280 285Lys Pro Arg Glu Glu Gln Tyr Asn Ser
Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val 290 295 300Leu Thr Val Leu His Gln Asp
Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys305 310 315 320Lys Val Ser Asn
Lys Ala Leu Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser 325 330 335Lys Ala
Lys Gly Gln Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro 340 345
350Ser Arg Asp Glu Leu Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val
355 360 365Lys Gly Phe Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser
Asn Gly 370 375 380Gln Pro Glu Asn Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val
Leu Asp Ser Asp385 390 395 400Gly Ser Phe Phe Leu Tyr Ser Lys Leu
Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp 405 410 415Gln Gln Gly Asn Val Phe Ser
Cys Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His 420 425 430Asn His Tyr Thr Gln
Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 435 440 44535446PRTArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic protein
sequence 35Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Lys Pro
Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Ala
Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Asp Met Ser Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys
Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ser Thr Ile Ser Ser Ser Gly Ser Tyr Thr
Tyr Tyr Pro Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp
Asn Ala Lys Asn Ser Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln Met Asn Ser Leu Arg
Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala Arg Leu Trp Gly Ala
Met Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val 100 105 110Thr Val Ser Ser
Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala 115 120 125Pro Ser
Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu Gly Cys Leu 130 135
140Val Lys Asp Tyr Phe Pro Glu Pro Val Thr Val Ser Trp Asn Ser
Gly145 150 155 160Ala Leu Thr Ser Gly Val His Thr Phe Pro Ala Val
Leu Gln Ser Ser 165 170 175Gly Leu Tyr Ser Leu Ser Ser Val Val Thr
Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu 180 185 190Gly Thr Gln Thr Tyr Ile Cys Asn
Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr 195 200 205Lys Val Asp Lys Lys Val
Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys Thr His Thr 210 215 220Cys Pro Pro Cys
Pro Ala Pro Glu Leu Leu Gly Gly Pro Ser Val Phe225 230 235 240Leu
Phe Pro Pro Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro 245 250
255Glu Val Thr Cys Val Val Val Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val
260 265 270Lys Phe Asn Trp Tyr Val Asp Gly Val Glu Val His Asn Ala
Lys Thr 275 280 285Lys Pro Arg Glu Glu Gln Tyr Ala Ser Thr Tyr Arg
Val Val Ser Val 290 295 300Leu Thr Val Leu His Gln Asp Trp Leu Asn
Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys305 310 315 320Lys Val Ser Asn Lys Ala Leu
Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser 325 330 335Lys Ala Lys Gly Gln
Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro 340 345 350Ser Arg Asp
Glu Leu Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val 355 360 365Lys
Gly Phe Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly 370 375
380Gln Pro Glu Asn Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser
Asp385 390 395 400Gly Ser Phe Phe Leu Tyr Ser Lys Leu Thr Val Asp
Lys Ser Arg Trp 405 410 415Gln Gln Gly Asn Val Phe Ser Cys Ser Val
Met His Glu Ala Leu His 420 425 430Asn His Tyr Thr Gln Lys Ser Leu
Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 435 440 4453695PRTHomo sapiens 36Asp Ile
Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu Ser Ala Ser Val Gly 1 5 10
15Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Gly Ile Arg Asn Asp
20 25 30Leu Gly Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Arg Leu
Ile 35 40 45Tyr Ala Ala Ser Ser Leu Gln Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe
Ser Gly 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Glu Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser
Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Leu Gln His
Asn Ser Tyr Pro 85 90 953795PRTHomo sapiens 37Asp Ile Gln Met Thr
Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu Ser Ala Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15Asp Arg Val
Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Gly Ile Arg Asn Asp 20 25 30Leu Gly
Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Arg Leu Ile 35 40 45Tyr
Ala Ala Ser Ser Leu Gln Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55
60Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Glu Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Asn Leu Gln Pro
65 70 75 80Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Leu Gln His Asn Ser Tyr
Pro 85 90 953895PRTHomo sapiens 38Ala Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro
Ser Ser Leu Ser Ala Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr
Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Gly Ile Arg Asn Asp 20 25 30Leu Gly Trp Tyr Gln
Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile 35 40 45Tyr Ala Ala Ser
Ser Leu Gln Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser
Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80Glu
Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Leu Gln Asp Tyr Asn Tyr Pro 85 90
953995PRTHomo sapiens 39Asp Ile Gln Leu Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Phe Leu
Ser Ala Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala
Ser Gln Gly Ile Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro
Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile 35 40 45Tyr Ala Ala Ser Thr Leu Gln
Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Glu
Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80Glu Asp Phe Ala
Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Leu Asn Ser Tyr Pro 85 90 954095PRTHomo
sapiens 40Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Val Ser Ala Ser
Val Gly 1 5 10 15Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Gly
Ile Ser Ser Trp 20 25 30Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala
Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile 35 40 45Tyr Ala Ala Ser Ser Leu Gln Ser Gly Val
Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu
Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr
Cys Gln Gln Ala Asn Ser Phe Pro 85 90 954195PRTHomo sapiens 41Asp
Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Val Ser Ala Ser Val Gly 1 5 10
15Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Gly Ile Ser Ser Trp
20 25 30Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu
