U.S. patent application number 13/335362 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-13 for polyspecific binding molecules and uses thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Altor BioScience Corporation. Invention is credited to Kimberlyn F. Card, Norman R. Klinman, Linda A. Sherman, Jon A. Weidanz, Hing C. Wong.
Application Number | 20120230995 13/335362 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22304401 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120230995 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weidanz; Jon A. ; et
al. |
September 13, 2012 |
POLYSPECIFIC BINDING MOLECULES AND USES THEREOF
Abstract
The present invention relates to polyspecific binding molecules
and particularly single-chain polyspecific binding molecules that
include at least one single-chain T-cell receptor (sc-TCR)
covalently linked through a peptide linker sequence to at least one
single-chain antibody (sc-Ab). Further disclosed are methods and
compositions for testing and using the molecules.
Inventors: |
Weidanz; Jon A.; (Abilene,
TX) ; Card; Kimberlyn F.; (Pembroke Pines, FL)
; Sherman; Linda A.; (La Jolla, CA) ; Klinman;
Norman R.; (La Jolla, CA) ; Wong; Hing C.;
(Weston, FL) |
Assignee: |
Altor BioScience
Corporation
Miramar
FL
|
Family ID: |
22304401 |
Appl. No.: |
13/335362 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10287941 |
Nov 5, 2002 |
8105830 |
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13335362 |
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09422375 |
Oct 21, 1999 |
6534633 |
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10287941 |
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60105164 |
Oct 21, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/135.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C07K 16/2809 20130101;
C07K 14/7051 20130101; A61P 35/00 20180101; C07K 2317/31 20130101;
C07K 16/22 20130101; C07K 2319/00 20130101; A61P 43/00 20180101;
C07K 2317/34 20130101; A61K 2039/505 20130101; C07K 2319/30
20130101; C07K 2317/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/135.1 |
International
Class: |
A61K 39/395 20060101
A61K039/395; A61P 35/00 20060101 A61P035/00 |
Claims
1-45. (canceled)
46. A method for preventing or treating a cancer in a mammal in
which the cancer features pHLA-expressing tumor cells, the method
comprising: a) administering to the mammal a single-chain
polyspecific binding protein comprising at least one single-chain
T-Cell receptor (sc-TCR) and at least one single-chain Fv (sc-Fv),
wherein the sc-TCR specifically binds to a HLA complexed with a
known peptide antigen on tumor cells and the sc-Fv specifically
binds CD3 on the surface of immune cells, and wherein the sc-TCR
comprises a V-.beta. chain and a V-.alpha. chain covalently linked
by a peptide linker and further comprises a C-.beta. chain or
fragment thereof fused to the C-terminus of the V-.beta. chain; b)
forming a specific binding complex through the single-chain
polyspecific binding protein interactions with the known peptide
antigen HLA complex on the tumor cells and with the CD3 molecule on
the immune cells sufficient to activate the immune cells; and c)
damaging or killing the tumor cells with the activated immune cells
sufficient to prevent or treat the cancer in the mammal.
47. (canceled)
48. The method of claim 46, wherein the peptide linker links the
C-terminus of the V-.alpha. chain to the N-terminus of the V-.beta.
chain.
49. The method of claim 46, wherein the peptide linker comprises an
amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID
NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, and SEQ ID NO:
50. The method of claim 46, wherein the peptide linker consists of
between 5 and 25 amino acids.
51. The method of claim 46, wherein the sc-TCR further comprises a
TCR C-.alpha. chain or fragment thereof fused to the C-terminus of
the V-.alpha. chain and the N-terminus of the peptide linker.
52. The method of claim 46, wherein the sc-TCR and the sc-Fv are
adjoined by a peptide linker.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein the peptide linker adjoining
the sc-TCR and the sc-Fv comprises the amino acids sequence of SEQ
ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 4.
54. The method of claim 46, wherein the sc-Fv is humanized.
55. The method of claim 46, wherein a C-0 chain is a human C-0
chain.
56. The method of claim 46, wherein the immune cells are cytotoxic
T lymphocytes.
57. The method of claim 46, wherein the tumor cells comprise
HLA-A2-peptide antigen complexes and the peptide antigen is a
peptide fragment of the human wild-type tumor suppressor protein
p53 restricted by HLA-A2.
58. The method of claim 46, wherein the tumor cells comprise
HLA-A2-peptide antigen complexes and the peptide antigen is a
peptide fragment of the HER-2 restricted by HLA-A2.
59. The method of claim 46, wherein the mammal is a human.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/105,164 filed on Oct. 21, 1998, the disclosure
of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to polyspecific binding
molecules, as well as methods of making and using such molecules.
In one aspect, the invention features single-chain polyspecific
binding molecules that can damage or destroy target cells. The
invention is useful for a variety of applications including use in
associating cells that express a T-cell receptor or an antibody
binding domain.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There has been recognition that immune system cells and
particularly cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) can be used to detect
tumor associated antigens (TAAs). For example, CTLs derived from
melanomas have been used to identify a variety of melanoma-specific
antigens. See e.g., Bruggen et al., Science, (1991), 254:1643;
Bakker et al., J. Exp. Med., (1994), 179: 1005; and Yanuck et al.,
Cancer Research, (1993), 53, 3257.
[0004] Several anti-tumor therapies have attempted to use CTLs to
treat diseases such as cancer. In one approach, anti-tumor CTLs are
taken from a patient, expanded in vitro, and then given back to the
patient to treat the cancer. However, this approach suffers from
significant drawbacks. For example, it is not always
straightforward to isolate sufficient quantities of the CTLs from
the patient. In addition, at least some of the CTLs may have
specificities that have survived self-tolerance that could lead to
additional complications. See, e.g., Browning et al., Curr. Opin.
Immunol., (1992) 4, 613; Mizoguchi et al., Science, (1992),
258:1795, and George et al., J. Immunol., (1994), 152, 1802.
[0005] There have been attempts to mitigate these and other
shortcomings by making and using recombinant immune molecules such
as those resembling antibodies. An antibody has a recognized
structure that includes an immunoglobulin heavy and light chain.
The heavy and light chains include an N-terminal variable region
(V) and a C-terminal constant region (C). The heavy chain variable
region is often referred to as "V.sub.H" and the light chain
variable region is referred to as "V.sub.L". The V.sub.H and
V.sub.L chains form a binding pocket that has been referred to as
F(v). See generally Davis Ann. Rev. of Immunology (1985), 3: 537;
and Fundamental Immunology 3rd Ed., W. Paul Ed. Raven Press LTD.
New York (1993).
[0006] Recombinant antibody molecules have been disclosed. For
example, several recombinant bispecific antibody (bsFv) molecules
have been reported. Most of the bsFv molecules include a F(v)
formatted as a single-chain (sc-Fv). More particular sc-Fv
molecules include a V.sub.H linked to a V.sub.I, through a peptide
linker sequence. See e.g., Huston et al. PNAS (USA), (1988),
85:5879; Bird et al., Science, (1988), 242: 423; WO 94/29350; and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,030.
[0007] Additional bsFv molecules have been disclosed. For example,
some bsFv molecules have been reported to bind a T-cell protein
termed "CD3" and a TAA. There is recognition that binding of the
bsFv may facilitate an immune system response. See e.g., Jost, C.
