U.S. patent application number 12/905971 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-12 for soluble receptor br43x2 and methods of using.
This patent application is currently assigned to ZYMOGENETICS, INC.. Invention is credited to JANE A. GROSS, Karen L. Madden, Wenfeng Xu, David P. Yee.
Application Number | 20110110946 12/905971 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43065836 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110110946 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GROSS; JANE A. ; et
al. |
May 12, 2011 |
SOLUBLE RECEPTOR BR43X2 AND METHODS OF USING
Abstract
Soluble, secreted tumor necrosis factor receptor polypeptides,
polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions
and methods are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise one
cysteine-rich repeat that is homologous to other tumor necrosis
factor receptors, such as transmembrane activator and
CAML-interactor (TACI). The polypeptides may be used for detecting
ligands, agonists and antagonists. The polypeptides may also be
used in methods that modulate B cell activation.
Inventors: |
GROSS; JANE A.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Xu; Wenfeng; (Mukilteo, WA) ; Madden;
Karen L.; (Bellevue, WA) ; Yee; David P.;
(Cambridge, MA) |
Assignee: |
ZYMOGENETICS, INC.
Seattle
WA
|
Family ID: |
43065836 |
Appl. No.: |
12/905971 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09627206 |
Jul 27, 2000 |
7833529 |
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12905971 |
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09569245 |
May 11, 2000 |
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09627206 |
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09479856 |
Jan 7, 2000 |
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09569245 |
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60169890 |
Dec 9, 1999 |
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60115068 |
Jan 7, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/134.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C07K 2317/34 20130101;
C07K 16/2875 20130101; A61P 37/06 20180101; C07K 2317/76 20130101;
A61P 13/12 20180101; A61P 29/00 20180101; A61P 11/00 20180101; C07K
16/2878 20130101; A61K 38/00 20130101; A61P 11/06 20180101; A61P
37/04 20180101; A61P 19/02 20180101; A61P 11/08 20180101; A61P 7/06
20180101; C07K 2319/30 20130101; A61P 25/00 20180101; A61P 25/28
20180101; A61P 37/02 20180101; A61P 3/10 20180101; A61P 35/00
20180101; C07K 14/70578 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/134.1 |
International
Class: |
A61K 39/395 20060101
A61K039/395; A61P 29/00 20060101 A61P029/00; A61P 37/06 20060101
A61P037/06; A61P 37/02 20060101 A61P037/02; A61P 3/10 20060101
A61P003/10; A61P 25/28 20060101 A61P025/28; A61P 11/06 20060101
A61P011/06; A61P 11/00 20060101 A61P011/00; A61P 11/08 20060101
A61P011/08; A61P 13/12 20060101 A61P013/12; A61P 35/00 20060101
A61P035/00; A61P 19/02 20060101 A61P019/02; A61P 7/06 20060101
A61P007/06 |
Claims
1. A method of inhibiting B lymphocyte proliferation in a mammal,
comprising administering to the mammal a composition comprising a
fusion protein consisting of a first portion and a second portion,
wherein the first portion and second portion are joined by a
peptide bond, wherein the first portion of the fusion protein
consists of a ztnf4-binding fragment of the transmembrane activator
and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand-interactor (TACI)
extracellular domain comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10,
wherein the second portion of the fusion protein comprises an
immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region, and wherein the fusion
protein binds ztnf4.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ztnf4-binding fragment of the
TACI extracellular domain comprises amino acid residues 34-66 of
SEQ ID NO: 6.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the ztnf4-binding fragment of the
TACI extracellular domain comprises amino acid residues 71-104 of
SEQ ID NO: 6.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the immunoglobulin heavy chain
constant region is a human immunoglobulin heavy chain constant
region.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the human immunoglobulin heavy
chain constant region is a human immunoglobulin heavy chain
constant region of IgG1.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises
multimeric proteins comprising one or more polypeptide fusions.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the composition comprises dimeric
proteins comprising one or more polypeptide fusions.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said B lymphocyte proliferation
is associated with an autoimmune disease.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said autoimmune disease is
systemic lupus erythematosus, myasthenia gravis, multiple
sclerosis, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or rheumatoid
arthritis.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said B lymphocyte proliferation
is associated with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, Crohn's Disease,
or end stage renal failure.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said B lymphocyte proliferation
is associated with renal disease.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said renal disease is
glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, nephritis or pyelonephritis.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein said B lymphocyte proliferation
is associated with renal neoplasms, multiple myelomas, lymphomas,
light chain neuropathy or amyloidosis.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein said lymphocyte proliferation is
associated with regulating immune response.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein said B lymphocyte proliferation
is associated with graft rejection, graft versus host disease, or
inflammation.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said inflammation is associated
with joint pain, swelling, anemia or septic shock.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/569,245, filed May 11, 2000, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/479,856, filed on Jan. 7, 2000, which is related to Provisional
Applications 60/115,068, filed on Jan. 7, 1999 and 60/169,890,
filed on Dec. 9, 1999. Under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)(1), this
application claims benefit of said Provisional Applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Cellular interactions which occur during an immune response
are regulated by members of several families of cell surface
receptors, including the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)
family. The TNFR family consists of a number of integral membrane
glycoprotein receptors many of which, in conjunction with their
respective ligands, regulate interactions between different
hematopoietic cell lineages (Smith et al., The TNF Receptor
Superfamily of Cellular and Viral Proteins: Activation,
Costimulation and Death, 76:959-62, 1994; Cosman, Stem Cells
12:440-55, 1994).
[0003] One such receptor is TACI, transmembrane activator and
CAML-interactor (von Bulow and Bram, Science 228:138-41, 1997 and
WIPO Publication WO 98/39361). TACT is a membrane bound receptor
having an extracellular domain containing two cysteine-rich
pseudo-repeats, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic domain
that interacts with CAML (calcium-modulator and cyclophilin
ligand), an integral membrane protein located at intracellular
vesicles which is a co-inducer of NF-AT activation when
overexpressed in Jurkat cells. TACI is associated with B cells and
a subset of T cells. von Bulow and Bram (ibid.) report that the
ligand for TACI is not known.
The polypeptides of the present invention, a TACI isoform having
only one cysteine-rich pseudo-repeat (BR43x2), TACI and a related B
cell protein, BCMA (Gras et al., Int. Immunol. 17:1093-106, 1995)
were found to bind to the TNF ligand, ztnf4, now know as neutrokine
.alpha. (WIPO Publication, WO 98/18921), BLyS (Moore et al.,
Science, 285:260-3, 1999), BAFF (Schneider et al., J. Exp. Med.
189:1747-56, 1999), TALL-1 (Shu et al., J. Leukoc. Biol. 65:680-3,
1999), or THANK (Mukhopadhyay et al., J. Biol. Chem. 274:15978-81,
1999). As such, BR43x2, TACI, and BCMA would be useful to regulate
the activity of ztnf4 in particular, the activation of B cells.
[0004] Towards this end, the present invention provides protein
therapeutics for modulating the activity of ztnf4 or other BR43x2,
TACI or BCMA ligands, related compositions and methods as well as
other uses that should be apparent to those skilled in the art from
the teachings herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Within one aspect the invention provides a method of
inhibiting ztnf4 activity in a mammal comprising administering to
said mammal an amount of a compound selected from the group
consisting of: a) a soluble ztnf4 receptor; b) a polypeptide
comprising the extracellular domain of BR43x2; c) a polypeptide
comprising the extracellular domain of TACT; d) a polypeptide
comprising the extracellular domain of BCMA; e) a polypeptide
comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:10; f) an antibody or antibody
fragment which specifically binds to a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2;
g) an antibody or antibody fragment which specifically binds to a
polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:4; h) an antibody or antibody fragment
which specifically binds to a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:6; i) an
antibody or antibody fragment which specifically binds to a
polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:8; j) an antibody or antibody fragment
which specifically binds to a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:10; k) a
polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:4; l) amino acid residues 1-166 of SEQ ID
NO:6; and m) amino acid residues 1-150 of SEQ ID NO:8. Within one
embodiment the compound is a fusion protein consisting of a first
portion and a second portion joined by a peptide bond, said first
portion comprising a polypeptide selected from the group consisting
of: a) a soluble ztnf4 receptor; b) a polypeptide comprising the
sequence of SEQ ID NO:10; c) a polypeptide comprising amino acid
residues 25-58 of SEQ ID NO:2; d) a polypeptide comprising amino
acid residues 34-66 of SEQ ID NO:6; e) a polypeptide comprising
amino acid residues 71-104 of SEQ ID NO:6; f) a polypeptide
comprising amino acid residues 25-104 of SEQ ID NO:6; g) a
polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 8-37 of SEQ ID NO:8; h)
a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 41-88 of SEQ ID NO:8;
i) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 8-88 of SEQ ID
NO:8; and said second portion comprising another polypeptide.
Within a related embodiment the first portion further comprises a
polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: a) amino acid
residues 59-120 of SEQ ID NO:2; b) amino acid residues 105-166 of
SEQ ID NO:6; and c) amino acid residues 89-150 of SEQ ID NO:8.
Within another embodiment the first portion is selected from the
group consisting of: a) a polypeptide comprising the extracellular
domain of BR43x2; b) a polypeptide comprising the extracellular
domain of TACI; and c) a polypeptide comprising the extracellular
domain of BCMA. Within another embodiment the first portion is
selected from the group consisting of: a) a polypeptide of SEQ ID
NO:4; b) amino acid residues 1-154 of SEQ ID NO:6; and c) amino
acid residues 1-48 of SEQ ID NO:8. Within a further embodiment the
second portion is an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant
region.
[0006] Within another embodiment is a method wherein said antibody
or antibody fragment is selected from the group consisting of: a)
polyclonal antibody; b) murine monoclonal antibody; c) humanized
antibody derived from b); and d) human monoclonal antibody. Within
a related embodiment the antibody fragment is selected from the
group consisting of F(ab'), F(ab), Fab', Fab, Fv, scFv, and minimal
recognition unit.
[0007] Within yet another embodiment is a method wherein said
mammal is a primate.
[0008] Within other embodiments is a method wherein said ztnf4
activity is associated with B lymphocytes, activated B lymphocytes,
or resting B lymphocytes.
[0009] Within still another embodiment is a method wherein said
ztnf4 activity is associated with antibody production. Within a
related embodiment the antibody production is associated with an
autoimmune disease. Within another related embodiment the
autoimmune disease is systemic lupus erythomatosis, myasthenia
gravis, multiple sclerosis, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or
rheumatoid arthritis.
[0010] Within another embodiment the ztnf4 activity is associated
with asthma, bronchitis or emphysema.
[0011] Within other embodiments the ztnf4 activity is associated
with end stage renal failure or renal disease. Within a related
embodiment the renal disease is glomerulonephritis, vasculitis,
chronic lymphoid leukemia, nephritis or pyelonephritis.
[0012] Within another embodiment ztnf4 activity is associated with
renal neoplasms; multiple myelomas, lymphomas, light chain
neuropathy or amyloidosis.
[0013] Another embodiment provides a method wherein the ztnf4
activity is associated with effector T cells. Within a related
embodiment the ztnf4 activity is associated with regulating immune
response. Within another embodiment the ztnf4 activity is
associated with immunosuppression. Within yet another embodiment
the immunosuppression is associated with graft rejection, graft
verses host disease or inflammation. Within still another
embodiment the immunosuppression is associated with autoimmune
disease. Another embodiment provides that the autoimmune disease is
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or Crohn's disease. Still
another embodiment provides that the immunosuppression is
associated with inflammation. Within a related embodiment the
inflammation is associated with joint pain, swelling, anemia, or
septic shock.
[0014] Within another aspect the invention provides a method for
inhibiting BR43x2, TACT or BCMA receptor-ligand engagement
comprising administering an amount of a compound selected from the
group consisting of: a) a ztnf4 receptor, b) a polypeptide
comprising the extracellular domain of BR43x2; c) a polypeptide
comprising the extracellular domain of TACI; d) a polypeptide
comprising the extracellular domain of BCMA; e) a polypeptide
comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:10; f) an antibody or antibody
fragment which specifically binds to a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2;
g) an antibody or antibody fragment which specifically binds to a
polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:4; h) an antibody or antibody fragment
which specifically binds to a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:6; i) an
antibody or antibody fragment which specifically binds to a
polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:8; j) an antibody or antibody fragment
which specifically binds to a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:10; k) an
antibody or antibody fragment which specifically binds to a
polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:18; l) an antibody or antibody fragment
which specifically binds to a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:20; m) a
polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:4; n) amino acid residues 1-166 of SEQ ID
NO:6; and o) amino acid residues 1-150 of SEQ ID NO:8. Within one
embodiment the compound is a fusion protein consisting of a first
portion and a second portion joined by a peptide bond, said first
portion comprising a polypeptide selected from the group consisting
of: a) a polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:8; b) a
polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 25-58 of SEQ ID NO:2; c)
a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 34-66 of SEQ ID NO:6;
d) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 71-104 of SEQ ID
NO:6; e) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 25-104 of SEQ
ID NO:6; f) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 8-37 of
SEQ ID NO:8; g) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 41-88
of SEQ ID NO:8; h) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues
8-88 of SEQ ID NO:8; and said second portion comprising another
polypeptide. Within another embodiment the first portion further
comprises a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: a)
amino acid residues 59-120 of SEQ ID NO:2; b) amino acid residues
105-166 of SEQ ID NO:6; and c) amino acid residues 89-150 of SEQ ID
NO:8. Within yet another embodiment the first portion is selected
from the group consisting of: a) a polypeptide comprising the
extracellular domain of BR43x2; b) a polypeptide comprising the
extracellular domain of TACI; and c) a polypeptide comprising the
extracellular domain of BCMA. Within yet another embodiment the
first portion is selected from the group consisting of: a) a
polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:4; b) amino acid residues 1-154 of SEQ ID
NO:6; and c) amino acid residues 1-48 of SEQ ID NO:8. Within a
related embodiment the second portion is an immunoglobulin heavy
chain constant region.
[0015] Within another embodiment the said antibody or antibody
fragment is selected from the group consisting of: a) polyclonal
antibody; b) murine monoclonal antibody; c) humanized antibody
derived from b); and d) human monoclonal antibody. Within a related
embodiment the antibody fragment is selected from the group
consisting of F(ab'), F(ab), Fab', Fab, Fv, scFv, and minimal
recognition unit.
[0016] Within other embodiment the BR43x2, TACI or BCMA
receptor-ligand engagement is associated with lymphocytes,
activated B lymphocytes, or resting B lymphocytes.
[0017] Within other embodiment the BR43x2, TACI or BCMA
receptor-ligand engagement is associated with antibody production.
Within a related embodiment the antibody production is associated
with an autoimmune disease.
[0018] Within another embodiment the autoimmune disease is systemic
lupus erythematosis, myasthenia gravis, insulin dependent diabetes
mellitus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
[0019] Within other embodiment the BR43x2, TACI or BCMA
receptor-ligand engagement is associated with asthma, bronchitis or
emphysema.
[0020] Within other embodiment the BR43x2, TACT or BCMA
receptor-ligand engagement is associated with end stage renal
failure.
[0021] Within other embodiment the BR43x2, TACI or BCMA
receptor-ligand engagement is associated with renal disease. Within
a related embodiment the renal disease is glomerulonephritis,
vasculitis, nephritis, chronic lymphoid leukemia, or
pyelonephritis.
[0022] Within other embodiment the BR43x2, TACI or BCMA
receptor-ligand engagement is associated with renal neoplasms,
multiple myelomas, lymphomas, light chain neuropathy or
amyloidosis.
[0023] Within other embodiment the BR43x2, TACI or BCMA
receptor-ligand engagement is associated with effector T cells.
Within a related embodiment the BR43x2, TACI or BCMA
receptor-ligand engagement is associated with regulation of immune
response. Within another related embodiment the BR43x2, TACI or
BCMA receptor-ligand engagement is associated with
immunosuppression. Within another embodiment the immunosuppression
is associated with graft rejection, graft verses host disease or
inflammation. Within another embodiment the immunosuppression is
associated with autoimmune disease. Within a related embodiment the
autoimmune disease is insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or
Crohn's Disease.
[0024] Within other embodiment the BR43x2, TACI or BCMA
receptor-ligand engagement is associated with inflammation. Within
a related embodiment the inflammation is associated with joint
pain, swelling, anemia, or septic shock.
[0025] The invention also provides an isolated polynucleotide
molecule encoding a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2. Also provided is an
isolated polynucleotide molecule of SEQ ID NO:1.
[0026] The invention also provides an expression vector comprising
the following operably linked elements: a transcription promoter; a
polynucleotide molecule as described above; and a transcription
terminator.
[0027] The invention further provides a cultured cell into which
has been introduced an expression vector as described above,
wherein said cultured cell expresses said polypeptide encoded by
said polynucleotide segment.
[0028] Also provided is a method of producing a polypeptide
comprising: culturing a cell into which has been introduced an
expression vector as described above; whereby said cell expresses
said polypeptide encoded by said polynucleotide molecule; and
recovering said expressed polypeptide.
[0029] The invention provides an isolated polypeptide having the
sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. In a related embodiment the polypeptide is
in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.
[0030] Within another aspect the invention provides a method for
regulating B lymphocytes in a recipient in need of such B
lymphocyte regulation, comprising administering to said recipient a
pharmaceutically effective amount of a soluble ztnf4 receptor in a
pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Within a related embodiment
the B lymphocyte regulation is selected from the group consisting
of: a) inhibition of B lymphocyte proliferation; b) inhibition of B
lymphocyte activation; c) inhibition of B lymphocyte homeostasis;
and d) inhibition of B lymphocyte effector function. Within another
embodiment the B lymphocyte regulation is modulation of
autoantibody production. Within yet another embodiment the B
lymphocyte regulation is the reduction of B lymphocytes in the
periphery of said recipient. Within one related embodiment the B
lymphocytes are pre-pro or immature B lymphocytes. Within another
embodiment the B lymphocyte regulation is associated with an
autoimmune disease. Within a related embodiment the autoimmune
disease is systemic lupus erythematosis, myasthenia gravis, insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid
arthritis.
[0031] Another embodiment provides a method wherein the B
lymphocyte regulation is associated with asthma, bronchitis or
emphysema.
[0032] Another embodiment provides a method wherein the B
lymphocyte regulation is associated with end stage renal
failure.
[0033] Another embodiment provides a method wherein the B
lymphocyte regulation is associated with renal disease. In a
related embodiment the renal disease is glomerulonephritis,
vasculitis, nephritis, chronic lymphoid leukemia, or
pyelonephritis.
[0034] In yet another embodiment is provided a method wherein the B
lymphocyte regulation is associated with renal neoplasms, multiple
myelomas, lymphomas, light chain neuropathy or amyloidosis.
[0035] Another embodiment provides a method wherein B lymphocyte
regulation is associated with effector T cells. Within one
embodiment the B lymphocyte regulation is associated with
regulation of immune response. Within a related embodiment the B
lymphocyte regulation is associated with immunosuppression. Within
another related embodiment the immunosuppression is associated with
graft rejection, graft verses host disease or inflammation.
[0036] Within another embodiment is provided a method wherein B
lymphocyte regulation is associated with autoimmune disease. Within
a related embodiment the autoimmune disease is insulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus or Crohn's Disease.
[0037] Within another embodiment the B lymphocyte regulation is
associated with inflammation.
[0038] Within in another aspect the invention provides a method for
reducing proteinuria in a recipient in need of such reduction,
comprising administering to said recipient a pharmaceutically
effective amount of a soluble ztnf4 receptor in a pharmaceutically
acceptable vehicle. Within one embodiment the proteinuria is
stimulated by ztnf4. Within another embodiment the proteinuria is
associated with an autoimmune disease. Within a related embodiment
the autoimmune disease is systemic lupus erythomatosis, myasthenia
gravis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
[0039] Within another embodiment is provided a method wherein said
proteinuria is associated with end stage renal failure.
[0040] Yet another embodiment provides a method wherein the
proteinuria is associated with renal disease. A related embodiment
provides that the renal disease is glomerulonephritis, vasculitis,
nephritis, chronic lymphoid leukemia, or pyelonephritis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0041] FIG. 1 shows a multiple amino acid sequence alignment
between BR43x2, TACI (von Bulow and Bram, ibid.) (SEQ ID NO:6),
BCMA (Gras et al., ibid.) (SEQ ID NO:8) and BR43x1 (SEQ ID NO:9).
The cysteine-rich pseudo repeats and transmembrane domain are
noted.
[0042] FIG. 2 shows a Scatchard plot analysis of soluble
I.sup.125-ztnf4 binding to TACI and BCMA expressed by stable BHK
transfectants.
[0043] FIG. 3A shows ztnf4 co-activating human B lymphocytes to
proliferate and secrete immunoglobulin.
[0044] FIG. 3B shows levels of IgM and IgG measured in supernatants
obtained from B cells stimulated with soluble ztnf4 in the presence
of IL4 or IL4+IL5 after 9 days in culture.
[0045] FIG. 4 shows human peripheral blood B cells stimulated with
soluble ztnf4 or control protein (ubiquitin) in the presence of
IL-4 for 5 days in vitro. Purified TACI-Ig, BCMA-Ig and control Fc
were tested for inhibition of ztnf4 specific proliferation.
[0046] FIG. 5A shows results from ztnf4 transgenic animals that
have developed characteristics of SLE.
[0047] FIG. 5B shows lymph node, spleen and thymus cells from ztnf4
transgenic animals stained with antibodies to CD5, CD4 and CD8.
[0048] FIG. 5C shows total IgM, IgG and IgE levels in serum from
transgenic ztnf4 animals ranging from 6 to 23 weeks of age.
[0049] FIG. 5D shows effector T cells in ztnf4 transgenic mice.
[0050] FIGS. 6A and B show elevated ztnf4 levels in serum obtained
from NZBWF1 mice and MRL/lpr/lpr mice that correlates with
development of SLE.
[0051] FIG. 7 shows the percentage of NZBWF1 mice that develop
proteinurea over the course of the study.
[0052] FIG. 8 shows anti-dsDNA levels by ELISA from ztnf4
transgenic mice and control litter mates compared to serum from
ZNBWF1 and MRL/lpr/lpr mice.
[0053] FIGS. 9 A and 9 B show the results of a collagen ELISA on
serum taken from DBA/1J mice in CIA model.
[0054] FIG. 10 shows levels of ztnf4 in SLE patients.
[0055] These and other aspects of the invention will become evident
upon reference to the following detailed description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0056] Prior to setting forth the invention, it may be helpful to
an understanding thereof to set forth definitions of certain terms
to be used hereinafter:
[0057] Affinity tag: is used herein to denote a polypeptide segment
that can be attached to a second polypeptide to provide for
purification or detection of the second polypeptide or provide
sites for attachment of the second polypeptide to a substrate. In
principal, any peptide or protein for which an antibody or other
specific binding agent is available can be used as an affinity tag.
Affinity tags include a poly-histidine tract, protein A (Nilsson et
al., EMBO J. 4:1075, 1985; Nilsson et al., Methods Enzymol. 198:3,
1991), glutathione S transferase (Smith and Johnson, Gene 67:31,
1988), Glu-Glu affinity tag (Grussenmeyer et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA 82:7952-4, 1985), substance P, Flag.TM. peptide (Hopp et
al., Biotechnology 6:1204-10, 1988), streptavidin binding peptide,
or other antigenic epitope or binding domain. See, in general, Ford
et al., Protein Expression and Purification 2: 95-107, 1991. DNAs
encoding affinity tags are available from commercial suppliers
(e.g., Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway, N.J.).
[0058] Allelic variant: Any of two or more alternative forms of a
gene occupying the same chromosomal locus. Allelic variation arises
naturally through mutation, and may result in phenotypic
polymorphism within populations. Gene mutations can be silent
(i.e., no change in the encoded polypeptide), or may encode
polypeptides having altered amino acid sequence. The term "allelic
variant" is also used herein to denote a protein encoded by an
allelic variant of a gene. Also included are the same protein from
the same species which differs from a reference amino acid sequence
due to allelic variation. Allelic variation refers to naturally
occurring differences among individuals in genes encoding a given
protein.
[0059] Amino-terminal and carboxyl-terminal: are used herein to
denote positions within polypeptides and proteins. Where the
context allows, these terms are used with reference to a particular
sequence or portion of a polypeptide or protein to denote proximity
or relative position. For example, a certain sequence positioned
carboxyl-terminal to a reference sequence within a protein is
located proximal to the carboxyl terminus of the reference
sequence, but is not necessarily at the carboxyl terminus of the
complete protein.
[0060] Complement/anti-complement pair: Denotes non-identical
moieties that form a non-covalently associated, stable pair under
appropriate conditions. For instance, biotin and avidin (or
streptavidin) are prototypical members of a
complement/anti-complement pair. Other exemplary
complement/anti-complement pairs include receptor/ligand pairs,
antibody/antigen (or hapten or epitope) pairs, sense/antisense
polynucleotide pairs, and the like. Where subsequent dissociation
of the complement/anti-complement pair is desirable, the
complement/anti-complement pair preferably has a binding affinity
of <10.sup.-9 M.
[0061] Contig: Denotes a polynucleotide that has a contiguous
stretch of identical or complementary sequence to another
polynucleotide. Contiguous sequences are said to "overlap" a given
stretch of polynucleotide sequence either in their entirety or
along a partial stretch of the polynucleotide. For example,
representative contigs to the polynucleotide sequence
5'-ATGGCTTAGCTT-3' are 5'-TAGCTTgagtct-3' and
3'-gtcgacTACCGA-5'.
[0062] Complements of polynucleotide molecules: Denotes
polynucleotide molecules having a complementary base sequence and
reverse orientation as compared to a reference sequence. For
example, the sequence 5' ATGCACGGG 3' is complementary to 5'
CCCGTGCAT 3'.
[0063] Degenerate Nucleotide Sequence or Degenerate Sequence:
Denotes a sequence of nucleotides that includes one or more
degenerate codons (as compared to a reference polynucleotide
molecule that encodes a polypeptide). Degenerate codons contain
different triplets of nucleotides, but encode the same amino acid
residue (i.e., GAU and GAC triplets each encode Asp).
[0064] Expression vector: A DNA molecule, linear or circular, that
comprises a segment encoding a polypeptide of interest operably
linked to additional segments that provide for its transcription.
Such additional segments may include promoter and terminator
sequences, and optionally one or more origins of replication, one
or more selectable markers, an enhancer, a polyadenylation signal,
and the like. Expression vectors are generally derived from plasmid
or viral DNA, or may contain elements of both.
[0065] Isoform: refers to different forms of a protein that may be
produced from different genes or from the same gene by alternate
splicing. In some cases, isoforms differ in their transport
activity, time of expression in development, tissue distribution,
location in the cell or a combination of these properties.
[0066] Isolated polynucleotide: denotes that the polynucleotide has
been removed from its natural genetic milieu and is thus free of
other extraneous or unwanted coding sequences, and is in a form
suitable for use within genetically engineered protein production
systems. Such isolated molecules are those that are separated from
their natural environment and include cDNA and genomic clones.
Isolated DNA molecules of the present invention are free of other
genes with which they are ordinarily associated, but may include
naturally occurring 5' and 3' untranslated regions such as
promoters and terminators. The identification of associated regions
will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art (see for
example, Dynan and Tijan, Nature 316:774-78, 1985).
[0067] Isolated polypeptide or protein: is a polypeptide or protein
that is found in a condition other than its native environment,
such as apart from blood and animal tissue. In a preferred form,
the isolated polypeptide is substantially free of other
polypeptides, particularly other polypeptides of animal origin. It
is preferred to provide the polypeptides in a highly purified form,
i.e. greater than 95% pure, more preferably greater than 99% pure.
When used in this context, the term "isolated" does not exclude the
presence of the same polypeptide in alternative physical forms,
such as dimers or alternatively glycosylated or derivatized
forms.
[0068] Operably linked: As applied to nucleotide segments, the term
"operably linked" indicates that the segments are arranged so that
they function in concert for their intended purposes, e.g.,
transcription initiates in the promoter and proceeds through the
coding segment to the terminator.
[0069] Ortholog: Denotes a polypeptide or protein obtained from one
species that is the functional counterpart of a polypeptide or
protein from a different species. Sequence differences among
orthologs are the result of speciation.
[0070] Polynucleotide: denotes a single- or double-stranded polymer
of deoxyribonucleotide or ribonucleotide bases read from the 5' to
the 3' end. Polynucleotides include RNA and DNA, and may be
isolated from natural sources, synthesized in vitro, or prepared
from a combination of natural and synthetic molecules. Sizes of
polynucleotides are expressed as base pairs (abbreviated "bp"),
nucleotides ("nt"), or kilobases ("kb"). Where the context allows,
the latter two terms may describe polynucleotides that are
single-stranded or double-stranded. When the term is applied to
double-stranded molecules it is used to denote overall length and
will be understood to be equivalent to the term "base pairs". It
will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the two strands
of a double-stranded polynucleotide may differ slightly in length
and that the ends thereof may be staggered as a result of enzymatic
cleavage; thus all nucleotides within a double-stranded
polynucleotide molecule may not be paired. Such unpaired ends will
in general not exceed 20 nt in length.
[0071] Polypeptide: Is a polymer of amino acid residues joined by
peptide bonds, whether produced naturally or synthetically.
Polypeptides of less than about 10 amino acid residues are commonly
referred to as "peptides".
[0072] Promoter: Denotes a portion of a gene containing DNA
sequences that provide for the binding of RNA polymerase and
initiation of transcription. Promoter sequences are commonly, but
not always, found in the 5' non-coding regions of genes.
[0073] Protein: is a macromolecule comprising one or more
polypeptide chains. A protein may also comprise non-peptidic
components, such as carbohydrate groups. Carbohydrates and other
non-peptidic substituents may be added to a protein by the cell in
which the protein is produced, and will vary with the type of cell.
Proteins are defined herein in terms of their amino acid backbone
structures; substituents such as carbohydrate groups are generally
not specified, but may be present nonetheless.
[0074] Receptor: A cell-associated protein, or a polypeptide
subunit of such protein, that binds to a bioactive molecule (the
"ligand") and mediates the effect of the ligand on the cell.
Binding of ligand to receptor results in a change in the receptor
(and, in some cases, receptor multimerization, i.e., association of
identical or different receptor subunits) that causes interactions
between the effector domain(s) of the receptor and other
molecule(s) in the cell. These interactions in turn lead to
alterations in the metabolism of the cell. Metabolic events that
are linked to receptor-ligand interactions include gene
transcription, phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, cell
proliferation, increases in cyclic AMP production, mobilization of
cellular calcium, mobilization of membrane lipids, cell adhesion,
hydrolysis of inositol lipids and hydrolysis of phospholipids.
BR43x2 has characteristics of TNF receptors, as discussed in more
detail herein.
[0075] Secretory signal sequence: A DNA sequence that encodes a
polypeptide (a "secretory peptide") that, as a component of a
larger polypeptide, directs the larger polypeptide through a
secretory pathway of a cell in which it is synthesized. The larger
polypeptide is commonly cleaved to remove the secretory peptide
during transit through the secretory pathway.
[0076] Soluble receptor: A receptor polypeptide that is not bound
to a cell membrane. Soluble receptors are most commonly
ligand-binding receptor polypeptides that lack transmembrane and
cytoplasmic domains. Soluble receptors can comprise additional
amino acid residues, such as affinity tags that provide for
purification of the polypeptide or provide sites for attachment of
the polypeptide to a substrate. Many cell-surface receptors have
naturally occurring, soluble counterparts that are produced by
proteolysis or translated from alternatively spliced mRNAs.
Receptor polypeptides are said to be substantially free of
transmembrane and intracellular polypeptide segments when they lack
sufficient portions of these segments to provide membrane anchoring
or signal transduction, respectively.
[0077] Molecular weights and lengths of polymers determined by
imprecise analytical methods (e.g., gel electrophoresis) will be
understood to be approximate values. When such a value is expressed
as "about" X or "approximately" X, the stated value of X will be
understood to be accurate to .+-.10%.
[0078] All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
[0079] The present invention is based in part upon the discovery of
a 1192 by DNA sequence (SEQ ID NO:1) and corresponding polypeptide
sequence (SEQ ID NO:2) which is an isoform of the receptor TACI.
The isoform has been designated BR43x2. A soluble form of BR43x2 is
disclosed in SEQ ID NO:4, the polynucleotide encoding the soluble
receptor in SEQ ID NO:3. As is described in more detail herein, the
BR43x2 receptor-encoding polynucleotides and polypeptides of the
present invention were initially identified by signal trap cloning
using a human RPMI 1788 library and the N- or C-terminally
FLAG-tagged, biotin- or FITC-labeled tumor necrosis factor ligand
ztnf4, now known as neutrokine .alpha. (WIPO WO98/18921), BLyS
(Moore et al., ibid.), BAFF (Schneider et al., ibid.), TALL-1 (Shu
et al., ibid.) or THANK (Mukhopadhyay et al., ibid.). Positive
pools were identified by ligand binding, broken down to single
clones, the cDNA isolated and sequenced. A comparison of the BR43x2
deduced amino acid sequence (as represented in SEQ ID NO:2) with
known tumor necrosis factor receptors indicated that BR43x2 is an
isoform of TACI, having a single, poorly conserved, cysteine-rich
pseudo-repeat.
[0080] Structurally, the TNF receptor family is characterized by an
extracellular portion composed of several modules called,
historically, "cysteine-rich pseudo-repeats". A prototypical TNFR
family member has four of these pseudo-repeats, each about 29-43
residues long, one right after the other. A typical pseudo-repeat
has 6 cysteine residues. They are called pseudo-repeats because,
although they appear to originate from a common ancestral module,
they do not repeat exactly: pseudo-repeats #1, #2, #3 and #4 have
characteristic sequence features which distinguish them from one
another. The crystal structure of the p55 TNF receptor revealed
that each pseudo-repeat corresponds to one folding domain, and that
all four pseudo-repeats fold into the same tertiary structure, held
together internally by disulfide bonds.
[0081] TACI contains two cysteine-rich pseudo-repeats (von Bulow
and Bram, ibid.), the first is conserved in structure with other
members of the TNF receptor family, the second is less conserved.
The BR43x2 isoform of the present invention lacks the first TACI
cysteine-rich pseudo-repeat, retaining only the second, less
conserved repeat.
[0082] Sequence analysis of a deduced amino acid sequence of BR43x2
as represented in SEQ ID NO:2 indicates the presence of a mature
protein having an extracellular domain (residues 1-120 of SEQ ID
NO:2) which contains one cysteine-rich pseudo-repeat (residues
25-58 of SEQ ID NO:2), a transmembrane domain (residues 121-133 of
SEQ ID NO:2) and a cytoplasmic domain (residues 134-247 of SEQ ID
NO:2). The cysteine-rich pseudo-repeat of BR43x2 has 6 conserved
cysteine residues (residues 25, 40, 43, 47, 54 and 58 of SEQ ID
NO:2), a conserved aspartic acid residue (residue 34 of SEQ ID
NO:2) and two conserved leucine residues (residues 36 and 37 of SEQ
ID NO:2) and shares 46% identity with the first cysteine-rich
pseudo-repeat of TACI (SEQ ID NO:6) and 35% identity with the
cysteine-rich pseudo-repeat of BCMA (SEQ ID NO:8) (FIG. 1). The
cysteine-rich pseudo-repeat can be represented by the following
motif:
TABLE-US-00001 (SEQ ID NO: 10)
CX[QEK][QEKNRDHS][QE]X{0-2}[YFW][YFW]DXLLX{2}
C[IMLV]XCX{3}CX{6-8}CX{2}[YF]C,
[0083] wherein C represents the amino acid residue cysteine, Q
glutamine, E glutamic acid, K lysine, N asparagine, R arginine, D
aspartic acid, H histidine, S serine, Y tyrosine, F phenylalanine,
W tryptophan, L leucine, I isoleucine, V valine and X represents
any naturally occurring amino acid residue except cysteine. Amino
acid residues in square brackets "[ ]" indicate the allowed amino
acid residue variation at that position. The number in the braces
"{ }" indicates the number of allowed amino acid residues at that
position.