Ile 35 40 45Tyr Ala Ala Ser Ser Leu Gln Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe
Ser Gly 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser
Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Ala
Asn Ser Phe Pro 85 90 954295PRTHomo sapiens 42Asp Ile Gln Met Thr
Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu Ser Ala Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15Asp Arg Val
Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Gly Ile Ser Ser Trp 20 25 30Leu Ala
Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Glu Lys Ala Pro Lys Ser Leu Ile 35 40 45Tyr
Ala Ala Ser Ser Leu Gln Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55
60Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro
65 70 75 80Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Tyr Asn Ser Tyr
Pro 85 90 954395PRTHomo sapiens 43Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro
Ser Ser Leu Ser Ala Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr
Cys Arg Ala Arg Gln Gly Ile Ser Ser Trp 20 25 30Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln
Gln Lys Pro Glu Lys Ala Pro Lys Ser Leu Ile 35 40 45Tyr Ala Ala Ser
Ser Leu Gln Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser
Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80Glu
Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Tyr Asn Ser Tyr Pro 85 90
954495PRTHomo sapiens 44Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu
Ser Ala Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala
Ser Gln Gly Ile Ser Asn Tyr 20 25 30Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro
Gly Lys Val Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile 35 40 45Tyr Ala Ala Ser Thr Leu Gln
Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp
Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80Glu Asp Val Ala
Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Lys Tyr Asn Ser Ala Pro 85 90 954595PRTHomo
sapiens 45Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu Ser Ala Ser
Val Gly 1 5 10 15Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Ser
Ile Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Leu Asn Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala
Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile 35 40 45Tyr Ala Ala Ser Ser Leu Gln Ser Gly Val
Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu
Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr
Cys Gln Gln Ser Tyr Ser Thr Pro 85 90 954695PRTHomo sapiens 46Asp
Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Phe Leu Ser Ala Ser Val Gly 1 5 10
15Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Ser Ile Ser Ser Tyr
20 25 30Leu Asn Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu
Ile 35 40 45Tyr Ala Ala Ser Ser Leu Gln Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe
Ser Gly 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser
Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Cys Gly
Tyr Ser Thr Pro 85 90 954795PRTHomo sapiens 47Ala Ile Arg Met Thr
Gln Ser Pro Phe Ser Leu Ser Ala Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15Asp Arg Val
Thr Ile Thr Cys Trp Ala Ser Gln Gly Ile Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Leu Ala
Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Ala Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Phe Ile 35 40 45Tyr
Tyr Ala Ser Ser Leu Gln Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55
60Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Tyr Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro
65 70 75 80Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Tyr Tyr Ser Thr
Pro 85 90 954898PRTHomo sapiens 48Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly
Gly Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys
Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Ser Met Asn Trp Val
Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ser Ser Ile Ser
Ser Ser Ser Ser Tyr Ile Tyr Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg
Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Lys Asn Ser Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu
Gln Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90
95Ala Arg4998PRTHomo sapiens 49Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly
Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala
Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Ser Met Asn Trp Val Arg
Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ser Ser Ile Ser Ser
Ser Ser Ser Tyr Ile Tyr Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe
Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Lys Asn Ser Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln
Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala
Arg5098PRTHomo sapiens 50Gln Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly
Leu Val Lys Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala
Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Asp Tyr 20 25 30Tyr Met Ser Trp Ile Arg Gln
Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ser Tyr Ile Ser Ser Ser
Gly Ser Thr Ile Tyr Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr
Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Lys Asn Ser Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln Met
Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala
Arg5198PRTHomo sapiens 51Gln Val Gln Leu Leu Glu Ser Gly
Gly Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys
Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Asp Tyr 20 25 30Tyr Met Ser Trp Ile
Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ser Tyr Ile Ser
Ser Ser Ser Ser Tyr Thr Asn Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg
Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Lys Asn Ser Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu
Gln Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90
95Ala Arg5298PRTHomo sapiens 52Glu Val Gln Leu Leu Glu Ser Gly Gly
Gly Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala
Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Ala Met Ser Trp Val Arg
Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ser Ala Ile Ser Gly
Ser Gly Gly Ser Thr Tyr Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe
Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln
Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala
Lys5398PRTHomo sapiens 53Glu Val Gln Leu Leu Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly
Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala
Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Ala Met Ser Trp Val Arg Gln
Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ser Ala Ile Ser Gly Ser