R. (1996) Mol. Immunol. 33: 211; Lindhofer, H. et al. (1996) Blood,
88: 4651; Chapoval, A. I. et al. (1995) J. of Hematotherapy, 4:
571.
[0008] There have been attempts to develop straightforward methods
of making bispecific antibody molecules. However, many of these
attempts have been associated with problems. For example, many of
the molecules are reported to be insoluble especially in bacterial
expression systems. See e.g., Wels et al., (1992), Biotechnology,
10:1128.
[0009] Attempts to make other recombinant immune molecules have
been reported. For example, there have been specific attempts to
manipulate T-cell receptors (TCRs). The TCR is a membrane bound
heterodimer consisting of an .alpha. and .beta. chain that
resembles an immunoglobulin variable (V) and constant (C) region.
The TCR .alpha. chain includes a covalently linked V-.alpha. and
C-.alpha. chain. The TCR .beta. chain includes a V-.beta. chain
covalently linked to a C-.beta. chain. See generally Davis,
supra.
[0010] There have been specific efforts to manipulate the TCR by
recombinant DNA techniques. For example, in one approach, the TCR
has been formatted as a single-chain fusion protein comprising the
TCR V regions (sc-TCR). The sc-TCR molecule has been reported to
have several important uses. See e.g., Soo Hoo, W. F. et al. PNAS
(USA) 89, 4759 (1992); Wulfing, C. and Pluckthun, A., J. Mol. Biol.
242, 655 (1994); Kurucz, I. et al. PNAS (USA) 90 3830 (1993); PCT
WO 96/13593; PCT WO 96/18105; and Schlueter, C. J. et al. J. Mol.
Biol. 256, 859 (1996).
[0011] The prior recombinant immune molecules are believed to be
associated with significant shortcomings.
[0012] For example, there has been recognition that many tumor
antigens are "shed" from cells, thereby providing sites for
non-specific immune molecule binding. In particular, it has been
proposed that many bsFv molecules inadvertently interact with the
shed antigens, thereby reducing tumor cell killing efficiency.
[0013] The prior immune molecules suffer from additional drawbacks.
For example, there has been recognition that many bsFv molecules
cannot bind potential target antigens such as certain peptides on
the surface of tumor cells. As an illustration, the tumor related
protein p53 is usually not expressed on tumor cells as an intact
protein. Instead, p53 has been reported to be processed and
presented as a peptide in the context of a cell surface class I or
class II molecule. Thus, in settings in which binding to specific
cell surface peptides is needed, it has been difficult or
impossible for bsFv molecules.
[0014] Further, it has been difficult to isolate some bsFv
molecules without significant isolation and/or re-folding steps.
See e.g., Jost, C. R. et al. supra and references cited
therein.
[0015] Preparation and use of many sc-TCRs has also been associated
with problems. For example, several prior methods for making the
sc-TCRs have yielded insoluble and improperly folded molecules.
Several strategies have been developed in an attempt to improve
sc-TCR yields. However, the sc-TCRs produced by these methods often
require time-consuming manipulations to obtain even modest amounts
of protein. See e.g., Ward, E. S. et al. supra; Schlueter, C. J.
supra; and published PCT applications WO 96/18105 and WO
96/13593.
[0016] There is a need therefore for recombinant immune molecules
and particularly single-chain polyspecific binding molecules that
can damage or eliminate (kill) target cells in vitro and in vivo.
It would be desirable to have methods for making the polyspecific
binding molecules with a minimum of difficult preparative
steps.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention relates to novel immune molecules and
particularly to single-chain polyspecific binding proteins that
damage or eliminate (kill) desired target cells. The single-chain
polyspecific binding proteins include at least one receptor domain
capable of specifically binding a peptide bound (loaded) to a major
histocompatibility complex (MHC) or a human-leukocyte-associated
antigen (HLA); and at least one antibody domain capable of binding
an antigen. The present single-chain polyspecific binding molecules
are fully soluble and can be isolated in significant quantities
with a minimum of difficult preparative steps. Also provided are
methods and compositions for screening the single-chain
polyspecific binding proteins for capacity to bind desired
cells.
[0018] We have made novel polyspecific binding molecules that
feature a wide variety of useful activities. For example, the
single-chain polyspecific binding proteins can associate cells
expressing the peptide bound (loaded) MHC (HLA) to cells expressing
the antigen. In most instances, the MHC (HLA) and the antigen will
be on separate cells. Association of the cells in accord with the
invention preferably facilitates an immune response that can damage
or kill the cells expressing the peptide bound (loaded) MHC (HLA)
complexes. The present invention has a wide spectrum of useful
applications including use in the treatment of certain cancers and
viral infections.
[0019] More particularly, the present invention features
single-chain polyspecific binding proteins that include at least
one single-chain T-cell receptor (sc-TCR) or functional fragment
thereof sufficient to bind a particular peptide bound (loaded) to
the MHC (HLA). A cell expressing the peptide bound (loaded) MHC or
HLA will often be referred to herein as a "target cell" or similar
term. The polyspecific binding proteins further include at least
one antibody binding domain and particularly a single-chain
antibody or functional fragment thereof, which antibody binding
domain is sufficient to bind the antigen. In most embodiments, the
antigen bound by the antibody binding domain will be expressed on a
cell surface, usually on the surface of an immune cell. In
particular embodiments, the antigen will be selective for the
immune cells. More preferred single-chain polyspecific binding
molecules of this invention are capable of forming a specific
binding complex ("bridge") between the peptide bound (loaded) MHC
or HLA on the target cell and the antigen on the immune cell.
Without wishing to be bound to theory, it is believed that
formation of the bridge in accord with the invention facilitates an
immune response that can damage or kill the target cells.
[0020] Preferred polyspecific binding molecules of this invention
specifically bind MHC or HLA complexes. Unless otherwise specified,
the term MHC and HLA as used herein means a complex to which a
particular peptide is bound (loaded). In some instances, the MHC
(HLA) complexes will be referenced as "pMHC", "pHLA" or like term
to denote the peptide binding (loading). The polyspecific binding
molecules are thus useful for binding the MHC and HLA complexes and
for bridging those complexes to an immune cell expressing a desired
antigen. In some instances, the immune cell antigen bound by a
particular polyspecific binding molecule will be referred to as an
"activation" molecule or marker to denote preferred activation of
the immune cell following binding by the polyspecific molecule.
[0021] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention features
single-chain polyspecific binding proteins that include at least
one sc-TCR covalently linked (i.e. fused) to at least one
single-chain antibody (sc-Ab). In embodiments in which the
single-chain polyspecific molecule include one sc-TCR and one
sc-Ab, the sc-TCR and the sc-Ab molecules may be directly fused
together although it is generally preferred to separate the sc-TCR
and sc-Ab from each other through a suitable (first) peptide linker
sequence. Alternatively, functional fragments of the sc-TCR and/or
sc-Ab molecules may be employed in the proteins. In preferred
embodiments, the polyspecific binding proteins will include the
sc-TCR linked to the sc-Ab through the first peptide linker
sequence.