[0084] The present invention also provides soluble polypeptides of
from 32 to 40 amino acid residues in length as provided by SEQ ID
NO:10.
[0085] The soluble BR43x2 receptor, as represented by residues
1-120 of SEQ ID NO:4, contains one cysteine-rich pseudo-repeat
(residues 25-58 of SEQ ID NO:4) and lacks the transmembrane and
cytoplasmic domains of BR43x2 as described in SEQ ID NO:2.
[0086] Those skilled in the art will recognize that these domain
boundaries are approximate, and are based on alignments with known
proteins and predictions of protein folding. These features
indicate that the receptor encoded by the DNA sequences of SEQ ID
NOs:1 and 3 is a member of the TNF receptor family.
[0087] Northern blot and Dot blot analysis of the tissue
distribution of the mRNA corresponding to nucleotide probes to
BR43x1 which are predicted to detect BR43x2 expression showed
expression in spleen, lymph node, CD19+ cells, weakly in mixed
lymphocyte reaction cells, Daudi and Raji cells. Using reverse
transcriptase PCR BR43x1 was detected in B cells only and not in
activated T cells as had been reported for TACI (von Bulow and
Bram, ibid.). Using a BR43x2 probe that overlaps 100% with the
corresponding TACI sequence, TACI and BR43x2 were detected in
spleen, lymph node and small intestine, stomach, salivary gland,
appendix, lung, bone marrow, fetal spleen, CD 19.sup.+ cells, and
Raji cells.
[0088] Using Northern Blot analysis BCMA was detected in small
intestine, spleen, stomach, colon, appendix, lymph node, trachea,
and testis. BCMA was also detected in adenolymphoma, non-Hodgkins
lymphoma, and parotid tumor, detected faintly in CD 8.sup.+, CD
19.sup.+, MLR cells, Daudi, Raji and Hut 78 cells.
[0089] Northern blot analysis was also done using murine ztnf4 (SEQ
ID NO:19) and like human TACI, BCMA, and BR43x2, murine ztnf4
expression was detected predominately in spleen and thymus. Murine
ztnf4 was also expressed in lung and faint expression was detected
in skin and heart.
[0090] Additional blot analysis is described in the Examples
herein.
[0091] The present invention also provides polynucleotide
molecules, including DNA and RNA molecules, that encode the BR43x2
polypeptides disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will
readily recognize that, in view of the degeneracy of the genetic
code, considerable sequence variation is possible among these
polynucleotide molecules. SEQ ID NO:11 is a degenerate DNA sequence
that encompasses all DNAs that encode the soluble BR43x2
polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:4. Similarly, SEQ ID NO:12 is a degenerate
DNA sequence that encompasses all DNAs that encode the BR43x2
polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that the degenerate sequence of SEQ ID NO:12 also provides all RNA
sequences encoding SEQ ID NO:4 by substituting U for T. Thus,
BR43x2 polypeptide-encoding polynucleotides comprising nucleotide 1
to nucleotide 360 of SEQ ID NO:11, nucleotide 1 to 741 of SEQ ID
NO:12 and their RNA equivalents are contemplated by the present
invention. Table 1 sets forth the one-letter codes used within SEQ
ID NOs:11 and 12 to denote degenerate nucleotide positions.
"Resolutions" are the nucleotides denoted by a code letter.
"Complement" indicates the code for the complementary
nucleotide(s). For example, the code Y denotes either C or T, and
its complement R denotes A or G, A being complementary to T, and G
being complementary to C.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Nucleotide Resolution Complement Resolution
A A T T C C G G G G C C T T A A R A|G Y C|T Y C|T R A|G M A|C K G|T
K G|T M A|C S C|G S C|G W A|T W A|T H A|C|T D A|G|T B C|G|T V A|C|G
V A|C|G B C|G|T D A|G|T H A|C|T N A|C|G|T N A|C|G|T
[0092] The degenerate codons used in SEQ ID NOs:11 and 12,
encompassing all possible codons for a given amino acid, are set
forth in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 One Amino Letter Degenerate Acid Code Codons
Codon Cys C TGC TGT TGY Ser S AGC AGT TCA TCC TCG TCT WSN Thr T ACA
ACC ACG ACT ACN Pro P CCA CCC CCG CCT CCN Ala A GCA GCC GCG GCT GCN
Gly G GGA GGC GGG GGT GGN Asn N AAC AAT AAY Asp D GAC GAT GAY Glu E
GAA GAG GAR Gln Q CAA CAG CAR His H CAC CAT CAY Arg R AGA AGG CGA
CGC CGG CGT MGN Lys K AAA AAG AAR Met M ATG ATG Ile I ATA ATC ATT
ATH Leu L CTA CTC CTG CTT TTA TTG YTN Val V GTA GTC GTG GTT GTN Phe
F TTC TTT TTY Tyr Y TAC TAT TAY Trp W TGG TGG Ter . TAA TAG TGA TRR
Asn|Asp B RAY Glu|Gln Z SAR Any X NNN
[0093] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that some
ambiguity is introduced in determining a degenerate codon,
representative of all possible codons encoding each amino acid. For
example, the degenerate codon for serine (WSN) can, in some
circumstances, encode arginine (AGR), and the degenerate codon for
arginine (MGN) can, in some circumstances, encode serine (AGY). A
similar relationship exists between codons encoding phenylalanine
and leucine. Thus, some polynucleotides encompassed by the
degenerate sequence may encode variant amino acid sequences, but
one of ordinary skill in the art can easily identify such variant
sequences by reference to the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs:2
and 4. Variant sequences can be readily tested for functionality as
described herein.
[0094] One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that
different species can exhibit "preferential codon usage." In
general, see, Grantham, et al., Nuc. Acids Res. 8:1893-912, 1980;
Haas, et al. Curr. Biol. 6:315-24, 1996; Wain-Hobson, et al., Gene
13:355-64, 1981; Grosjean and Fiers, Gene 18:199-209, 1982; Holm,
Nuc. Acids Res. 14:3075-87, 1986; Ikemura, J. Mol. Biol.
158:573-97, 1982. As used herein, the term "preferential codon
usage" or "preferential codons" is a term of art referring to
protein translation codons that are most frequently used in cells
of a certain species, thus favoring one or a few representatives of
the possible codons encoding each amino acid (See Table 2). For
example, the amino acid threonine (Thr) may be encoded by ACA, ACC,
ACG, or ACT, but in mammalian cells ACC is the most commonly used
codon; in other species, for example, insect cells, yeast, viruses
or bacteria, different Thr codons may be preferential. Preferential
codons for a particular species can be introduced into the
polynucleotides of the present invention by a variety of methods
known in the art. Introduction of preferential codon sequences into
recombinant DNA can, for example, enhance production of the protein
by making protein translation more efficient within a particular
cell type or species. Therefore, the degenerate codon sequences
disclosed in SEQ ID NOs:11 and 12 serve as a template for
optimizing expression of polynucleotides in various cell types and
species commonly used in the art and disclosed herein. Sequences
containing preferential codons can be tested and optimized for
expression in various species, and tested for functionality as
disclosed herein.
[0095] The highly conserved amino acids in the cysteine-rich
pseudo-repeat of BR43x2 can be used as a tool to identify new
family members. For instance, reverse transcription-polymerase
chain reaction (RT-PCR) can be used to amplify sequences encoding
the extracellular ligand-binding domain, described above, from RNA
obtained from a variety of tissue sources or cell lines. In
particular, highly degenerate primers designed from the BR43x2
sequences are useful for this purpose.
[0096] Within preferred embodiments of the invention, isolated
polynucleotides will hybridize to similar sized regions of SEQ ID
NO:3, or to a sequence complementary thereto, under stringent
conditions. In general, stringent conditions are selected to be
about 5.degree. C. lower than the thermal melting point (T.sub.m)
for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength and pH. The
T.sub.m is the temperature (under defined ionic strength and pH) at
which 50% of the target sequence hybridizes to a perfectly matched
probe. Typical stringent conditions are those in which the salt
concentration is up to about 0.03 M at pH 7 and the temperature is
at least about 60.degree. C.
[0097] As previously noted, the isolated polynucleotides of the
present invention include DNA and RNA. Methods for isolating DNA
and RNA are well known in the art. It is generally preferred to
isolate RNA from RPMI 1788 cells, PBMNCs, resting or activated
transfected B cells or tonsil tissue, although DNA can also be
prepared using RNA from other tissues or isolated as genomic DNA.
Total RNA can be prepared using guanidine HCl extraction followed
by isolation by centrifugation in a CsCl gradient (Chirgwin et al.,
Biochemistry 18:52-94, 1979). Poly (A).sup.+ RNA is prepared from
total RNA using the method of Aviv and Leder (Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA 69:1408-12, 1972). Complementary DNA (cDNA) is prepared
from poly(A).sup.+ RNA using known methods. Polynucleotides
encoding BR43x2 polypeptides are then identified and isolated by,
for example, hybridization or PCR.
[0098] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the sequences
disclosed in SEQ ID NOs:1 and 3 represent a single allele of the
human gene, and that allelic variation and alternative splicing is
expected to occur. Allelic variants of the DNA sequences shown in
SEQ ID NOs:1 and 3, including those containing silent mutations and
those in which mutations result in amino acid sequence changes, are
within the scope of the present invention, as are proteins which
are allelic variants of SEQ ID NOs:2 and 4. Allelic variants and
splice variants of these sequences can be cloned by probing cDNA or
genomic libraries from different individuals or tissues according
to standard procedures known in the art.
[0099] The present invention also provides isolated BR43x2
polypeptides that are substantially homologous to the polypeptides
of SEQ ID NOs:2 and 4 and their species orthologs. The term
"substantially homologous" is used herein to denote polypeptides
having 50%, preferably 60%, more preferably at least 80%, sequence
identity to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs:2 and 4 or their
orthologs. Such polypeptides will more preferably be at least 90%
identical, and most preferably 95% or more identical to SEQ ID NO:2
or its orthologs. Percent sequence identity is determined by
conventional methods. See, for example, Altschul et al., Bull.
Math. Bio. 48: 603-66, 1986 and Henikoff and Henikoff, Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA 89:10915-9, 1992. Briefly, two amino acid sequences
are aligned to optimize the alignment scores using a gap opening
penalty of 10, a gap extension penalty of 1, and the "blosum 62"
scoring matrix of Henikoff and Henikoff (ibid.) as shown in Table 3
(amino acids are indicated by the standard one-letter cedes). The
percent identity is then calculated as:
Total number of identical matches [ length of the longer sequence
plus the number of gaps introduced into the longer sequence in
order to align the two sequences ] .times. 100 ##EQU00001##
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 A R N D C Q E G H I L K M F P S T W Y V A 4
R -1 5 N -2 0 6 D -2 -2 1 6 C 0 -3 -3 -3 9 Q -1 1 0 0 -3 5 E -1 0 0
2 -4 2 5 G 0 -2 0 -1 -3 -2 -2 6 H -2 0 1 -1 -3 0 0 -2 8 I -1 -3 -3
-3 -1 -3 -3 -4 -3 4 L -1 -2 -3 -4 -1 -2 -3 -4 -3 2 4 K -1 2 0 -1 -3
1 1 -2 -1 -3 -2 5 M -1 -1 -2 -3 -1 0 -2 -3 -2 1 2 -1 5 F -2 -3 -3
-3 -2 -3 -3 -3 -1 0 0 -3 0 6 P -1 -2 -2 -1 -3 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 -3 -1
-2 -4 7 S 1 -1 1 0 -1 0 0 0 -1 -2 -2 0 -1 -2 -1 4 T 0 -1 0 -1 -1 -1
-1 -2 -2 -1 -1 -1 -1 -2 -1 1 5 W -3 -3 -4 -4 -2 -2 -3 -2 -2 -3 -2
-3 -1 1 -4 -3 -2 11 Y -2 -2 -2 -3 -2 -1 -2 -3 2 -1 -1 -2 -1 3 -3 -2
-2 2 7 V 0 -3 -3 -3 -1 -2 -2 -3 -3 3 1 -2 1 -1 -2 -2 0 -3 -1 4
Sequence identity of polynucleotide molecules is determined by
similar methods using a ratio as disclosed above.
[0100] Substantially homologous proteins and polypeptides are
characterized as having one or more amino acid substitutions,
deletions or additions. These changes are preferably of a minor
nature, that is conservative amino acid substitutions (see Table 4)
and other substitutions that do not significantly affect the
folding or activity of the protein or polypeptide; small deletions,
typically of one to about 30 amino acids; and small amino- or
carboxyl-terminal extensions, such as an amino-terminal methionine
residue, a small linker peptide of up to about 20-25 residues, or
an affinity tag. Polypeptides comprising affinity tags can further
comprise a proteolytic cleavage site between the BR43x2 polypeptide
and the affinity tag. Preferred such sites include thrombin
cleavage sites and factor Xa cleavage sites.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 4 Conservative amino acid substitutions Basic:
arginine lysine histidine Acidic: glutamic acid aspartic acid
Polar: glutamine asparagine Hydrophobic: leucine isoleucine valine
Aromatic: phenylalanine tryptophan tyrosine Small: glycine alanine
serine threonine methionine
[0101] In addition to the 20 standard amino acids, non-standard
amino acids (such as 4-hydroxyproline, 6-N-methyl lysine,
2-aminoisobutyric acid, isovaline and a-methyl serine) may be
substituted for amino acid residues of BR43x2 polypeptides of the
present invention. A limited number of non-conservative amino
acids, amino acids that are not encoded by the genetic code, and
unnatural amino acids may be substituted for BR43x2 polypeptide
amino acid residues. The proteins of the present invention can also
comprise non-naturally occurring amino acid residues.
[0102] Non-naturally occurring amino acids include, without
limitation, trans-3-methylproline, 2,4-methanoproline,
cis-4-hydroxyproline, trans-4-hydroxy-proline, N-methylglycine,
allo-threonine, methylthreonine, hydroxy-ethylcysteine,
hydroxyethyl-homocysteine, nitro-glutamine, homoglutamine,
pipecolic acid, tert-leucine, norvaline, 2-azaphenylalanine,
3-aza-phenylalanine, 4-azaphenylalanine, and
4-fluoro-phenylalanine. Several methods are known in the art for
incorporating non-naturally occurring amino acid residues into
proteins. For example, an in vitro system can be employed wherein
nonsense mutations are suppressed using chemically aminoacylated
suppressor tRNAs. Methods for synthesizing amino acids and
aminoacylating tRNA are known in the art. Transcription and
translation of plasmids containing nonsense mutations is carried
out in a cell free system comprising an E. coli S30 extract and
commercially available enzymes and other reagents. Proteins are
purified by chromatography. See, for example, Robertson et al., J.
Am. Chem. Soc. 113:2722, 1991; Ellman et al., Methods Enzymol.
202:301, 1991; Chung et al., Science 259:806-9, 1993; and Chung et
al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:10145-9, 1993). In a second
method, translation is carried out in Xenopus oocytes by
microinjection of mutated mRNA and chemically aminoacylated
suppressor tRNAs (Turcatti et al., J. Biol. Chem. 271:19991-8,
1996). Within a third method, E. coli cells are cultured in the
absence of a natural amino acid that is to be replaced (e.g.,
phenylalanine) and in the presence of the desired non-naturally
occurring amino acid(s) (e.g., 2-azaphenylalanine,
3-azaphenylalanine, 4-azaphenylalanine, or 4-fluoro-phenylalanine).
The non-naturally occurring amino acid is incorporated into the
protein in place of its natural counterpart. See, Koide et al.,
Biochem. 33:7470-6, 1994. Naturally occurring amino acid residues
can be converted to non-naturally occurring species by in vitro
chemical modification. Chemical modification can be combined with
site-directed mutagenesis to further expand the range of
substitutions (Wynn and Richards, Protein Sci. 2:395-403,
1993).
[0103] A limited number of non-conservative amino acids, amino
acids that are not encoded by the genetic code, non-naturally
occurring amino acids, and unnatural amino acids may be substituted
for BR43x2 amino acid residues.
[0104] Essential amino acids in the BR43x2 polypeptides of the
present invention can be identified according to procedures known
in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis or alanine-scanning
mutagenesis (Cunningham and Wells, Science 244:1081-5, 1989).
Single alanine mutations are introduced at every residue in the
molecule, and the resultant mutant molecules are tested for
biological activity (e.g., providing a decrease in B cell response
during the immune response, inhibition or decrease in autoantibody
production) to identify amino acid residues that are critical to
the activity of the molecule. See also, Hilton et al., J. Biol.
Chem. 271:4699-708, 1996. Sites of biological interaction, ligand
binding portions such as the cysteine-rich pseudo-repeats, can also
be determined by physical analysis of structure, as determined by
such techniques as nuclear magnetic resonance, crystallography,
electron diffraction or photoaffinity labeling, in conjunction with
mutation of putative contact site amino acids. See, for example, de
Vos et al., Science 255:306-12, 1992; Smith et al., J. Mol. Biol.
224:899-904, 1992; Wlodaver et al., FEES Lett. 309:59-64, 1992. The
identities of essential amino acids can also be inferred from
analysis of homologies with related TNFR family members such as
TACT and BCMA.
[0105] Additional amino acid substitutions can be made within the
cysteine-rich pseudo-repeat of BR43x2 so long as the conserved
cysteine, aspartic acid and leucine residues are retained and the
higher order structure is not disturbed. It is preferred to make
substitutions within the cysteine-rich pseudo-repeat of BR43x2 by
reference to the sequences of other cysteine-rich pseudo-repeats.
SEQ ID NO:10 is a generalized cysteine-rich pseudo-repeat that
shows allowable amino acid substitutions based on such an
alignment. Substitutions with in this domain are subject to the
limitations set forth herein.
[0106] Multiple amino acid substitutions can be made and tested
using known methods of mutagenesis and screening, such as those
disclosed by Reidhaar-Olson and Sauer (Science 241:53-7, 1988) or
Bowie and Sauer (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:2152-6, 1989).
Briefly, these authors disclose methods for simultaneously
randomizing two or more positions in a polypeptide, selecting for
functional polypeptide, and then sequencing the mutagenized
polypeptides to determine the spectrum of allowable substitutions
at each position. Other methods that can be used include phage
display (e.g., Lowman et al., Biochem. 30:10832-7, 1991; Ladner et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,409; Huse, WIPO Publication WO 92/06204)
and region-directed mutagenesis (Derbyshire et al., Gene 46:145,
1986; Ner et al., DNA 7:127, 1988).
[0107] Variants of the disclosed BR43x2 DNA and polypeptide
sequences can be generated through DNA shuffling as disclosed by
Stemmer, Nature 370:389-91, 1994, Stemmer, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
USA 91:10747-51, 1994 and WIPO Publication WO 97/20078. Briefly,
variant DNAs are generated by in vitro homologous recombination by
random fragmentation of a parent DNA followed by reassembly using
PCR, resulting in randomly introduced point mutations. This
technique can be modified by using a family of parent DNAs, such as
allelic variants or DNAs from different species, to introduce
additional variability into the process. Selection or screening for
the desired activity, followed by additional iterations of
mutagenesis and assay provides for rapid "evolution" of sequences
by selecting for desirable mutations while simultaneously selecting
against detrimental changes.
[0108] Mutagenesis methods as disclosed above can be combined with
high-throughput, automated screening methods to detect activity of
cloned, mutagenized polypeptides in host cells. Mutagenized DNA
molecules that encode active polypeptides (e.g., providing a
decrease in B cell response during the immune response, inhibition
or decrease in autoantibody production) can be recovered from the
host cells and rapidly sequenced using modern equipment. These
methods allow the rapid determination of the importance of
individual amino acid residues in a polypeptide of interest, and
can be applied to polypeptides of unknown structure.
[0109] Using the methods discussed above, one of ordinary skill in
the art can identify and/or prepare a variety of polypeptides that
are substantially homologous to residues 1 to 120 of SEQ ID NO:2 or
allelic variants thereof and retain the B cell suppression
properties of the wild-type protein. Such polypeptides may include
additional amino acids or domains from other members of the tumor
necrosis factor receptor superfamily, affinity tags or the like.
BR43x2 polypeptide or fusion constructs, containing functional
domains of other members of the TNFR superfamily, constitute hybrid
tumor necrosis factor receptors exhibiting modified B cell
suppression capabilities.
[0110] The present invention further provides counterpart receptors
and polynucleotides from other species (orthologs). These species
include, but are not limited to mammalian, avian, amphibian,
reptile, fish, insect and other vertebrate and invertebrate
species. Of particular interest are BR43x2 receptors from other
mammalian species, including murine, porcine, ovine, bovine,
canine, feline, equine, and other primate receptors. Orthologs of
the human BR43x2 receptor can be cloned using information and
compositions provided by the present invention in combination with
conventional cloning techniques. For example, a cDNA can be cloned
using mRNA obtained from a tissue or cell type that expresses the
receptor. Suitable sources of mRNA can be identified by probing
Northern blots with probes designed from the sequences disclosed
herein. A library is then prepared from mRNA of a positive tissue
or cell line. A receptor-encoding cDNA can then be isolated by a
variety of methods, such as by probing with a complete or partial
human cDNA or with one or more sets of degenerate probes based on
the disclosed sequence. A cDNA can also be cloned using PCR, using
primers designed from the sequences disclosed herein. Within an
additional method, the cDNA library can be used to transform or
transfect host cells, and expression of the cDNA of interest can be
detected with an antibody to the receptor. Similar techniques can
also be applied to the isolation of genomic clones.
[0111] The receptor polypeptides of the present invention,
including full-length receptor polypeptides, soluble receptors
polypeptides, polypeptide fragments, and fusion polypeptides, can
be produced in genetically engineered host cells according to
conventional techniques. Suitable host cells are those cell types
that can be transformed or transfected with exogenous DNA and grown
in culture, and include bacteria, fungal cells, and cultured higher
eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells, particularly cultured cells of
multicellular organisms, are preferred. Techniques for manipulating
cloned DNA molecules and introducing exogenous DNA into a variety
of host cells are disclosed by Sambtook et al., Molecular Cloning:
A Laboratory Manual, Second Edition, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.,
1989; and Ausubel et al., eds., Current Protocols in Molecular
Biology, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., NY, 1987.
[0112] In general, a DNA sequence encoding a BR43x2 polypeptide is
operably linked to other genetic elements required for its
expression, generally including a transcription promoter and
terminator, within an expression vector. The vector will also
commonly contain one or more selectable markers and one or more
origins of replication, although those skilled in the art will
recognize that within certain systems selectable markers may be
provided on separate vectors, and replication of the exogenous DNA
may be provided by integration into the host cell genome. Selection
of promoters, terminators, selectable markers, vectors and other
elements is a matter of routine design within the level of ordinary
skill in the art. Many such elements are described in the
literature and are available through commercial suppliers.
[0113] To direct a BR43x2 polypeptide into the secretory pathway of
a host cell, a secretory signal sequence (also known as a signal
sequence, leader sequence, prepro sequence or pre sequence) is
provided in the expression vector. The secretory signal sequence
may be that of the BR43x2 polypeptide, or may be derived from
another secreted protein (e.g., t-PA) or synthesized de novo. The
secretory signal sequence is joined to the BR43x2 DNA sequence in
the correct reading frame and positioned to direct the newly
synthesized polypeptide into the secretory pathway of the host
cell. Secretory signal sequences are commonly positioned 5' to the
DNA sequence encoding the polypeptide of interest, although certain
signal sequences may be positioned elsewhere in the DNA sequence of
interest (see, e.g., Welch et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,743; Holland
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,830).
[0114] Cultured mammalian cells are suitable hosts within the
present invention. Methods for introducing exogenous DNA into
mammalian host cells include calcium phosphate-mediated
transfection (Wigler et al., Cell 14:725, 1978; Corsaro and
Pearson, Somatic Cell Genetics 7:603, 1981; Graham and Van der Eb,
Virology 52:456, 1973), electroporation (Neumann et al., EMBO J.
1:841-45, 1982), DEAE-dextran mediated transfection (Ausubel et
al., ibid.), and liposome-mediated transfection (Hawley-Nelson et
al., Focus 15:73, 1993; Ciccarone et al., Focus 15:80, 1993). The
production of recombinant polypeptides in cultured mammalian cells
is disclosed, for example, by Levinson et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,713,339; Hagen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,950; Palmiter et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,579,821; and Ringold, U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,134.
Suitable cultured mammalian cells include the COS-1 (ATCC No. CRL
1650), COS-7 (ATCC No. CRL 1651), BHK (ATCC No. CRL 1632), BHK 570
(ATCC No. CRL 10314), 293 (ATCC No. CRL 1573; Graham et al., J.
Gen. Virol. 36:59-72, 1977), Jurkat (ATCC No. CRL-8129), BaF3 (an
interleukin-3 dependent pre-lymphoid cell line derived from murine
bone marrow. See, Palacios and Steinmetz, Cell 41: 727-34, 1985;
Mathey-Prevot et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 6: 4133-5, 1986) and Chinese
hamster ovary (e.g., CHO-K1; ATCC No. CCL 61) cell lines.
Additional suitable cell lines are known in the art and available
from public depositories such as the American Type Culture
Collection, Rockville, Md. In general, strong transcription
promoters are preferred, such as promoters from SV-40 or
cytomegalovirus. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,288. Other suitable
promoters include those from metallothionein genes (U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,579,821 and 4,601,978 and the adenovirus major late promoter.
[0115] Drug selection is generally used to select for cultured
mammalian cells into which foreign DNA has been inserted. Such
cells are commonly referred to as "transfectants". Cells that have
been cultured in the presence of the selective agent and are able
to pass the gene of interest to their progeny are referred to as
"stable transfectants." A preferred selectable marker is a gene
encoding resistance to the antibiotic neomycin. Selection is
carried out in the presence of a neomycin-type drug, such as G-418
or the like. Selection systems may also be used to increase the
expression level of the gene of interest, a process referred to as
"amplification." Amplification is carried out by culturing
transfectants in the presence of a low level of the selective agent
and then increasing the amount of selective agent to select for
cells that produce high levels of the products of the introduced
genes. A preferred amplifiable selectable marker is dihydrofolate
reductase, which confers resistance to methotrexate. Other drug
resistance genes (e.g., hygromycin resistance, multi-drug
resistance, puromycin acetyltransferase) can also be used.
Alternative markers that introduce an altered phenotype, such as
green fluorescent protein, or cell surface proteins such as CD4,
CD8, Class I MHC, placental alkaline phosphatase may be used to
sort transfected cells from untransfected cells by such means as
FACS sorting or magnetic bead separation technology.
[0116] Other higher eukaryotic cells can also be used as hosts,
including plant cells, insect cells and avian cells. The use of
Agrobacterium rhizogenes as a vector for expressing genes in plant
cells has been reviewed by Sinkar et al., J. Biosci. (Bangalore)
11:47-58, 1987. Transformation of insect cells and production of
foreign polypeptides therein is disclosed by Guarino et al, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,162,222 and WIPO publication WO 94/06463. Insect cells
can be infected with recombinant baculovirus, commonly derived from
Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV). See,
King and Possee, The Baculovirus Expression System: A Laboratory
Guide, London, Chapman & Hall; O'Reilly et al., Baculovirus
Expression Vectors: A Laboratory Manual, New York, Oxford
University Press., 1994; and Richardson, Ed., Baculovirus
Expression Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, Totowa, N.J.,
Humana Press, 1995. A second method of making recombinant BR43x2
baculovirus utilizes a transposon-based system described by Luckow
(Luckow, et al., J. Virol. 67:4566-79, 1993). This system, which
utilizes transfer vectors, is sold in the Bac-to-Bac.TM. kit (Life
Technologies, Rockville, Md.). This system utilizes a transfer
vector, pFastBac1.TM. (Life Technologies) containing a Tn7
transposon to move the DNA encoding the BR43x2 polypeptide into a
baculovirus genome maintained in E. coli as a large plasmid called
a "bacmid." See, Hill-Perkins and Possee, J. Gen. Virol. 71:971-6,
1990; Bonning, et al., J. Gen. Virol. 75:1551-6, 1994; and,
Chazenbalk, and Rapoport, J. Biol. Chem. 270:1543-9, 1995. In
addition, transfer vectors can include an in-frame fusion with DNA
encoding an epitope tag at the C- or N-terminus of the expressed
BR43x2 polypeptide, for example, a Glu-Glu epitope tag
(Grussenmeyer et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 82:7952-4, 1985).
Using a technique known in the art, a transfer vector containing
BR43x2 is transformed into E. coli, and screened for bacmids which
contain an interrupted lacZ gene indicative of recombinant
baculovirus. The bacmid DNA containing the recombinant baculovirus
genome is isolated, using common techniques, and used to transfect
Spodoptera frugiperda cells, e.g. Sf9 cells. Recombinant virus that
expresses BR43x2 is subsequently produced. Recombinant viral stocks
are made by methods commonly used the art.
[0117] The recombinant virus is used to infect host cells,
typically a cell line derived from the fall armyworm, Spodoptera
frugiperda. See, in general, Glick and Pasternak, Molecular
Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA, ASM
Press, Washington, D.C., 1994. Another suitable cell line is the
High FiveO.TM. cell line (Invitrogen) derived from Trichoplusia ni
(U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,435). Commercially available serum-free media
are used to grow and maintain the cells. Suitable media are Sf900
II.TM. (Life Technologies) or ESF 921.TM. (Expression Systems) for
the Sf9 cells; and Ex-cellO405.TM. (JRH Biosciences, Lenexa, Kans.)
or Express FiveO.TM. (Life Technologies) for the T. ni cells. The
cells are grown up from an inoculation density of approximately
2-5.times.10.sup.5 cells to a density of 1-2.times.10.sup.6 cells
at which time a recombinant viral stock is added at a multiplicity
of infection (MOI) of 0.1 to 10, more typically near 3. Procedures
used are generally described in available laboratory manuals (King
and Possee, ibid.; O'Reilly, et al., ibid.; Richardson, ibid.).
Subsequent purification of the BR43x2 polypeptide from the
supernatant can be achieved using methods described herein.
[0118] Fungal cells, including yeast cells, can also be used within
the present invention. Yeast species of particular interest in this
regard include Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris, and
Pichia methanolica. Methods for transforming S. cerevisiae cells
with exogenous DNA and producing recombinant polypeptides there
from are disclosed by, for example, Kawasaki, U.S. Pat. No.
4,599,311; Kawasaki et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,373; Brake, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,870,008; Welch et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,743; and
Murray et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,075. Transformed cells are
selected by phenotype determined by the selectable marker, commonly
drug resistance or the ability to grow in the absence of a
particular nutrient (e.g., leucine). A preferred vector system for
use in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the POT1 vector system disclosed
by Kawasaki et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,373), which allows
transformed cells to be selected by growth in glucose-containing
media. Suitable promoters and terminators for use in yeast include
those from glycolytic enzyme genes (see, e.g., Kawasaki, U.S. Pat.
No. 4,599,311; Kingsman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,615,974; and
Bitter, U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,092) and alcohol dehydrogenase genes.
See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,990,446; 5,063,154; 5,139,936 and
4,661,454. Transformation systems for other yeasts, including
Hansenula polymorpha, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Kluyveromyces
lactis, Kluyveromyces fragilis, Ustilago maydis, Pichia pastoris,
Pichia methanolica, Pichia guillermondii and Candida maltosa are
known in the art. See, for example, Gleeson et al., J. Gen.
Microbiol. 132:3459-65, 1986 and Cregg, U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,279.
Aspergillus cells may be utilized according to the methods of
McKnight et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,935,349. Methods for transforming
Acremonium chrysogenum are disclosed by Sumino et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 5,162,228. Methods for transforming Neurospora are disclosed by
Lambowitz, U.S. Pat. No. 4,486,533.
[0119] For example, the use of Pichia methanolica as host for the
production of recombinant proteins is disclosed by Raymond, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,716,808, Raymond, U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,383, Raymond et
al., Yeast 14:11-23, 1998, and in international publication Nos. WO
97/17450, WO 97/17451, WO 98/02536, and WO 98/02565. DNA molecules
for use in transforming P. methanolica will commonly be prepared as
double-stranded, circular plasmids, which are preferably linearized
prior to transformation. For polypeptide production in P.
methanolica, it is preferred that the promoter and terminator in
the plasmid be that of a P. methanolica gene, such as a P.
methanolica alcohol utilization gene (AUG1 or AUG2). Other useful
promoters include those of the dihydroxyacetone synthase (DHAS),
formate dehydrogenase (FMD), and catalase (CAT) genes. To
facilitate integration of the DNA into the host chromosome, it is
preferred to have the entire expression segment of the plasmid
flanked at both ends by host DNA sequences. A preferred selectable
marker for use in Pichia methanolica is a P. methanolica ADE2 gene,
which encodes phosphoribosyl-5-aminoimidazole carboxylase (AIRC; EC
4.1.1.21), which allows ade2 host cells to grow in the absence of
adenine. For large-scale, industrial processes where it is
desirable to minimize the use of methanol, it is preferred to use
host cells in which both methanol utilization genes (AUG1 and AUG2)
are deleted. For production of secreted proteins, host cells
deficient in vacuolar protease genes (PEP4 and PRB1) are preferred.
Electroporation is used to facilitate the introduction of a plasmid
containing DNA encoding a polypeptide of interest into P.
methanolica cells. It is preferred to transform P. methanolica
cells by electroporation using an exponentially decaying, pulsed
electric field having a field strength of from 2.5 to 4.5 kV/cm,
preferably about 3.75 kV/cm, and a time constant (t) of from 1 to
40 milliseconds, most preferably about 20 milliseconds.
[0120] Prokaryotic host cells, including strains of the bacteria
Escherichia coli, Bacillus and other genera are also useful host
cells within the present invention. Techniques for transforming
these hosts and expressing foreign DNA sequences cloned therein are
well known in the art (see, e.g., Sambrook et al., ibid.). When
expressing a BR43x2 polypeptide in bacteria such as E. coli, the
polypeptide may be retained in the cytoplasm, typically as
insoluble granules, or may be directed to the periplasmic space by
a bacterial secretion sequence. In the former case, the cells are
lysed, and the granules are recovered and denatured using, for
example, guanidine isothiocyanate or urea. The denatured
polypeptide can then be refolded and dimerized by diluting the
denaturant, such as by dialysis against a solution of urea and a
combination of reduced and oxidized glutathione, followed by
dialysis against a buffered saline solution. In the latter case,
the polypeptide can be recovered from the periplasmic space in a
soluble and functional form by disrupting the cells (by, for
example, sonication or osmotic shock) to release the contents of
the periplasmic space and recovering the protein, thereby obviating
the need for denaturation and refolding.