Gly Gly Ser Thr Tyr Tyr Gly Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr
Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln Met
Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala
Lys5498PRTHomo sapiens 54Glu Val Gln Leu Leu Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly
Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala
Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Ala Met Ser Trp Val Arg Gln
Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ser Val Ile Tyr Ser Gly
Gly Ser Ser Thr Tyr Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr
Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln Met
Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala
Lys5598PRTHomo sapiens 55Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly
Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala
Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Ser Met Asn Trp Val Arg Gln
Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ser Tyr Ile Ser Ser Ser
Ser Ser Thr Ile Tyr Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr
Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Lys Asn Ser Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln Met
Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala
Arg5698PRTHomo sapiens 56Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly
Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala
Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Ser Met Asn Trp Val Arg Gln
Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ser Tyr Ile Ser Ser Ser
Ser Ser Thr Ile Tyr Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr
Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Lys Asn Ser Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln Met
Asn Ser Leu Arg Asp Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala
Arg5798PRTHomo sapiens 57Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly
Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala
Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Glu Met Asn Trp Val Arg Gln
Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ser Tyr Ile Ser Ser Ser
Gly Ser Thr Ile Tyr Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr
Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Lys Asn Ser Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln Met
Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala
Arg5898PRTHomo sapiens 58Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly
Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala
Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Ala Met His Trp Val Arg Gln
Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Tyr Val 35 40 45Ser Ala Ile Ser Ser Asn
Gly Gly Ser Thr Tyr Tyr Ala Asn Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr
Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln Met
Gly Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Met Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala
Arg5998PRTHomo sapiens 59Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Glu Gly
Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala
Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Ala Met His Trp Val Arg Gln
Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Tyr Val 35 40 45Ser Ala Ile Ser Ser Asn
Gly Gly Ser Thr Tyr Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr
Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln Met
Gly Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Met Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala
Arg6098PRTHomo sapiens 60Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly
Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ser Ala
Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Ala Met His Trp Val Arg Gln
Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Tyr Val 35 40 45Ser Ala Ile Ser Ser Asn
Gly Gly Ser Thr Tyr Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr
Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Val Gln Met
Ser Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Val
Lys6198PRTHomo sapiens 61Gln Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly
Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ser Ala
Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Ala Met His Trp Val Arg Gln
Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Tyr Val 35 40 45Ser Ala Ile Ser Ser Asn
Gly Gly Ser Thr Tyr Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr
Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln Met
Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala
Arg6298PRTHomo sapiens 62Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly
Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ser Ala
Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Ala Met His Trp Val Arg Gln
Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Tyr Val 35 40 45Ser Ala Ile Ser Ser Asn
Gly Gly Ser Thr Tyr Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr
Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Val Gln Met
Ser Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Val
Lys63116PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic protein sequence 63Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly
Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala
Ala Ser Gly Phe Ala Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Asp Met Ser Trp Val Arg
Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ser Thr Ile Ser Ser
Ser Gly Ser Tyr Thr Tyr Tyr Pro Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe
Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Lys Asn Ser Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80Leu Gln
Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala
Arg Leu Trp Gly Ala Met Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val 100 105
110Thr Val Ser Ser 11564108PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic protein sequence 64Asp Ile Gln Met
Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu Ser Ala Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15Asp Arg
Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Gly Leu Thr Asn Asp 20 25 30Leu
His Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Arg Leu Ile 35 40
45Tyr Tyr Ala Ser Gln Ser Ile Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly
50 55 60Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Glu Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln
Pro 65 70 75 80Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Ser Asn Ser
Trp Pro Phe 85 90 95Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Leu Glu Ile Lys Arg
100 105
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