[0022] More particularly, the sc-TCR is preferably a single-chain V
chain. The V chain will typically include a V.alpha.,.beta.
sequence in which a V-.alpha. chain is fused to a V-.beta. chain.
In a specific embodiment, the fusion is achieved by covalently
linking the molecules through a (second) peptide linker sequence.
The fusion product may be further covalently linked through the
V-.alpha. or V-.beta. chain to an immunoglobulin constant chain
(Ig-C.sub.L) or fragment thereof if desired.
[0023] In a more specific embodiment, the C-terminus of the sc-TCR
V-.alpha. chain is covalently linked by the second peptide linker
sequence to the N-terminus of V-.beta. chain. Alternatively, the
C-terminus of the sc-TCR V-.beta. chain can be covalently linked by
the second peptide linker sequence to the N-terminus of the
V-.alpha. chain.
[0024] In another embodiment, a TCR C-.beta. chain or fragment
thereof is covalently linked between the C-terminus of the sc-TCR
V-.beta. chain and the N-terminus of the first peptide linker
sequence. Alternatively, the TCR C-.beta. chain or the fragment may
be covalently linked between the C-terminus of the sc-TCR V-.alpha.
chain and the N-terminus of the first peptide linker sequence.
[0025] In another embodiment, a TCR C-.alpha. chain or fragment
thereof is covalently linked between the C-terminus of the sc-TCR
V-.alpha. chain and the N-terminus of the second peptide linker
sequence fused to the V-.beta. sequence. Alternatively, the
C-.alpha. chain or fragment can be covalently linked between the
C-terminus of the V-.beta. chain and the N-terminus of the second
peptide linker sequence fused to the V-.alpha. sequence.
[0026] In a particular embodiment, the sc-TCR includes the TCR
C-.alpha. chain or fragment covalently linked between the
C-terminus of the sc-TCR V-.alpha. chain and the N-terminus of the
second peptide linker sequence fused to the sc-TCR V-.beta.
sequence. Further, the TCR C-.beta. chain or fragment is covalently
linked between the C-terminus of the V-.beta. chain and the
N-terminus of the first peptide linker sequence.
[0027] As discussed, the polyspecific binding molecules of this
invention include at least one sc-Ab. In a particular embodiment
the antibody binding domain includes at least one sc-Fv. More
preferred single-chain polyspecific binding proteins include one
sc-Fv or a functional fragment thereof. An illustrative sc-Fv
includes at least two immunoglobulin chains and especially two
immunoglobulin variable chains, e.g., a light chain (V.sub.L) fused
to a heavy chain (V.sub.H). In this embodiment, the V.sub.L and
V.sub.H chains may be fused together although it is generally
preferred to covalently link the chains through a (third) peptide
linker sequence.
[0028] In a particular embodiment, the C-terminus of the V.sub.L
chain is covalently linked by the third peptide linker sequence to
the N-terminus of V.sub.H chain. In another embodiment, the
C-terminus of the V.sub.H chain is covalently linked by the third
peptide linker sequence to the N-terminus of the V.sub.L chain.
[0029] In a more particular embodiment, the C-terminus of the
sc-TCR V-.beta. chain is covalently linked to the third polypeptide
linker sequence which sequence is further linked to the N-terminus
of the V.sub.H chain. Alternatively, the C-terminus of the sc-TCR
V-.beta. is covalently linked to the third polypeptide linker
sequence as discussed except that the polypeptide sequence is
further linked to the N-terminus of the V.sub.L chain. In another
embodiment, the C-terminus of the sc-TCR V-.beta. chain is
covalently linked to a C-.beta. chain which chain is covalently
linked to the third polypeptide linker sequence which sequence is
linked to the N-terminus of the V.sub.H chain. Alternatively, the
C-terminus of the sc-TCR V-.beta. chain is covalently linked to a
C-.beta. chain which chain is covalently linked to the third
polypeptide linker sequence which sequence is linked to the
N-terminus of the V.sub.L chain.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides
single-chain "bispecific" binding proteins that include at least
one sc-TCR (or fragment thereof), and at least one sc-Fv (or
fragment thereof) covalently linked together through a suitable
peptide linker sequence. In instances in which more than one sc-TCR
and/or sc-Fv are used the sc-TCRs and sc-Fvs are preferably the
same. The single-chain bispecific binding protein will sometimes be
referred to herein as a "bispecific hybrid molecule" or
"sc-TCR/scFv hybrid molecule" or similar phrase. The bispecific
hybrid molecules of this invention may include additional amino
acid sequences such as protein tags. More preferred bispecific
binding proteins are discussed as follows.
[0031] For example, in one embodiment, the bispecific binding
molecules include covalently linked in sequence: 1) a sc-TCR or
functional fragment thereof of interest, 2) a suitable peptide
linker sequence, and 3) a sc-Fv or functional fragment thereof. In
a more particular embodiment, the sc-TCR further includes
covalently linked in sequence: 4) the V-.alpha. chain, 5) a
suitable peptide linker sequence, 6) a V-.beta. chain, and 7) an
optional C-.beta. chain fragment. Alternatively, the sc-TCR can
include covalently linked in sequence: 4) the V-.beta. chain, 5)
the linker sequence, 6) the V-.alpha. chain, and 7) an optional
C-.beta. chain or fragment thereof. In another particular
embodiment, the sc-TCR further includes a C-.alpha. chain or
fragment thereof covalently linked between the V-.alpha. chain and
the peptide linker sequence fused to V-.beta. chain.
[0032] In another particular embodiment, the bispecific binding
molecules include a sc-Fv that which includes covalently linked in
sequence: 8) the V.sub.H chain, 9) a suitable polypeptide linker
sequence, and 10) the V.sub.L chain. In another embodiment, the
sc-Fv includes covalently linked in sequence: 8) the V.sub.L chain,
9) the polypeptide linker sequence, and 10) the V.sub.H chain.
[0033] The single-chain polyspecific binding proteins of this
invention may further include at least one protein tag covalently
linked thereto, preferably from between about 1 to 3 of such tags.
Preferably, the protein tag is fused to the C-terminus of a desired
binding molecule although for some applications fusion to the
N-terminus may be more preferred.
[0034] In a more specific embodiment, the single-chain polyspecific
binding protein includes covalently linked in sequence: 1) the TCR
V-.alpha. chain, 2) a peptide linker sequence, 3) the TCR V-.beta.
chain covalently linked to a C-.beta. chain fragment, 4) a peptide
linker sequence, 5) the V.sub.L chain, 5) a peptide linker
sequence, and 6) the V.sub.H chain. In another embodiment, the
single-chain polyspecific binding protein includes covalently
linked in sequence: 1) the TCR V-.alpha. chain, 2) a peptide linker
sequence, 3) the TCR V-.beta. chain covalently linked to a C-.beta.
chain fragment, 4) a peptide linker sequence, 5) the V.sub.H chain,
5) a polypeptide linker sequence, and the 6) V.sub.L chain.
[0035] Significantly, the present invention is flexible. That is,
the invention features polyspecific binding molecules that can
include a variety of sc-TCR and sv-FV components. As will be
appreciated, the order in which the components are made or
assembled is usually not important so long as desired binding and
activation characteristics are achieved.