[0121] Transformed or transfected host cells are cultured according
to conventional procedures in a culture medium containing nutrients
and other components required for the growth of the chosen host
cells. A variety of suitable media, including defined media and
complex media, are known in the art and generally include a carbon
source, a nitrogen source, essential amino acids, vitamins and
minerals. Media may also contain such components as growth factors
or serum, as required. The growth medium will generally select for
cells containing the exogenously added DNA by, for example, drug
selection or deficiency in an essential nutrient which is
complemented by the selectable marker carried on the expression
vector or co-transfected into the host cell. P. methanolica cells
are cultured in a medium comprising adequate sources of carbon,
nitrogen and trace nutrients at a temperature of about 25.degree.
C. to 35.degree. C. Liquid cultures are provided with sufficient
aeration by conventional means, such as shaking of small flasks or
sparging of fermentors. A preferred culture medium for P.
methanolica is YEPD (2% D-glucose, 2% Bacto.TM. Peptone (Difco
Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.), 1% Bacto.TM. yeast extract (Difco
Laboratories), 0.004% adenine and 0.006% L-leucine).
[0122] Expressed recombinant BR43x2 polypeptides (or chimeric or
fusion BR43x2 polypeptides) can be purified using fractionation
and/or conventional purification methods and media. It is preferred
to provide the proteins or polypeptides of the present invention in
a highly purified form, i.e. greater than 95% pure, more preferably
greater than 99% pure. Ammonium sulfate precipitation and acid or
chaotrope extraction may be used for fractionation of samples.
Exemplary purification steps may include hydroxyapatite, size
exclusion, FPLC and reverse-phase high performance liquid
chromatography. Suitable anion exchange media include derivatized
dextrans, agarose, cellulose, polyacrylamide, specialty silicas,
and the like. PEI, DEAE, QAE and Q derivatives are preferred, with
DEAE Fast-Flow Sepharose (Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.) being
particularly preferred. Exemplary chromatographic media include
those media derivatized with phenyl, butyl, or octyl groups, such
as Phenyl-Sepharose FF (Pharmacia), Toyopearl butyl 650 (Toso Haas,
Montgomeryville, Pa.), Octyl-Sepharose (Pharmacia) and the like; or
polyacrylic resins, such as Amberchrom CG 71 (Toso Haas) and the
like. Suitable solid supports include glass beads, silica-based
resins, cellulosic resins, agarose beads, cross-linked agarose
beads, polystyrene beads, cross-linked polyacrylamide resins and
the like that are insoluble under the conditions in which they are
to be used. These supports may be modified with reactive groups
that allow attachment of proteins by amino groups, carboxyl groups,
sulfhydryl groups, hydroxyl groups and/or carbohydrate moieties.
Examples of coupling chemistries include cyanogen bromide
activation, N-hydroxysuccinimide activation, epoxide activation,
sulfhydryl activation, hydrazide activation, and carboxyl and amino
derivatives for carbodiimide coupling chemistries. These and other
solid media are well known and widely used in the art, and are
available from commercial suppliers. Methods for binding receptor
polypeptides to support media are well known in the art. Selection
of a particular method is a matter of routine design and is
determined in part by the properties of the chosen support. See,
for example, Affinity Chromatography Principles & Methods,
Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology, Uppsala, Sweden, 1988.
[0123] The polypeptides of the present invention can be isolated by
exploitation of their physical properties. For example, immobilized
metal ion adsorption (IMAC) chromatography can be used to purify
histidine-rich proteins including those comprising polyhistidine
tags. Briefly, a gel is first charged with divalent metal ions to
form a chelate (Sulkowski, Trends in Biochem. 3:1-7, 1985).
Histidine-rich proteins will be adsorbed to this matrix with
differing affinities, depending upon the metal ion used, and will
be eluted by competitive elution, lowering the pH, or use of strong
chelating agents. Other methods of purification include
purification of glycosylated proteins by lectin affinity
chromatography and ion exchange chromatography (Methods in
Enzymol., Vol. 182, "Guide to Protein Purification", M. Deutscher,
(ed.), Acad. Press, San Diego, 1990, pp. 529-39). Within additional
embodiments of the invention, a fusion of the polypeptide of
interest and an affinity tag (e.g., maltose-binding protein,
FLAG-tag (Asp Tyr Lys Asp Asp Asp Asp Lys (SEQ ID NO:13)), Glu-Glu
tag (Glu Glu Tyr Met Pro Met. Glu (SEQ ID NO:14)), an
immunoglobulin domain) may be constructed to facilitate
purification.
[0124] Protein refolding (and optionally reoxidation) procedures
may be advantageously used. It is preferred to purify the protein
to >80% purity, more preferably to >90% purity, even more
preferably >95%, and particularly preferred is a
pharmaceutically pure state, that is greater than 99.9% pure with
respect to contaminating macromolecules, particularly other
proteins and nucleic acids, and free of infectious and pyrogenic
agents. Preferably, a purified protein is substantially free of
other proteins, particularly other proteins of animal origin.
[0125] BR43x2 polypeptides or fragments thereof may also be
prepared through chemical synthesis. BR43x2 polypeptides may be
monomers or multimers; glycosylated or non-glycosylated; pegylated
or non-pegylated; and may or may not include an initial methionine
amino acid residue. Exemplary BR43x2 polypeptides include
polypeptides of from 32-40 residues in length having an amino acid
sequence conforming to the motif:
XXCX[QEK][QEKNRDHS][QE]X{0-2}[YEW][YFW]DXLLX{2}C[IMLV]XCX{3}CX{6-8}CX{2}[-
YF}CXX (SEQ ID NO:10), and subject to the limitations described
herein.
[0126] BR43x2 polypeptides can be synthesized by exclusive solid
phase synthesis, partial solid phase methods, fragment condensation
or classical solution synthesis. The polypeptides are preferably
prepared by solid phase peptide synthesis, for example as described
by Merrifield, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 85:2149, 1963. The synthesis is
carried out with, amino acids that are protected at the alpha-amino
terminus. Trifunctional amino acids with labile side-chains are
also protected with suitable groups to prevent undesired chemical
reactions from occurring during the assembly of the polypeptides.
The alpha-amino protecting group is selectively removed to allow
subsequent reaction to take place at the amino-terminus. The
conditions for the removal of the alpha-amino protecting group do
not remove the side-chain protecting groups.
[0127] The alpha-amino protecting groups are those known to be
useful in the art of stepwise polypeptide synthesis. Included are
acyl type protecting groups (e.g., formyl, trifluoroacetyl,
acetyl), aryl type protecting groups (e.g., biotinyl), aromatic
urethane type protecting groups [e.g., benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz),
substituted benzyloxycarbonyl and 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl
(Fmoc)], aliphatic urethane protecting groups [e.g.,
t-butyloxycarbonyl (tBoc), isopropyl-oxycarbonyl,
cyclohexloxycarbonyl] and alkyl type protecting groups (e.g.,
benzyl, triphenylmethyl). The preferred protecting groups are tBoc
and Fmoc.
[0128] The side-chain protecting groups selected must remain intact
during coupling and not be removed during the deprotection of the
amino-terminus protecting group or during coupling conditions. The
side-chain protecting groups must also be removable upon the
completion of synthesis using reaction conditions that will not
alter the finished polypeptide. In tBoc chemistry, the side-chain
protecting groups for trifunctional amino acids are mostly benzyl
based. In Fmoc chemistry, they are mostly tert-butyl or trityl
based.
[0129] In tBoc chemistry, the preferred side-chain protecting
groups are tosyl for arginine, cyclohexyl for aspartic acid,
4-methylbenzyl (and acetamidomethyl) for cysteine, benzyl for
glutamic acid, serine and threonine, benzyloxymethyl (and
dinitrophenyl) for histidine, 2-Cl-benzyloxycarbonyl for lysine,
formyl for tryptophan and 2-bromobenzyl for tyrosine. In Fmoc
chemistry, the preferred side-chain protecting groups are
2,2,5,7,8-pentamethylchroman-6-sulfonyl (Pmc) or
2,2,4,6,7-penta-methyldihydrobenzofuran-5-sulfonyl (Pbf) for
arginine, trityl for asparagine, cysteine, glutamine and histidine,
tert-butyl for aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, threonine and
tyrosine, tBoc for lysine and tryptophan.
[0130] For the synthesis of phosphopeptides, either direct or
post-assembly incorporation of the phosphate group is used. In the
direct incorporation strategy, the phosphate group on serine,
threonine or tyrosine may be protected by methyl, benzyl, or
tert-butyl in Fmoc chemistry or by methyl, benzyl or phenyl in tBoc
chemistry. Direct incorporation of phosphotyrosine without
phosphate protection can also be used in Fmoc chemistry. In the
post-assembly incorporation strategy, the unprotected hydroxyl
groups of serine, threonine or tyrosine are derivatized on solid
phase with di-tert-butyl-, dibenzyl- or
dimethyl-N,N'-diisopropyl-phosphoramidite and then oxidized by
tert-butylhydro-peroxide.
[0131] Solid phase synthesis is usually carried out from the
carboxyl-terminus by coupling the alpha-amino protected (side-chain
protected) amino acid to a suitable solid support. An ester linkage
is formed when the attachment is made to a chloromethyl,
chlorotrityl or hydroxymethyl resin, and the resulting polypeptide
will have a free carboxyl group at the C-terminus. Alternatively,
when an amide resin such as benzhydrylamine or
p-methylbenzhydrylamine resin (for tBoc chemistry) and Rink amide
or PAL resin (for Fmoc chemistry) are used, an amide bond is formed
and the resulting polypeptide will have a carboxamide group at the
C-terminus. These resins, whether polystyrene- or polyamide-based
or polyethyleneglycol-grafted, with or without a handle or linker,
with or without the first amino acid attached, are commercially
available, and their preparations have been described by Stewart et
al., "Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis" (2nd Edition), (Pierce
Chemical Co., Rockford, Ill., 1984) and Bayer and Rapp, Chem. Pept.
Prot. 3:3, 1986; and Atherton et al., Solid Phase Peptide
Synthesis: A Practical Approach, IRL Press, Oxford, 1989.
[0132] The C-terminal amino acid, protected at the side chain if
necessary, and at the alpha-amino group, is attached to a
hydroxylmethyl resin using various activating agents including
dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide
(DIPCDI) and carbonyldiimidazole (CDI). It can be attached to
chloromethyl or chlorotrityl resin directly in its cesium
tetramethylammonium salt form or in the presence of triethylamine
(TEA) or diisopropylethylamine (DIEA). First amino acid attachment
to an amide resin is the same as amide bond formation during
coupling reactions.
[0133] Following the attachment to the resin support, the
alpha-amino protecting group is removed using various reagents
depending on the protecting chemistry (e.g., tBoc, Fmoc). The
extent of Fmoc removal can be monitored at 300-320 nm or by a
conductivity cell. After removal of the alpha-amino protecting
group, the remaining protected amino acids are coupled stepwise in
the required order to obtain the desired sequence.
[0134] Various activating agents can be used for the coupling
reactions including DCC, DIPCDI, 2-chloro-1,3-dimethylimidium
hexafluorophosphate (CIP),
benzotriazol-1-yl-oxy-tris-(dimethyl-amino)-phosphonium
hexafluoro-phosphate (BOP) and its pyrrolidine analog (PyBOP),
bromo-tris-pyrrolidino-phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (PyBrOP),
0-(benzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium
hexafluorophosphate (HBTU) and its tetra-fluoroborate analog (TBTU)
or its pyrrolidine analog (HBPyU),
O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-uronium
hexafluoro-phosphate (HATU) and its tetrafluoroborate analog (TATU)
or its pyrrolidine analog (HAPyU). The most common catalytic
additives used in coupling reactions include
4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP),
3-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-1,2,3-benzotriazine (HODhbt),
N-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) and 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole
(HOAt). Each protected amino acid is used in excess (>2.0
equivalents), and the couplings are usually carried out in
N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) or in DMF, CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 or mixtures
thereof. The extent of completion of the coupling reaction can be
monitored at each stage, e.g., by the ninhydrin reaction as
described by Kaiser et al., Anal. Biochem. 34:595, 1970.
[0135] After the entire assembly of the desired peptide, the
peptide-resin is cleaved with a reagent with proper scavengers. The
Fmoc peptides are usually cleaved and deprotected by TFA with
scavengers (e.g., H.sub.2O, ethanedithiol, phenol and thioanisole).
The tBoc peptides are usually cleaved and deprotected with liquid
HF for 1-2 hours at -5 to 0.degree. C., which cleaves the
polypeptide from the resin and removes most of the side-chain
protecting groups. Scavengers such as anisole, dimethylsulfide and
p-thiocresol are usually used with the liquid HF to prevent cations
formed during the cleavage from alkylating and acylating the amino
acid residues present in the polypeptide. The formyl group of
tryptophan and the dinitrophenyl group of histidine need to be
removed, respectively by piperidine and thiophenyl in DMF prior to
the HF cleavage. The acetamidomethyl group of cysteine can be
removed by mercury(II) acetate and alternatively by iodine,
thallium(III) trifluoroacetate or silver tetrafluoroborate which
simultaneously oxidize cysteine to cystine. Other strong acids used
for tBoc peptide cleavage and deprotection include
trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMSA) and
trimethylsilyl-trifluoroacetate (TMSOTf).
[0136] The present invention further provides a variety of other
polypeptide fusions and related multimeric proteins comprising one
or more polypeptide fusions. A soluble BR43x2, TACI or BCMA
polypeptide can be expressed as a fusion with an immunoglobulin
heavy chain constant region, typically an F.sub.C fragment, which
contains two constant region domains and lacks the variable region.
Methods for preparing such fusions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,155,027 and 5,567,584. Such fusions are typically secreted as
multimeric molecules wherein the Fc portions are disulfide bonded
to each other and two non-Ig polypeptides are arrayed in close
proximity to each other. Immunoglobulin-BR43x2 (TACI or BCMA)
polypeptide fusions can be expressed in genetically engineered
cells to produce a variety of multimeric BR43x2 analogs. Auxiliary
domains can be fused to BR43x2 (TACI or BCMA) polypeptides to
target them to specific cells, tissues, or macromolecules. Fusions
may also be made using toxins as discussed herein. In this way,
polypeptides and proteins can be targeted for therapeutic or
diagnostic purposes. A BR43x2 polypeptide can be fused to two or
more moieties, such as an affinity tag for purification and a
targeting domain. Polypeptide fusions can also comprise one or more
cleavage sites, particularly between domains. See, Tuan et al.,
Connect. Tiss. Res. 34:1-9, 1996. Fusions of this type can also be
used, for example, to affinity purify cognate ligand from a
solution, as an in vitro assay tool, to block signals in vitro by
specifically titrating out ligand, to bind ligand on the cell
surface or as a BR43x2 antagonists in vivo by administering them to
block ligand stimulation. For use in assays, the fusion proteins
may be bound to a support via the F.sub.C region and used in an
ELISA format.
[0137] The invention also provides soluble BR43x2 receptors and
polypeptide fragments used to form fusion proteins with affinity
tags or labels. Soluble BR43x2-affinity tag fusion proteins are
used, for example, to identify the BR43x2 ligands, as well as
agonists and antagonists of the natural ligand. Using labeled,
soluble BR43x2, cells expressing the ligand, agonists or
antagonists are identified by fluorescence immunocytometry or
immunohistochemistry. The soluble fusion proteins are useful in
studying the distribution of the ligand on tissues or specific cell
lineages, and to provide insight into receptor/ligand biology.
[0138] To purify ligand, agonists or antagonists, a BR43x2-Ig
fusion protein is added to a sample containing the ligand, agonist
or antagonist under conditions that facilitate receptor-ligand
binding (typically near-physiological temperature, pH, and ionic
strength). The receptor-ligand complex is then separated by the
mixture using protein A, which is immobilized on a solid support
(e.g., insoluble resin beads). The ligand, agonist, antagonist is
then eluted using conventional chemical techniques, such as with a
salt or pH gradient. In the alternative, the fusion protein itself
can be bound to a solid support, with binding and elution carried
out as above. Methods for immobilizing receptor polypeptide to a
solid support, such as beads of agarose, cross-linked agarose,
glass, cellulosic resins, silica-based resins, polystyrene,
cross-linked polyacrylamide, or like materials that are stable
under the conditions of use are known in the art. Methods for
linking polypeptides to solid supports are known in the art, and
include amine chemistry, cyanogen bromide activation,
N-hydroxysuccinimide activation, epoxide activation, sulfhydryl
activation, and hydrazide activation. The resulting media will
generally be configured in the form of a column, and fluids
containing ligand are passed through the column one or more times
to allow ligand to bind to the receptor polypeptide. The ligand is
then eluted using changes in salt concentration, chaotropic agents
(MnCl.sub.2), or pH to disrupt ligand-receptor binding.
[0139] To direct the export of the soluble receptor from the host
cell, the soluble receptor DNA is linked to a second DNA segment
encoding a secretory peptide, such as a t-PA secretory peptide. To
facilitate purification of the secreted receptor domain, an N- or
C-terminal extension, such as an affinity tag or another
polypeptide or protein for which an antibody or other specific
binding agent is available, can be fused to the receptor
polypeptide.
[0140] Cells expressing functional soluble and membrane bound
receptors of the present invention are used within screening
assays. A variety of suitable assays are known in the art. These
assays are based on the detection of a biological response in a
target cell. A change in metabolism compared to a control value
indicates a test compound that modulates BR43x2 mediated
metabolism. One such assay is a cell proliferation assay. Cells are
cultured in the presence or absence of a test compound, and cell
proliferation is detected by, for example, measuring incorporation
of tritiated thymidine or by colorimetric assay based on the
metabolic breakdown of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl
tetrazolium bromide (MTT) (Mosman, J. Immunol. Meth. 65: 55-63,
1983). An alternative assay format uses cells that are further
engineered to express a reporter gene. The reporter gene is linked
to a promoter element that is responsive to the receptor-linked
pathway, and the assay detects activation of transcription of the
reporter gene. Numerous reporter genes that are easily assayed for
in cell extracts are known in the art, for example, the E. coli
lacZ, chloroamphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) and serum response
element (SRE) (see, e.g., Shaw et al., Cell 56:563-72, 1989). A
preferred such reporter gene is a luciferase gene (de Wet et al.,
Mol. Cell. Biol. 7:725, 1987). Expression of the luciferase gene is
detected by luminescence using methods known in the art (e.g.,
Baumgartner et al., J. Biol. Chem. 269:29094-101, 1994; Schenborn
and Goiffin, Promega Notes 41:11, 1993). Luciferase activity assay
kits are commercially available from, for example, Promega Corp.,
Madison, Wis. Target cell lines of this type can be used to screen
libraries of chemicals, cell-conditioned culture media, fungal
broths, soil samples, water samples, and the like. For example, a
bank of cell-conditioned media samples can be assayed on a target
cell to identify cells that produce ligand. Positive cells are then
used to produce a cDNA library in a mammalian expression vector,
which is divided into pools, transfected into host cells, and
expressed. Media samples from the transfected cells are then
assayed, with subsequent division of pools, re-transfection,
subculturing, and re-assay of positive cells to isolate a cloned
cDNA encoding the ligand.
[0141] An assay system that uses a ligand-binding receptor (or an
antibody, one member of a complement/anti-complement pair) or a
binding fragment thereof, and a commercially available biosensor
instrument (BIAcore.TM., Pharmacia Biosensor, Piscataway, N.J.) may
also may be advantageously employed. Such receptor, antibody,
member of a complement/anti-complement pair or fragment is
immobilized onto the surface of a receptor chip. Use of this
instrument is disclosed by Karlsson, J. Immunol. Meth. 145:229-40,
1991 and Cunningham and Wells, J. Mol. Biol. 234:554-63, 1993. For
example, a BR43x2 polypeptide, fragment, antibody or member of a
complement/anti-complement pair is covalently attached, using amine
or sulfhydryl chemistry, to dextran fibers that are attached to
gold film within the flow cell. A test sample is passed through the
cell. If a ligand, epitope, or opposite member of the
complement/anti-complement pair is present in the sample, it will
bind to the immobilized receptor, antibody or member, respectively,
causing a change in the refractive index of the medium, which is
detected as a change in surface plasmon resonance of the gold film.
This system allows the determination of on- and off-rates, from
which binding affinity can be calculated, and assessment of
stoichiometry of binding. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can
also be used within other assay systems known in the art. Such
systems include Scatchard analysis for determination of binding
affinity (see, Scatchard, Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 51: 660-72, 1949) and
calorimetric assays (Cunningham et al., Science 253:545-48, 1991;
Cunningham et al., Science 245:821-25, 1991).
[0142] Scatchard plot analysis for soluble I.sup.125-ztnf4 binding
to TACI and BCMA is shown in FIG. 2 and compared with the binding
constants of other members of the TNFR family in Table 5.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 5 Ligand Kd M Cell source Reference TNFa high
7.14E-11 HL-60 a TNFa low 3.26E-10 HEP-2 a TNFa high 2.00E-10 HL-60
b CD27L 3.70E-10 MP-1 c CD27L 8.30E-09 MP-1 c CD40L 5.00E-10 EL40.5
d CD40L 1.00E-09 EBNA d (125I-CD40) 4-1BBL 1.16E-09 Biacore e anti
41BBmab 4.14E-10 Biacore e ztnf4 sol. 1.11E-09 TACI-BHK ztnf4 sol.
1.25E-09 BCMA-BHK a Hohmann et al., J. Biol. Chem. 264: 14927-34,
1989 b Manna and Aggarwal, J. Biol. Chem. 273: 33333-41, 1998 c
Goodwin et al., Cell 73: 447-56, 1993 d Armitage et al., Nature
357: 80-82, 1992 e Shuford et al., J. Exp. Med. 186: 47-55,
1997
[0143] As a receptor, the activation of BR43x2 polypeptide can be
measured by a silicon-based biosensor microphysiometer which
measures the extracellular acidification rate or proton excretion
associated with receptor binding and subsequent physiologic
cellular responses. An exemplary device is the Cytosensor.TM.
Microphysiometer manufactured by Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale,
Calif. A variety of cellular responses, such as cell proliferation,
ion transport, energy production, inflammatory response, regulatory
and receptor activation, and the like, can be measured by this
method. See, for example, McConnell et al., Science 257:1906-12,
1992; Pitchford et al., Meth. Enzymol. 228:84-108, 1997; Arimilli
et al., J. Immunol. Meth. 212:49-59, 1998; Van Liefde et al., Eur.
J. Pharmacol. 346:87-95, 1998. The microphysiometer can be used for
assaying adherent or non-adherent eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells.
By measuring extracellular acidification changes in cell media over
time, the microphysiometer directly measures cellular responses to
various stimuli, including agonists, ligands, or antagonists of the
BR43x2 polypeptide. Preferably, the microphysiometer is used to
measure responses of a BR43x2-expressing eukaryotic cell, compared
to a control eukaryotic cell that does not express BR43x2
polypeptide. BR43x2-expressing eukaryotic cells comprise cells into
which BR43x2 has been transfected, as described herein, creating a
cell that is responsive to BR43x2-modulating stimuli; or cells
naturally expressing BR43x2, such as BR43x2-expressing cells
derived from spleen tissue. Differences, measured by a change in
extracellular acidification, for example, an increase or diminution
in the response of cells expressing BR43x2, relative to a control,
are a direct measurement of BR43x2-modulated cellular responses.
Moreover, such BR43x2-modulated responses can be assayed under a
variety of stimuli. Also, using the microphysiometer, there is
provided a method of identifying agonists and antagonists of BR43x2
polypeptide, comprising providing cells expressing a BR43x2
polypeptide, culturing a first portion of the cells in the absence
of a test compound, culturing a second portion of the cells in the
presence of a test compound, and detecting a change, for example,
an increase or diminution, in a cellular response of the second
portion of the cells as compared to the first portion of the cells.
The change in cellular response is shown as a measurable change
extracellular acidification rate. Antagonists and agonists for
BR43x2 polypeptide can be rapidly identified using this method.
[0144] The soluble BR43x2 is useful in studying the distribution of
ligands on tissues or specific cell lineages, and to provide
insight into receptor/ligand biology. Application may also be made
of the specificity of TNF receptors for their ligands as a
mechanism by which to destroy ligand-bearing target cells. For
example, toxic compounds may be coupled to BR43x2 soluble receptor
or BR43x2 fusion. Examples of toxic compounds would include
radiopharmaceuticals that inactivate target cells; chemotherapeutic
agents such as doxorubicin, daunorubicin, methotrexate, and
cytoxan; toxins, such as ricin, diphtheria, Pseudomonas exotoxin A
and abrin; and antibodies to cytotoxic T-cell surface
molecules.
[0145] Ztnf4 (5 ng/ml) was found to bind to BR43x2 (SEQ ID NO:2),
TACI (SEQ ID NO:6), BCMA (SEQ ID NO:8) and BR43x1 (SEQ ID NO:9), by
FACS analysis (Flow Cytometry and Sorting, Melamed et al. eds.
Wiley-Liss, 1990 and Immunofluorescence and Cell Sorting, Current
Protocols in Immunology, Volume 1, Coligan et al. eds. John Wiley
& Son, 1997). FITC-tagged, soluble ztnf4 was also shown to bind
specifically to, among other things, B lymphocytes in PBMNCs,
tonsil cells, to B cell lymphoma cell lines (Raji, Burkitt's human
lymphoma, ATCC CCL86), Ramos (Burkitt's lymphoma cell line, ATCC
CRL-1596), Daudi (Burkitt's human lymphoma, ATCC CCL213) and RPMI
1788 (a B lymphocyte cell line, ATCC CCL-156) using FACS analysis.
No binding was seen with HL-60, (ATCC a promyelocytic cell line,
ATCC CCL-240). Specificity for binding to B cells from PBMNC and
tonsil cells was confirmed by co-staining with antibodies to B cell
specific molecules including CD19, IgD, IgM, and CD20. Similarity
of ztnf4 to CD40L suggested a broader tissue distribution than was
seen. Affinity of ztnf4 was tested on monocytes, dendritic cells,
and purified T cells using cytokine proliferation and T cell
proliferation assays, for example, and could not detect binding of
ztnf4 or any other biological effect on any other type of cell
tested. Therefore, the specificity for B cells by the ligand and
receptor suggests that they are useful for the study and treatment
of autoimmunity, B cell cancers, immunomodulation, IBD and any
antibody-mediated pathologies, e.g. ITCP, myasthenia gravis and the
like, renal diseases, indirect T cell immune response, graft
rejection, graft versus host disease.
[0146] Ztnf4 has been shown to activate B cells resulting in B cell
proliferation, antibody production and up-regulation of activation
markers in vitro (see examples below). These affects may require
co-stimulation via IL-4 or other cytokines or stimulation through
the B cell antigen receptor or other cell surface receptors which
activate B cells, i.e., CD40. Other tumor necrosis factor ligands,
such as gp39 and TNF.beta., also stimulate B cell proliferation.
Thus the polypeptides of the current invention can be targeted to
specifically regulate B cell responses, inhibiting activated B
cells, during the immune response without affecting other cell
populations which is advantageous in the treatment of disease.
Additionally, the polypeptides of the present invention could be
used to modulate B cell development, development of other cells,
antibody production and cytokine production. BR43x2 polypeptides
can also find use in inducing apoptosis and/or anergy within cells.
Polypeptides of the present invention could also modulate T and B
cell communication by neutralizing the proliferative effects of
ztnf4. Bioassays and ELISAs are available to measure cellular
response to ztnf4 in the presence of soluble BR43x2, TACT and/or
BCMA. Other assays include those which measure changes in cytokine
production as a measure of cellular response (see for example,
Current Protocols in Immunology ed. John E. Coligan et al., NIH,
1996). Assays to measure other cellular responses, including
antibody isotype, monocyte activation, NK cell formation, antigen
presenting cell function, apoptosis.
[0147] BR43x2 polypeptides of the present invention would be useful
to neutralize the effects of ztnf4 for treating pre-B or B-cell
leukemias, such as plasma cell leukemia, chronic or acute
lymphocytic leukemia, myelomas such as multiple myeloma, plasma
cell myeloma, endothelial myeloma and giant cell myeloma; and
lymphomas such as non-Hodgkins lymphoma, for which an increase in
ztnf4 polypeptides is associated. Soluble BR43x2 would be a useful
component in a therapy regime for inhibiting tumor progression and
survival.
[0148] Northern blot analysis showed ztnf4 is expressed in
CD8.sup.+ cells, monocytes, dendritic cells, activated monocytes.
This suggests that in some autoimmune disorders, cytotoxic T-cells
might stimulate B-cell production through excess production of
ztnf4. Immunosuppressant proteins that selectively block the action
of B-lymphocytes would be of use in treating disease. Autoantibody
production is common to several autoimmune diseases and contributes
to tissue destruction and exacerbation of disease. Autoantibodies
can also lead to the occurrence of immune complex deposition
complications and lead to many symptoms of systemic lupus
erythomatosis, including kidney failure, neuralgic symptoms and
death. Modulating antibody production independent of cellular
response would also be beneficial in many disease states. B cells
have also been shown to play a role in the secretion of
arthritogenic immunoglobulins in rheumatoid arthritis, (Korganow et
al., Immunity 10:451-61, 1999). As such, inhibition of ztnf4
antibody production would be beneficial in treatment of autoimmune
diseases such as myasthenia gravis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Immunosuppressant therapeutics such as soluble BR43x2 that
selectively block or neutralize the action of B-lymphocytes would
be useful for such purposes. To verify these capabilities in BR43x2
soluble receptor polypeptides of the present invention, such BR43x2
polypeptides are evaluated using assays known in the art and
described herein.
[0149] The invention provides methods employing BR43x2, TACI or
BCMA polypeptides, fusions, antibodies, agonists or antagonists for
selectively blocking or neutralizing the actions of B-cells in
association with end stage renal diseases, which may or may not be
associated with autoimmune diseases. Such methods would also be
useful for treating immunologic renal diseases. Such methods would
be would be useful for treating glomerulonephritis associated with
diseases such as membranous nephropathy, IgA nephropathy or
Berger's Disease, IgM nephropathy, Goodpasture's Disease,
post-infectious glomerulonephritis, mesangioproliferative disease,
chronic lymphoid leukemia, minimal-change nephrotic syndrome. Such
methods would also serve as therapeutic applications for treating
secondary glomerulonephritis or vasculitis associated with such
diseases as lupus, polyarteritis, Henoch-Schonlein, Scleroderma,
HIV-related diseases, amyloidosis or hemolytic uremic syndrome. The
methods of the present invention would also be useful as part of a
therapeutic application for treating interstitial nephritis or
pyelonephritis associated with chronic pyelonephritis, analgesic
abuse, nephrocalcinosis, nephropathy caused by other agents,
nephrolithiasis, or chronic or acute interstitial nephritis.
[0150] The methods of the present invention also include use of
BR43x2, TACI or BCMA polypeptides, fusions, antibodies, agonists or
antagonists in the treatment of hypertensive or large vessel
diseases, including renal artery stenosis or occlusion and
cholesterol emboli or renal emboli.
[0151] The present invention also provides methods for diagnosis
and treatment of renal or urological neoplasms, multiple mylelomas,
lymphomas, light chain neuropathy or amyloidosis.
[0152] The invention also provides methods for blocking or
inhibiting activated B cells using BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA
polypeptides, fusions, antibodies, agonists or antagonists for the
treatment of asthma and other chronic airway diseases such as
bronchitis and emphysema.
[0153] Also provided are methods for inhibiting or neutralizing an
effector T cell response using BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA polypeptides,
fusions, antibodies, agonists or antagonists for use in
immunosuppression, in particular for such therapeutic use as for
graft-versus-host disease and graft rejection. Additional use would
be found in regulation of the immune response, in particular the
activation and regulation of lymphocytes. BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA
polypeptides, fusions, antibodies, agonists or antagonists would be
useful in therapies for treating immunodeficiencies. BR43x2, TACI,
or BCMA polypeptides, fusions, antibodies, agonists or antagonists
would be useful in therapeutic protocols for treatment of such
autoimmune diseases as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)
and Crohn's Disease. Methods of the present invention would have
additional therapeutic value for treating chronic inflammatory
diseases, in particular to lessen joint pain, swelling, anemia and
other associated symptoms as well as treating septic shock.
[0154] The effect of soluble BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA polypeptides and
fusion proteins on immune response can be measured by administering
the polypeptides of the present invention to animals immunized with
antigen followed by injection of ztnf4 and measuring antibody
isotype production and B and T cell responses including delayed
type hypersensitivity and in vitro proliferation and cytokine
production according the methods known in the art.
[0155] The present invention therefore provides a method of
inhibiting ztnf4 activity in a mammal comprising administering to
said mammal an amount of a compound selected from the group
consisting of: a) a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:4; b) a polypeptide of
SEQ ID NO:8; c) a fusion protein; d) a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:6
from amino acid residue 1 to residue 166; e) a polypeptide of SEQ
ID NO:8 from amino acid residue 1 to residue 150; f) an antibody or
antibody fragment which specifically binds to a polypeptide of SEQ
ID NO:4; and g) an antibody or antibody fragment which specifically
binds to a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:10. Examples of fusion proteins
include fusions of soluble BR43x2 (SEQ ID NO:4), TACI (from amino
acid residue 1 to residue 166 of SEQ ID NO:6) or BCMA (from amino
acid residue 1 to residue 150 of SEQ ID NO:8) with another
polypeptide, preferably an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant
region F.sub.C fragment. The invention similarly provides a method
for inhibiting BR43x2, TACI or BCMA receptor-ligand engagement.
[0156] Such methods would be particularly useful where ztnf4
activity is associated with activated B lymphocytes and for
treating pre-B cell or B-cell cancers. Such methods would also be
useful where ztnf4 activity is associated with antibody production.
In particular, antibody production associated with autoimmune
diseases such as systemic lupus erythomatosis, myasthenia gravis or
rheumatoid arthritis.
[0157] The present invention also provides BR43x2 agonists and
antagonists. Compounds identified as BR43x2 agonists are useful for
modifying the proliferation and development of target cells in
vitro and in vivo. For example, agonist compounds are useful alone
or in combination with other cytokines and hormones as components
of defined cell culture media. Agonists are thus useful in
specifically mediating the growth and/or development of
BR43x2-bearing B lymphocytes cells in culture. Agonists and
antagonists may also prove useful in the study of effector
functions of B lymphocytes, in particular B lymphocyte activation
and differentiation. Antagonists are useful as research reagents
for characterizing ligand-receptor interaction.
[0158] Compounds identified as BR43x2 antagonists are also useful
to boost the humoral immune response. B cell responses are
important in fighting infectious diseases including bacterial,
viral, protozoan and parasitic infections. Antibodies against
infectious microorganisms can immobilize the pathogen by binding to
antigen followed by complement mediated lysis or cell mediated
attack. A BR43x2 antagonist would serve to boost the humoral
response and would be a useful therapeutic for individuals at risk
for an infectious disease or as a supplement to vaccination.