[0036] In another embodiment, the present invention features
multi-chain polyspecific binding proteins that include at least one
sc-TCR (functional fragment thereof) and at least one antibody
binding domain which can be, e.g., an F(v) or sc-Fv. The binding
molecules more specifically include at least one "joining molecule"
to link the sc-TCR and antibody binding domain. As will be more
fully discussed below, the joining molecule may be covalently or
non-covalently linked to the sc-TCR, the antibody binding domain,
or both. For example, in one preferred embodiment, two compatible
joining molecules are each independently fused to the sc-TCR and
the sc-Fv.
[0037] The term "joining molecule" means an amino acid sequence
that is capable of specifically binding, either covalently or
non-covalently, to a second amino acid sequence. Sometimes the
second amino acid sequence is referred to as a "cognate" sequence
to denote capacity to form a specific binding pair. The second
sequence may also be sometimes referred to herein as a second
joining molecule, which second joining molecule can be the same as,
or different from, the (first) joining molecule. More particular
joining molecules include immunoglobulin chains and particularly
constant chains (H or L) or suitable fragments thereof, coiled-coil
motifs and helix-turn-helix motifs. More specific examples of
joining molecules are disclosed below.
[0038] It will be apparent from the discussion which follows that
in some instances a joining molecule may also serve as a protein
tag.
[0039] A more particular multi-chain polyspecific binding molecule
includes more than one joining molecule and preferably about 2 of
such joining molecules. In a more specific embodiment, one sc-TCR
is fused to the first joining molecule. The first joining molecule
can be either covalently or non-covalently linked to the second
joining molecule which is further linked to the antibody binding
domain. However in some embodiments such as when the first and
second joining molecules are suitable immunoglobulin chains, a
combination of covalent and non-covalent bonds may be employed to
link the sc-TCR and the antibody binding domain through the first
and second joining molecules.
[0040] As an illustration, a particular multi-chain polyspecific
binding protein includes covalently linked to at least one sc-TCR,
preferably one sc-TCR, an immunoglobulin heavy chain (Ig-CH) or
functional fragment. Sometimes this construct will be referred to
herein as a "sc-TCR/Ig fusion protein", "sc-TCR/Ig" or similar
phrase. It will be appreciated that the immunoglobulin heavy chain
portion of the sc-TCR/Ig fusion protein is representative of one
type of joining molecule as defined above and in the discussion
following. In a more specific embodiment, the binding molecule
further includes a second joining molecule, which is preferably a
suitable immunoglobulin heavy chain capable of forming a binding
complex. The isotype of the immunoglobulin chains may be different
but are preferably the same to facilitate binding. The second
joining molecule is bound to the antibody binding domain which is
preferably an F(v) and particularly an sc-Fv. In other embodiments,
the sc-TCR may be further bound covalently or non-covalently to an
immunoglobulin variable chain and preferably a variable light
chain.
[0041] The single- and multi-chain polyspecific binding proteins
disclosed herein preferably include TCR V-.alpha. and the V-.beta.
chains that are at least 90% identical to T-cell receptor V chains
present on a cytotoxic T cell. Preferably, at the least the sc-TCR
portion of the protein has been humanized and more preferably the
entire binding protein has been humanized to enhance patient
compatibility. In such embodiments it may be desirable to include
at least one protein tag which can be, e.g., a detectably-labeled
molecule suitable for diagnostic or imaging studies.
[0042] As will be described below, the present polyspecific binding
molecules can be unmodified, or if desired, can be covalently
linked to a desired molecule, e.g., drugs, toxins, enzymes or
radioactive substances through a linked peptide linker
sequence.
[0043] The polyspecific binding molecules of the present invention
provide several significant advantages.
[0044] For example, preferred, polyspecific binding proteins are
capable of associating an MHC-expressing target cell and an immune
cell. That is, the present binding proteins preferably form a
bridge that joins the immune cell to the MHC- or HLA-expressing
cell. As noted, that association is believed to enhance recognition
and facilitate damage to or killing of the target cell. In
contrast, most prior immune system molecules and particularly bsFv
molecules are not optimized to bind pMHC or pHLA complexes.
Accordingly, the present molecules provide an effective means for
killing target cells that express a pMHC or pHLA molecule.
[0045] Additionally, use of the present polyspecific binding
proteins is. believed to be associated with fewer adverse
activities when compared to many prior immune molecules. As an
illustration, many prior bsFv molecules have been reported to bind
to shed TAAs. In contrast, preferred polyspecific binding molecules
of this invention specifically bind TAAs in the context of MHC or
HLA molecules, thereby substantially reducing or totally
eliminating non-specific binding to the shed debris. Significantly,
there has been much less concern in the field regarding any MHC and
HLA shedding.
[0046] Further, the polyspecific binding molecules disclosed herein
can bind a significantly wider spectrum of molecules than most
prior recombinant immune molecules. In particular, there has been
understanding that targetable antigens are often hidden inside
cells making recognition and binding difficult. It is an object of
the present invention to provide binding molecules that
specifically bind these hidden antigens. For example, the
polyspecific binding molecules include at least one sc-TCR (or
functional fragment) that can bind antigens in the context of an
MHC or HLA. Thus, the present binding molecules are capable of
binding a large variety of antigens that are usually hidden inside
cells. In contrast, most prior recombinant immune system molecules
are not able to bind MHC- or HLA-presented antigens
effectively.
[0047] The present invention provides still further advantages. For
example, prior practice generally required extensive manipulation
of TCR-related proteins (e.g., TCR receptors, TCR heterodimers,
sc-TCRs), before significant amounts of protein could be obtained.
In contrast, the polyspecific binding molecules of the present
invention are fully soluble and can be isolated in significant
quantities. Additionally, a wide variety of the polyspecific
binding molecules can be presented for interaction with various
immune system components such as superantigens or APCs.
[0048] Additionally, the single- and multi-chain polyspecific
binding molecules include immunoglobulin chains that are readily
isolated by standard immunological methods. Presence of these
chains can usually facilitate detection, analysis and isolation of
the binding molecules as discussed below.
[0049] In another aspect, the invention pertains to polynucleotides
(RNA, mRNA, cDNA, genomic DNA, or chimeras thereof) that include or
consist of a sequence that encodes a single- or multi-chain
polyspecific binding protein. In one embodiment, the polynucleotide
includes sequence that encodes essentially all of the binding
protein, e.g., as when the binding protein is a single-chain
construct.
[0050] In another embodiment, the polynucleotides include a
sequence that encodes a portion of the polyspecific binding protein
and particularly part of certain multi-chain binding proteins
discussed below. For example, a particular polynucleotide of this
invention may encode an sc-TCR fused to an immunoglobulin heavy
chain or suitable fragment thereof (e.g., an sc-TCR/Ig molecule).
In this embodiment, the remaining part of the polyspecific binding
protein can be provided in several ways. For example, it can be
provided by a cell or extract thereof capable of synthesizing
antibody molecules such as an antibody binding domain. The antibody
or antibody-binding domain may be encoded by the cell genome or it
may be encoded by an introduced DNA segment. Preferably, the cell
will be an antibody-producing cell such as a hybridoma cell.
Alternatively, the remaining part of the binding protein is
provided by a second polynucleotide sequence that includes the DNA
segment. In this embodiment, the binding protein is preferably
constructed by contacting the encoded protein portions together
under conditions conducive to forming the desired binding protein.
As will be discussed below, the polyspecific binding proteins of
this invention can be joined by one or a combination of strategies
including cellular, genetic and chemical methods.
[0051] Particularly contemplated are DNA vectors that include or
consist of the polynucleotides of this invention. Illustrative DNA
vectors include those compatible with conventional prokaryotic or
eukaryotic protein expression system. More specific examples of
polynucleotides and DNA vectors.
[0052] The polynucleotides of the present advantage provide
important advantages. For example, as will become apparent from the
disclosure which follows, preferred polynucleotides of this
invention include DNA segments that encode covalently linked scTCR
and sc-Ab molecules. The DNA segments are preferably configured in
a "cassette" format so that a segment encoding a sc-TCR or sc-Ab
can be switched, as desired, with another segment encoding another
scTCR or sc-Ab.
[0053] In another aspect, the present invention provides
compositions and methods for selecting polyspecific binding
proteins. More particularly, the compositions and methods can be
employed to select sc-TCR and sc-Ab molecules with desired
characteristics, thereby facilitating manufacture and use of
polyspecific binding proteins that include these molecules.
[0054] In one embodiment, the invention provides recombinant
bacteriophages that include at least one sc-TCR (or functional
fragment) and at least one sc-Fv (or functional fragment) as fusion
proteins. As will be discussed, the bacteriophages can be employed,
e.g., to select sc-TCR and sc-Fv molecules for desired binding
characteristics. Preferred are bispecific bacteriophages. The
recombinant bacteriophages may sometimes be referred to herein as
"polyfunctional" or "polyspecific" to denote binding by the sc-TCR
and the sc-Fv fusion proteins. The recombinant bacteriophages can
be derived from well-known filamentous "fd" phages although related
phages may be used in some cases.
[0055] More particularly, the recombinant bacteriophages of this
invention include a plurality of fusion proteins that each include:
1) at least one sc-TCR or functional fragment thereof fused to a
first bacteriophage coat protein, or 2) at least one sc-Ab or
functional fragment thereof fused to a second bacteriophage coat
protein the same or different from the first bacteriophage coat
protein. Preferred bacteriophage coat proteins are essentially
full-length or may be fragments thereof provided that the fragment
is sufficient to display the fused molecule. By "display" is meant
that the protein fusion is part of the bacteriophage coat and is
readily detectable on the bacteriophage by standard screening
techniques such as those disclosed below.
[0056] In a related aspect, the invention provides a recombinant
bacteriophage library that includes a plurality of recombinant
bacteriophages in which each bacteriophage comprises a plurality of
single-chain polyspecific binding proteins each covalently linked
to a bacteriophage coat protein as a protein fusion, wherein each
single-chain binding protein comprises: 1) one sc-TCR or functional
fragment thereof fused to a first bacteriophage coat protein or
fragment, or 2) one sc-Ab or functional fragment thereof fused to a
second bacteriophage coat protein or fragment. More preferred
recombinant bacteriophage libraries include bacteriophages that
display bispecific binding proteins.
[0057] The recombinant bacteriophage libraries can be formatted to
include a variety of TCR V chains and/or immunoglobulin variable
chains. Accordingly, libraries can be used to select recombinant
bacteriophages that display desired sc-TCR and sc-Ab molecules.
[0058] The recombinant bacteriophages of this invention can be
isolated by a variety of conventional techniques. In one
embodiment, there is provided a method for isolating the
recombinant bacteriophages in which the methods include at least
one and preferably all of the following steps:
[0059] a) introducing into host cells a first polynucleotide
comprising a sequence encoding a first fusion protein comprising an
sc-TCR covalently linked to a first bacteriophage coat protein or
fragment,
[0060] b) introducing into the host cells a second polynucleotide
comprising
a sequence encoding a second fusion protein comprising a sc-Fv
covalently linked to a second bacteriophage coat protein or
fragment.
[0061] c) culturing the host cells in medium under conditions
permitting propagation of bacteriophages and display of the fusion
proteins; and
[0062] d) isolating the recombinant bacteriophages from the host
cell or the medium.
[0063] In a particular embodiment, the method further includes
contacting an extract of the host cell or the cultured medium with
a synthetic matrix capable of specifically binding one of the
fusion proteins, and purifying the recombinant bacteriophage from
the synthetic matrix to isolate the bacteriophage. In a more
particular embodiment, the synthetic matrix includes an antibody
fragment that is capable of specifically binding the recombinant
bacteriophage. More specific bacteriophage isolation techniques are
discussed below.
[0064] Additionally provided by the invention is a kit comprising
the present recombinant bacteriophages which kit may also include
suitable prokaryotic cells for propagating the bacteriophage and
directions for using the kit. Also provided is a kit that includes
the bacteriophage library discussed above.
[0065] The recombinant bacteriophages of this invention have
additional uses and advantages. For example, the bacteriophages can
be used in accord with standard screening techniques to facilitate
analysis of a desired polyspecific binding molecule in vitro. More
particularly, the recombinant bacteriophages can be used to assess
whether a specific sc-TCR or sc-Ab such as a sc-Fv has capacity to
recognize, bind and/or kill target cells of interest. Additional
advantages include a relatively fast and straightforward procedure
for making and testing bispecific sc-TCR/sc-Ab molecules; a short
and simple purification process; and an accelerated method for
testing large numbers of different hybrid molecules for efficacy in
damaging or killing target cells (e.g., tumor killing).
[0066] The single- and multi-chain polyspecific binding proteins of
this invention can be made as fully functional and soluble proteins
by one or a combination of methods. In general, the methods involve
cellular, recombinant DNA and chemical techniques, or combinations
thereof.
[0067] For example, in one embodiment, there is provided a method
for making a single-chain polyspecific binding protein comprising
at least one sc-TCR or functional fragment thereof and at least one
sc-Ab and particularly a sc-Fv or functional fragment thereof. The
method includes at least one and preferably all of the following
steps:
[0068] a) introducing into a host cell a DNA vector encoding a
single-chain polyspecific binding protein of interest,
[0069] b) culturing the host cell in media under conditions
sufficient to express the single-chain polyspecific binding protein
in the cell or the media; and
[0070] c) isolating the single-chain polyspecific binding protein
from the cell or media.
[0071] Additionally provided are methods for making a multi-chain
polyspecific binding protein comprising at least one sc-TCR or
functional fragment thereof and an antibody binding domain or
functional fragment. In one embodiment of the method, the
antibody-binding domain is a F(v). In particular, a cell or cell
extract is used to form at least part of the multi-chain binding
protein. More particularly, an antibody producing cell such as a
hybridoma is employed. In one embodiment, the method includes at
least one and preferably all of the following steps:
[0072] a) introducing into a hybridoma cell a DNA vector encoding
at least one sc-TCR, preferably one sc-TCR (or functional fragment)
covalently linked to an immunoglobulin constant heavy chain or
fragment thereof,
[0073] b) culturing the hybridoma cell in media under conditions
conducive to forming a specific binding complex between the
immunoglobulin constant heavy chain or fragment encoded by the DNA
vector and immunoglobulin chains produced by the hybridoma; and
[0074] c) purifying the multi-chain polyspecific binding protein
from the hybridoma cells or media.