[0159] The invention also provides antagonists, which either bind
to BR43x2 polypeptides or, alternatively, to a ligand to which
BR43x2 polypeptides bind, thereby inhibiting or eliminating the
function of BR43x2. Such BR43x2 antagonists would include
antibodies; oligonucleotides which bind either to the BR43x2
polypeptide or to its ligand; natural or synthetic analogs of
BR43x2 ligands which retain the ability to bind the receptor but do
not result in either ligand or receptor signaling. Such analogs
could be peptides or peptide-like compounds. Natural or synthetic
small molecules which bind to BR43x2 polypeptides and prevent
signaling are also contemplated as antagonists. As such, BR43x2
antagonists would be useful as therapeutics for treating certain
disorders where blocking signal from either a BR43x2 receptor or
ligand would be beneficial. Antagonists are useful as research
reagents for characterizing ligand-receptor interaction. BR43x2 is
expressed on transformed B cell lines including EBV induced and
spontaneous Burkitt's lymphoma and several B cell myelomas.
Inhibiting the function of BR43x2 would be useful in the treatment
of B cell lymphomas or multiple myelomas. BR43x2 antagonists, such
as BR43x2 soluble receptors or antibodies, could be used
therapeutically to mediate tumor progression.
[0160] The activity of agonists and antagonists can be determined
by activity assays which determine the potency of receptor/ligand
engagement. Stably transfected B-cell lines, such as Baf3 (a murine
pre-B cell line Palacios and Steinmetz, ibid. and Mathey-Prevot et
al., ibid.), which co-express high levels of reporter gene
constructs for NfKB, NFAT-1 and AP-1 were made which express
BR43x2. Cell lines expressing TACI and BCMA were also be prepared
in a similar manner and in Jurkat and other B lymphoma cell lines.
Ztnf4 was found to signal through the reporter genes in these
constructs. Soluble BR43x2 and antibodies can be used to measure
binding.
[0161] An in vivo approach for assaying proteins of the present
invention involves viral delivery systems. Exemplary viruses for
this purpose include adenovirus, herpesvirus, vaccinia virus and
adeno-associated virus (AAV). Adenovirus, a double-stranded DNA
virus, is currently the best studied gene transfer vector for
delivery of heterologous nucleic acid (for a review, see Becker et
al., Meth. Cell Biol. 43:161-89, 1994; and Douglas and Curiel,
Science & Medicine 4:44-53, 1997). The adenovirus system offers
several advantages: adenovirus can (i) accommodate relatively large
DNA inserts; (ii) be grown to high-titer; (iii) infect a broad
range of mammalian cell types; and (iv) be used with a large number
of available vectors containing different promoters. Also, because
adenoviruses are stable in the bloodstream, they can be
administered by intravenous injection.
[0162] By deleting portions of the adenovirus genome, larger
inserts (up to 7 kb) of heterologous DNA can be accommodated. These
inserts may be incorporated into the viral DNA by direct ligation
or by homologous recombination with a co-transfected plasmid. In an
exemplary system, the essential E1 gene has been deleted from the
viral vector, and the virus will not replicate unless the E1 gene
is provided by the host cell (the human 293 cell line is
exemplary). When intravenously administered to intact animals,
adenovirus primarily targets the liver. If the adenoviral delivery
system has an E1 gene deletion, the virus cannot replicate in the
host cells. However, the host's tissue (e.g., liver) will express
and process (and, if a signal sequence is present, secrete) the
heterologous protein. Secreted proteins will enter the circulation
in the highly vascularized liver, and effects on the infected
animal can be determined.
[0163] The adenovirus system can also be used for protein
production in vitro. By culturing adenovirus-infected non-293 cells
under conditions where the cells are not rapidly dividing, the
cells can produce proteins for extended periods of time. For
instance, BHK cells are grown to confluence in cell factories, then
exposed to the adenoviral vector encoding the secreted protein of
interest. The cells are then grown under serum-free conditions,
which allows infected cells to survive for several weeks without
significant cell division. Alternatively, adenovirus vector
infected 293S cells can be grown in suspension culture at
relatively high cell density to produce significant amounts of
protein (see Garnier et al., Cytotechnol. 15:145-55, 1994). With
either protocol, an expressed, secreted heterologous protein can be
repeatedly isolated from the cell culture supernatant. Within the
infected 293S cell production protocol, non-secreted proteins may
also be effectively obtained.
[0164] Well established animal models are available to test in vivo
efficacy of soluble BR43x2, TALI, or BCMA polypeptides of the
present invention in certain disease states. In particular, soluble
BR43x2, TALI, or BCMA polypeptides and polypeptide fragments can be
tested in vivo in a number of animal models of autoimmune disease,
such as MRL-lpr/lpr or NZB.times.NZW F1 congenic mouse strains
which serve as a model of SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus). Such
animal models are known in the art, see for example Autoimmune
Disease Models A Guidebook, Cohen and Miller eds. Academic Press.
Offspring of a cross between New Zealand Black (NZB) and New
Zealand White (NZW) mice develop a spontaneous form of SLE that
closely resembles SLE in humans. The offspring mice, known as NZBW
begin to develop IgM autoantibodies against T-cells at 1 month of
age, and by 5-7 months of age, Ig anti-DNA autoantibodies are the
dominant immunoglobulin. Polyclonal B-cell hyperactivity leads to
overproduction of autoantibodies. The deposition of these
autoantibodies, particularly ones directed against single stranded
DNA is associated with the development of glomerulonephritis, which
manifests clinically as proteinuria, azotemia, and death from renal
failure. Kidney failure is the leading cause of death in mice
affected with spontaneous SLE, and in the NZBW strain, this process
is chronic and obliterative. The disease is more rapid and severe
in females than males, with mean survival of only 245 days as
compared to 406 days for the males. While many of the female mice
will be symptomatic (proteinuria) by 7-9 months of age, some can be
much younger or older when they develop symptoms. The fatal immune
nephritis seen in the NZBW mice is very similar to the
glomerulonephritis seen in human SLE, making this spontaneous
murine model very attractive for testing of potential SLE
therapeutics (Putterman and Naparstek, Murine Models of Spontaneous
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Autoimmune Disease Models: A
Guidebook, chapter 14, pp. 217-34, 1994; Mohan et al., J. Immunol.
154:1470-80, 1995; and Daikh et al., J. Immunol. 159:3104-08,
1997). Administration of soluble TACI-IG, BR43x2-Ig, BCMA-Ig or
other soluble and fusion proteins to these mice to evaluate the
efficacy of TACI, BR43x2, or BCMA to amelioration of symptoms and
alterations to the course of disease is described below in the
Example section.
[0165] Mouse models for experimental allergic encephalomyelitis
(EAE) has been used as a tool to investigate both the mechanisms of
immune-mediated disease, and methods of potential therapeutic
intervention. The model resembles human multiple sclerosis, and
produces demyelination as a result of T-cell activation to
neuroproteins such as myelin basic protein (MBP), or proteolipid
protein (PLP). Inoculation with antigen leads to induction of CD4+,
class II MHC-restricted T-cells (Th1). Changes in the protocol for
EAE can produce acute, chronic-relapsing, or passive-transfer
variants of the model (Weinberg et al., J. Immunol. 162:1818-26,
1999; Mijaba et al., Cell. Immunol. 186:94-102, 1999; and
Glabinski, Meth. Enzym. 288:182-90, 1997). Administration of
soluble TACI-IG, BR43x2-Ig, BCMA-Ig or other soluble and fusion
proteins to these mice to evaluate the efficacy of TACI, BR43x2, or
BCMA to amelioration of symptoms and alterations to the course of
disease is described below in the Example section.
[0166] In the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model, mice develop
chronic inflammatory arthritis which closely resembles human
rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Since CIA shares similar immunological
and pathological features with RA, this makes it an ideal model for
screening potential human anti-inflammatory compounds. Another
advantage in using the CIA model is that the mechanisms of
pathogenesis are known. The T and B cell epitopes on type II
collagen have been identified, and various immunological
(delayed-type hypersensitivity and anti-collagen antibody) and
inflammatory (cytokines, chemokines, and matrix-degrading enzymes)
parameters relating to immune-mediating arthritis have been
determined, and can be used to assess test compound efficacy in the
models (Wooley, Curr. Opin. Rheum. 3:407-20, 1999; Williams et al.,
Immunol. 89:9784-788, 1992; Myers et al., Life Sci. 61:1861-78,
1997; and Wang et al., Immunol. 92:8955-959, 1995). Administration
of soluble TACI-IG, BR43x2-Ig, BCMA-Ig or other soluble and fusion
proteins to these mice to evaluate the efficacy of TACT, BR43x2, or
BCMA to amelioration of symptoms and alterations to the course of
disease is described below in the Example section.
[0167] Models for bronchial infection, such as asthma, can be
created when mice are injected with ovalbumin and restimulated
nasally with antigen which produces an asthmatic response in the
bronchi similar to asthma. Administration of soluble TACI-Ig,
BR43x2-Ig, BCMA-Ig, or other soluble and fusion proteins to these
mice to evaluate the efficacy of TACI, BR43x2, or BCMA to
amelioration of symptoms and alterations to the course of disease
is described below in the Example section.
[0168] Myasthenia gravis (MG) is another autoimmune disease for
which murine models are available. MG is a disorder of
neuromuscular transmission involving the production of
autoantibodies directed against the nicotinic acetylcholine
receptor (AChR). MG is acquired or inherited with clinical features
including abnormal weakness and fatigue on exertion.
[0169] A mouse model of MG have been established. (Christadoss et
al., Establishment of a Mouse Model of Myasthenia gravis Which
Mimics Human Myasthenia gravid Pathogenesis for Immune
Intervention, in Immunobiology of Proteins and Peptides VIII,
Atassi and Bixler, eds., 1995, pp. 195-99.) Experimental autoimmune
myasthenia gravis (EAMG) is an antibody mediated disease
characterized by the presence of antibodies to AChR. These
antibodies destroy the receptor leading to defective neuromuscular
electrical impulses, resulting in muscle weakness. In the EAMG
model, mice are immunized with the nicotinic acetylcholine
receptor. Clinical signs of MG become evident weeks after the
second immunization. EAMG is evaluated by several methods including
measuring serum levels of AChR antibodies by radioimmunoassay
(Christadoss and Dauphinee, J. Immunol. 136:2437-40, 1986; and
Lindstrom et al., Methods Enzymol. 74:432-60, 1981), measuring
muscle AChR, or electromyography (Wu et al. Protocols in
Immunology. Vol. 3, Eds. Coligen, Kruisbeak, Margulies, Shevach,
and Strober. John Wiley and Sons, New York, p. 15.8.1, 1997).
[0170] Another use for in vivo models includes delivery of an
antigen challenge to the animal followed by administration of
soluble BR43x2 (TACI) or its ligand ztnf4 and measuring the T and B
cell response.
[0171] T cell dependent and T cell independent immune response can
be measured as described in Perez-Melgosa et al., J. Immunol.
163:1123-7, 1999.
[0172] Immune response in animals subjected to a regular antigen
challenge (for example, ovalbumin or collagen) followed by
administration of BR43x2, TACI or BCMA polypeptides or soluble
Ig-fusions can be done to measure effect on B cell response.
[0173] Pharmacokinetic studies can be used in association with
radiolabeled, soluble BR43x2, TACI or BCMA polypeptides or fusions
to determine the distribution and half life of such polypeptides in
vivo. Additionally animal models can be used to determine the
effects of soluble BR43x2, TACI or BCMA on tumors and tumor
development in vivo.
[0174] Also provided is the use of BR43x2, TACI or BCMA
polypeptides as surrogate markers for autoimmune diseases, kidney
diseases, B and T cell diseases. Such patients can be bled and
BR43x2, TACI or BCMA soluble receptors and their ligands can be
detected in the blood.
[0175] The invention also provides antibodies. Antibodies to BR43x2
or peptides having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8, can be
obtained, for example, using as an antigen the product of an
expression vector containing the polypeptide of interest, or a
polypeptide isolated from a natural source. Particularly useful
antibodies "bind specifically" with BR43x2 or peptides having an
amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:10. Antibodies are considered to
be specifically binding if the antibodies bind to a BR43x2
polypeptide or a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:8, peptide or epitope
with a binding affinity (K.sub.a) of 10.sup.6M.sup.-1 or greater,
preferably 10.sup.7M.sup.-1 or greater, more preferably
10.sup.8M.sup.-1 or greater, and most preferably 10.sup.9M.sup.-1
or greater. The binding affinity of an antibody can be readily
determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, for example, by
Scatchard analysis (Scatchard, Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 51:660, 1949).
Suitable antibodies include antibodies that bind with BR43x2, in
particular the extracellular domain of BR43x2 (amino acid residues
1-120 of SEQ ID NO:2) and those that bind with polypeptides having
an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:10.
[0176] Anti-BR43x2 antibodies can be produced using antigenic
BR43x2 epitope-bearing peptides and polypeptides. Antigenic
epitope-bearing peptides and polypeptides of the present invention
contain a sequence of at least nine, preferably between 15 to about
30 amino acids contained within SEQ ID NO:2. However, peptides or
polypeptides comprising a larger portion of an amino acid sequence
of the invention, containing from 30 to 50 amino acids, or any
length up to and including the entire amino acid sequence of a
polypeptide of the invention, also are useful for inducing
antibodies that bind with BR43x2. It is desirable that the amino
acid sequence of the epitope-bearing peptide is selected to provide
substantial solubility in aqueous solvents (i.e., the sequence
includes relatively hydrophilic residues, while hydrophobic
residues are preferably avoided). Hydrophilic peptides can be
predicted by one of skill in the art from a hydrophobicity plot,
see for example, Hopp and Woods (Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA
78:3824-8, 1981) and Kyte and Doolittle (J. Mol. Biol. 157:
105-142, 1982). Moreover, amino acid sequences containing proline
residues may be also be desirable for antibody production.
[0177] Polyclonal antibodies to recombinant BR43x2 protein or to
BR43x2 isolated from natural sources can be prepared using methods
well-known to those of skill in the art. See, for example, Green et
al., "Production of Polyclonal Antisera," in Immunochemical
Protocols (Manson, ed.), pages 1-5 (Humana Press 1992), and
Williams et al., "Expression of foreign proteins in E. coli using
plasmid vectors and purification of specific polyclonal
antibodies," in DNA Cloning 2: Expression Systems, 2nd Edition,
Glover et al. (eds.), page 15 (Oxford University Press 1995). The
immunogenicity of a BR43x2 polypeptide can be increased through the
use of an adjuvant, such as alum (aluminum hydroxide) or Freund's
complete or incomplete adjuvant. Polypeptides useful for
immunization also include fusion polypeptides, such as fusions of
BR43x2 or a portion thereof with an immunoglobulin polypeptide or
with maltose binding protein. The polypeptide immunogen may be a
full-length molecule or a portion thereof. If the polypeptide
portion is "hapten-like," such portion may be advantageously joined
or linked to a macromolecular carrier (such as keyhole limpet
hemocyanin (KLH), bovine serum albumin (BSA) or tetanus toxoid) for
immunization.
[0178] Although polyclonal antibodies are typically raised in
animals such as horses, cows, dogs, chicken, rats, mice, rabbits,
hamsters, guinea pigs, goats or sheep, an anti-BR43x2 antibody of
the present invention may also be derived from a subhuman primate
antibody. General techniques for raising diagnostically and
therapeutically useful antibodies in baboons may be found, for
example, in Goldenberg et al., international patent publication No.
WO 91/11465, and in Losman et al., Int. J. Cancer 46:310, 1990.
Antibodies can also be raised in transgenic animals such as
transgenic sheep, cows, goats or pigs, and may be expressed in
yeast and fungi in modified forms as will as in mammalian and
insect cells.
[0179] Alternatively, monoclonal anti-BR43X2 antibodies can be
generated. Rodent monoclonal antibodies to specific antigens may be
obtained by methods known to those skilled in the art (see, for
example, Kohler et al., Nature 256:495, 1975, Coligan et al.
(eds.), Current Protocols in Immunology, Vol. 1, pages 2.5.1-2.6.7
(John Wiley & Sons 1991), Picksley et al., "Production of
monoclonal antibodies against proteins expressed in E. coli," in
DNA Cloning 2: Expression Systems, 2nd Edition, Glover et al.
(eds.), page 93 (Oxford University Press 1995)).
[0180] Briefly, monoclonal antibodies can be obtained by injecting
mice with a composition comprising a BR43x2 gene product, verifying
the presence of antibody production by removing a serum sample,
removing the spleen to obtain B-lymphocytes, fusing the
B-lymphocytes with myeloma cells to produce hybridomas, cloning the
hybridomas, selecting positive clones which produce antibodies to
the antigen, culturing the clones that produce antibodies to the
antigen, and isolating the antibodies from the hybridoma
cultures.
[0181] In addition, an anti-BR43x2 antibody of the present
invention may be derived from a human monoclonal antibody. Human
monoclonal antibodies are obtained from transgenic mice that have
been engineered to produce specific human antibodies in response to
antigenic challenge. In this technique, elements of the human heavy
and light chain locus are introduced into strains of mice derived
from embryonic stem cell lines that contain targeted disruptions of
the endogenous heavy chain and light chain loci. The transgenic
mice can synthesize human antibodies specific for human antigens,
and the mice can be used to produce human antibody-secreting
hybridomas. Methods for obtaining human antibodies from transgenic
mice are described, for example, by Green et al., Nat. Genet. 7:13,
1994, Lonberg et al., Nature 368:856, 1994, and Taylor et al., Int.
Immun. 6:579, 1994.
[0182] Monoclonal antibodies can be isolated and purified from
hybridoma cultures by a variety of well-established techniques.
Such isolation techniques include affinity chromatography with
Protein-A Sepharose, size-exclusion chromatography, and
ion-exchange chromatography (see, for example, Coligan at pages
2.7.1-2.7.12 and pages 2.9.1-2.9.3; Baines et al., "Purification of
Immunoglobulin G (IgG)," in Methods in Molecular Biology, Vol. 10,
pages 79-104 (The Humana Press, Inc. 1992)).
[0183] For particular uses, it may be desirable to prepare
fragments of anti-BR43x2 antibodies. Such antibody fragments can be
obtained, for example, by proteolytic hydrolysis of the antibody.
Antibody fragments can be obtained by pepsin or papain digestion of
whole antibodies by conventional methods. As an illustration,
antibody fragments can be produced by enzymatic cleavage of
antibodies with pepsin to provide a 5S fragment denoted
F(ab').sub.2. This fragment can be further cleaved using a thiol
reducing agent to produce 3.5S Fab' monovalent fragments.
Optionally, the cleavage reaction can be performed using a blocking
group for the sulfhydryl groups that result from cleavage of
disulfide linkages. As an alternative, an enzymatic cleavage using
pepsin produces two monovalent Fab fragments and an Fc fragment
directly. These methods are described, for example, by Goldenberg,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,647, Nisonoff et al., Arch Biochem. Biophys.
89:230, 1960, Porter, Biochem. J. 73:119, 1959, Edelman et al., in
Methods in Enzymology Vol. 1, page 422 (Academic Press 1967), and
by Coligan, ibid.
[0184] Other methods of cleaving antibodies, such as separation of
heavy chains to form monovalent light-heavy chain fragments,
further cleavage of fragments, or other enzymatic, chemical or
genetic techniques may also be used, so long as the fragments bind
to the antigen that is recognized by the intact antibody.
[0185] For example, Fv fragments comprise an association of V.sub.H
and V.sub.L chains. This association can be noncovalent, as
described by Inbar et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 69:2659,
1972. Alternatively, the variable chains can be linked by an
intermolecular disulfide bond or cross-linked by chemicals such as
gluteraldehyde (see, for example, Sandhu, Crit. Rev. Biotech.
12:437, 1992).
[0186] The Fv fragments may comprise V.sub.H and V.sub.L chains
which are connected by a peptide linker. These single-chain antigen
binding proteins (scFv) are prepared by constructing a structural
gene comprising DNA sequences encoding the V.sub.H and V.sub.L
domains which are connected by an oligonucleotide. The structural
gene is inserted into an expression vector which is subsequently
introduced into a host cell, such as E. coli. The recombinant host
cells synthesize a single polypeptide chain with a linker peptide
bridging the two V domains. Methods for producing scFvs are
described, for example, by Whitlow et al., Methods: A Companion to
Methods in Enzymology 2:97, 1991, also see, Bird et al., Science
242:423, 1988, Ladner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,778, Pack et al.,
Bio/Technology 11:1271, 1993, and Sandhu, ibid.
[0187] As an illustration, a scFV can be obtained by exposing
lymphocytes to BR43x2 polypeptide in vitro, and selecting antibody
display libraries in phage or similar vectors (for instance,
through use of immobilized or labeled BR43x2 protein or peptide).
Genes encoding polypeptides having potential BR43x2 polypeptide
binding domains can be obtained by screening random peptide
libraries displayed on phage (phage display) or on bacteria, such
as E. coli. Nucleotide sequences encoding the polypeptides can be
obtained in a number of ways, such as through random mutagenesis
and random polynucleotide synthesis. These random peptide display
libraries can be used to screen for peptides which interact with a
known target which can be a protein or polypeptide, such as a
ligand or receptor, a biological or synthetic macromolecule, or
organic or inorganic substances. Techniques for creating and
screening such random peptide display libraries are known in the
art (Ladner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,409, Ladner et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 4,946,778, Ladner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,484, Ladner
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,698, and Kay et al., Phage Display of
Peptides and Proteins (Academic Press, Inc. 1996)) and random
peptide display libraries and kits for screening such libraries are
available commercially, for instance from Clontech (Palo Alto,
Calif.), Invitrogen Inc. (San Diego, Calif.), New England Biolabs,
Inc. (Beverly, Mass.), and Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology Inc.
(Piscataway, N.J.). Random peptide display libraries can be
screened using the BR43x2 sequences disclosed herein to identify
proteins which bind to BR43x2.
[0188] Another form of an antibody fragment is a peptide coding for
a single complementarity-determining region (CDR). CDR peptides
("minimal recognition units") can be obtained by constructing genes
encoding the CDR of an antibody of interest. Such genes are
prepared, for example, by using the polymerase chain reaction to
synthesize the variable region from RNA of antibody-producing cells
(see, for example, Larrick et al., Methods: A Companion to Methods
in Enzymology 2:106, 1991), Courtenay-Luck, "Genetic Manipulation
of Monoclonal Antibodies," in Monoclonal Antibodies: Production,
Engineering and Clinical Application, Ritter et al. (eds.), page
166 (Cambridge University Press 1995), and Ward et al., "Genetic
Manipulation and Expression of Antibodies," in Monoclonal
Antibodies: Principles and Applications, Birch et al., (eds.), page
137 (Wiley-Liss, Inc. 1995)).
[0189] Alternatively, an anti-BR43x2 antibody may be derived from a
"humanized" monoclonal antibody. Humanized monoclonal antibodies
are produced by transferring mouse complementary determining
regions from heavy and light variable chains of the mouse
immunoglobulin into a human variable domain. Typical residues of
human antibodies are then substituted in the framework regions of
the murine counterparts. The use of antibody components derived
from humanized monoclonal antibodies obviates potential problems
associated with the immunogenicity of murine constant regions.
General techniques for cloning murine immunoglobulin variable
domains are described, for example, by Orlandi et al., Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA 86:3833, 1989. Techniques for producing humanized
monoclonal antibodies are described, for example, by Jones et al.,
Nature 321:522, 1986, Carter et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA
89:4285, 1992, Sandhu, Crit. Rev. Biotech. 12:437, 1992, Singer et
al., J. Immun. 150:2844, 1993, Sudhir (ed.), Antibody Engineering
Protocols (Humana Press, Inc. 1995), Kelley, "Engineering
Therapeutic Antibodies," in Protein Engineering: Principles and
Practice, Cleland et al. (eds.), pages 399-434 (John Wiley &
Sons, Inc. 1996), and by Queen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,693,762
(1997).
[0190] Polyclonal anti-idiotype antibodies can be prepared by
immunizing animals with anti-BR43x2 antibodies or antibody
fragments, using standard techniques. See, for example, Green et
al., "Production of Polyclonal Antisera," in Methods In Molecular
Biology: Immunochemical Protocols, Manson (ed.), pages 1-12 (Humana
Press 1992). Also, see Coligan, ibid. at pages 2.4.1-2.4.7.
Alternatively, monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies can be prepared
using anti-BR43x2 antibodies or antibody fragments as immunogens
with the techniques, described above. As another alternative,
humanized anti-idiotype antibodies or subhuman primate
anti-idiotype antibodies can be prepared using the above-described
techniques. Methods for producing anti-idiotype antibodies are
described, for example, by Irie, U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,146, Greene,
et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,677, and Varthakavi and Minocha, J.
Gen. Virol. 77:1875, 1996.
[0191] Antibodies or polypeptides herein can also be directly or
indirectly conjugated to drugs, toxins, radionuclides and the like,
and these conjugates used for in vivo diagnostic or therapeutic
applications. For instance, polypeptides or antibodies of the
present invention can be used to identify or treat tissues or
organs that express a corresponding anti-complementary molecule
(receptor or antigen, respectively, for instance). More
specifically, BR43x2 polypeptides or anti-BR43x2 antibodies, or
bioactive fragments or portions thereof, can be coupled to
detectable or cytotoxic molecules and delivered to a mammal having
cells, tissues or organs that express the anti-complementary
molecule.
[0192] Suitable detectable molecules may be directly or indirectly
attached to the polypeptide or antibody, and include radionuclides,
enzymes, substrates, cofactors, inhibitors, fluorescent markers,
chemiluminescent markers, magnetic particles and the like. Suitable
cytotoxic molecules may be directly or indirectly attached to the
polypeptide or antibody, and include bacterial or plant toxins (for
instance, diphtheria toxin, Pseudomonas exotoxin, ricin, abrin and
the like), as well as therapeutic radionuclides, such as
iodine-131, rhenium-188 or yttrium-90 (either directly attached to
the polypeptide or antibody, or indirectly attached through means
of a chelating moiety, for instance). Polypeptides or antibodies
may also be conjugated to cytotoxic drugs, such as adriamycin. For
indirect attachment of a detectable or cytotoxic molecule, the
detectable or cytotoxic molecule can be conjugated with a member of
a complementary/anticomplementary pair, where the other member is
bound to the polypeptide or antibody portion. For these purposes,
biotin/streptavidin is an exemplary complementary/anticomplementary
pair.
[0193] Soluble BR43x2 polypeptides or antibodies to BR43x2 can be
directly or indirectly conjugated to drugs, toxins, radionuclides
and the like, and these conjugates used for in vivo diagnostic or
therapeutic applications. For instance, polypeptides or antibodies
of the present invention can be used to identify or treat tissues
or organs that express a corresponding anti-complementary molecule
(receptor or antigen, respectively, for instance). More
specifically, BR43x2 polypeptides or anti-BR43x2 antibodies, or
bioactive fragments or portions thereof, can be coupled to
detectable or cytotoxic molecules and delivered to a mammal having
cells, tissues or organs that express the anti-complementary
molecule.
[0194] Suitable detectable molecules can be directly or indirectly
attached to the polypeptide or antibody, and include radionuclides,
enzymes, substrates, cofactors, inhibitors, fluorescent markers,
chemiluminescent markers, magnetic particles and the like. Suitable
cytotoxic molecules can be directly or indirectly attached to the
polypeptide or antibody, and include bacterial or plant toxins (for
instance, diphtheria toxin, Pseudomonas exotoxin, ricin, abrin and
the like), as well as therapeutic radionuclides, such as
iodine-131, rhenium-188 or yttrium-90 (either directly attached to
the polypeptide or antibody, or indirectly attached through means
of a chelating moiety, for instance). Polypeptides or antibodies
can also be conjugated to cytotoxic drugs, such as adriamycin. For
indirect attachment of a detectable or cytotoxic molecule, the
detectable or cytotoxic molecule can be conjugated with a member of
a complementary/anticomplementary pair, where the other member is
bound to the polypeptide or antibody portion. For these purposes,
biotin/streptavidin is an exemplary complementary/anticomplementary
pair.
[0195] Such polypeptide-toxin fusion proteins or
antibody/fragment-toxin fusion proteins can be used for targeted
cell or tissue inhibition or ablation (for instance, to treat
cancer cells or tissues). Alternatively, if the polypeptide has
multiple functional domains (i.e., an activation domain or a ligand
binding domain, plus a targeting domain), a fusion protein
including only the targeting domain can be suitable for directing a
detectable molecule, a cytotoxic molecule or a complementary
molecule to a cell or tissue type of interest. In instances where
the domain only fusion protein includes a complementary molecule,
the anti-complementary molecule can be conjugated to a detectable
or cytotoxic molecule. Such domain-complementary molecule fusion
proteins thus represent a generic targeting vehicle for
cell/tissue-specific delivery of generic
anti-complementary-detectable/cytotoxic molecule conjugates. The
bioactive polypeptide or antibody conjugates described herein can
be delivered intravenously, intraarterially or intraductally, or
may be introduced locally at the intended site of action.
[0196] Antibodies can be made to soluble, BR43x2 polypeptides which
are His or FLAG.TM. tagged. Antibodies can also be prepared to E.
coli produced MBP-fusion proteins. Alternatively, such polypeptides
could include a fusion protein with Human Ig. In particular,
antiserum containing polypeptide antibodies to His-tagged, or
FLAG.TM.-tagged soluble BR43x2 can be used in analysis of tissue
distribution of BR43x2 by immunohistochemistry on human or primate
tissue. These soluble BR43x2 polypeptides can also be used to
immunize mice in order to produce monoclonal antibodies to a
soluble human BR43x2 polypeptide. Monoclonal antibodies to a
soluble human BR43x2 polypeptide can also be used to mimic
ligand/receptor coupling, resulting in activation or inactivation
of the ligand/receptor pair. For instance, it has been demonstrated
that cross-linking anti-soluble CD40 monoclonal antibodies provides
a stimulatory signal to B cells that have been sub-optimally
activated with anti-IgM or LPS, and results in proliferation and
immunoglobulin production. These same monoclonal antibodies act as
antagonists when used in solution by blocking activation of the
receptor. Monoclonal antibodies to BR43x2 can be used to determine
the distribution, regulation and biological interaction of the
BR43x2/BR43x2-ligand pair on specific cell lineages identified by
tissue distribution studies.
[0197] The invention also provides isolated and purified BR43x2,
TACI and BCMA polynucleotide probes or primers. Such polynucleotide
probes can be RNA or DNA. DNA can be either cDNA or genomic DNA.
Polynucleotide probes are single or double-stranded DNA or RNA,
generally synthetic oligonucleotides, but may be generated from
cloned cDNA or genomic sequences and will generally comprise at
least 16 nucleotides, more often from 17 nucleotides to 25 or more
nucleotides, sometimes 40 to 60 nucleotides, and in some instances
a substantial portion, domain or even the entire BR43x2 gene or
cDNA. Probes and primers are generally synthetic oligonucleotides,
but may be generated from cloned cDNA or genomic sequences or its
complements. Analytical probes will generally be at least 20
nucleotides in length, although somewhat shorter probes (14-17
nucleotides) can be used. PCR primers are at least 5 nucleotides in
length, preferably 15 or more nt, more preferably 20-30 nt. Short
polynucleotides can be used when a small region of the gene is
targeted for analysis. For gross analysis of genes, a
polynucleotide probe may comprise an entire exon or more. Probes
can be labeled to provide a detectable signal, such as with an
enzyme, biotin, a radionuclide, fluorophore, chemiluminescer,
paramagnetic particle and the like, which are commercially
available from many sources, such as Molecular Probes, Inc.,
Eugene, Oreg., and Amersham Corp., Arlington Heights, Ill., using
techniques that are well known in the art. Preferred regions from
which to construct probes include the ligand binding region,
cysteine-rich pseudo repeats, signal sequences, and the like.
Techniques for developing polynucleotide probes and hybridization
techniques are known in the art, see for example, Ausubel et al.,
eds., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons,
Inc., NY, 1991.
[0198] BR43x2, TACI and BCMA polypeptides and antibodies may be
used within diagnostic systems to detect the presence of BR43x2,
TACI, and BCMA and BR43x2, TACI, and BCMA ligand polypeptides, such
as ztnf4. The information derived from such detection methods would
provide insight into the significance of BR43x2 polypeptides in
various diseases, and as a would serve as diagnostic tools for
diseases for which altered levels of BR43x2 are significant.
Altered levels of BR43x2, TACI and BCMA receptor polypeptides may
be indicative of pathological conditions including cancer,
autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases.
[0199] In a basic assay, a single-stranded probe molecule is
incubated with RNA, isolated from a biological sample, under
conditions of temperature and ionic strength that promote base
pairing between the probe and target BR43x2, TACI or BCMA RNA
species. After separating unbound probe from hybridized molecules,
the amount of hybrids is detected.
[0200] Well-established hybridization methods of RNA detection
include northern analysis and dot/slot blot hybridization (see, for
example, Ausubel ibid. and Wu et al. (eds.), "Analysis of Gene
Expression at the RNA Level," in Methods in Gene Biotechnology,
pages 225-239 (CRC Press, Inc. 1997)). Nucleic acid probes can be
detectably labeled with radioisotopes such as .sup.32P or .sup.35S.
Alternatively, BR43x2 RNA can be detected with a nonradioactive
hybridization method (see, for example, Isaac (ed.), Protocols for
Nucleic Acid Analysis by Nonradioactive Probes, Humana Press, Inc.,
1993). Typically, nonradioactive detection is achieved by enzymatic
conversion of chromogenic or chemiluminescent substrates.
Illustrative nonradioactive moieties include biotin, fluorescein,
and digoxigenin.
[0201] BR43x2, TACI, and BCMA oligonucleotide probes are also
useful for in vivo diagnosis. As an illustration, .sup.18F-labeled
oligonucleotides can be administered to a subject and visualized by
positron emission tomography (Tavitian et al., Nature Medicine
4:467, 1998).
[0202] Numerous diagnostic procedures take advantage of the
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to increase sensitivity of
detection methods. Standard techniques for performing PCR are
well-known (see, generally, Mathew (ed.), Protocols in Human
Molecular Genetics (Humana Press, Inc. 1991), White (ed.), PCR
Protocols: Current Methods and Applications (Humana Press, Inc.
1993), Cotter (ed.), Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer (Humana Press,
Inc. 1996), Hanausek and Walaszek (eds.), Tumor Marker Protocols
(Humana Press, Inc. 1998), Lo (ed.), Clinical Applications of PCR
(Humana Press, Inc. 1998), and Meltzer (ed.), PCR in Bioanalysis
(Humana Press, Inc. 1998)). PCR primers can be designed to amplify
a sequence encoding a particular BR43x2 domain or motif, such as
the BR43x2, TACI or BCMA cysteine rich pseudo repeat.
[0203] One variation of PCR for diagnostic assays is reverse
transcriptase-PCR(RT-PCR). In the RT-PCR technique, RNA is isolated
from a biological sample, reverse transcribed to cDNA, and the cDNA
is incubated with BR43x2 primers (see, for example, Wu et al.
(eds.), "Rapid Isolation of Specific cDNAs or Genes by PCR," in
Methods in Gene Biotechnology, CRC Press, Inc., pages 15-28, 1997).
PCR is then performed and the products are analyzed using standard
techniques.
[0204] As an illustration, RNA is isolated from biological sample
using, for example, the guanidinium-thiocyanate cell lysis
procedure described above. Alternatively, a solid-phase technique
can be used to isolate mRNA from a cell lysate. A reverse
transcription reaction can be primed with the isolated RNA using
random oligonucleotides, short homopolymers of dT, or BR43x2, TACI,
or BCMA anti-sense oligomers. Oligo-dT primers offer the advantage
that various mRNA nucleotide sequences are amplified that can
provide control target sequences. BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA sequences
are amplified by the polymerase chain reaction using two flanking
oligonucleotide primers that are typically at least 5 bases in
length.
[0205] PCR amplification products can be detected using a variety
of approaches. For example, PCR products can be fractionated by gel
electrophoresis, and visualized by ethidium bromide staining.
Alternatively, fractionated PCR products can be transferred to a
membrane, hybridized with a detectably-labeled BR43x2 probe, and
examined by autoradiography. Additional alternative approaches
include the use of digoxigenin-labeled deoxyribonucleic acid
triphosphates to provide chemiluminescence detection, and the
C-TRAK colorimetric assay.
[0206] Another approach is real time quantitative PCR (Perkin-Elmer
Cetus, Norwalk, Conn.). A fluorogenic probe, consisting of an
oligonucleotide with both a reporter and a quencher dye attached,
anneals specifically between the forward and reverse primers. Using
the 5' endonuclease activity of Taq DNA polymerase, the reporter
dye is separated from the quencher dye and a sequence-specific
signal is generated and increases as amplification increases. The
fluorescence intensity can be continuously monitored and quantified
during the PCR reaction.
[0207] Another approach for detection of BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA
expression is cycling probe technology (CPT), in which a
single-stranded DNA target binds with an excess of DNA-RNA-DNA
chimeric probe to form a complex, the RNA portion is cleaved with
RNase H, and the presence of cleaved chimeric probe is detected
(see, for example, Beggs et al., J. Clin. Microbiol. 34:2985, 1996
and Bekkaoui et al., Biotechniques 20:240, 1996). Alternative
methods for detection of BR43x2, TACI or BCMA sequences can utilize
approaches such as nucleic acid sequence-based amplification
(NASBA), cooperative amplification of templates by
cross-hybridization (CATCH), and the ligase chain reaction (LCR)
(see, for example, Marshall et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,272 (1997),
Dyer et al., J. Virol. Methods 60:161, 1996; Ehricht et al., Eur.
J. Biochem. 243:358, 1997 and Chadwick et al., J. Virol. Methods
70:59, 1998). Other standard methods are known to those of skill in
the art.
[0208] BR43x2, TACI, and BCMA probes and primers can also be used
to detect and to localize BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA gene expression in
tissue samples. Methods for such in situ hybridization are
well-known to those of skill in the art (see, for example, Choo
(ed.), In Situ Hybridization Protocols, Humana Press, Inc., 1994;
Wu et al. (eds.), "Analysis of Cellular DNA or Abundance of mRNA by
Radioactive In Situ Hybridization (RISH)," in Methods in Gene
Biotechnology, CRC Press, Inc., pages 259-278, 1997 and Wu et al.
(eds.), "Localization of DNA or Abundance of mRNA by Fluorescence
In Situ Hybridization (RISH)," in Methods in Gene Biotechnology,
CRC Press, Inc., pages 279-289, 1997).
[0209] Various additional diagnostic approaches are well-known to
those of skill in the art (see, for example, Mathew (ed.),
Protocols in Human Molecular Genetics Humana Press, Inc., 1991;
Coleman and Tsongalis, Molecular Diagnostics, Humana Press, Inc.,
1996 and Elles, Molecular Diagnosis of Genetic Diseases, Humana
Press, Inc., 1996).
[0210] In addition, such polynucleotide probes could be used to
hybridize to counterpart sequences on individual chromosomes.
Chromosomal identification and/or mapping of the BR43x2 gene could
provide useful information about gene function and disease
association. Many mapping techniques are available to one skilled
in the art, for example, mapping somatic cell hybrids, and
fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). A preferred method is
radiation hybrid mapping. Radiation hybrid mapping is a somatic
cell genetic technique developed for constructing high-resolution,
contiguous maps of mammalian chromosomes (Cox et al., Science
250:245-50, 1990). Partial or full knowledge of a gene's sequence
allows the designing of PCR primers suitable for use with
chromosomal radiation hybrid mapping panels. Commercially available
radiation hybrid mapping panels which cover the entire human
genome, such as the Stanford G3 RHPanel and the GeneBridge 4 RH
Panel (Research Genetics, Inc., Huntsville, Ala.), are available.
These panels enable rapid, PCR based, chromosomal localizations and
ordering of genes, sequence-tagged sites (STSs), and other
non-polymorphic- and polymorphic markers within a region of
interest. This includes establishing directly proportional physical
distances between newly discovered genes of interest and previously
mapped markers. The precise knowledge of a gene's position can be
useful in a number of ways including: 1) determining if a sequence
is part of an existing contig and obtaining additional surrounding
genetic sequences in various forms such as YAC-, BAC- or cDNA
clones, 2) providing a possible, candidate gene for an inheritable
disease which shows linkage to the same chromosomal region, and 3)
for cross-referencing model organisms such as mouse which may be
beneficial in helping to determine what function a particular gene
might have.
[0211] Chromosomal localization can also be done using STSs. An STS
is a DNA sequence that is unique in the human genome and can be
used as a reference point for a particular chromosome or region of
a chromosome. An STS can be defined by a pair of oligonucleotide
primers that can be used in a polymerase chain reaction to
specifically detect this site in the presence of all other genomic
sequences. Since STSs are based solely on DNA sequence they can be
completely described within a database, for example, Database of
Sequence Tagged Sites (dbSTS), GenBank, (National Center for
Biological Information, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda,
Md. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), they can be searched with a gene
sequence of interest for the mapping data contained within these
short genomic landmark STS sequences.
[0212] The present invention also provides reagents for additional
diagnostic applications. For example, the BR43x2 gene, a probe
comprising BR43x2 DNA or RNA, or a subsequence thereof can be used
to determine if the BR43x2 gene is present on a particular
chromosome or if a mutation has occurred. Detectable chromosomal
aberrations at the BR43x2 gene locus include, but are not limited
to, aneuploidy, gene copy number changes, insertions, deletions,
restriction site changes and rearrangements. These aberrations can
occur within the coding sequence, within introns, or within
flanking sequences, including upstream promoter and regulatory
regions, and may be manifested as physical alterations within a
coding sequence or changes in gene expression level.
[0213] In general, these diagnostic methods comprise the steps of
(a) obtaining a genetic sample from a patient; (b) incubating the
genetic sample with a polynucleotide probe or primer as disclosed
above, under conditions wherein the polynucleotide will hybridize
to complementary polynucleotide sequence, to produce a first
reaction product; and (iii) comparing the first reaction product to
a control reaction product. A difference between the first reaction
product and the control reaction product is indicative of a genetic
abnormality in the patient. Genetic samples for use within the
present invention include genomic DNA, cDNA, and RNA. The
polynucleotide probe or primer can be RNA or DNA, and will comprise
a portion of SEQ ID NO:3, the complement of SEQ ID NO:1, or an RNA
equivalent thereof. Suitable assay methods in this regard include
molecular genetic techniques known to those in the art, such as
restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, short
tandem repeat (STR) analysis employing PCR techniques, ligation
chain reaction (Barany, PCR Methods and Applications 1:5-16, 1991),
ribonuclease protection assays, and other genetic linkage analysis
techniques known in the art (Sambrook et al., ibid.; Ausubel et.
al., ibid.; Marian, Chest 108:255-65, 1995). Ribonuclease
protection assays (see, e.g., Ausubel et al., ibid., ch. 4)
comprise the hybridization of an RNA probe to a patient RNA sample,
after which the reaction product (RNA-RNA hybrid) is exposed to
RNase. Hybridized regions of the RNA are protected from digestion.
Within PCR assays, a patient's genetic sample is incubated with a
pair of polynucleotide primers, and the region between the primers
is amplified and recovered. Changes in size or amount of recovered
product are indicative of mutations in the patient. Another
PCR-based technique that can be employed is single strand
conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis (Hayashi, PCR Methods
and Applications 1:34-8, 1991).
[0214] Antisense methodology can be used to inhibit BR43x2, TACI,
or BCMA gene transcription, such as to inhibit B cell development
and interaction with other cells. Polynucleotides that are
complementary to a segment of a BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA-encoding
polynucleotide (e.g., a polynucleotide as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3)
are designed to bind to BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA-encoding mRNA and to
inhibit translation of such mRNA. Such antisense polynucleotides
are used to inhibit expression of BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA
polypeptide-encoding genes in cell culture or in a subject.
[0215] Mice engineered to express BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA, referred
to as "transgenic mice," and mice that exhibit a complete absence
of BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA function, referred to as "knockout mice,"
may also be generated (Snouwaert et al., Science 257:1083, 1992;
Lowell et al., Nature 366:740-42, 1993; Capecchi, Science 244:
1288-92, 1989; Palmiter et al. Annu Rev Genet. 20: 465-99, 1986).
For example, transgenic mice that over-express BR43x2, TACI, or
BCMA either ubiquitously or under a tissue-specific or
tissue-restricted promoter can be used to ask whether
over-expression causes a phenotype. For example, over-expression of
a wild-type BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA polypeptide, polypeptide fragment
or a mutant thereof may alter normal cellular processes, resulting
in a phenotype that identifies a tissue in which BR43x2, TACI, or
BCMA expression is functionally relevant and may indicate a
therapeutic target for BR43x2, TACI, BCMA or their agonists or
antagonists. For example, a preferred transgenic mouse to engineer
is one that over-expresses soluble BR43x2, TACI or BCMA. Moreover,
such over-expression may result in a phenotype that shows
similarity with human diseases. Similarly, knockout BR43x2, TACI,
or BCMA mice can be used to determine where BR43x2 is absolutely
required in vivo. The phenotype of knockout mice is predictive of
the in vivo effects that a BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA antagonist, such
as those described herein, may have. The human BR43x2, TACI, or
BCMA cDNA can be used to isolate murine BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA mRNA,
cDNA and genomic DNA, which are subsequently used to generate
knockout mice. These mice may be employed to study the BR43x2,
TACI, or BCMA gene and the protein encoded thereby in an in vivo
system, and can be used as in vivo models for corresponding human
diseases. Moreover, transgenic expression of BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA
antisense polynucleotides or ribozymes directed against BR43x2,
TACI, or BCMA, described herein, can be used analogously to
transgenic mice described above.
[0216] Pharmaceutically effective amounts of BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA
polypeptides of the present invention can be formulated with
pharmaceutically acceptable carriers for parenteral, oral, nasal,
rectal, topical, transdermal administration or the like, according
to conventional methods. Formulations may further include one or
more diluents, fillers, emulsifiers, preservatives, buffers,
excipients, and the like, and may be provided in such forms as
liquids, powders, emulsions, suppositories, liposomes, transdermal
patches and tablets, for example. Slow or extended-release delivery
systems, including any of a number of biopolymers (biological-based
systems), systems employing liposomes, and polymeric delivery
systems, can also be Utilized with the compositions described
herein to provide a continuous or long-term source of the BR43x2
polypeptide or antagonist. Such slow release systems are applicable
to formulations, for example, for oral, topical and parenteral use.
The term "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" refers to a carrier
medium which does not interfere with the effectiveness of the
biological activity of the active ingredients and which is not
toxic to the host or patient. One skilled in the art may formulate
the compounds of the present invention in an appropriate manner,
and in accordance with accepted practices, such as those disclosed
in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Gennaro, ed.,
Mack Publishing Co., Easton Pa., 19th ed., 1995.
[0217] As used herein a "pharmaceutically effective amount" of a
BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA polypeptide, agonists or antagonist is an
amount sufficient to induce a desired biological result. The result
can be alleviation of the signs, symptoms, or causes of a disease,
or any other desired alteration of a biological system. For
example, an effective amount of a BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA polypeptide
is that which provides either subjective relief of symptoms or an
objectively identifiable improvement as noted by the clinician or
other qualified observer. For example, such an effective amount of
a BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA polypeptide or soluble fusion would provide
a decrease in B cell response during the immune response,
inhibition or decrease in autoantibody production, inhibition of
diminution of symptoms associated with SLE, MG or RA. Effective
amounts of BR43x2, TACI, or BCMA will decrease the percentage of B
cells in peripheral blood. Effective amounts of the BR43x2, TACI,
or BCMA polypeptides can vary widely depending on the disease or
symptom to be treated. The amount of the polypeptide to be
administered and its concentration in the formulations, depends
upon the vehicle selected, route of administration, the potency of
the particular polypeptide, the clinical condition of the patient,
the side effects and the stability of the compound in the
formulation. Thus, the clinician will employ the appropriate
preparation containing the appropriate concentration in the
formulation, as well as the amount of formulation administered,
depending upon clinical experience with the patient in question or
with similar patients. Such amounts will depend, in part, on the
particular condition to be treated, age, weight, and general health
of the patient, and other factors evident to those skilled in the
art. Typically a dose will be in the range of 0.1-100 mg/kg of
subject. Doses for specific compounds may be determined from in
vitro or ex vivo studies in combination with studies on
experimental animals. Concentrations of compounds found to be
effective in vitro or ex vivo provide guidance for animal studies,
wherein doses are calculated to provide similar concentrations at
the site of action.
[0218] The invention is further illustrated by the following
non-limiting examples.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Identification of BR43x2
[0219] The TACI isoform was cloned from RPMI array library using
secretion trap approach. An RPMI 1788 (activated B-cell line)
library was arrayed using twenty 96-well plates. Each well
contained about 100 E. coli colonies, with each colony containing
one cDNA clone. DNA minipreps were prepared in 96-well format using
the TomTech Quadra 9600. The isolated DNA was then pooled into 120
pools which represent 1600 clones each. These pools were
transfected into Cos-7 cells and plated into 12-well plates. Three
microliters of pool DNA and 5 .mu.l LipofectAMINE were mixed in 92
.mu.l serum-free DMEM media (55 mg sodium pyruvate, 146 mg
L-glutamine, 5 mg transferrin, 2.5 mg insulin, 1 .mu.g selenium and
5 mg fetuin in 500 ml DMEM), incubated at room temperature for 30
minutes, followed by addition of 400 .mu.l serum-free DMEM media.
The DNA-LipofectAMINE mix was added onto 220,000 Cos-7 cells/well
plated on 12-well tissue culture plates and incubated for 5 hours
at 37.degree. C. Following incubation, 500 .mu.l of 20% FBS DMEM
media (100 ml FBS, 55 mg sodium pyruvate and 146 mg L-glutamine in
500 ml DMEM) was added to each well and the cells were incubated
overnight.
[0220] The secretion trap screen was performed using biotinylated,
FLAG-tagged ztnf4. The cells were rinsed with PBS and fixed for 15
minutes with 1.8% formaldehyde in PBS. The cells were then washed
with TNT (0.1 M Tris-HCl, 0.15 M NaCl, and 0.05% Tween-20 in
H.sub.2O). Cells were permeated with 0.1% Triton-X in PBS for 15
minutes followed by a wash in TNT. The cells were blocked for 1
hour with TNB (0.1 M Tris-HCl, 0.15 M NaCl and 0.5% Blocking
Reagent) using a NEN Renaissance.RTM. TSA-Direct Kit (NEN, Boston,
Mass.) according the manufacturer's instruction. The cells were
washed with TNT and blocked for 15 minutes with avidin and then
biotin (Vector Labs Cat# SP-2001) washing in-between with TNT. The
cells were incubated for 1 hour with 1 .mu.g/ml ztnf4/Flag/Biotin
in TNB followed by a TNT wash. The cells were then incubated for
one hour with a 1:300 dilution of streptavidin-HRP (NEN) in TNB,
and washed with TNT. Hybridizations were detected with fluorescein
tyramide reagent diluted 1:50 in dilution buffer (NEN) and
incubated for 4.4 minutes and washed with TNT. Cells were preserved
with Vectashield Mounting Media (Vector Labs, Burlingame, Calif.)
diluted 1:5 in TNT.
[0221] The cells were visualized by fluorescent microscopy using a
FITC filter. Twelve pools were positive for ztnf4 binding. Pool D8
(representing 1600 clones) was broken down and a single clone
(D8-1), positive for ztnf4 binding, was isolated. Sequencing
analysis revealed clone, D8-1, contained a polypeptide sequence
which encoded an isoform of TACI, in which the Phe21-Arg67 first
cysteine-rich pseudo repeat of TACI was replaced by a single amino
acid residue, tryptophan. This isoform was designated BR43x2, the
polynucleotide sequence of which is presented in SEQ ID NO:1.
Example 2
Localization of BR43x1 in Lymphocytes and Monocytes
[0222] Reverse transcriptase PCR was used to localize BR43x1
expression in T and B cells and monocytes. Oligonucleotide primers
ZC19980 (SEQ ID NO:15) and ZC19981 (SEQ ID NO:16) were used to
screen CD19.sup.+, CD3.sup.+ and monocyte cDNA for BR43. The
reverse transcriptase reaction was carried out at 94.degree. C. for
0.3 minutes, followed by 30 cycles at 94.degree. C. for 30 seconds,
68.degree. C. for 2 minutes and 72.degree. C. for 1 minute,
followed by a 7 minute extension at 72.degree. C. A band of the
expected size, 720 bp, was detected in B cells only and not in
activated T cells as had been reported for TACI using antibodies
(von Bulow and Bram, ibid.).
Example 3
B cell Proliferation Assay using the BR43Ligand Ztnf4
[0223] A vial containing 1.times.10.sup.8 frozen, apheresed
peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was quickly thawed in
37.degree. C. water bath and resuspended in 25 ml B cell medium
(Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium, 10% heat inactivated fetal
bovine serum, 5% L-glutamine, 5% Pen/Strep) in a 50 ml tube. Cells
were tested for viability using Trypan Blue (GIBCO BRL,
Gaithersburg, Md.). Ten milliliters of Ficoll/Hypaque Plus
(Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology Inc., Piscataway, N.J.) was layered
under cell suspension and spun for 30 minutes at 1800 rpm and
allowed to stop with the brake off. The interphase layer was then
removed and transferred to a fresh 50 ml tube, brought up to a
final volume of 40 ml with PBS and spun for 10 minutes at 1200 rpm
with the brake on. The viability of the isolated B cells was tested
using Trypan Blue. The B cells were resuspended at a final
concentration of 1.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml in B cell medium and
plated at 180 .mu.l/well in a 96 well U bottom plate (Falcon, VWR,
Seattle, Wash.).
[0224] To the cells were added one of the following stimulators to
bring the final volume to 200 ml/well:
[0225] Soluble, FLAG-tagged ztnf-4sCF or ztnf-4sNF, at 10 fold
dilutions from 1 mg-1 ng/ml either alone, with 10 .mu.g/ml anti-IgM
(goat anti Human IgM) diluted in NaH.sub.2CO.sub.3/ph 9.5,
(Southern Biotechnology Associates, Inc., Birmingham, Ala.); or
with 10 .mu.g/ml anti-IgM, and 10 ng/ml recombinant human IL4
(diluted in PBS and 0.1% BSA). Additionally, other cytokines such
as IL-3 and IL-6 as well as a soluble CD40 (sCD40) antibody
(Pharmingen, San Diego, Calif.) were tested as well. As a control
the cells incubated with 0.1% bovine serum albumen (BSA) and PBS,
10 .mu.g/ml anti-IgM or 10 .mu.g/ml anti-IgM and 10 ng/ml IL4 (or
other cytokines). The cells were then incubated at 37.degree. C. in
a humidified incubator for 72 hours. Sixteen hours prior to
harvesting, 1 .mu.Ci .sup.3H thymidine was added to all wells. The
cells were harvested into a 96 well filter plate (UniFilter GF/C,
Packard, Meriden, Conn.) where they were harvested using a cell
harvester (Packard) and collected according to manufacturer's
instructions. The plates were dried at 55.degree. C. for 20-30
minutes and the bottom of the wells were sealed with an opaque
plate sealer. To each well was added 0.25 ml of scintillation fluid
(Microscint-O, Packard) and the plate was read using a TopCount
Microplate Scintillation Counter (Packard).
[0226] To measure induction of IgG production in response to
various B cell mitogens following stimulation of purified B cells,
cells were prepared as described and incubated for 9 days. The cell
supernatant was collected to determine IgG production.
[0227] To measure cell surface marker activation in response to
various B cell mitogens following stimulation of purified B cells,
cells were prepared as described above but incubated only 48 hours.
Cell surface markers were measured by FACS analysis.
[0228] Proliferation of human purified B cells stimulated with the
various B cell mitogens is summarized in Table 6:
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 6 Stimulus Proliferative Index ztnf4 1.5 ztnf4
+ IL4 9.9 ztnf4 + anti-IgM + IL4 15.8
[0229] A synergistic affect of ztnf4 with IL4, IL3 (10 .mu.g/ml)
and IL6 (10 .mu.g/ml) was seen on B cell proliferation. A two fold
increase in B cell signaling was seen when using sCD40.
[0230] Induction of IgG production (ng/ml) in response to various B
cell mitogens following stimulation of purified B cells is
summarized in Table 7.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 7 Stimulus Control Ztnf4 anti-IgM 3 7.5
anti-IgM + IL-4 13 32 anti-IgM + IL-4 + IL-5 10 45
[0231] An increase in cell surface activation markers after
stimulation of purified B cells with ztnf4 alone, or with anti-IgM
or anti-IgM+IL-4 was seen. There was no effect on the proliferation
of PBMNCs in the presence of optimal or suboptimal T cell mitogens.
Also, no affect on TNF.alpha. production was seen in purified
monocytes in response to LPS stimulation.
[0232] FIG. 3 shows soluble ztnf4 co-activation of human B
lymphocytes to proliferate and secrete immunoglobulin. FIG. 3A
shows purified human peripheral blood B cells proliferation in
response to stimulation with soluble ztnf4 (25 ng/ml) in the
presence of IL-4 alone, and IL-4 with anti-IgM, anti-CD40, or
anti-CD19, after five days in culture. FIG. 3B shows the levels of
IgM and IgG measured in the supernatants obtained from human B
cells stimulated with soluble ztnf4 in the presence of IL-4 or
IL-4+IL-5, after nine days in culture.
[0233] These results suggest that soluble ztnf4 is a B cell
activation molecule which acts in concert with other B cell stimuli
and weakly by itself. Soluble ztnf4 promotes B cell proliferation
and Ig production. The up regulation of adhesion molecules,
costimulatory molecules and activation receptors suggests a role
for promoting APC function of B cells.
[0234] FIG. 4 shows stimulation of human peripheral blood B cells
with soluble ztnf4 (25 ng/ml) or a control protein (ubiquitin) in
the presence of 10 ng/ml IL-4 for 5 days in vitro. Purified
TACI-Ig, BCMA-Ig, or control Fc were tested for inhibition of
soluble ztnf4 specific proliferation.
Example 4
Selecting TACI and BCMA Transformed BHK Cells Using Ztnf4
Binding
[0235] BHK cells expressing a high level of TACI protein were
selected by dilution cloning of a transfectant pool. Transfectant
cells (2.times.10.sup.5) were incubated on ice for 30 minutes with
biotinylated ztnf4 at 1 .mu.g/ml in binding buffer (PBS, 2% BSA,
0.02% NaN.sub.3). Cells were washed 2.times. with binding buffer,
then incubated with SA-PE (Caltag) (1:1000 dilution in binding
buffer) on ice for 30 minutes. Cells were then washed 2.times. in
binding buffer, resuspended in binding buffer, and read by FACS
(FACS Vantage, Becton Dickinson). Clones with the highest binding
of TNF4 are selected.
[0236] BHK cells expressing a high level of BCMA protein were
selected by surface labeling the BCMA-expressing transfectant pool
with biotinylated ztnf4. This was followed by
streptavidin-Phyco-Erythrin (SA-PE Caltag Burlingame, Calif.) and
sterile sorting for bright cells in FL2 on the FACS Vantage (Becton
Dickinson). The single colonies were then screened for ztnf4
binding.
Example 5
Tissue Distribution
[0237] Human Multiple Tissue Northern Blots (MTN I, MTN II and MTN
III; Clontech) were probed to determine the tissue distribution of
human BR43x2 and TACI expression. An approximately 500 by PCR
derived probe (SEQ ID NO:21) was amplified using BR43x2 (SEQ ID
NO:1) as templates and oligonucleotide ZC20061 (SEQ ID NO:22) and
ZC20062 (SEQ ID NO:23) as primers. This sequence is identical to
the homologous region of TACI. The amplification was carried out as
follows: 1 cycle at 94.degree. C. for 1.0 minutes, 30 cycles of
94.degree. C. for 30 seconds, 60.degree. C. for 30 seconds and
72.degree. C. for 30 seconds, followed by 1 cycle at 72.degree. C.
for 10 minutes. The PCR products were visualized by agarose gel
electrophoresis and the 500 by PCR product was purified using a Gel
Extraction Kit (Qiagen, Chatsworth, Calif.) according to
manufacturer's instructions. The probe was radioactively labeled
using the MULTIPRIME DNA labeling kit (Amersham, Arlington Heights,
Ill.) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The probe was
purified using a NUCTRAP push column (Stratagene). EXPRESSHYB
(Clontech) solution was used for prehybridization and as a
hybridizing solution for the Northern blots. Hybridization took
place overnight at 65.degree. C. using 10.sup.6 cpm/ml of labeled
probe. The blots were then washed in 2.times.SSC and 0.1% SDS at
room temp, followed by 2 washes in 0.1.times.SSC and 0.1% SDS at
50.degree. C. A transcript of approximately 1.5 kb was detected in
spleen, lymph node and small intestine.
[0238] Human Multiple Tissue Northern Blots (MTN I, MTN II and MTN
III; Clontech) were probed to determine the tissue distribution of
human BCMA expression. An approximately 257 by PCR derived probe
(SEQ ID NO:24) was amplified using Daudi cell cDNA as a template
and oligonucleotide ZC21065 (SEQ ID NO:25) and ZC21067 (SEQ ID
NO:26) as primers. The amplification was carried out as follows: 1
cycle at 94.degree. C. for 1.0 minutes, 35 cycles of 94.degree. C.
for 30 seconds, 60.degree. C. for 30 seconds and 72.degree. C. for
30 seconds, followed by 1 cycle at 72.degree. C. for 10 minutes.
The PCR products were visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis and
the 257 by PCR product was purified using a Gel Extraction Kit
(Qiagen, Chatsworth, Calif.) according to manufacturer's
instructions. The probe was radioactively labeled using the
MULTIPRIME DNA labeling kit (Amersham, Arlington Heights, Ill.)
according to the manufacturer's instructions. The probe was
purified using a NUCTRAP push column (Stratagene). EXPRESSHYB
(Clontech) solution was used for prehybridization and as a
hybridizing solution for the Northern blots. Hybridization took
place overnight at 65.degree. C. using 10.sup.6 cpm/ml of labeled
probe. The blots were then washed in 2.times.SSC and 0.1% SDS at
room temp, followed by 2 washes in 0.1.times.SSC and 0.1% SDS at
50.degree. C. A transcript of approximately 1.2 kb was detected in
stomach, small intestine, lymph node, trachea, spleen and
testis.
[0239] RNA Master Dot Blots (Clontech) that contained RNAs from
various tissues that were normalized to 8 housekeeping genes was
also probed with either the TACI probe (SEQ ID NO:21) or the BCMA
probe (SEQ ID NO:24) and hybridized as described above. BR43x2/TACI
expression was seen in spleen, lymph node, small intestine,
stomach, salivary gland, appendix, lung, bone marrow and fetal
spleen. BCMA expression was detected in small intestine, spleen,
stomach, colon, lymph node and appendix.
[0240] A human Tumor Panel Blot V (Invitrogen Inc., San Diego,
Calif.) and a human lymphoma blot (Invitrogen) were probed as
described above either with a Br43x2/TACI probe (SEQ ID NO:21) or a
BCMA probe (SEQ ID NO:24). A 1.5 kb transcript corresponding to
TACI was found in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and parotid tumor. A 1.2
kb transcript corresponding to BCMA was found in adenolymphoma,
non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and parotid tumor.
[0241] Total RNA from CD4+, CD8+, CD19+ and mixed lymphocyte
reaction cells (CellPro, Bothell, Wash.) was prepared using
guanidine isothiocyanate (Chirgwin et al., Biochemistry 18:52-94,
1979), followed by a CsCl centrifugation step. Poly(A)+ RNA was
isolated using oligo d(T) cellulose chromatography (Aviv and Leder,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 69:1408-12, 1972). Northern blot
analysis was then performed as follows.
[0242] About 2 mg of each of the poly A+ RNAs was denatured in 2.2
M formaldehyde/phosphate buffer (50 mM Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4, 50 mM
NaH.sub.2PO.sub.4, 50 mM NaOAc, 1 mM EDTA and 2.2 M formaldehyde)
and separated by 1.5% agarose mini gel (Stratagene Cloning Systems,
La Jolla, Calif.) electrophoresis in formaldehyde/phosphate buffer.
The RNA was blotted overnight onto a nytran filter (Schleicher
& Schuell, Keene, N.H.), and the filter was UV crosslinked
(1,200 mJoules) in a STRATALINKER.RTM. UV crosslinker (Stratagene
Cloning Systems) and then baked at 80.degree. C. for 1 hour.
[0243] The blots were probed with either a TACI (SEQ ID NO:21) or
BCMA (SEQ ID NO: 24) probe. A 1.5 kb band representing TACI was
detected only in CD 19.sup.+ cells. A 1.2 kb transcript
representing BCMA was detected faintly in CD 8.sup.+, CD 19.sup.+
and MLR cells.
[0244] Additional Northern Blot analysis was carried out on blots
made with poly(A) RNA from K-562 cells (erythroid, ATCC CCL 243),
HUT78 cells (T cell, ATCC TIB-161), Jurkat cells (T cell), DAUDI
(Burkitt's human lymphoma, Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.), RAJI
(Burkitt's human lymphoma, Clontech) and HL60 (Monocyte) as
described above. The blots were probed with either a TACI (SEQ ID
NO:21) or BCMA (SEQ ID NO:24) probe. A transcript of 1.5 kb
corresponding to TACI was detected in Raji cells. A transcript of
1.2 kb corresponding to BCMA was detected in Daudi, Raji and Hut 78
cells.
[0245] A PCR-based screen was used to identify tissues which
expressed human or murine TACI and human BCMA. Human and Murine
Rapid-Scan.TM. Gene Expression Panels (OriGene Technologies, Inc.,
Rockville, Md.), were screened according to manufacturer's
instructions. Oligonucleotide primers ZC24200 (SEQ ID NO:27) and
ZC24201 (SEQ ID NO:28) were designed to span an exon junction and
produce a 272 by fragment corresponding to murine TACI. Expression
was detected in spleen, thymus, lung, breast, heart, muscle, skin,
adrenal gland, stomach, small intestine, brain, ovary, prostate
gland and embryo. Additional bands of .about.500 and 800 bp were
detected in many tissues.
[0246] Oligonucleotide primers ZC24198 (SEQ ID NO:29) and ZC24199
(SEQ ID NO:30) were designed to span an exon junction and produce a
204 by fragment corresponding to human TACI. Expression was
detected in spleen, brain, heart, liver, colon, lung, small
intestine, muscle, stomach, testis, placenta, salivary gland,
adrenal gland, pancreas, prostate, peripheral blood lymphocytes and
bone marrow.
[0247] Oligonucleotide primers ZC24271 (SEQ ID NO:31) and ZC24272
(SEQ ID NO:32) were designed to span an exon junction and produce a
329 by fragment corresponding to human BCMA. Expression was
detected in brain, spleen, colon, lung, small intestine, stomach,
ovary, testis, salivary gland, adrenal gland, prostate, peripheral
blood lymphocytes, bone marrow and fetal liver.
[0248] Oligonucleotide primers ZC24495 (SEQ ID NO:33) and ZC24496
(SEQ ID NO:34) were designed to span an exon junction and produce a
436 by fragment corresponding to murine BCMA. Expression was
detected in liver.
Example 6
Preparation of TACI-Ig and BCMA-Ig Fusion Vectors
Ig Gamma1 Fc4 Fragment Construction
[0249] To prepare the TACI-Ig fusion protein, the Fc region of
human IgG1 (the hinge region and the CH2 and CH3 domains) was
modified so as to remove Fc receptor (FcgRI) and complement (Clq)
binding functions. This modified version of human IgG1 Fc was
called Fc4.
[0250] The Fc region was isolated from a human fetal liver library
(Clontech) by PCR using oligo primers ZC10,134 (SEQ ID NO:43) and
ZC10,135 (SEQ ID NO:44). PCR was used to introduce mutations within
the Fc region to reduce FcgRI binding. The FcgRI binding site
(Leu-Leu-gly-Gly) was mutated to Ala-Glu-gly-Ala (amino acid
residues 38-41 of SEQ ID NO:45) according to Baum et al. (EMBO J.
13:3992-4001, 1994), to reduce FcR1 binding (Duncan et al., Nature
332:563-4, 1988). Oligonucleotide primers ZC15,345 (SEQ ID NO:46)
and ZC15,347 (SEQ ID NO:47) were used to introduce the mutation. To
a 50 .mu.l final volume was added 570 ng IgFc template, 5 .mu.l
10.times. Pfu reaction Buffer (Stratagene), 8 .mu.l of 1.25 mM
dNTPs, 31 .mu.l dH.sub.2O, 2 .mu.l 20 mM ZC15,345 (SEQ ID NO:46)
and ZC15,347 (SEQ ID NO:47). An equal volume of mineral oil was
added and the reaction was heated to 94.degree. C. for 1 minute.
Pfu polymerase (2.5 units, Stratagene) was added followed by cycles
at 94.degree. C. for 30 seconds, 55.degree. C. for 30 seconds,
72.degree. C. for 1 minute followed by a 7 minute extension at
72.degree. C. The reaction products were electrophoresed and the
band corresponding to the predicted size of .about.676 by was
detected. The band was excised from the gel and recovered using a
QIAGEN QIAquick.TM. Gel Extraction Kit (Qiagen) according to the
manufacturers instructions.
[0251] PCR was also used to introduce a mutation of Ala to Ser
(amino acid residue 134 of SEQ ID NO:45) and Pro to Ser (amino acid
residue 135 of SEQ ID NO:45) to reduce complement C1q binding
and/or complement fixation (Duncan and Winter, Nature 332:788,
1988) and the stop codon TAA. Two, first round reactions were done
using the Fc.gamma.RI binding side-mutated IgFc sequence as a
template. To a 50 .mu.l final volume was added 1 .mu.l Fc.gamma.RI
binding site mutated IgFc template, 5 .mu.l 10.times. Rfu Reaction
Buffer (Stratagene), 8 .mu.l 1.25 mM dNTPs, 31 .mu.l dH.sub.2O, 2
.mu.l 20 mM ZC15,517 (SEQ ID NO:48), a 5' primer beginning at
nucleotide 26 of SEQ ID NO:45 and 2 .mu.l 20 mM ZC15,530 (SEQ ID
NO:49), a 3' primer beginning at the complement of nucleotide 405
of SEQ ID NO:45. The second reaction contained 2 .mu.l each of 20
mM stocks of oligonucleotide primers ZC15,518 (SEQ ID NO:50), a 5'
primer beginning at nucleotide 388 of SEQ ID NO:45 and ZC15,347
(SEQ ID NO:47), a 3' primer, to introduce the Ala to Ser mutation,
Xba I restriction site and stop codon. An equal volume of mineral
oil was added and the reactions were heated to 94.degree. C. for 1
minute. Pfu polymerase (2.5 units, Stratagene) was added followed
by cycles at 94.degree. C. for 30 seconds, 55.degree. C. for 30
seconds, 72.degree. C. for 2 minutes followed by a 7 minute
extension at 72.degree. C. The reaction products were
electrophoresed and bands corresponding to the predicted sizes,
.about.370 and .about.395 by respectively, were detected. The bands
were excised from the gel and extracted using a QIAGEN QIAquick.TM.