[0075] In a more specific embodiment, the method provides for a
multi-chain polyspecific binding protein that includes an
immunoglobulin variable light chain covalently linked to the
sc-TCR, i.e., a bispecific binding protein.
[0076] The present invention provides additional methods for making
the multi-chain polyspecific binding proteins. For example, in one
embodiment, each chain of a desired binding protein is made
independently, e.g., by recombinant DNA or chemical methods.
Preferably, the binding protein further includes at least one
joining molecule, preferably two joining molecules the same or
different. In a particular embodiment, the method includes at least
one and preferably all of the following steps:
[0077] a) providing a first sequence that includes at least one
sc-TCR or functional fragment thereof covalently linked to a first
joining molecule,
[0078] b) contacting the first sequence with a second sequence that
includes at least one sc-Fv or functional fragment thereof linked
to a second joining molecule, wherein the contacting is under
conditions sufficient to form a specific binding complex between
the first and second joining molecules; and
[0079] c) forming the multi-chain polyspecific binding protein.
Preferably, the multi-chain polyspecific binding protein is
bispecific.
[0080] More specific recombinant DNA and chemical methods for
making the multi-chain polyspecific binding proteins are disclosed
below.
[0081] As discussed, the present polyspecific binding proteins also
have significant uses in vivo. For example, the binding proteins
can be used to redirect the specificity of certain immune cells,
e.g., to eliminate target cells such as virally-infected or tumor
cells. In some instances, the tumor cells may also be
virally-infected. As discussed, preferred use of the present
binding molecules can increase damage or elimination of the target
cells. Accordingly, the present invention can be used in vivo to
kill target cells by enhancing immune system activation against
those target cells. Preferred in vivo use of the present
polyspecific binding molecules includes use in a mammal such as a
rodent, primate or domesticated animal, and especially a human
patient.
[0082] Thus, in one aspect, the invention provides methods for
damaging or preferably killing a target cell comprising an MHC or
HLA of interest. In one embodiment, the method includes at least
one and preferably all of the following steps:
[0083] a) contacting a plurality of cells with a polyspecific
binding protein, wherein the plurality of cells comprises immune
cells comprising an antigen and target cells comprising the MHC or
HLA,
[0084] b) forming a specific binding complex (bridge) between the
MHC or HLA on the target cells and the antigen on the immune cells
sufficient to activate the immune cells; and
[0085] c) killing the target cells with the activated immune cells.
It will be appreciated that by the term "activated" is meant that
the immune cells are capable of damaging or killing the target cell
as determined, e.g., by cytokine and cytotoxicity assays described
below.
[0086] If desired, the above-described method may be conducted in
vitro such as in a cell culture dish.
[0087] The single- and multi-chain polyspecific binding proteins of
this invention have additional uses in vitro and in vivo.
[0088] For example, preferred polyspecific binding molecules of
this invention can be used in vitro or in vivo to detect and
preferably form a bridge between target cells and immune cells.
Formation of the bridge can be used to isolate cells expressing
desired MHC, HLA or antigen markers.
[0089] The present polyspecific binding proteins also find use in
the detection and analysis of MHC or HLA molecules and cell surface
antigens. The present binding proteins can also be used for
diagnostic purposes such as for the detection of immune system
cells and especially T-cells with pathogenic properties. The
present binding molecules can additionally be employed in
functional, cellular and molecular assays, and in structural
analysis, including X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic
resonance imaging, computational techniques such as computer
graphic display.
[0090] In another aspect, the present invention further provides
treatment methods for reducing or eliminating presence of the
target cells in a mammal. In particular, the methods include
administering a polyspecific binding protein of this invention in a
pharmaceutically acceptable formulation. If desired, the sc-TCR or
sc-Ab portion of particular polyspecific binding molecule can be
removed prior to or during the administration to facilitate a
specific treatment method.
[0091] In a more particular embodiment, the treatment methods are
employed to treat cancer and a viral infection. In particular, the
methods include administering a therapeutically effective amount of
at least one polyspecific binding protein of this invention to a
mammal and especially a human patient. Preferably the amount is
sufficient to treat the cancer and/or the viral infection. The
methods may be used to treat an existing condition or may be used
prophylactically as needed. The present treatment methods may be
used alone or in combination with other therapies if desired.
[0092] Preferred treatment methods of the invention reduce or
eliminate presence of specific target cells in a mammal,
particularly a rodent or a primate such as a human. In one
embodiment, the treatment methods include obtaining an sc-TCR or
sc-Ab from the polyspecific binding molecule (e.g., by protease
treatment). The sc-TCR or sc-Ab so obtained may be administered to
the mammal instead of or in conjunction with the polyspecific
binding molecule. For most applications involving animal use, it
will be preferred to minimize undesired immune responses against
the present binding molecules, e.g., by using immunoglobulin chains
of a haplotype compatible with the animal being used.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0093] FIGS. 1A-1D are drawings showing single-chain T-cell
receptor (sc-TCR) and single-chain Fv (sc-Fv) DNA constructs. (1A)
D011.10 sc-TCR construct, (1B) p149 sc-TCR construct, (1C) 145-2C11
sc-Fv, (1D) F23.1 scFv DNA construct.
[0094] FIGS. 2A-2E are drawings showing sc-TCR inserts of various
vectors: (2A) pSun22; (2B) pSun23; (2C) pSun21; (2D) pSun19; and
(2E) pSun20.
[0095] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the pSUN23 vector.
[0096] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the pNAG2 vector.
[0097] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing showing the pSUN27 vector.
[0098] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing preferred bispecific hybrid
molecules pBISP/D011.10 and pBISP/149.
[0099] FIG. 7A is a schematic drawing showing a method for making a
chimeric bispecific antibody molecule. The method uses a
hybridoma-expressing cell (145-2C11 hybridoma) to produce antibody
chains (heavy lines) that combine with an sc-TCR/Ig fusion molecule
(light chain) inside the cell. A preferred structure for the
sc-TCR/Ig molecule is illustrated in FIG. 7B.
[0100] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the vector pSUN7 vector.
[0101] FIGS. 9A-9B are graphs showing results of ELISA assays used
to detect BISP/149 fusion protein. Antibodies used were (9A)
.alpha.EE (capture Ab) and .alpha.V.sub..alpha.2 (B20.1, probe Ab),
(9B) .alpha.V.beta.11 (RR3-15, capture Ab). RR3-15 is a monoclonal
antibody specific for the .alpha.V.beta.11 chain. B20.1 is an
monoclonal antibody specific for the .alpha.V.alpha.2 chain. Probe
Ab is on the x-axis in FIG. 9B.
[0102] FIGS. 10A-10B are graphs showing results of ELISA assays
used to detect BISP/D011.10 fusion protein. Antibodies used were
(10A) F23.1 (probe Ab) or (10B) H57-597 (probe Ab). Capture Ab is
on the x-axis in FIGS. 9A and 9B.