Gel Extraction Kit (Qiagen) according to the manufacturers
instructions. A second round reaction was done to join the above
fragments and add the 5' Bam HI restriction site. To a 50 .mu.l
final volume was added 30 .mu.l dH2O, 8 .mu.l 1.25 mM dNTPs, 5
.mu.l 10.times. Pfu polymerase reaction buffer (Stratagene) and 1
.mu.l each of the two first two PCR products. An equal volume of
mineral oil was added and the reaction was heated to 94.degree. C.
for 1 minute. Pfu polymerase (2.5 units, Stratagene) was added
followed by 5 cycles at 94.degree. C. for 30 seconds, 55.degree. C.
for 30 seconds, and 72.degree. C. for 2 minutes. The temperature
was again brought to 94.degree. C. and 2 .mu.l each of 20 mM stocks
of ZC15,516 (SEQ ID NO:51), a 5' primer beginning at nucleotide 1
of SEQ ID NO:45, and ZC15,347 (SEQ ID NO:47) were added followed by
25 cycles at 94.degree. C. for 30 seconds, 55.degree. C. for 30
seconds and 72.degree. C. for 2 minutes, and a final 7 minute
extension at 72.degree. C. A portion of the reaction was visualized
using gel electrophoresis. A 789 by band corresponding the
predicted size was detected.
TACI-Fc4 and BCMA-Fc4 Expression Vector Construction
[0252] Expression plasmids containing TACI-Fc4 and BCMA-Fc4 fusion
proteins were constructed via homologous recombination in yeast. A
fragment of TACI cDNA was isolated using PCR that included the
polynucleotide sequence from nucleotide 15 to nucleotide 475 of SEQ
ID NO:5. The two primers used in the production of the TACI
fragment were: (1) a primer containing 40 bps of the 5' vector
flanking sequence and 17 bps corresponding to the amino terminus of
the TACI fragment (SEQ ID NO:52); (2) 40 bps of the 3' end
corresponding to the flanking Fc4 sequence and 17 by corresponding
to the carboxyl terminus of the TACI fragment (SEQ ID NO:53). To an
100 .mu.l final volume was added 10 ng TACI template, 10 .mu.l
10.times. Taq polymerase Reaction Buffer (Perkin Elmer), 8 .mu.l
2.5 nM dNTPs, 78 .mu.l dH.sub.2O, 2 .mu.l each of 20 mM stocks of
oligonucleotide primers SEQ ID NO:52 and SEQ ID NO:53, and taq
polymerase (2.5 units, Life Technology). An equal volume of mineral
oil was added and the reaction was heated to 94.degree. C. for 2
minutes, followed by 25 cycles at 94.degree. C. for 30 seconds,
65.degree. C. for 30 seconds, 65.degree. C. for 30 seconds,
72.degree. C. for 1 minute followed by a 5 minute extension at
72.degree. C.
[0253] A fragment of BCMA cDNA was isolated using PCR that includes
the polynucleotide sequence from nucleotide 219 to nucleotide 362
of SEQ ID NO:7. The two primers used in the production of the BCMA
fragment were an oligonucleotide primer containing 40 bps of the 5'
vector flanking sequence and 17 bps corresponding to the amino
terminus of the BCMA fragment (SEQ ID NO:54); and an
oligonucleotide primer containing 40 bps of the 3' end
corresponding to the flanking Fc4 sequence and 17 bps corresponding
to the carboxyl terminus of the BCMA fragment (SEQ ID NO:55). To a
100 .mu.l final volume was added 10 ng BCMA template, 10 .mu.l
10.times. Taq polymerase Reaction Buffer (Perkin Elmer), 8 .mu.l
2.5 mM dNTPs, 78 .mu.l H.sub.2O, 2 .mu.l each of 20 mM stock
solutions of oligonucleotide primers SEQ ID NO:54 and SEQ ID NO:55.
An equal volume of mineral oil was added and the reaction was
heated to 94.degree. C. for 2 minutes, followed by 25 cycles at
94.degree. C. for 30 seconds, 65.degree. C. for 30 seconds,
72.degree. C. for 1 minute followed by a 5 minute extension at
72.degree. C.
[0254] The fragment containing the cDNA encoding the Fc4 fragment
was constructed in a similar manner, one for each of the TACI and
BCMA fusion constructs. For TACI the two primers used in the
production of the Fc4 fragment were (upstream and downstream), an
oligonucleotide primer containing 40 bps of the 5' TACI flanking
sequence and 17 bps corresponding to the amino terminus of the Fc4
fragment (SEQ ID NO:56); and an oligonucleotide primer containing
40 bps of the 3' end corresponding to the flanking vector sequence
and 17 bps corresponding to the carboxyl terminus of the Fc4
fragment (SEQ ID NO:57). For BCMA, the upstream primer in the
production of the Fc4 fragment was an oligonucleotide primer
containing 40 bps of the 5' BCMA flanking sequence and 17 bps
corresponding to the amino terminus of the Fc4 fragment (SEQ ID
NO:58). The downstream primer for the Fc4 for the BCMA construct
was the same as that described above for TACI-Fc4 (SEQ ID
NO:57).
[0255] To a 100 .mu.l final volume was added 10 ng Fc4 template
described above, 10 .mu.l 10.times. Taq polymerase Reaction Buffer
(Perkin Elmer), 8 .mu.l 2.5 nM dNTPs, 78 .mu.l dH.sub.2O, 2 .mu.l
each of 20 mM stocks of oligonucleotides SEQ ID NO:56 and SEQ ID
NO:57 for TACI and oligonucleotides SEQ ID NO:58 and SEQ ID NO:57
for BCMA, and taq polymerase (2.5 units, Life Technology). An equal
volume of mineral oil was added and the reaction was heated to
94.degree. C. for 2 minutes, then 25 cycles at 94.degree. C. for 30
seconds, 65.degree. C. for seconds, 72.degree. C. for 1 minute
followed by a 5 minute extension at 72.degree. C.
[0256] Ten microliters of each of the 100 .mu.l PCR reactions
described above was run on a 0.8% LMP agarose gel (Seaplaque GTG)
with 1.times.TBE buffer for analysis. The remaining 90 .mu.l of
each PCR reaction was precipitated with the addition of 5 .mu.l 1 M
NaCl and 250 .mu.l of absolute ethanol. The plasmid pZMP6 was cut
with SmaI to linearize it at the polylinker. Plasmid pZMP6 was
derived from the plasmid pCZR199 (American Type Culture Collection,
Manassas, Va., ATCC#98668) and is a mammalian expression vector
containing an expression cassette having the CMV immediate early
promoter, a consensus intron from the variable region of mouse
immunoglobulin heavy chain locus, multiple restriction sites for
insertion of coding sequences, a stop codon and a human growth
hormone terminator. The plasmid also has an E. coli origin of
replication, a mammalian selectable marker expression unit having
an SV40 promoter, enhancer and origin of replication, a DHFR gene
and the SV40 terminator. The vector pZMP6 was constructed from
pCZR199 by replacement of the metallothionein promoter with the CMV
immediate early promoter, and the Kozac sequences at the 5' end of
the open reading frame.
[0257] One hundred microliters of competent yeast cells (S.
cerevisiae) were combined with 10 .mu.l containing approximately 1
.mu.g each of either the TACI or the BCMA extracellular domain and
the Fc4 PCR fragments appropriate for recombination with each, and
100 ng of SmaI digested pZMP6 vector and transferred to a 0.2 cm
electroporation cuvette. The yeast/DNA mixtures were electropulsed
at 0.75 kV (5 kV/cm), .infin. ohms, 25 .mu.F. To each cuvette was
added 600 .mu.l of 1.2 M sorbitol and the yeast were plated in two
300 .mu.l aliquots onto to URA-D plates and incubated at 30.degree.
C.
[0258] After about 48 hours, the Ura+ yeast transformants from a
single plate were resuspended in 1 ml H.sub.2O and spun briefly to
pellet the yeast cells. The cell pellet was resuspended in 1 ml of
lysis buffer (2% Triton X-100, 1% SDS, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM Tris, pH
8.0, 1 mM EDTA). Five hundred microliters of the lysis mixture was
added to an Eppendorf tube containing 300 .mu.l acid washed glass
beads and 200 .mu.l phenol-chloroform, vortexed for 1 minute
intervals two or three times, followed by a 5 minute spin in a
Eppendorf centrifuge at maximum speed. Three hundred microliters of
the aqueous phase was transferred to a fresh tube, and the DNA
precipitated with 600 .mu.l ethanol (EtOH), followed by
centrifugation for 10 minutes at 4.degree. C. The DNA pellet was
resuspended in 100 .mu.l H.sub.2O.
[0259] Transformation of electrocompetent E. coli cells (DH10B,
GibcoBRL) was done with 0.5-2 ml yeast DNA prep and 40 .mu.l of
DH10B cells. The cells were electropulsed at 2.0 kV, 25 mF and 400
ohms. Following electroporation, 1 ml SOC (2% Bacto' Tryptone
(Difco, Detroit, Mich.), 0.5% yeast extract (Difco), 10 mM NaCl,
2.5 mM KCl, 10 mM MgCl2, 10 mM MgSO4, 20 mM glucose) was plated in
250 .mu.l aliquots on four LB AMP plates (LB broth (Lennox), 1.8%
Bacto' Agar (Difco), 100 mg/L Ampicillin).
[0260] Individual clones harboring the correct expression construct
for TACI-Fc4 or BCMA-Fc4 were identified by restriction digest to
verify the presence of the insert and to confirm that the various
DNA sequences have been joined correctly to one another. The insert
of positive clones were subjected to sequence analysis. Larger
scale plasmid DNA is isolated using the Qiagen Maxi kit (Qiagen)
according to manufacturer's instruction
Example 7
Mammalian Expression of TACI-Fc4 and BCMA-Fc4
[0261] BHK 570 cells (ATCC NO: CRL-10314) were plated in 10 cm
tissue culture dishes and allowed to grow to approximately 50 to
70% confluency overnight at 37.degree. C., 5% CO2, in DMEM/FBS
media (DMEM, Gibco/BRL High Glucose, (Gibco BRL, Gaithersburg,
Md.), 5% fetal bovine serum (Hyclone, Logan, Utah), 1 mM
L-glutamine (JRH Biosciences, Lenexa, Kans.), 1 mM sodium pyruvate
(Gibco BRL)). The cells were then transfected with either the
plasmid TACT-Fc4/pZMP6 or BCMA-Fc4/pZMP6, using Lipofectamine.TM.
(Gibco BRL), in serum free (SF) media formulation (DMEM, 10 mg/ml
transferrin, 5 mg/ml insulin, 2 mg/ml fetuin, 1% L-glutamine and 1%
sodium pyruvate). TACI-Fc4/pZMP6 or BCMA-Fc4/pZMP6 was diluted into
15 ml tubes to a total final volume of 640 .mu.l with SF media. 35
.mu.l of Lipofectamine.TM. (Gibco BRL) was mixed with 605 .mu.l of
SF medium. The Lipofectamine.TM. mix was added to the DNA mix and
allowed to incubate approximately 30 minutes at room temperature.
Five milliliters of SF media was added to the DNA:Lipofectamine.TM.
mixture. The cells were rinsed once with 5 ml of SF media,
aspirated, and the DNA:Lipofectamine.TM. mixture is added. The
cells were incubated at 37.degree. C. for five hours, then 6.4 ml
of DMEM/10% FBS, 1% PSN media was added to each plate. The plates
were incubated at 37.degree. C. overnight and the
DNA:Lipofectamine.TM. mixture was replaced with fresh 5% FBS/DMEM
media the next day. On day 5 post-transfection, the cells were
split into T-162 flask in selection medium (DMEM/5% FBS, 1% L-GLU,
1% NaPyr). Approximately 10 days post-transfection, two 150 mm
culture dishes of methotrexate resistant colonies from each
transfection were trypsinized and the cells are pooled and plated
into a T-162 flask and transferred to large scale culture.
Example 9
Transgenic Expression of Ztnf4
[0262] Transgenic animals expressing ztnf4 genes were made using
adult, fertile males (B6C3f1), prepubescent fertile females
(B6C3f1), vasectomized males (B6D2f1), and adult fertile females
(B6D2f1) (all from Taconic Farms, Germantown, N.Y.). The
prepubescent fertile females were superovulated using Pregnant
Mare's Serum gonadotrophin (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) and human
Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG (Sigma)). The superovulated females
were subsequently mated with adult, fertile males, and copulation
was confirmed by the presence of vaginal plugs.
[0263] Fertilized eggs were collected under a surgical scope (Leica
MZ12 Stereo Microscope, Leica, Wetzlar, Germany). The eggs were
then washed in hyaluronidase and Whitten's W640 medium (Table 8;
all reagents available from Sigma Chemical Co.) that has been
incubated with 5% CO2, 5% O.sub.2, and 90% N.sub.2 at 37.degree. C.
The eggs were stored in a 37.degree. C./5% CO.sub.2 incubator until
microinjection.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 8 WHITTEN'S 640 MEDIA mgs/200 ml mgs/500 ml
NaCl 1280 3200 KCl 72 180 KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 32 80
MgSO.sub.4--7H.sub.2O 60 150 Glucose 200 500 Ca.sup.2+ Lactate 106
265 Benzylpenicillin 15 37.5 Streptomycin SO.sub.4 10 25
NaHCO.sub.3 380 950 Na Pyruvate 5 12.5 H.sub.20 200 ml 500 ml 500
mM EDTA 100 .mu.l 250 .mu.l 5% Phenol Red 200 .mu.l 500 .mu.l BSA
600 1500
[0264] The 858 by open reading frame encoding full length human
TACI ligand Blys (SEQ ID NO:35) was amplified by PCR so as to
introduce an optimized initiation codon and flanking 5' PmeI and 3'
AscI sites using the oligonucleotide primers of SEQ ID NO:36 and
SEQ ID NO:37. This PmeI/AscI fragment was subcloned into pKFO24, a
B and/or T cell-restricted transgenic vector containing the Ig Em
enhancer (690 bp NotI/XbaI from pEmSR; (Bodrug et al., EMBO J.
13:2124-30, 1994), the Ig V.sub.h promoter (536 by HincII/XhoI
fragment from pJH1X(-); Hu et al., J. Exp. Med. 177:1681-90, 1993),
the SV40 16S intron (171 by XhoI/HindIII fragment from pEmSR), a
PmeI/AscI polylinker, and the human growth hormone gene
polyadenylation signal (627 by SmaI/EcoRI fragment; Seeburg, DNA
1:239-49, 1982). The transgene insert was separated from plasmid
backbone by NotI digestion and agarose gel purification, and
fertilized ova from matings of B6C3F1Tac mice described above were
microinjected and implanted into pseudopregnant females essentially
as previously described (Malik et al., Molec. Cell. Biol.
15:2349-58, 1995)
[0265] The recipients were returned to cages in pairs, and allowed
19-21 days gestation. After birth, 19-21 days postpartum was
allowed before sexing and weaning, and a 0.5 cm biopsy (used for
genotyping) was snipped off the tail with clean scissors.
[0266] Genomic DNA was prepared from the tail snips using a
commercially available kit (DNeasy 96 Tissue Kit; Qiagen, Valencia,
Calif.) following the manufacturer's instructions. Genomic DNA was
analyzed by PCR using primers designed to the human growth hormone
(hGH) 3' UTR portion of the transgenic vector. Primers ZC17251 (SEQ
ID NO:38) and ZC17252 (SEQ ID NO:39) amplify a 368-base-pair
fragment of hGH. The use of a region unique to the human sequence
(identified from an alignment of the human and mouse, growth
hormone 3' UTR DNA sequences) ensured that the PCR reaction did not
amplify the mouse sequence. In addition, primers ZC17156 (SEQ ID
NO:40) and Z017157 (SEQ ID NO:41), which hybridize to vector
sequences and amplify the cDNA insert, may be used along with the
hGH primers. In these experiments, DNA from animals positive for
the transgene generated two bands, a 368-base-pair band
corresponding to the hGH 3' UTR fragment and a band of variable
size corresponding to the cDNA insert.
[0267] Once animals were confirmed to be transgenic (TG), they are
back-crossed into an inbred strain by placing a TG female with a
wild-type male, or a TG male with one or two wild-type female(s).
As pups were born and weaned, the sexes were separated, and their
tails snipped for genotyping.
[0268] To check for expression of a transgene in a live animal, a
survival biopsy is performed. Analysis of the mRNA expression level
of each transgene was done using an RNA solution hybridization
assay or real-time PCR on an ABI Prism 7700 (PE Applied Biosystems,
Inc., Foster City, Calif.) following the manufacturer's
instructions.
Cell Preparation and Flow Cytometry
[0269] Founder mice were analyzed at various ages. For flow
cytometric (FACS) analysis of lymphoid tissues, bone marrow (BM)
cells were isolated from femurs and tibias by careful disruption in
phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) using a mortar and pestle. Cells
were resuspended, depleted of bone fragments by passive
sedimentation, and pelleted at 1000.times.g. Splenocytes,
thymocytes, or lymph node cells were obtained by crushing intact
tissues between glass slides, then resuspending and pelleting the
cells as for BM. Cells were resuspended in FACS wash buffer (FACS
WB) (Hank's balanced salt solution, 1% BSA, 10 mM Hepes, pH 7.4) at
a concentration of 20.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml prior to staining. To
stain, 1.times.10.sup.6 cells were transferred to 5 ml tubes and
washed with 1 ml of FACS WB, then pelleted at 1000.times.g. Cells
were then incubated on ice for 20 minutes in the presence of
saturating amounts of the appropriate FITC-, PE- and/or
TriColor(TC)-conjugated mAbs in a total volume of 100 ml in FACS
WB. Cells were washed with 1.5 ml of WB, pelleted, then resuspended
in 400 ml WB and analyzed on a FACSCalibur flow cytometer using
CellQuest software (Becton Dickinson, Mountain View, Calif.).
Detectors for forward (FSC) and side (SSC) light scatter were set
on a linear scale, whereas logarithmic detectors were used for all
three fluorescence channels (FL-1, FL-2, and FL-3).
[0270] Compensation for spectral overlap between FL channels was
performed for each experiment using single color stained cell
populations. All cells were collected ungated to disk and data were
analyzed using CellQuest software. RBC and dead cells were excluded
by electronically gating data on the basis of FSC vs. SSC
profiles.
Antibodies
[0271] Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated anti-CD8
monoclonal antibody (mAb) (clone 53-6.7) and phycoerthyrin
(PE)-conjugated anti-CD4 (cloneRM4-5), anti-CD5 (clone 53-7.3),
anti-CD19 (clone 1D3), and anti-syndecan (clone 281-2) mAbs were
purchased from PharMingen (San Diego, Calif.).
TriColor(TC)-conjugated anti-CD45R/B220 mAb (clone RA3-6B2) was
purchased from Caltag.
[0272] Transgenic mice over expressing ztnf4 in the lymphoid
compartment develop increased numbers of peripheral B cells,
increased plasma cells and elevated levels of serum immunoglobulin.
These transgenic animals have an increased number of B200+ cells in
the spleen, lymph nodes and thymus. The increased number of splenic
B cells includes both conventional B-2 cells, and the normally rare
population of B-1 cells. In general, B-1 cells are largely confined
to the peritoneal and other body cavities, produce low affinity
self-reactive antibodies, and have often been associated with the
development of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus
erythematosus SLE.
[0273] Older transgenic animals produce autoantibodies, develop
proteinurea and sclerotic glomeruli, characteristics of systemic
lupus erythematosus.
[0274] FIG. 5A shows single cell suspensions of spleen (top panel),
mesenteric lymph node (middle panel), and bone marrow (lower panel)
prepared as described below, stained with anti-B220-TC and analyzed
by flow cytometry. The number of B220+ cells in each tissue was
calculated by multiplying the percent B220+ cells by the total
number of live (trypan blue excluding) cells counted on a
hemocytometer. Each bar represents data from individual ztnf4
transgenic (Tg, shaded bars) or nonTG littermate (open bars)
control mice.
[0275] FIG. 5B shows cells isolated from ztnf4 TG (right-hand
panels) or nonTG littermate (left-hand panels) lymph node (top
row), spleen (middle rows), and thymus (bottom row) were stained
with mAbs to the molecules indicated (DC5, CD4 and CD8), then
analyzed by flow cytometry. Data shown were gated to exclude dead
cells and RBCs.
[0276] FIG. 5C shows total IgG, IgM, and IgE levels in serum from
ztnf4 transgenic mice ranging in age from 6 to 23 weeks old.
[0277] Histology revealed amyloid deposition and thickened
mesangium of the glomeruli identified in H&E stained kidney
sections from ztnf4 transgenic mice compared to normal glomeruli
from control littermates.
[0278] FIG. 5D shows an increase in effector T cells in ztnf4
transgenic mice, similar to that reported by Mackay et al. (J. Exp.
Med. 190:1697-1710, 1999). Soluble. TACI(BR43x2) or BCMA-Ig fusions
are injected (IP, IM or IV) into ztnf4 over expressing transgenic
animals. Flow cytometric (FACS) analysis of lymphoid tissues will
be used to identify any change in the number of B220+ B cells in
the spleen, lymph nodes and thymus.
Example 10
Direct Binding ELISA
[0279] A direct binding ELISA was developed to characterize the
ability of either soluble TACI-Ig or soluble BCMA-Ig to bind and
inhibit the biological activity of ztnf4 in vitro.
[0280] A 96 well plate was coated with 1 .mu.g/ml Goat-anti-Human
Ig (Jackson Labs, Bar Harbor, Mass.) in ELISA A buffer (0.1 M
Na.sub.2HCO.sub.3, pH 9.6, 0.02% NaN.sub.3) and incubated overnight
at 4.degree. C. TALI, BCMA, and an unrelated TNF receptor such as
ztnfr10 (SEQ ID NO:42) as a control were titered from 10 .mu.g/ml
through 5 fold dilutions to 320 ng/ml plus a zero and co-incubated
with 2.5, 0.5, or 0.1 .mu.g/ml biotinylated ztnf4 or ovalbumin as a
negative control, and incubated 1 hour at room temperature.
[0281] The co-incubated receptor-biotinylated ligand mixture was
then added to the goat-anti-human Ig coated 96 well plates. The
plates were then washed (ELISA C, 500 Tween 20 (Sigma Chemical Co.,
St. Louis, Mo.), 200 mg NaN.sub.3, PBS to a final volume of 1
liter) and blocked with Superblock (Pierce, Rockford, Ill.). The
plates were then incubated at 37.degree. C. for 2 hours.
[0282] The plates are once again washed with ELISA C followed by
the addition of 100 .mu.l/well of neutr-avidin-HRP at 1:10,000 in
ELISA B (5 or 10 .mu.g BSA (Sigma) for 1% or 2% BSA, respectively,
250 pa Tween 20 (Sigma), 100 mg NaN.sub.3, phosphate-buffered
saline pH 7.2 (PBS, Sigma) to a final volume of 500 ml.
Alternatively, the buffer may be made up as 1% or 2% BSA in ELISA C
Buffer). The plates are then developed with OPD for 10 minutes at
room temperature and read at 492.
Example 11
Biological Activity Assay
[0283] A biological activity assay was developed to measure soluble
TACI-FC inhibition of human B cell the stimulation by soluble
ztnf4. B cells were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear
cells (PBMNC) using CD19 magnetic beads and the VarioMacs magnetic
separation system (Miltenyi Biotec Auburn, Calif.) according to the
manufacturer's instructions. Purified B cells were mixed with
soluble ztnf4 (25 ng/ml) and recombinant human IL-4 (10 ng/ml
Pharmingen) and were plated (in triplicate) on to round bottom 96
well plates at 1.times.10.sup.5 cells per well. Soluble TACI-FC was
diluted from 5 .mu.g/ml to 6 ng/ml and incubated with the B cell
for 5 days, pulsing overnight on day 4 with 1 .mu.Ci .sup.3H
Thymidine (Amersham) per well. As a control soluble TACI-FC was
also incubated with B cells and IL-4 without ztnf4 present.
[0284] Plates were harvested using Packard plate harvester and
counted using the Packard reader. The TACI-Ig soluble receptor
inhibited the ability of soluble ztnf4 to stimulate B cell
proliferation in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. A 10-fold molar
excess TACI-Ig completely inhibits the proliferation of human B
cells in response to soluble ztnf4 in the presence of IL-4.
Example 12
ORIGIN Assay
[0285] Levels of ztnf4 in individuals with a disease condition
(such as SLE, rheumatoid arthritis for example) relative to normal
individuals were determined using an electrochemiluminescence
assay. A standard curve prepared from soluble, human ztnf4 at 10
ng/ml, 1 ng/ml, 0.1 ng/ml, 0.01 ng/ml and 0 ng/ml was prepared in
ORIGIN buffer (Igen, Gaithersburg, Md.). Serum samples were diluted
in ORIGIN buffer. The standards and samples were incubated at room
temperature for 2 hours with biotinylated rabbit anti-human
ztnf4-NF BV antibody diluted to 1 .mu.g/ml in Origin Assay Buffer
(IGEN) and ruthenylated rabbit anti-human ztnf4-NF BV polyclonal
antibody diluted to 1 .mu.g/ml in Origin Assay Buffer (IGEN).
Following the incubation the samples were vortexed and 0.4 mg/ml
streptavidin Dynabeads (Dynal, Oslo, Norway) were added to each of
the standards and samples at 50 .mu.l/tube and incubated for 30
minutes at room temperature. Samples were then vortexed and samples
were read on an Origin Analyzer (Igen) according to manufacturer's
instructions. The Origin assay is based on electrochemiluminescence
and produces a readout in ECL.
[0286] An elevated level of ztnf4 was detected in the serum samples
from both NZBWF1/J, and MRL/Mpj-Fas.sup.lpr mice which have
progressed to advanced stages of glomerulonephritis and autoimmune
disease.
Example 13
Soluble TACI-Ig in a Spontaneous Model of SLE
[0287] NZBW mice become symptomatic for spontaneous SLE at
approximately 7-9 months of age. TACI-Fc was administered to NZBW
mice to monitor its suppressive effect on B cells over the 5 week
period when, on average, B-cell autoantibody production is thought
to be at high levels in NZBW mice.
[0288] One hundred, 8-week old female (NZB.times.NZW) F.sub.1 mice
(Jackson Labs) were divided into 6 groups of 15 mice. Prior to
treatment the mice were monitored once a month for urine protein
and blood was drawn for CBC and serum banking. Serum will be
screened for the presence of autoantibodies. Because proteinuria is
the hallmark sign of glomerulonephritis, urine protein levels were
monitored by dipstick at regular intervals over the course of the
study. Prior to treatment the animals were weighed. Dosing was
started when mice were approximately 5 months of age. The mice
received intraperitoneal injections of vehicle only (PBS) or human
IgG-FC (control protein) or TAC1-FC4 (test protein) three times a
week for 5 weeks, Table 9.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 9 Group (5 mice each) Treatment Dose 1
untreated control 2 vehicle only 3 human IgG-FC 20 .mu.g 4 human
IgG-FC 100 .mu.g 5 human TACI-FC4 20 .mu.g 6 human TACI-FC4 100
.mu.g
[0289] Blood was collected twice during dosing and will be
collected at least twice following dosing. Urine dipstick values
for proteinuria and body weights were made every two weeks after
dosing begins. Blood, urine dipstick value and body weight were
collected at the time of euthanasia. Weight of spleen, thymus,
liver with gall bladder, left kidney and brain were taken. The
spleen and thymus were divided for FACS analysis and histology.
Submandibular salivary glands, mesenteric lymph node chain, liver
lobe with gall bladder, cecum and large intestine, stomach, small
intestine, pancreas, right kidney, adrenal gland, tongue with
trachea and esophagus, heart and lungs will also be collected for
histology.
[0290] FIG. 6 shows an elevated level of ztnf4 in serum from NZBWF1
and MRL/lpr/lpr mice that correlates with the development of SLE.
FIG. 6A upper panel shows the correlation of ztnf4 serum levels
with age, 68 NZBWF1 mice ranging from 10 to 40 weeks old and 10
week and 30 week old NZB/B control mice. The middle panel shows the
correlation with proteinuria at three ranges, trace to 20 mg/dl
(T-30), 100-300 ng/dl and 2000 mg/dl in NZBWF1 mice compared to
control NZB/B mice. The lower panel shows ztnf4 levels with various
titers of anti-ds DNA antibody in NZBWF1 mice compared to control
NZB/B mice.
[0291] FIG. 6B shows the same correlations made on 23 MRL/lpr/lpr
mice ranging from 18-24 weeks old and 10 control 11 week old
MRL/MpJ mice.
[0292] FIG. 7 shows urinalysis results. Mice were considered to
have proteinuria if the dipstick reading was .gtoreq.100 mg/dl. (A)
PBS, (B) human IgG FC, 100 mg, (C) human IgG FC, 20 mg, (D) human
TACI-IgG, 100 mg, and (E) human TACI-IgG, 20 mg. Mice treated with
the soluble TACI-IgG fusion showed a reduction in proteinuria.
[0293] Analysis of peripheral blood from treated animals revealed
that white blood cell and lymphocyte counts were reduced in TACI-FC
treated mice (20 and 100 mg) when compared to FC (20 and 100 mg)
and PBS treated mice, 2 weeks after the start of treatment. FAC
analysis (lymphocyte gate) of peripheral blood drawn six weeks
after treatment began (two weeks after last treatment was
administered) and showed a dramatic decrease in percentage of B
cells present in the samples. B cell levels were still in decline
at five weeks after last treatment was administered, but not as
dramatic. Table 9 provides the average (and standard deviation) for
the mice in each treatment group (Table 10). The decline in the
percent of B cells in peripheral blood was also observed two weeks
into treatment.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 10 Week 2 Week 5 Treatment % B cells % T cells
% B cells PBS 26.05 (6.52) 67.05 (6.80) 20.83 (3.14) 100 mg FC
23.34 (5.77) 68.23 (7.30) 25.04 (8.07) 20 mg FC 24.09 (6.26) 65.27
(7.18) 18.96 (6.42) 100 mg TACI-FC 11.07 (5.03) 79.06 (6.71) 14.79
(4.76) 20 mg TACI-FC 16.37 (7.27) 69.72 (8.90) 19.14 (5.27)
Example 14
Soluble TACI-Ig in Normal Mice
[0294] TACI-FC was administered to Blab/C mice to monitor its
effect on normal mice. Sixty, 8-week old female Balb/C mice (HSD)
were divided into 12 groups of 5 mice. Prior to treatment the mice
were weighed and blood was drawn for CBC and serum banking. Groups
1-9 received intraperitoneal injections (IP) of vehicle only (PBS)
or human IgG-FC (control protein) or TAC1-FC4 (test protein) daily
for 12 days and were sacrificed on day 14. Groups 10 and 11
received IP injections three times per week for two weeks and were
sacrificed on day 14, Table 11.
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 11 Group (5 mice each) Treatment Dose 1 human
TACI-FC4 200 mg 2 human TACI-FC4 100 mg 3 human TACI-FC4 20 .mu.g 4
human TACI-FC4 5 .mu.g 5 human FC4 200 .mu.g 6 human FC4 100 mg 7
human FC4 20 mg 8 human FC4 5 mg 9 vehicle only as used 10 human
TACI-FC4 100 mg 11 human FC4 100 mg 12 untreated control
[0295] Blood was collected on days 7 and 12. Blood and body weight
were collected at the time of euthanasia. Weight of spleen, thymus,
and brain were taken. The spleen and thymus were divided for FACS
analysis and histology. Skin, spleen, mesenteric LN chain,
submandibular salivary glands, ovary, uterus, cervix, bladder,
mesenteric lymph node chain, liver lobe with gall bladder, cecum
and large intestine, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, right
kidney, adrenal gland, tongue with trachea and esophagus, heart,
thymus, thigh muscle, left and right femur, brain will also be
collected for histology.
[0296] As described above in Example 13, a significant reduction in
percent B cells was seen on days 7 (by CBC) and 12 (using FACS) in
peripheral blood cells taken from all TAC1-FC4 treated samples
compared to those treated with FC4 or PBS alone and analyzed by CBC
or FACS. Additionally, there was nearly a 50% decrease in B cells
in the spleens taken from animals treated with TAC1-FC4 as compared
to those from FC4 treated mice day 14.
[0297] The mice tolerated TAC1-FC4 and exhibited no overt health
problems. At necropsy, no detectable adverse pathological effect of
the TAC1-FC4 treatment was observed in the histology performed on
the collected organs and tissues. Thymus, spleens, and bone marrow
from the animals in each group were pooled and analyzed by flow
immunocytometry for T, B and monocyte cell populations in the
spleen, T cell subsets in the thymus and immature and mature B cell
populations in the bone marrow. There was a 60% drop in the ratio
of B to T cells in the spleens of TAC1-FC4 treated mice compared
with control protein and PBS at the time of sacrifice. This
inhibition was detected at 200, 100, and 20 .mu.g daily doses and
at the 100 .mu.g dose given three times a week (Table 11a). There
were no observable changes in other cell populations in the
lymphoid organs analyzed, Table 12a.
[0298] To further define the effect of TAC1-FC4 on lymphoid cell
populations in bone marrow, thymus, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes
and peritoneal exudates cells a second group of mice were treated
with 100 .mu.g TACI-FC, FC4, or PBS, three times a week for two
weeks.
[0299] There were no changes in T cell number or CD4 or CD8 T cell
subsets in the thymus or lymph node and no changes in the number of
CD11b.sup.+ monocytes in the spleen. Mature B cell populations were
characterized using antibodies to the cell surface markers CD21,
CD23, and B220 in the spleen and IgM, IgD and B220 in the spleen,
lymph noted and bone marrow. TAC1-FC4 has an effect on the mature B
cell populations in spleen, lymph node and bone marrow, and does
not appear to have an effect on immature B220+ bone marrow B cells,
mature T cells, or monocytes (Table 12b). An increase in the newly
formed B cell population in the spleen and lymph node was also
detected.
[0300] Serum IgM and IgG were in each mouse two days prior to
sacrifice. IgM levels decreased while IgG levels remained the
same.
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 12a Lymphocyte Populations Spleen
(.times.10.sup.7) B T Monocyte PBS 6.8 6.9 0.5 FC4 6.9 5.1 0.4
TACI-FC4 4.1 5.5 0.4
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 12b B220 + B-cell Population Spleen
(.times.10.sup.6) Newly Formed Follicular B Marginal Zone
CD23.sup.loCD21.sup.lo CD23.sup.hiCD21.sup.hi
CD23.sup.loCD21.sup.hi PBS 5.1 53.0 8.8 FC4 5.4 54.3 7.7 TACI-FC4
14.8 17.0 6.0 B220 + b-Cell Populations in the Bone Marrow
(.times.10.sup.6) Pre-Pro B Immature B Mature
B220.sup.midIgM.sup.-IgD.sup.- B220.sup.midIgM.sup.+IgD.sup.-
B220.sup.hiIgM.sup.+IgD.sup.+ PBS 38.0 37.0 9.34 FC4 38.3 38.8 9.46
TACI-FC4 47.9 47.9 5.6
Example 15
Anti-dsDNA ELISA
[0301] Autoimmunity is characterized by high levels of anti-double
stranded DNA antibodies. To measure the levels anti-dsDNA
antibodies in both the over expressing ztnf4 transgenic mice and
the NZBW mice an ELISA assay was developed. A 96 well microtiter
plate (Nunc) was coated with poly-L-lysine (Sigma). (20 .mu.l/ml in
0.1 M Tris buffer pH 7.3) at 75 .mu.l/well and incubated overnight
at room temperature. The plates were then washed in dH.sub.2O and
coated with poly dAdT (Sigma) (20 .mu.l/ml in 0.1 M Tris buffer pH
7.3) at 75 .mu.l/well and incubated at room temperature for 60
minutes. The plates were then washed with dH.sub.2O and blocked
with 2% BSA (Sigma) in Tris Buffer for 30 minutes at room
temperature followed by a final wash in dH.sub.2O.
[0302] Serum samples were taken from the ztnf4 transgenic mice
described in Example 10 and the NZBW mice described in Example 11.
The serum samples were diluted 1:50 in 1% BSA/2% BGG (Calbiochem)
in Tris Buffer. The diluted samples were then titrated into the
coated plate at 1:50, 1:100, 1:200, 1:400, 1:800, 1:1600, 1:3200
and 1:6400 (50 .mu.l/well) and incubated for 90 minutes at room
temperature.
[0303] Plates were then washed in dH.sub.2O and goat anti-mouse
IgG-Fc-HRP (Cappel) diluted to 1:1000 in 1% BSA/2% BGG was added at
50 .mu.l/well. The plates were incubated for 60 minutes at room
temperature. The plates were washed 5.times. in dH.sub.2O and
developed with OPD, 1 tablet/10 ml Novo D (313 ml 0.1M Na Citrate,
187 ml 0.1M citric acid, pH 5.0) and plated at 100 .mu.l/well. The
developer was stopped with 1N H.sub.2SO.sub.4, 100 .mu.l/well, and
the OD read at 492 nm.
[0304] FIG. 8 shows the anti-ds DNA levels in two ztnf4 transgenic
mice (23 week old), two non-transgenic litter mates compared with
the levels detected in serum from NZBWF1 (32 week old) and
MRL/lpr/lpr (19 week old) mice.
Example 16
Soluble TACI-Ig in a Spontaneous Model of EAE
[0305] Twenty five female PLxSJL F1 mice (12 weeks old, Jackson
Labs) are given a subcutaneous injection of 125 .mu.g/mouse of
antigen (myelin Proteolipid Protein, PLP, residues 139-151),
formulated in complete Freund's Adjuvant. The mice are divided into
5 groups of 5 mice. Intraperitoneal injections of pertussis toxin
(400 ng) are given on Day 0 and 2. The groups will be given a
1.times., 10.times., or 100.times. dose of TAC.TM., BCMA or BR43x2,
one group will receive vehicle only and one group will receive no
treatment. Prevention therapy will begin on Day 0, intervention
therapy will begin on day 7, or at onset of clinical signs. Signs
of disease, weight loss, and paralysis manifest in approximately
10-14 days, and last for about 1 week. Animals are assessed daily
by collecting body weights and assigning a clinical score to
correspond to the extent of their symptoms. Clinical signs of EAE
appear within 10-14 days of inoculation and persist for
approximately 1 week. At the end of the study all animals are
euthanized by gas overdose, and necropsied. The brain and spinal
column are collected for histology or frozen for mRNA analysis.
Body weight and clinical score data is plotted by individual and by
group.
TABLE-US-00015 Clinical Score 0 Normal 0.5 Weak, tail tone may be
reduced but not absent 1 Limp tail (cannot lift tail when mouse is
picked up at base of tail) 2 Limp tail, weak legs (cannot lift
tail, can stay upright on hind legs but legs are shaky) 3 Paresis
(cannot sit with legs under body, walk in a paddling motion with
legs behind) 4 Paralysis (cannot move back legs, drags legs when
trying to walk) 5 Quadriplegia (paralysis in front legs or walking
in a circular pattern, may have head tilt) 6 Moribund (completely
paralyzed, cannot reach food or water, sacrifice animal)
Example 17
TACI-FC and the CIA model for Rheumatoid Arthritis
[0306] Male DBA/1J, mice (Jackson Labs), eight to twelve weeks old,
were divided into groups, 5 mice/group, and given two subcutaneous
injections of 50-100 .mu.l of 1 mg/ml collagen (chick), 3 weeks
apart. One control did not receive collagen injections. The first
injection was formulated in Complete Freund's Adjuvant and the
second injection was formulated in Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant.
TACT-Fc, a control protein, human IgFc, or PBS (vehicle) was
administered prophylactically beginning 7 days prior to the second
injection (day -7). All dosing was done at 100 given 3 times a week
as a 200 .mu.l intraperitoneal (IP) injection and were continued
for 4 weeks.
[0307] The animals develop antibodies to the foreign collagen, and
in this mouse strain, cross-reactivity to their own native joint
cartilage is known to occur. The antibody deposition produces
localized joint inflammation and joint destruction very similar to
human rheumatoid arthritis. The disease occurrence and severity
have been closely correlated with anti-collagen antibody titer
levels. Symptoms usually appear within 2-3 weeks of the second
injection, but may range from 1-6 weeks.
[0308] Extent of disease was evaluated in each paw by using a
caliper to measure paw thickness and assigning a clinical score
(0-3) to each paw.
TABLE-US-00016 Clinical Score 0 Normal 1 Toe(s) inflamed 2 Mild paw
inflammation 3 Moderate paw inflammation 4 Severe paw
inflammation
[0309] In this study, an animal was said to have "established
disease" once a paw maintains a score of 2 or more for one day.
Animals were euthanized after having established disease for a set
period of time, usually 7 days. Study events were typically defined
relative to Day 0, which was defined as the day of the second
collagen collection. Paws were collected for histology or mRNA
analysis, and serum was collected for immunoglobulin and cytokine
assays.
[0310] When TACI-Fc was administered prophylactically, there was a
marked onset of disease. While the control protein or vehicle
groups averaged 50% disease incidence by day 6, the TACI-Fc group
averaged 50% incidence by day 15. There was a pronounced reduction
in disease severity as shown by both a lower incidence of
established disease in the TACI-Fc treated groups as compared to
all controls, and a longer time for established disease to occur in
the TACI-Fc group.
[0311] A second prophylactic study corroborated these results. As
described above, TACI-Fc, control protein human Ig-Fc or PBS
(vehicle) were administered as a therapeutic, beginning 7 days
following the second collagen injection (day +7). All dosing was
again at 100 given 3 times a week as a 200 .mu.l IP injection, and
was continued for 4 weeks. Animals in all groups developed disease
at the same rate, but disease severity was greatly reduced in the
TACI-Fc-treated animals. This was evidenced by a marked reduction
in their incidence of "established disease" as described above. By
day 38 the therapeutically treated TACI-Fc group had an incidence
rate of just 58% for established disease, as compared to 95% or
100% for the control groups (control protein and vehicle,
respectively). The therapeutically treated TACI-Fc group also
compares well to the prophylactically-treated TACI-Fc groups as
described above, which had a slightly better incidence rate of 50%.
This is especially noteworthy given that the therapeutically
treated TACI-Fc groups already had a 10% incidence of established
disease prior to initiating dosing on day 7.
[0312] Serum samples were collected from prophylactically treated
and therapeutically treated mice on day -3, day 14 after second
collagen injection and day (from therapeutically treated mice only)
to determine collagen levels by ELISA.
[0313] One hundred .mu.l collagen (Chondrex Redmond, Wash.) was
diluted in 10 ml diluent(1 ml 10.times. buffer (Chondrex), ml
water) and microtiter plates (Nunc AS, Roskilde, Denmark) were
coated with collagen at 100 .mu.l/well and incubated overnight at
4.degree. C., then washed with ELISA C buffer. The plates were then
blocked (200 .mu.l/well) with SuperBlock (Pierce, Rockford, Ill.)
at room temperature for 5 minutes, then washed with ELISA C.
[0314] Samples were diluted in ELISA B (1% bovine serum albumin,
ELISA C), making serial 5 fold dilutions from 1:5000 to 1:625,000
and plated in triplicate at 100 .mu.l/well. The plates were
incubated overnight at 4.degree. C. or for 2 hours at room
temperature, followed by washing with ELISA C.
[0315] Goat anti-mouse Ig-HRP (Zymed, South San Francisco, Calif.)
was diluted 1:2000 in ELISA B and plated at 100 .mu.l/well. The
plates were incubated at room temperature for 90 minutes then
washed with ELISA C.
[0316] The plates were developed by plating OPD (1 OPD tablet
(Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo.), 10 ml Novo D, 10 .mu.l
H.sub.2O.sub.2) at 100 .mu.l/well. Development was stopped with 1N
H.sub.2SO.sub.4 at 100 .mu.l/well and the plates were read at an OD
of 490 nm.
[0317] FIG. 9A shows that in TACI-Fc treated mice the level of
anti-collagen antibodies is reduced 5-7 days after treatment when
compared to control mice, and the level of anti-collagen antibodies
continues to decrease with further TACI-Fc treatments.
[0318] FIG. 9B shows a drop in collagen antibodies 5 days after the
initial collagen treatment in all mice treated. Following the
second collagen treatment those mice treated with TACI-Fc show a
continued decrease in anti-collagen antibodies until sacrifice,
while the levels of anti-collagen antibodies in control mice
increase with time.
Example 18
Neutralizing TACI antibodies
[0319] Polyclonal anti-peptide antibodies were prepared by
immunizing 2 female New Zealand white rabbits with the peptide,
hurtnf4-1 SAGIAKLEEGPELQLAIPRE (SEQ ID NO:59) or hurtnf4-2
SFKRGSALEEKENKELVKET (SEQ ID NO:60). The peptides were synthesized
using an Applied Biosystems Model 431A peptide synthesizer (Applied
Biosystems, Inc., Foster City, Calif.) according to manufacturer's
instructions. The peptides were then conjugated to the carrier
protein keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) with maleimide-activation.
The rabbits were each given an initial intraperitoneal (ip)
injection of 200 .mu.g of peptide in Complete Freund's Adjuvant
followed by booster ip injections of 100 .mu.g peptide in
Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant every three weeks. Seven to ten days
after the administration of the second booster injection (3 total
injections), the animals were bled and the serum was collected. The
animals were then boosted and bled every three weeks.
[0320] The ztnf4 peptide-specific rabbit seras were characterized
by an ELISA titer check using 1 .mu.g/ml of the peptides used to
make the antibody (SEQ ID NOs:59 and 60) as an antibody target. The
2 rabbit seras to the hurtnf4-peptide (SEQ ID NO:59) have titer to
their specific peptide at a dilution of 1:1 E5 (1:100000). The 2
rabbit seras to the hurtnf4-2 peptide (SEQ ID NO:60) had titer to
their specific peptide at a dilution of 1:5 E6 and to recombinant
full-length proteins (N-terminal FLAG-tagged ztnf4 made in
baculovirus (hurtnf4s-NF-Bv) and C-terminally FLAG-tagged ztnf4
made in BHK cells) at a dilution of 1:5 E6.
[0321] The ztnf4 peptide-specific polyclonal antibodies were
affinity purified from the rabbit serum using CNBR-SEPHAROSE 4B
protein columns (Pharmacia LKB) that were prepared using 10 mgs of
the specific peptides (SEQ. ID. NOs. 59 or 60) per gram
CNBr-SEPHAROSE, followed by 20.times. dialysis in PBS overnight.
Ztnf4-specific antibodies were characterized by an ELISA titer
check using 1 .mu.g/ml of the appropriate peptide antigen or
recombinant full-length protein (hurtnf4s-NF-Bv) as antibody
targets. The lower limit of detection (LLD) of the rabbit
anti-hurtnf4-1 affinity purified antibody on its specific antigen
(hurtnf4-1 peptide, SEQ ID NO:59) is a dilution of 5 ng/ml. The
lower limit of detection (LLD) of the rabbit anti-hurtnf4-2
affinity purified antibody on its specific antigen (hurtnf4-2
peptide, SEQ ID NO:60) is a dilution of 0.5 ng/ml. The lower limit
of detection (LLD) of the rabbit anti-hurtnf4-2 affinity purified
antibody on the recombinant protein hurtnf4s-NF-Bv is a dilution of
5 ng/ml.
[0322] Monoclonal antibodies were generated and selected for
inhibition of inhibition of biotin-labeled soluble ztnf4. None of
the TACI monoclonal antibodies (248.14, 248.23, 248.24, or 246.3)
block ztnf4 binding on BCMA. Monoclonal 248.23 reduces binding of
10 ng/ml ztnf4-biotin to about 50% when conditioned media is
diluted to 1:243 and reduces binding to about 2.times. in undiluted
media. Monoclonal 246.3 reduces binding of 10 ng/ml ztnf4-biotin to
about 50% between a 1:243 and 1:181 dilution of conditioned media
and reduces binding 5.times. in undiluted media.
Example 19
Ztnf4 Levels in SLE Patients
[0323] Levels of ztnf4 in the SLE patients, relative to normal
individuals, was determined using an ORIGIN ASSAY as described
above. A standard curve prepared from soluble, human ztnf4 at 10
ng/ml, 1 ng/ml, 0.1 ng/ml, 0.01 ng/ml and 0 ng/ml was prepared in
ORIGIN buffer (Igen). All patient samples were run in triplicate,
25 .mu.l of final volume. The standards and samples were incubated
at room temperature for 2 hours with a capture antibody,
biotinylated rabbit anti-human ztnf4-NF BV polyclonal antibody,
diluted to 1 .mu.g/ml in Origin Assay Buffer (IGEN) and a detection
antibody, ruthenylated rabbit anti-human ztnf4-NF BV polyclonal
antibody, diluted to 1 .mu.g/ml in Origin Assay Buffer (IGEN).
Following the incubation the samples were vortexed and 0.4 mg/ml
streptavidin Dynabeads (Dynal) were added to each of the standards
and samples at 50 .mu.l/tube and incubated for 30 minutes at room
temperature. Samples were then vortexed and using an Origin 1.5
Analyzer (Igen) according to manufacturer's instructions.
[0324] Elevated levels of ztnf4 were seen in the serum of patients
diagnosed with SLE as compared with normal control serum donors
(FIG. 10). Twenty eight normal control samples were tested and
samples from 20 patients diagnosed with SLE. The data is reported
as fold increase of ztnf4 levels in the patient or control samples
as compared to an arbitrary human reference serum sample. The
average of the 28 control samples was 1.36 fold over the human
reference sample and the average of the 20 SLE patient samples was
4.92. Seven out of the 20 SLE patients had ztnf4 levels that were
two fold over the average of the control samples, whereas there was
only one control individual that had a greater than two fold level
over the control average.
Example 20
TACI-Ig and EAMG Mouse Model
[0325] The effect of TACI-Ig is determined by administering TACI-Ig
during ongoing clinical myasthenia gravis (MG) in B6 mice. One
hundred B6 mice are immunized with 20 .mu.g acetylcholine receptor
(AChR) in complete Freunds Adjuvant (CFA) on days 0 and 30.
Approximately 40-60% of mice will develop moderate (grade 2) to
severe (grade 3) clinical MG after the boost with AChR. Mice with
grade 2 and 3 clinical disease are divided into three groups (with
equal grades of weakness) and weighed (mice with weakness also lose
weight, since they have difficulty in consuming food and water) and
bled for serum (for pre-treatment anti-AChR antibody and isotype
level). Group A is injected I.P with PBS, group B is injected I.P
with murine IgG2a-FC as a control protein (100 and group C is
injected with 100 .mu.g of murine TACI-IgG2a-FC three times a week
for 4 weeks. Mice are screened for clinical muscle weakness twice a
week and weighed and bled for serum 15 and 30 days after the
commencement of treatment. Whole blood is collected on day 15 to
determine T/B cell ratio by FACS analysis using markers B220 and
CD5. Surviving mice are killed 30-45 days after the initiation of
treatment, and their carcasses are frozen for later extraction of
muscle AChR (Wu et al. Protocols in Immunology. Vol. 3, Eds.
Coligen, Kruisbeak, Margulies, Shevach, and Strober. John Wiley and
Sons, New York, p. 15.8.1, 1997) to determine the loss of muscle
AChR, the primary pathology in MG.
Dose Response Study
[0326] Serum antibodies to mouse muscle AChR is determined by an
established radioimmunoassay, and anti-AChR antibody isotypes (IgM,
IgG1, IgG2b and IgG2c) is measured by ELISA. Such methods are
known, see for example, Wu et al. ibid. The effect of TACI-Ig on
ongoing clinical MG, anti-AChR antibody and isotype level, and
muscle AChR loss is determined.
[0327] Approximately 100 mice will each be immunized with 20 .mu.g
AChR in CFA on day 0 and 30. Mice with clinical MG are divided into
4 groups. Group A is injected I.P with 100 .mu.g control FC (murine
IgG2a-FC), group B is injected with 20 .mu.g control FC (murine
IgG2a-FC), and group C is injected 100 .mu.g murine TACI-IgG2a-FC,
and group D is injected with 20 .mu.g murine TACI-IgG2a-FC three
times a week for 4 weeks. Mice are weighed and bled for serum
before and 15 and 30 days after the start of the treatment. Serum
is tested for anti-AChR antibody and isotypes as above. Muscle AChR
loss will also be measured.
[0328] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although
specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made
without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended
claims.
Sequence CWU 1
1
6011192DNAHomo sapiensCDS(6)...(746) 1gagta atg agt ggc ctg ggc cgg
agc agg cga ggt ggc cgg agc cgt gtg 50 Met Ser Gly Leu Gly Arg Ser
Arg Arg Gly Gly Arg Ser Arg Val 1 5 10 15gac cag gag gag cgc tgg
tca ctc agc tgc cgc aag gag caa ggc aag 98Asp Gln Glu Glu Arg Trp
Ser Leu Ser Cys Arg Lys Glu Gln Gly Lys 20 25 30ttc tat gac cat ctc
ctg agg gac tgc atc agc tgt gcc tcc atc tgt 146Phe Tyr Asp His Leu
Leu Arg Asp Cys Ile Ser Cys Ala Ser Ile Cys 35 40 45gga cag cac cct
aag caa tgt gca tac ttc tgt gag aac aag ctc agg 194Gly Gln His Pro
Lys Gln Cys Ala Tyr Phe Cys Glu Asn Lys Leu Arg 50 55 60agc cca gtg
aac ctt cca cca gag ctc agg aga cag cgg agt gga gaa 242Ser Pro Val
Asn Leu Pro Pro Glu Leu Arg Arg Gln Arg Ser Gly Glu 65 70 75gtt gaa
aac aat tca gac aac tcg gga agg tac caa gga ttg gag cac 290Val Glu
Asn Asn Ser Asp Asn Ser Gly Arg Tyr Gln Gly Leu Glu His80 85 90
95aga ggc tca gaa gca agt cca gct ctc ccg ggg ctg aag ctg agt gca
338Arg Gly Ser Glu Ala Ser Pro Ala Leu Pro Gly Leu Lys Leu Ser Ala
100 105 110gat cag gtg gcc ctg gtc tac agc acg ctg ggg ctc tgc ctg
tgt gcc 386Asp Gln Val Ala Leu Val Tyr Ser Thr Leu Gly Leu Cys Leu
Cys Ala 115 120 125gtc ctc tgc tgc ttc ctg gtg gcg gtg gcc tgc ttc
ctc aag aag agg 434Val Leu Cys Cys Phe Leu Val Ala Val Ala Cys Phe
Leu Lys Lys Arg 130 135 140ggg gat ccc tgc tcc tgc cag ccc cgc tca
agg ccc cgt caa agt ccg 482Gly Asp Pro Cys Ser Cys Gln Pro Arg Ser
Arg Pro Arg Gln Ser Pro 145 150 155gcc aag tct tcc cag gat cac gcg
atg gaa gcc ggc agc cct gtg agc 530Ala Lys Ser Ser Gln Asp His Ala
Met Glu Ala Gly Ser Pro Val Ser160 165 170 175aca tcc ccc gag cca
gtg gag acc tgc agc ttc tgc ttc cct gag tgc 578Thr Ser Pro Glu Pro
Val Glu Thr Cys Ser Phe Cys Phe Pro Glu Cys 180 185 190agg gcg ccc
acg cag gag agc gca gtc acg cct ggg acc ccc gac ccc 626Arg Ala Pro
Thr Gln Glu Ser Ala Val Thr Pro Gly Thr Pro Asp Pro 195 200 205act
tgt gct gga agg tgg ggg tgc cac acc agg acc aca gtc ctg cag 674Thr
Cys Ala Gly Arg Trp Gly Cys His Thr Arg Thr Thr Val Leu Gln 210 215
220cct tgc cca cac atc cca gac agt ggc ctt ggc att gtg tgt gtg cct
722Pro Cys Pro His Ile Pro Asp Ser Gly Leu Gly Ile Val Cys Val Pro
225 230 235gcc cag gag ggg ggc cca ggt gca taaatggggg tcagggaggg
aaaggaggag 776Ala Gln Glu Gly Gly Pro Gly Ala240 245ggagagagat
ggagaggagg ggagagagaa agagaggtgg ggagagggga gagagatatg
836aggagagaga gacagaggag gcagagaggg agagaaacag aggagacaga
gagggagaga 896gagacagagg gagagagaga cagaggggaa gagaggcaga
gagggaaaga ggcagagaag 956gaaagaggca gagagggaga gaggcagaga
gggagagagg cagagagaca gagagggaga 1016gagggacaga gagagataga
gcaggaggtc ggggcactct gagtcccagt tcccagtgca 1076gctgtaggtc
gtcatcacct aaccacacgt gcaataaagt cctcgtgcct gctgctcaca
1136gcccccgaga gcccctcctc ctggagaata aaacctttgg cagctgccct tcctca
11922247PRTHomo sapiens 2Met Ser Gly Leu Gly Arg Ser Arg Arg Gly
Gly Arg Ser Arg Val Asp1 5 10 15Gln Glu Glu Arg Trp Ser Leu Ser Cys
Arg Lys Glu Gln Gly Lys Phe 20 25 30Tyr Asp His Leu Leu Arg Asp Cys
Ile Ser Cys Ala Ser Ile Cys Gly 35 40 45Gln His Pro Lys Gln Cys Ala
Tyr Phe Cys Glu Asn Lys Leu Arg Ser 50 55 60Pro Val Asn Leu Pro Pro
Glu Leu Arg Arg Gln Arg Ser Gly Glu Val65 70 75 80Glu Asn Asn Ser
Asp Asn Ser Gly Arg Tyr Gln Gly Leu Glu His Arg 85 90 95Gly Ser Glu
Ala Ser Pro Ala Leu Pro Gly Leu Lys Leu Ser Ala Asp 100 105 110Gln
Val Ala Leu Val Tyr Ser Thr Leu Gly Leu Cys Leu Cys Ala Val 115 120
125Leu Cys Cys Phe Leu Val Ala Val Ala Cys Phe Leu Lys Lys Arg Gly
130 135 140Asp Pro Cys Ser Cys Gln Pro Arg Ser Arg Pro Arg Gln Ser
Pro Ala145 150 155 160Lys Ser Ser Gln Asp His Ala Met Glu Ala Gly
Ser Pro Val Ser Thr 165 170 175Ser Pro Glu Pro Val Glu Thr Cys Ser
Phe Cys Phe Pro Glu Cys Arg 180 185 190Ala Pro Thr Gln Glu Ser Ala
Val Thr Pro Gly Thr Pro Asp Pro Thr 195 200 205Cys Ala Gly Arg Trp
Gly Cys His Thr Arg Thr Thr Val Leu Gln Pro 210 215 220Cys Pro His
Ile Pro Asp Ser Gly Leu Gly Ile Val Cys Val Pro Ala225 230 235
240Gln Glu Gly Gly Pro Gly Ala 2453360DNAHomo sapiensCDS(1)...(360)
3atg agt ggc ctg ggc cgg agc agg cga ggt ggc cgg agc cgt gtg gac
48Met Ser Gly Leu Gly Arg Ser Arg Arg Gly Gly Arg Ser Arg Val Asp1
5 10 15cag gag gag cgc tgg tca ctc agc tgc cgc aag gag caa ggc aag
ttc 96Gln Glu Glu Arg Trp Ser Leu Ser Cys Arg Lys Glu Gln Gly Lys
Phe 20 25 30tat gac cat ctc ctg agg gac tgc atc agc tgt gcc tcc atc
tgt gga 144Tyr Asp His Leu Leu Arg Asp Cys Ile Ser Cys Ala Ser Ile
Cys Gly 35 40 45cag cac cct aag caa tgt gca tac ttc tgt gag aac aag
ctc agg agc 192Gln His Pro Lys Gln Cys Ala Tyr Phe Cys Glu Asn Lys
Leu Arg Ser 50 55 60cca gtg aac ctt cca cca gag ctc agg aga cag cgg
agt gga gaa gtt 240Pro Val Asn Leu Pro Pro Glu Leu Arg Arg Gln Arg
Ser Gly Glu Val65 70 75 80gaa aac aat tca gac aac tcg gga agg tac
caa gga ttg gag cac aga 288Glu Asn Asn Ser Asp Asn Ser Gly Arg Tyr
Gln Gly Leu Glu His Arg 85 90 95ggc tca gaa gca agt cca gct ctc ccg
ggg ctg aag ctg agt gca gat 336Gly Ser Glu Ala Ser Pro Ala Leu Pro
Gly Leu Lys Leu Ser Ala Asp 100 105 110cag gtg gcc ctg gtc tac agc
acg 360Gln Val Ala Leu Val Tyr Ser Thr 115 1204120PRTHomo sapiens
4Met Ser Gly Leu Gly Arg Ser Arg Arg Gly Gly Arg Ser Arg Val Asp1 5
10 15Gln Glu Glu Arg Trp Ser Leu Ser Cys Arg Lys Glu Gln Gly Lys
Phe 20 25 30Tyr Asp His Leu Leu Arg Asp Cys Ile Ser Cys Ala Ser Ile
Cys Gly 35 40 45Gln His Pro Lys Gln Cys Ala Tyr Phe Cys Glu Asn Lys
Leu Arg Ser 50 55 60Pro Val Asn Leu Pro Pro Glu Leu Arg Arg Gln Arg
Ser Gly Glu Val65 70 75 80Glu Asn Asn Ser Asp Asn Ser Gly Arg Tyr
Gln Gly Leu Glu His Arg 85 90 95Gly Ser Glu Ala Ser Pro Ala Leu Pro
Gly Leu Lys Leu Ser Ala Asp 100 105 110Gln Val Ala Leu Val Tyr Ser
Thr 115 12051377DNAHomo sapiensCDS(14)...(895) 5agcatcctga gta atg
agt ggc ctg ggc cgg agc agg cga ggt ggc cgg 49 Met Ser Gly Leu Gly
Arg Ser Arg Arg Gly Gly Arg 1 5 10agc cgt gtg gac cag gag gag cgc
ttt cca cag ggc ctg tgg acg ggg 97Ser Arg Val Asp Gln Glu Glu Arg
Phe Pro Gln Gly Leu Trp Thr Gly 15 20 25gtg gct atg aga tcc tgc ccc
gaa gag cag tac tgg gat cct ctg ctg 145Val Ala Met Arg Ser Cys Pro
Glu Glu Gln Tyr Trp Asp Pro Leu Leu 30 35 40ggt acc tgc atg tcc tgc
aaa acc att tgc aac cat cag agc cag cgc 193Gly Thr Cys Met Ser Cys
Lys Thr Ile Cys Asn His Gln Ser Gln Arg45 50 55 60acc tgt gca gcc
ttc tgc agg tca ctc agc tgc cgc aag gag caa ggc 241Thr Cys Ala Ala
Phe Cys Arg Ser Leu Ser Cys Arg Lys Glu Gln Gly 65 70 75aag ttc tat
gac cat ctc ctg agg gac tgc atc agc tgt gcc tcc atc 289Lys Phe Tyr
Asp His Leu Leu Arg Asp Cys Ile Ser Cys Ala Ser Ile 80 85 90tgt gga
cag cac cct aag caa tgt gca tac ttc tgt gag aac aag ctc 337Cys Gly
Gln His Pro Lys Gln Cys Ala Tyr Phe Cys Glu Asn Lys Leu 95 100
105agg agc cca gtg aac ctt cca cca gag ctc agg aga cag cgg agt gga
385Arg Ser Pro Val Asn Leu Pro Pro Glu Leu Arg Arg Gln Arg Ser Gly
110 115 120gaa gtt gaa aac aat tca gac aac tcg gga agg tac caa gga
ttg gag 433Glu Val Glu Asn Asn Ser Asp Asn Ser Gly Arg Tyr Gln Gly
Leu Glu125 130 135 140cac aga ggc tca gaa gca agt cca gct ctc ccg
ggg ctg aag ctg agt 481His Arg Gly Ser Glu Ala Ser Pro Ala Leu Pro
Gly Leu Lys Leu Ser 145 150 155gca gat cag gtg gcc ctg gtc tac agc
acg ctg ggg ctc tgc ctg tgt 529Ala Asp Gln Val Ala Leu Val Tyr Ser
Thr Leu Gly Leu Cys Leu Cys 160 165 170gcc gtc ctc tgc tgc ttc ctg
gtg gcg gtg gcc tgc ttc ctc aag aag 577Ala Val Leu Cys Cys Phe Leu
Val Ala Val Ala Cys Phe Leu Lys Lys 175 180 185agg ggg gat ccc tgc
tcc tgc cag ccc cgc tca agg ccc cgt caa agt 625Arg Gly Asp Pro Cys
Ser Cys Gln Pro Arg Ser Arg Pro Arg Gln Ser 190 195 200ccg gcc aag
tct tcc cag gat cac gcg atg gaa gcc ggc agc cct gtg 673Pro Ala Lys
Ser Ser Gln Asp His Ala Met Glu Ala Gly Ser Pro Val205 210 215
220agc aca tcc ccc gag cca gtg gag acc tgc agc ttc tgc ttc cct gag
721Ser Thr Ser Pro Glu Pro Val Glu Thr Cys Ser Phe Cys Phe Pro Glu
225 230 235tgc agg gcg ccc acg cag gag agc gca gtc acg cct ggg acc
ccc gac 769Cys Arg Ala Pro Thr Gln Glu Ser Ala Val Thr Pro Gly Thr
Pro Asp 240 245 250ccc act tgt gct gga agg tgg ggg tgc cac acc agg
acc aca gtc ctg 817Pro Thr Cys Ala Gly Arg Trp Gly Cys His Thr Arg
Thr Thr Val Leu 255 260 265cag cct tgc cca cac atc cca gac agt ggc
ctt ggc att gtg tgt gtg 865Gln Pro Cys Pro His Ile Pro Asp Ser Gly
Leu Gly Ile Val Cys Val 270 275 280cct gcc cag gag ggg ggc cca ggt
gca taa atgggggtca gggagggaaa 915Pro Ala Gln Glu Gly Gly Pro Gly