[0103] FIG. 11 is a graph showing results of ELISA assays used to
detect chimeric bispecific molecules. Capture Ab is goat
anti-mouse-IgG2b (x-axis). Probe Ab is goat anti-hamster IgG.
[0104] FIG. 12 is a representation of a Western Blot showing
expression of BISP/D011.10 and BISP/p149 bispecific hybrid
molecules. Also shown are reduced forms of the proteins
(arrow).
[0105] FIG. 13 is a representation of an SDS gel stained with
Coomassie-blue. The gel shows expression of BISP/D011.10 and
BISP/p149 bispecific hybrid molecules. Also shown are reduced forms
of the proteins (arrow).
[0106] FIG. 14 is a graph showing IL-2 levels expressed by
T-hybridoma cells as a function KJ-1 monoclonal antibody.
[0107] FIG. 15 is a graph showing IL-2 expressed by T-hybridoma
cells as a function BISP or BPSP plus MR-5 antibody addition.
[0108] FIG. 16 is a graph showing IL-2 expression of T-hybridoma
cells as a function of monoclonal antibody addition.
[0109] FIG. 17 is a graph showing by flow cytometry binding of
pBisp 149 cells to 2B4 T cells.
[0110] FIG. 18 is a graph showing by flow cytometry binding of the
pBISP/D011.10 purified protein between 2B4 cells T-cells.
[0111] FIG. 19 is a graph showing flow cytometry binding studies
between soluble .alpha.-CD3 and pBISP/149 purified protein.
[0112] FIG. 20 is a graph showing results of a T-cell proliferation
assay. BALB/c splenocytes were pre-stimulated with rIL-2 and
incubated in the absence or presence of 10 .mu.g/well of enriched
scBisp 149 molecule with unpulsed target cells (T2) or p149 peptide
pulsed T2 cells.
[0113] FIGS. 21A-21B are drawings showing specific oligonucleotide
primers (SEQ ID NOs: 16-43).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0114] As summarized above, the present invention features, in one
aspect, single-chain polyspecific binding proteins and methods for
making and using the proteins. Preferred use of the present binding
molecules includes damaging or eliminating (killing) MHC-expressing
target cells in vitro or in vivo. Further provided are highly
useful recombinant bacteriophages and methods of using same that
can be used to select for desired binding molecules.
[0115] As used herein, the term "polyspecific binding protein" or
similar phrase means a single-chain or multi-chain molecule that
preferably includes 1) a binding domain capable of binding an MHC
or HLA complex, preferably a cell target expressing an pMHC or pHLA
(or portion thereof) and 2) an antibody binding domain capable of
binding an antigen target, preferably an antigen or epitope portion
thereof expressed on the surface of an immune cell. Preferably the
pMHC or pHLA portion is capable of being specifically bound by a
TCR and the antigen portion is capable of being specifically bound
by an antibody. In preferred embodiments, the antigen is a cell
surface antigen that is indicative of the immune cell. In
additionally preferred embodiments, each of the binding domains is
sufficient to bind the pMHC or pHLA, and antigen targets at
alternate times or at the same time. As discussed herein, the
binding domains may be present on the same chain (i.e. on a
single-chain) or the binding domains may be present on more than
one chain (i.e. on a multi-chain and particularly from between
about 2 to 4 chains with 2 chains being preferred.)
[0116] By the term "antibody binding domain" is meant an antibody
binding site comprising at least one and preferably two
immunoglobulin variable chains that are capable of specifically
binding the antigen or epitope thereof. For example, in a preferred
embodiment, the antibody binding domain is a single-chain construct
(sc-Ab) and includes a single immunoglobulin variable region
(V.sub.L or V.sub.H); two or more variable regions
(V.sub.L+V.sub.H; V.sub.L+V.sub.L; or V.sub.H+V.sub.H); or the
complementary determining regions thereof. A more particular
example of a suitable sc-Ab antibody binding domain is a sc-Fv
molecule. In another embodiment, the antibody binding domain
further includes an immunoglobulin constant light chain
(Ig-C.sub.L) and/or an immunoglobulin heavy chain (Ig-C.sub.H).
Preferred examples include, but are not limited to, Fab, F(v), Fab'
and F(ab')2 molecules. More specific antibody binding domains are
discussed below.
[0117] In a more particular embodiment, the polyspecific binding
protein is a single-chain construct that includes at least one
sc-TCR (or functional fragment) and at least one sc-Ab and
especially a sc-Fv (or functional fragment). The single-chain
polyspecific binding protein can include from between about 1 to 5
sc-TCR molecules and/or from between about 1 to 5 sc-Fv molecules
with one sc-TCR and one sc-Fv being generally preferred for most
applications. In embodiments in which the binding protein includes
at least one sc-TCR or sc-Fv, the molecules may be linked in tandem
and are preferably separated from each other by suitable peptide
linker sequences.
[0118] More particular polyspecific binding molecules of this
invention are bispecific binding molecules and include one sc-TCR
and one sc-Ab and particularly one sc-Fv molecule. In this
embodiment, the sc-TCR and the sc-Fv are separated by a suitable
peptide linker sequence.
[0119] In general, the present polyspecific binding proteins
include pre-determined binding specificities. That is, choice of a
particular sc-TCR or antibody binding domain will be guided by
recognized parameters such as intended use and the target cells and
immune cells of interest. In most instances, the binding
specificities will be different as determined by specific binding
assays described below. However, in some embodiments, it will be
useful to select binding domains with the same or closely related
binding specificities. Methods for selecting desired binding
domains and for choosing appropriate sc-TCR and sc-Ab molecules are
described below.
[0120] As discussed, in one embodiment, the present polyspecific
binding proteins include an scTCR or functional fragment thereof
that binds pMHC- or pHLA-expressing target cells. In a more
particular embodiment, the scTCR is chosen to specifically bind a
class I or class II pMHC molecule (or an pHLA antigen) on the
target cell. More specific disclosure relating to sc-TCR molecules
including methods for making and using same have been disclosed in
the pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,781, filed on-Mar. 7,
1997 and 08/943,086, filed on Oct. 2, 1997. The pending U.S.
application Ser. Nos. 08/813,781 and 08/943,086 are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0121] As used herein, the term sc-TCR "functional fragment" means
a portion of a full-length sc-TCR (i.e., comprising full-length V
chains) that is capable of specifically binding at least about 70%
and preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% up to 100% or more of
an MHC or HLA when compared to a full-length sc-TCR. A full-length
sc-TCR is defined as a molecule with a full-length V-.alpha. and
V-.beta. chain. Assays for detecting specific binding are discussed
below and include flow cytometry and BiaCore.
[0122] As mentioned previously, the sc-TCR includes TCR V-.alpha.
and V-.beta. chains covalently linked through a suitable peptide
linker sequence. For example, the V-.alpha. chain can be covalently
linked to the V-.beta. chain through a suitable peptide linker
sequence fused to the C-terminus of the V-.alpha. chain and the
N-terminus of the V-.beta. chain. The V-.alpha. and V-.beta. chains
of the sc-TCR fusion protein are encoded by nucleic acids generally
about 200 to 400 nucleotides in length, preferably about 300 to 350
nucleotides in length, and will be at least 90% identical, and
preferably 100% identical to the V-.alpha. and V-.beta. chains of a
naturally-occurring TCR. By the term "identical" is meant that the
amino acids of the V-.alpha. or V-.beta. chain are 100% homologous
to the corresponding naturally-occurring TCR V-.beta. or V-.alpha.
chains. See Examples 1-3 below and the pending U.S. application
Ser. Nos. 08/813,081 and 08/943,086 for more specific disclosure
relating to sc-TCR V chains.