Ala *285 290ggaggaggga gagagatgga gaggagggga gagagaaaga gaggtgggga
gaggggagag 975agatatgagg agagagagac agaggaggca gaaagggaga
gaaacagagg agacagagag 1035ggagagagag acagagggag agagagacag
aggggaagag aggcagagag ggaaagaggc 1095agagaaggaa agagacaggc
agagaaggag agaggcagag agggagagag gcagagaggg 1155agagaggcag
agagacagag agggagagag ggacagagag agatagagca ggaggtcggg
1215gcactctgag tcccagttcc cagtgcagct gtaggtcgtc atcacctaac
cacacgtgca 1275ataaagtcct cgtgcctgct gctcacagcc cccgagagcc
cctcctcctg gagaataaaa 1335cctttggcag ctgcccttcc tcaaaaaaaa
aaaaaaaaaa aa 13776293PRTHomo sapiens 6Met Ser Gly Leu Gly Arg Ser
Arg Arg Gly Gly Arg Ser Arg Val Asp1 5 10 15Gln Glu Glu Arg Phe Pro
Gln Gly Leu Trp Thr Gly Val Ala Met Arg 20 25 30Ser Cys Pro Glu Glu
Gln Tyr Trp Asp Pro Leu Leu Gly Thr Cys Met 35 40 45Ser Cys Lys Thr
Ile Cys Asn His Gln Ser Gln Arg Thr Cys Ala Ala 50 55 60Phe Cys Arg
Ser Leu Ser Cys Arg Lys Glu Gln Gly Lys Phe Tyr Asp65 70 75 80His
Leu Leu Arg Asp Cys Ile Ser Cys Ala Ser Ile Cys Gly Gln His 85 90
95Pro Lys Gln Cys Ala Tyr Phe Cys Glu Asn Lys Leu Arg Ser Pro Val
100 105 110Asn Leu Pro Pro Glu Leu Arg Arg Gln Arg Ser Gly Glu Val
Glu Asn 115 120 125Asn Ser Asp Asn Ser Gly Arg Tyr Gln Gly Leu Glu
His Arg Gly Ser 130 135 140Glu Ala Ser Pro Ala Leu Pro Gly Leu Lys
Leu Ser Ala Asp Gln Val145 150 155 160Ala Leu Val Tyr Ser Thr Leu
Gly Leu Cys Leu Cys Ala Val Leu Cys 165 170 175Cys Phe Leu Val Ala
Val Ala Cys Phe Leu Lys Lys Arg Gly Asp Pro 180 185 190Cys Ser Cys
Gln Pro Arg Ser Arg Pro Arg Gln Ser Pro Ala Lys Ser 195 200 205Ser
Gln Asp His Ala Met Glu Ala Gly Ser Pro Val Ser Thr Ser Pro 210 215
220Glu Pro Val Glu Thr Cys Ser Phe Cys Phe Pro Glu Cys Arg Ala
Pro225 230 235 240Thr Gln Glu Ser Ala Val Thr Pro Gly Thr Pro Asp
Pro Thr Cys Ala 245 250 255Gly Arg Trp Gly Cys His Thr Arg Thr Thr
Val Leu Gln Pro Cys Pro 260 265 270His Ile Pro Asp Ser Gly Leu Gly
Ile Val Cys Val Pro Ala Gln Glu 275 280 285Gly Gly Pro Gly Ala
2907995DNAHomo sapiensCDS(219)...(773) 7aagactcaaa cttagaaact
tgaattagat gtggtattca aatccttacg tgccgcgaag 60acacagacag cccccgtaag
aacccacgaa gcaggcgaag ttcattgttc tcaacattct 120agctgctctt
gctgcatttg ctctggaatt cttgtagaga tattacttgt ccttccaggc
180tgttctttct gtagctccct tgttttcttt ttgtgatc atg ttg cag atg gct
ggg 236Met Leu Gln Met Ala Gly1 5cag tgc tcc caa aat gaa tat ttt
gac agt ttg ttg cat gct tgc ata 284Gln Cys Ser Gln Asn Glu Tyr Phe
Asp Ser Leu Leu His Ala Cys Ile 10 15 20 cct tgt caa ctt cga tgt
tct tct aat act cct cct cta aca tgt cag 332Pro Cys Gln Leu Arg Cys
Ser Ser Asn Thr Pro Pro Leu Thr Cys Gln 25 30 35cgt tat tgt aat gca
agt gtg acc aat tca gtg aaa gga acg aat gcg 380Arg Tyr Cys Asn Ala
Ser Val Thr Asn Ser Val Lys Gly Thr Asn Ala 40 45 50att ctc tgg acc
tgt ttg gga ctg agc tta ata att tct ttg gca gtt 428Ile Leu Trp Thr
Cys Leu Gly Leu Ser Leu Ile Ile Ser Leu Ala Val55 60 65 70ttc gtg
cta atg ttt ttg cta agg aag ata agc tct gaa cca tta aag 476Phe Val
Leu Met Phe Leu Leu Arg Lys Ile Ser Ser Glu Pro Leu Lys 75 80 85gac
gag ttt aaa aac aca gga tca ggt ctc ctg ggc atg gct aac att 524Asp
Glu Phe Lys Asn Thr Gly Ser Gly Leu Leu Gly Met Ala Asn Ile 90 95
100gac ctg gaa aag agc agg act ggt gat gaa att att ctt ccg aga ggc
572Asp Leu Glu Lys Ser Arg Thr Gly Asp Glu Ile Ile Leu Pro Arg Gly
105 110 115ctc gag tac acg gtg gaa gaa tgc acc tgt gaa gac tgc atc
aag agc 620Leu Glu Tyr Thr Val Glu Glu Cys Thr Cys Glu Asp Cys Ile
Lys Ser 120 125 130aaa ccg aag gtc gac tct gac cat tgc ttt cca ctc
cca gct atg gag 668Lys Pro Lys Val Asp Ser Asp His Cys Phe Pro Leu
Pro Ala Met Glu135 140 145 150gaa ggc gca acc att ctt gtc acc acg
aaa acg aat gac tat tgc aag 716Glu Gly Ala Thr Ile Leu Val Thr Thr
Lys Thr Asn Asp Tyr Cys Lys 155 160 165agc ctg cca gct gct ttg agt
gct acg gag ata gag aaa tca att tct 764Ser Leu Pro Ala Ala Leu Ser
Ala Thr Glu Ile Glu Lys Ser Ile Ser 170 175 180gct agg taa
ttaaccattt cgactcgagc agtgccactt taaaaatctt 813Ala Arg *ttgtcagaat
agatgatgtg tcagatctct ttaggatgac tgtatttttc agttgccgat
873acagcttttt gtcctctaac tgtggaaact ctttatgtta gatatatttc
tctaggttac 933tgttgggagc ttaatggtag aaacttcctt ggtttcatga
ttaaagtctt tttttttcct 993ga 9958184PRTHomo sapiens 8Met Leu Gln Met
Ala Gly Gln Cys Ser Gln Asn Glu Tyr Phe Asp Ser1 5 10 15Leu Leu His
Ala Cys Ile Pro Cys Gln Leu Arg Cys Ser Ser Asn Thr 20 25 30Pro Pro
Leu Thr Cys Gln Arg Tyr Cys Asn Ala Ser Val Thr Asn Ser 35 40 45Val
Lys Gly Thr Asn Ala Ile Leu Trp Thr Cys Leu Gly Leu Ser Leu 50 55
60Ile Ile Ser Leu Ala Val Phe Val Leu Met Phe Leu Leu Arg Lys Ile65
70 75 80Ser Ser Glu Pro Leu Lys Asp Glu Phe Lys Asn Thr Gly Ser Gly
Leu 85 90 95Leu Gly Met Ala Asn Ile Asp Leu Glu Lys Ser Arg Thr Gly
Asp Glu 100 105 110Ile Ile Leu Pro Arg Gly Leu Glu Tyr Thr Val Glu
Glu Cys Thr Cys 115 120 125Glu Asp Cys Ile Lys Ser Lys Pro Lys Val
Asp Ser Asp His Cys Phe 130 135 140Pro Leu Pro Ala Met Glu Glu Gly
Ala Thr Ile Leu Val Thr Thr Lys145 150 155 160Thr Asn Asp Tyr Cys
Lys Ser Leu Pro Ala Ala Leu Ser Ala Thr Glu 165 170
175Ile Glu Lys Ser Ile Ser Ala Arg 1809245PRTHomo sapiens 9Gly Arg
Ser Arg Arg Gly Gly Arg Ser Arg Val Asp Gln Glu Glu Arg1 5 10 15Phe
Pro Gln Gly Leu Trp Thr Gly Val Ala Met Arg Ser Cys Pro Glu 20 25
30Glu Gln Tyr Trp Asp Pro Leu Leu Gly Thr Cys Met Ser Cys Lys Thr
35 40 45Ile Cys Asn His Gln Ser Gln Arg Thr Cys Ala Ala Phe Cys Arg
Ser 50 55 60Leu Ser Cys Arg Lys Glu Gln Gly Lys Phe Tyr Asp His Leu
Leu Arg65 70 75 80Asp Cys Ile Ser Cys Ala Ser Ile Cys Gly Gln His
Pro Lys Gln Cys 85 90 95Ala Tyr Phe Cys Glu Asn Lys Leu Arg Ser Pro
Val Asn Leu Pro Pro 100 105 110Glu Leu Arg Arg Gln Arg Ser Gly Glu
Val Glu Asn Asn Ser Asp Asn 115 120 125Ser Gly Arg Tyr Gln Gly Leu
Glu His Arg Gly Ser Glu Ala Ser Pro 130 135 140Ala Leu Pro Gly Leu
Lys Leu Ser Ala Asp Gln Val Ala Leu Val Tyr145 150 155 160Ser Thr
Leu Gly Leu Cys Leu Cys Ala Val Leu Cys Cys Phe Leu Val 165 170
175Ala Val Ala Cys Phe Leu Lys Lys Arg Gly Asp Pro Cys Ser Cys Gln
180 185 190Pro Arg Ser Arg Pro Arg Gln Ser Pro Ala Lys Ser Ser Gln
Asp His 195 200 205Ala Met Glu Ala Gly Ser Pro Val Ser Thr Ser Pro
Glu Pro Val Glu 210 215 220Thr Cys Ser Phe Cys Phe Pro Glu Cys Arg
Ala Pro Thr Gln Glu Ser225 230 235 240Ala Val Thr Pro Gly
2451040PRTArtificial SequenceMotif describing the cysteine-rich
pseudo- repeat domain 10Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa
Asp Xaa Leu Leu Xaa1 5 10 15Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa
Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa 20 25 30Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa 35
4011360DNAArtificial SequenceDegenerate oligonucleotide sequence
encoding the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO4 11atgwsnggny tnggnmgnws
nmgnmgnggn ggnmgnwsnm gngtngayca rgargarmgn 60tggwsnytnw sntgymgnaa
rgarcarggn aarttytayg aycayytnyt nmgngaytgy 120athwsntgyg
cnwsnathtg yggncarcay ccnaarcart gygcntaytt ytgygaraay
180aarytnmgnw snccngtnaa yytnccnccn garytnmgnm gncarmgnws
nggngargtn 240garaayaayw sngayaayws nggnmgntay carggnytng
arcaymgngg nwsngargcn 300wsnccngcny tnccnggnyt naarytnwsn
gcngaycarg tngcnytngt ntaywsnacn 36012741DNAArtificial
SequenceDegenerate oligonucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide
of SEQ ID NO2 12atgwsnggny tnggnmgnws nmgnmgnggn ggnmgnwsnm
gngtngayca rgargarmgn 60tggwsnytnw sntgymgnaa rgarcarggn aarttytayg
aycayytnyt nmgngaytgy 120athwsntgyg cnwsnathtg yggncarcay
ccnaarcart gygcntaytt ytgygaraay 180aarytnmgnw snccngtnaa
yytnccnccn garytnmgnm gncarmgnws nggngargtn 240garaayaayw
sngayaayws nggnmgntay carggnytng arcaymgngg nwsngargcn
300wsnccngcny tnccnggnyt naarytnwsn gcngaycarg tngcnytngt
ntaywsnacn 360ytnggnytnt gyytntgygc ngtnytntgy tgyttyytng
tngcngtngc ntgyttyytn 420aaraarmgng gngayccntg ywsntgycar
ccnmgnwsnm gnccnmgnca rwsnccngcn 480aarwsnwsnc argaycaygc
natggargcn ggnwsnccng tnwsnacnws nccngarccn 540gtngaracnt
gywsnttytg yttyccngar tgymgngcnc cnacncarga rwsngcngtn
600acnccnggna cnccngaycc nacntgygcn ggnmgntggg gntgycayac
nmgnacnacn 660gtnytncarc cntgyccnca yathccngay wsnggnytng
gnathgtntg ygtnccngcn 720cargarggng gnccnggngc n
741138PRTArtificial SequenceFLAG tag 13Asp Tyr Lys Asp Asp Asp Asp
Lys1 5147PRTArtificial SequenceGlu-Glu tag 14Glu Glu Tyr Met Pro
Met Glu1 51524DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide ZC19980
15cgaagagcag tactgggatc ctct 241623DNAArtificial
SequenceOligonucleotide ZC19981 16gccaaggcca ctgtctggga tgt
23171149DNAHomo sapiensCDS(236)...(1027) 17gaattcggca cgaggcagaa
aggagaaaat tcaggataac tctcctgagg ggtgagccaa 60gccctgccat gtagtgcacg
caggacatca acaaacacag ataacaggaa atgatccatt 120ccctgtggtc
acttattcta aaggccccaa ccttcaaagt tcaagtagtg atatggatga
180ctccacagaa agggagcagt cacgccttac ttcttgcctt aagaaaagag aagaa atg
238 Met 1aaa ctg aag gag tgt gtt tcc atc ctc cca cgg aag gaa agc
ccc tct 286Lys Leu Lys Glu Cys Val Ser Ile Leu Pro Arg Lys Glu Ser
Pro Ser 5 10 15gtc cga tcc tcc aaa gac gga aag ctg ctg gct gca acc
ttg ctg ctg 334Val Arg Ser Ser Lys Asp Gly Lys Leu Leu Ala Ala Thr
Leu Leu Leu 20 25 30gca ctg ctg tct tgc tgc ctc acg gtg gtg tct ttc
tac cag gtg gcc 382Ala Leu Leu Ser Cys Cys Leu Thr Val Val Ser Phe
Tyr Gln Val Ala 35 40 45gcc ctg caa ggg gac ctg gcc agc ctc cgg gca
gag ctg cag ggc cac 430Ala Leu Gln Gly Asp Leu Ala Ser Leu Arg Ala
Glu Leu Gln Gly His50 55 60 65cac gcg gag aag ctg cca gca gga gca
gga gcc ccc aag gcc ggc ctg 478His Ala Glu Lys Leu Pro Ala Gly Ala
Gly Ala Pro Lys Ala Gly Leu 70 75 80gag gaa gct cca gct gtc acc gcg
gga ctg aaa atc ttt gaa cca cca 526Glu Glu Ala Pro Ala Val Thr Ala
Gly Leu Lys Ile Phe Glu Pro Pro 85 90 95gct cca gga gaa ggc aac tcc
agt cag aac agc aga aat aag cgt gcc 574Ala Pro Gly Glu Gly Asn Ser
Ser Gln Asn Ser Arg Asn Lys Arg Ala 100 105 110gtt cag ggt cca gaa
gaa aca gtc act caa gac tgc ttg caa ctg att 622Val Gln Gly Pro Glu
Glu Thr Val Thr Gln Asp Cys Leu Gln Leu Ile 115 120 125gca gac agt
gaa aca cca act ata caa aaa gga tct tac aca ttt gtt 670Ala Asp Ser
Glu Thr Pro Thr Ile Gln Lys Gly Ser Tyr Thr Phe Val130 135 140
145cca tgg ctt ctc agc ttt aaa agg gga agt gcc cta gaa gaa aaa gag
718Pro Trp Leu Leu Ser Phe Lys Arg Gly Ser Ala Leu Glu Glu Lys Glu
150 155 160aat aaa ata ttg gtc aaa gaa act ggt tac ttt ttt ata tat
ggt cag 766Asn Lys Ile Leu Val Lys Glu Thr Gly Tyr Phe Phe Ile Tyr
Gly Gln 165 170 175gtt tta tat act gat aag acc tac gcc atg gga cat
cta att cag agg 814Val Leu Tyr Thr Asp Lys Thr Tyr Ala Met Gly His
Leu Ile Gln Arg 180 185 190aag aag gtc cat gtc ttt ggg gat gaa ttg
agt ctg gtg act ttg ttt 862Lys Lys Val His Val Phe Gly Asp Glu Leu
Ser Leu Val Thr Leu Phe 195 200 205cga tgt att caa aat atg cct gaa
aca cta ccc aat aat tcc tgc tat 910Arg Cys Ile Gln Asn Met Pro Glu
Thr Leu Pro Asn Asn Ser Cys Tyr210 215 220 225tca gct ggc att gca
aaa ctg gaa gaa gga gat gaa ctc caa ctt gca 958Ser Ala Gly Ile Ala
Lys Leu Glu Glu Gly Asp Glu Leu Gln Leu Ala 230 235 240ata cca aga
gaa aat gca caa ata tca ctg gat gga gat gtc aca ttt 1006Ile Pro Arg
Glu Asn Ala Gln Ile Ser Leu Asp Gly Asp Val Thr Phe 245 250 255ttt
ggt gca ttg aaa ctg ctg tgacctactt acaccatgtc tgtagctatt 1057Phe
Gly Ala Leu Lys Leu Leu 260ttcctccctt tctctgtacc tctaagaaga
aagaatctaa ctgaaaatac caaaaaaaaa 1117aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaccct
cgagcggccg cc 114918264PRTHomo sapiens 18Met Lys Leu Lys Glu Cys
Val Ser Ile Leu Pro Arg Lys Glu Ser Pro1 5 10 15Ser Val Arg Ser Ser
Lys Asp Gly Lys Leu Leu Ala Ala Thr Leu Leu 20 25 30Leu Ala Leu Leu
Ser Cys Cys Leu Thr Val Val Ser Phe Tyr Gln Val 35 40 45Ala Ala Leu
Gln Gly Asp Leu Ala Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Leu Gln Gly 50 55 60His His
Ala Glu Lys Leu Pro Ala Gly Ala Gly Ala Pro Lys Ala Gly65 70 75
80Leu Glu Glu Ala Pro Ala Val Thr Ala Gly Leu Lys Ile Phe Glu Pro
85 90 95Pro Ala Pro Gly Glu Gly Asn Ser Ser Gln Asn Ser Arg Asn Lys
Arg 100 105 110Ala Val Gln Gly Pro Glu Glu Thr Val Thr Gln Asp Cys
Leu Gln Leu 115 120 125Ile Ala Asp Ser Glu Thr Pro Thr Ile Gln Lys
Gly Ser Tyr Thr Phe 130 135 140Val Pro Trp Leu Leu Ser Phe Lys Arg
Gly Ser Ala Leu Glu Glu Lys145 150 155 160Glu Asn Lys Ile Leu Val
Lys Glu Thr Gly Tyr Phe Phe Ile Tyr Gly 165 170 175Gln Val Leu Tyr
Thr Asp Lys Thr Tyr Ala Met Gly His Leu Ile Gln 180 185 190Arg Lys
Lys Val His Val Phe Gly Asp Glu Leu Ser Leu Val Thr Leu 195 200
205Phe Arg Cys Ile Gln Asn Met Pro Glu Thr Leu Pro Asn Asn Ser Cys
210 215 220Tyr Ser Ala Gly Ile Ala Lys Leu Glu Glu Gly Asp Glu Leu
Gln Leu225 230 235 240Ala Ile Pro Arg Glu Asn Ala Gln Ile Ser Leu
Asp Gly Asp Val Thr 245 250 255Phe Phe Gly Ala Leu Lys Leu Leu
260191430DNAMus musculusCDS(102)...(848) 19ttggcgcagg agcgtgcgta
ggattgctcg ctcacaacag gcacctgact ggtattgaaa 60gccgagtctt cccttcctct
ttaaaggatt ggtgaccagg c atg gct atg gca ttc 116 Met Ala Met Ala Phe
1 5tgc ccc aaa gat cag tac tgg gac tcc tca agg aaa tcc tgt gtc tcc
164Cys Pro Lys Asp Gln Tyr Trp Asp Ser Ser Arg Lys Ser Cys Val Ser
10 15 20tgt gca ctg acc tgc agc cag agg agc cag cgc acc tgt aca gac
ttc 212Cys Ala Leu Thr Cys Ser Gln Arg Ser Gln Arg Thr Cys Thr Asp
Phe 25 30 35tgc aaa ttc atc aat tgc cga aaa gag caa ggc agg tac tac
gac cat 260Cys Lys Phe Ile Asn Cys Arg Lys Glu Gln Gly Arg Tyr Tyr
Asp His 40 45 50ctc ctg ggg gcc tgc gtc agc tgt gac tcc acc tgc aca
cag cac cct 308Leu Leu Gly Ala Cys Val Ser Cys Asp Ser Thr Cys Thr
Gln His Pro 55 60 65cag cag tgt gcc cac ttc tgt gag aaa agg ccc aga
agc cag gcg aac 356Gln Gln Cys Ala His Phe Cys Glu Lys Arg Pro Arg
Ser Gln Ala Asn70 75 80 85ctc cag ccc gag ctc ggg aga cca cag gcc
ggg gag gtg gaa gtc agg 404Leu Gln Pro Glu Leu Gly Arg Pro Gln Ala
Gly Glu Val Glu Val Arg 90 95 100tca gac aac tca gga agg cac cag
gga tct gag cat ggt cca gga ttg 452Ser Asp Asn Ser Gly Arg His Gln
Gly Ser Glu His Gly Pro Gly Leu 105 110 115agg cta agt agc gac cag
ctg act ctc tac tgc aca ctg ggg gtc tgc 500Arg Leu Ser Ser Asp Gln
Leu Thr Leu Tyr Cys Thr Leu Gly Val Cys 120 125 130ctc tgc gcc atc
ttc tgc tgt ttc ttg gtg gcc ttg gcc tcc ttc ctc 548Leu Cys Ala Ile
Phe Cys Cys Phe Leu Val Ala Leu Ala Ser Phe Leu 135 140 145agg cgt
aga gga gag cca cta ccc agc cag cct gcc ggg cca cgt ggg 596Arg Arg
Arg Gly Glu Pro Leu Pro Ser Gln Pro Ala Gly Pro Arg Gly150 155 160
165tca caa gca aac tct ccc cac gcc cac cgc ccc gtg aca gag gct tgc
644Ser Gln Ala Asn Ser Pro His Ala His Arg Pro Val Thr Glu Ala Cys
170 175 180gac gag gtg acc gcg tca ccc cag cct gtg gaa acg tgt agc
ttc tgc 692Asp Glu Val Thr Ala Ser Pro Gln Pro Val Glu Thr Cys Ser
Phe Cys 185 190 195ttc ccg gag cgc agt tct ccc act cag gag agc gcg
ccg cgt tcg ctc 740Phe Pro Glu Arg Ser Ser Pro Thr Gln Glu Ser Ala
Pro Arg Ser Leu 200 205 210ggg ata cac ggc ttc gcg ggc act gcc gcc
ccg cag ccc tgt atg cgt 788Gly Ile His Gly Phe Ala Gly Thr Ala Ala
Pro Gln Pro Cys Met Arg 215 220 225gca aca gta ggc ggc ctg ggt gtc
ctg cgc gca tcc act ggg gac gct 836Ala Thr Val Gly Gly Leu Gly Val
Leu Arg Ala Ser Thr Gly Asp Ala230 235 240 245cgt ccg gca act
tgacagcccg aaaaataaaa aagacaattt agaggatgga 888Arg Pro Ala
Thrgtgacagagg gggaaaggga tggagaagag acagatgaag acacgataaa
ggaagcccgg 948ctgcacccac gcagagcaac aaagcaacca cctgcagcgc
ccacgttccc agcaccgcct 1008gtgcctgccg ctgtgtccta tactttccag
agcagtcaac ctgtgccttt tttctttagt 1068cgagaaagat ggagaatgac
cggcacctag cattaccctt acaattctta caaacaagtg 1128gtctttccta
tggccttagg cagatagctg agtgcagtgt ggatgtattt gtgatttaag
1188taacttgtat gtgtatgtgc agattcgggg ttatgtcata tgtgcatgta
tacgtgagtt 1248gtgtgtctgt atgagttgtg tgtatatgtg cgcctataaa
tatgtgtgtg aattctgtgc 1308atgcagatgt gtgtgtacat atgtgtctgg
ctgatgtggt atagccagaa agatgagggc 1368ccttctaggt gaaggccaaa
catctaaaaa ccatctaggt gatgggtgct cgtgccgaat 1428tc 143020249PRTMus
musculus 20Met Ala Met Ala Phe Cys Pro Lys Asp Gln Tyr Trp Asp Ser
Ser Arg1 5 10 15Lys Ser Cys Val Ser Cys Ala Leu Thr Cys Ser Gln Arg
Ser Gln Arg 20 25 30Thr Cys Thr Asp Phe Cys Lys Phe Ile Asn Cys Arg
Lys Glu Gln Gly 35 40 45Arg Tyr Tyr Asp His Leu Leu Gly Ala Cys Val
Ser Cys Asp Ser Thr 50 55 60Cys Thr Gln His Pro Gln Gln Cys Ala His
Phe Cys Glu Lys Arg Pro65 70 75 80Arg Ser Gln Ala Asn Leu Gln Pro
Glu Leu Gly Arg Pro Gln Ala Gly 85 90 95Glu Val Glu Val Arg Ser Asp
Asn Ser Gly Arg His Gln Gly Ser Glu 100 105 110His Gly Pro Gly Leu
Arg Leu Ser Ser Asp Gln Leu Thr Leu Tyr Cys 115 120 125Thr Leu Gly
Val Cys Leu Cys Ala Ile Phe Cys Cys Phe Leu Val Ala 130 135 140Leu
Ala Ser Phe Leu Arg Arg Arg Gly Glu Pro Leu Pro Ser Gln Pro145 150
155 160Ala Gly Pro Arg Gly Ser Gln Ala Asn Ser Pro His Ala His Arg
Pro 165 170 175Val Thr Glu Ala Cys Asp Glu Val Thr Ala Ser Pro Gln
Pro Val Glu 180 185 190Thr Cys Ser Phe Cys Phe Pro Glu Arg Ser Ser
Pro Thr Gln Glu Ser 195 200 205Ala Pro Arg Ser Leu Gly Ile His Gly
Phe Ala Gly Thr Ala Ala Pro 210 215 220Gln Pro Cys Met Arg Ala Thr
Val Gly Gly Leu Gly Val Leu Arg Ala225 230 235 240Ser Thr Gly Asp
Ala Arg Pro Ala Thr 24521473DNAArtificial SequenceNorthern Blot
Probe 21ctgtggacgg gggtggctat gagatcctgc cccgaagagc agtactggga
tcctctgctg 60ggtacctgca tgtcctgcaa aaccatttgc aaccatcaga gccagcgcac
ctgtgcagcc 120ttctgcaggt cactcagctg ccgcaaggag caaggcaagt
tctatgacca tctcctgagg 180gactgcatca gctgtgcctc catctgtgga
cagcacccta agcaatgtgc atacttctgt 240gagaacaagc tcaggagccc
agtgaacctt ccaccagagc tcaggagaca gcggagtgga 300gaagttgaaa
acaattcaga caactcggga aggtaccaag gattggagca cagaggctca
360gaagcaagtc cagctctccc ggggctgaag ctgagtgcag atcaggtggc
cctggtctac 420agcacgctgg ggctctgcct gtgtgccgtc ctctgctgct
tcctggtggc ggt 4732225DNAArtificial SequenceZC20061 22ctgtggacag
gggtggctat gagat 252325DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide
ZC20062 23accgccacca ggaagcacag aggac 2524256DNAArtificial
SequenceNorthern Blot probe 24tgcgattctc tggacctgtt tgggactgag
cttaataatt tctttggcag ttttcgtgct 60aatgtttttg ctaaggaaga taagctctga
accattaaag gacgagttta aaaacacagg 120atcaggtctc ctgggcatgg
ctaacattga cctggaaaag agcaggactg gtgatgaaat 180tattcttccg
agaggcctcg agtacacggt ggaagaatgc acctgtgaag actgcatcaa
240gagcaaaccg aaggtc 2562522DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide
ZC21065 25tgcgattctc tggacctgtt tg 222622DNAArtificial
SequenceOligonucleotide ZC21067 26gaccttcggt ttgctcttga tg
222720DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide ZC24200 27acactggggg
tctgcctctg 202817DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide ZC24201
28gcgaagccgt gtatccc 172917DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide
ZC24198 29tctacagcac gctgggg 173016DNAArtificial
SequenceOligonucleotide ZC24199 30gcacaagtgg ggtcgg
163119DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide ZC24271 31ttattgtaat
gcaagtgtg 193217DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide ZC24272
32tagctgggag tggaaag 173320DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide
ZC24495 33tccaagcgtg accagttcag
203418DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide ZC24496 34agttggcttc
tccatccc 18351090DNAHomo sapiens 35taactctcct gaggggtgag ccaagccctg
ccatgtagtg cacgcaggac atcaacaaac 60acagataaca ggaaatgatc cattccctgt
ggtcacttat tctaaaggcc ccaaccttca 120aagttcaagt agtgatatgg
atgactccac agaaagggag cagtcacgcc ttacttcttg 180ccttaagaaa
agagaagaaa tgaaactgaa ggagtgtgtt tccatcctcc cacggaagga
240aagcccctct gtccgatcct ccaaagacgg aaagctgctg gctgcaacct
tgctgctggc 300actgctgtct tgctgcctca cggtggtgtc tttctaccag
gtggccgccc tgcaagggga 360cctggccagc ctccgggcag agctgcaggg
ccaccacgcg gagaagctgc cagcaggagc 420aggagccccc aaggccggcc
tggaggaagc tccagctgtc accgcgggac tgaaaatctt 480tgaaccacca
gctccaggag aaggcaactc cagtcagaac agcagaaata agcgtgccgt
540tcagggtcca gaagaaacag tcactcaaga ctgcttgcaa ctgattgcag
acagtgaaac 600accaactata caaaaaggat cttacacatt tgttccatgg
cttctcagct ttaaaagggg 660aagtgcccta gaagaaaaag agaataaaat
attggtcaaa gaaactggtt acttttttat 720atatggtcag gttttatata
ctgataagac ctacgccatg ggacatctaa ttcagaggaa 780gaaggtccat
gtctttgggg atgaattgag tctggtgact ttgtttcgat gtattcaaaa
840tatgcctgaa acactaccca ataattcctg ctattcagct ggcattgcaa
aactggaaga 900aggagatgaa ctccaacttg caataccaag agaaaatgca
caaatatcac tggatggaga 960tgtcacattt tttggtgcat tgaaactgct
gtgacctact tacaccatgt ctgtagctat 1020tttcctccct ttctctgtac
ctctaagaag aaagaatcta actgaaaata ccaaaaaaaa 1080aaaaaaaaaa
10903635DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide 36cgcgcggttt
aaacgccacc atggatgact ccaca 353732DNAArtificial
SequenceOligonucleotide 37gtatacggcg cgcctcacag cagtttcaat gc
323825DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide ZC17251 38tctggacgtc
ctcctgctgg tatag 253925DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide
ZC17252 39ggtatggagc aaggggcaag ttggg 254027DNAArtificial
SequenceOligonucleotide ZC17156 40gagtggcaac ttccagggcc aggagag
274127DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide ZC17157 41cttttgctag
cctcaaccct gactatc 2742813DNAHomo sapiens 42ggcacagcac ggggcgatgg
gcgcgtttcg ggccctgtgc ggcctggcgc tgctgtgcgc 60gctcagcctg ggtcagcgcc
ccaccggggg tcccgggtgc ggccctgggc gcctcctgct 120tgggacggga
acggacgcgc gctgctgccg ggttcacacg acgcgctgct gccgcgatta
180cccgggcgag gagtgctgtt ccgagtggga ctgcatgtgt gtccagcctg
aattccactg 240cggagaccct tgctgcacga cctgccggca ccacccttgt
cccccaggcc agggggtaca 300gtcccagggg aaattcagtt ttggcttcca
gtgtatcgac tgtgcctcgg ggaccttctc 360cgggggccac gaaggccact
gcaaaccttg gacagactgc acccagttcg ggtttctcac 420tgtgttccct
gggaacaaga cccacaacgc tgtgtgcgtc ccagggtccc cgccggcaga
480gccgcttggg tggctgaccg tcgtcctcct ggccgtggcc gcctgcgtcc
tcctcctgac 540ctcggcccag cttggactgc acatctggca gctgaggagt
cagtgcatgt ggccccgaga 600gacccagctg ctgctggagg tgccgccgtc
gaccgaagac gccagaagct gccagttccc 660cgaggaagag cggggcgagc
gatcggcaga ggagaagggg cggctgggag acctgtgggt 720gtgagcctgg
ctgtcctccg gggccaccga ccgcagccag cccctcccca ggagctcccc
780aggccgcagg gctctgcgtt ctgctctggg ccg 8134344DNAArtificial
SequenceOligonucleotide ZC10,134 43atcagcggaa ttcagatctt cagacaaaac
tcacacatgc ccac 444435DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide ZC10135
44ggcagtctct agatcattta cccggagaca gggag 3545768DNAHomo
sapiensCDS(7)...(759)Ig Fc sequence 45ggatcc atg aag cac ctg tgg
ttc ttc ctc ctg ctg gtg gcg gct ccc 48 Met Lys His Leu Trp Phe Phe
Leu Leu Leu Val Ala Ala Pro 1 5 10aga tgg gtc ctg tcc gag ccc aga
tct tca gac aaa act cac aca tgc 96Arg Trp Val Leu Ser Glu Pro Arg
Ser Ser Asp Lys Thr His Thr Cys15 20 25 30cca ccg tgc cca gca cct
gaa gcc gag ggg gca ccg tca gtc ttc ctc 144Pro Pro Cys Pro Ala Pro
Glu Ala Glu Gly Ala Pro Ser Val Phe Leu 35 40 45ttc ccc cca aaa ccc
aag gac acc ctc atg atc tcc cgg acc cct gag 192Phe Pro Pro Lys Pro
Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu 50 55 60gtc aca tgc gtg
gtg gtg gac gtg agc cac gaa gac cct gag gtc aag 240Val Thr Cys Val
Val Val Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val Lys 65 70 75ttc aac tgg
tac gtg gac ggc gtg gag gtg cat aat gcc aag aca aag 288Phe Asn Trp
Tyr Val Asp Gly Val Glu Val His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys 80 85 90ccg cgg
gag gag cag tac aac agc acg tac cgt gtg gtc agc gtc ctc 336Pro Arg
Glu Glu Gln Tyr Asn Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu95 100 105
110acc gtc ctg cac cag gac tgg ctg aat ggc aag gag tac aag tgc aag
384Thr Val Leu His Gln Asp Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys
115 120 125gtc tcc aac aaa gcc ctc cca tcc tcc atc gag aaa acc atc
tcc aaa 432Val Ser Asn Lys Ala Leu Pro Ser Ser Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile
Ser Lys 130 135 140 gcc aaa ggg cag ccc cga gaa cca cag gtg tac acc
ctg ccc cca tcc 480Ala Lys Gly Gln Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr
Leu Pro Pro Ser 145 150 155cgg gat gag ctg acc aag aac cag gtc agc
ctg acc tgc ctg gtc aaa 528Arg Asp Glu Leu Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser
Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys 160 165 170ggc ttc tat ccc agc gac atc gcc
gtg gag tgg gag agc aat ggg cag 576Gly Phe Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala
Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln175 180 185 190ccg gag aac aac tac
aag acc acg cct ccc gtg ctg gac tcc gac ggc 624Pro Glu Asn Asn Tyr
Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly 195 200 205tcc ttc ttc
ctc tac agc aag ctc acc gtg gac aag agc agg tgg cag 672Ser Phe Phe
Leu Tyr Ser Lys Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln 210 215 220 cag
ggg aac gtc ttc tca tgc tcc gtg atg cat gag gct ctg cac aac 720Gln
Gly Asn Val Phe Ser Cys Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn 225 230
235cac tac acg cag aag agc ctc tcc ctg tct ccg ggt aaa taatctaga
768His Tyr Thr Gln Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 240 245
2504652DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucletide ZC15345 46ccgtgcccag
cacctgaagc cgagggggca ccgtcagtct tcctcttccc cc 524731DNAArtificial
SequenceOligonucleotide ZC15347 47ggattctaga ttttataccc ggagacaggg
a 314855DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide ZC15517 48ggtggcggct
cccagatggg tcctgtccga gcccagatct tcagacaaaa ctcac
554918DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide ZC15530 49tgggagggct
ttgttgga 185042DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide ZC15518
50tccaacaaag ccctcccatc ctccatcgag aaaaccatct cc
425157DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide ZC15516 51ggatggatcc
atgaagcacc tgtggttctt cctcctgctg gtggcggctc ccagatg
575259DNAArtificial Sequenceoligonucleotide primer 52ctcagccagg
aaatccatgc cgagttgaga cgcttccgta gaatgagtgg cctgggccg
595348DNAArtificial SequenceOligonucleotide primer 53gcatgtgtga
gttttgtctg aagatctggg ctccttcagc cccgggag 485459DNAArtificial
SequenceOligonucleotide primer 54ctcagccagg aaatccatgc cgagttgaga
cgcttccgta gaatgagtgg cctgggccg 595559DNAArtificial
SequenceOligonucleotide primer 55gcacggtggg catgtgtgag ttttgtctga
agatctgggc tccttcagcc ccgggagag 595660DNAArtificial
SequenceOligonucleotide primer 56gcacagaggc tcagaagcaa gtccagctct
cccggggctg aaggagccca gatcttcaga 605756DNAArtificial
SequenceOligonucleotide primer 57ggggtgggta caaccccaga gctgttttaa
tctagattat ttacccggag acaggg 565859DNAArtificial
SequenceOligonucleotide primer 58ctaacatgtc agcgttattg taatgcaagt
gtgaccaatt cagagcccag atcttcaga 595920PRTArtificial
SequenceAntibody peptide 59Ser Ala Gly Ile Ala Lys Leu Glu Glu Gly
Pro Glu Leu Gln Leu Ala1 5 10 15Ile Pro Arg Glu 206020PRTArtificial
SequenceAntibody peptide 60Ser Phe Lys Arg Gly Ser Ala Leu Glu Glu
Lys Glu Asn Lys Glu Leu1 5 10 15Val Lys Glu Thr 20
* * * * *
References