[0123] As mentioned previously, the V-.alpha. chain of the sc-TCR
molecule can further include a TCR C-.beta. chain or fragment
thereof fused to the C-terminus of the V-.beta. chain. Further, the
V-.alpha. chain can include a TCR C-.alpha. chain or fragment
thereof fused to the C-terminus of the V-.alpha. chain and the
N-terminus of the peptide linker sequence. Generally, in those
sc-TCR fusion proteins including a C-.beta. chain fragment, the
fragment will have a length of approximately 50 to 126 amino acids
and will usually not include the last cysteine residue at position
127. For those fusion proteins comprising a C-.alpha. chain, the
length can vary between approximately 1 to 90 amino acids (i.e. the
C-.alpha. chain up to but not including the final cysteine). For
example, in one embodiment, the fusion protein includes a C-.alpha.
chain fragment between about 1 to 72 amino acids starting from
amino acid 1 to 72. In another embodiment, the C-.alpha. chain
fragment is between about 1 to 22 amino acids starting from the
first amino acid to 22 (leucine). The C-.alpha. chain fragment
typically does not include any cysteine resides except the
C.sub..varies.90 variant which includes two cys residues. In most
cases, choice of C.alpha. and C.beta. chain length will be guided
by several parameters including the particular V chains selected
and intended use of the particular polyspecific binding protein.
See the following discussion and examples 1-2 below for more
specific disclosure relating to sc-TCR C-.beta. and C-.alpha.
chains. See also the pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 08/813,781
and 08/943,086.
[0124] As disclosed in the pending U.S. application Ser. No.
08/943,086, it is possible to facilitate expression of fully
soluble and functional sc-TCR fusion proteins by adding an
Ig-C.sub.L chain or suitable Ig-C.sub.L fragment thereof. More
specifically, Ig-C.sub.L chain or chain fragment is covalently
linked to the sc-TCR molecule, e.g., to the C-terminus of the
V-.beta. chain or C-.beta. fragment. Although typically not
preferred, it is possible to covalently link the Ig-C.sub.L or
fragment thereof to the N-terminus of the V-.alpha. chain. If
desired, the Ig-C.sub.L chain can be removed prior to incorporation
into a polyspecific binding molecule.
[0125] As discussed above, the sc-TCR of a polyspecific binding
protein may be provided in a variety of suitable formats. For
example, the sc-TCR may be provided with e.g., two peptide linker
sequences, where the first peptide linker sequence is fused between
the C-terminus of the V-.alpha. chain and the N-terminus of the
V-.beta. chain. The C-terminus of the V-.beta. chain can be fused
to the N-terminus of a C-.beta. chain fragment if desired. The
second peptide linker is then fused to the C-terminus of the
V-.beta. chain or C-.beta. chain fragment and the N-terminus of,
e.g., an effector or protein tag.
[0126] In other illustrative embodiments, the sc-TCR of the
polyspecific binding molecule includes a V-.beta. chain fused to
the V-.alpha. chain through a suitable peptide linker in which the
C-terminus of the V-.beta. chain or C-.beta. chain fragment thereof
and the N-terminus of the V-.alpha. chain are covalently
linked.
[0127] The aforementioned sc-TCR molecules are further fused to a
peptide linker sequence which sequence is typically further
covalently linked to an antibody binding domain of interest.
Preferred single-chain polyspecific binding proteins include
covalently linked in sequence an sc-TCR, a peptide linker sequence,
and a sc-Ab such as a sc-Fv.
[0128] As disclosed in the pending U.S. application Ser. Nos.
08/813,781 and 08/943,086, it is possible to make and use a variety
of sc-TCR molecules. In particular, it is generally preferred that
the sc-TCR include V.alpha.,.beta. chains for which a full-length
or substantially full-length coding sequence is readily available.
Methods for obtaining full-length TCR V chain sequences from cell
sources are well known. Alternatively, the V.alpha.,.beta. chain
regions can be obtained by PCR amplication of publicly available
V.alpha.,.beta. chains. Exemplary V.beta. gene sequences include V
.beta.8.1, V .beta.6.1, V .beta.5.1, V .beta.5.2, V .beta.5.3, V
.beta.2.1, and V .beta.2.3 gene sequences. See Abe et al. (1992)
PNAS (USA) 89: 4066; Wang, et al., 1993); PNAS (USA) 90: 188;
Lahesma et al. (1993) J Immunol. 150: 4125; Kotzin, et al., (1991)
PNAS (USA) 88: 9161; Uematsu, et al. (1991) PNAS (USA) 88: 8534.
See also, Kabat, E. A., et al. (1991) Sequences of Proteins of
Immunological Interest, (5th Ed.) Public Health Science, NIH, and
Chotia, C. et al., (1988) EMBO J. 7:3745 for additional TCR
V-.beta., V.alpha. chain sequences.
[0129] In addition, Examples 1-3 below provide oligonucleotide
primers for PCR amplifying specific V-.alpha. and V-.beta. chains.
See also, FIGS. 21A-21B for examples of oligonucleotide primers
that can be used to isolate the TCR V chains.
[0130] In cases where it is desired to obtain TCR V chains from a
biological source, a desired TCR can be identified by conventional
immunological methods including use of TCR-specific antibodies,
which predominantly bind, and preferably are specific for, an
epitope of the TCR V region. Typically, surface expression can be
detected by using known techniques such as fluorescence microscopy,
flow cytometry, or immunochemistry. A number of antibodies which
specifically bind TCR variable regions are known. See e.g.,
published PCT application WO 90/06758.
[0131] The DNA or RNA of the detected TCR can be probed directly,
or preferably after PCR amplification, by specific hybridization
with oligonucleotide probes for the various TCR gene families,
using hybridization methods well-known in the field. Generally,
high stringency nucleic acid hybridization conditions will be
performed. As used herein the term "high stringency hybridization"
means nucleic acid incubation conditions approximately 65.degree.
C. in 0.1.times.SSC. See Sambrook, et al., infra. The TCR DNA
sequence or desired portion thereof can be obtained directly from
the amplified DNA or RNA and can be subcloned into a suitable
vector as desired.
[0132] Other methods are known for obtaining TCR V region DNA. For
example, a desired TCR comprising V region genes can be identified
by sequencing the TCR or preferably a portion thereof corresponding
to the V region. The DNA sequence can be determined, e.g., after
cloning DNA into a suitable sequencing vector as are known in the
field or by first determining the protein sequence of at least part
of the TCR and determining the DNA sequence. It will be readily
apparent to those skilled in this field that the above-mentioned
manipulations as well as others known to the artisan can be
employed to successfully identify a desired TCR and to obtain the V
region genes from that TCR so that a single-chain V.alpha..beta.
construct can be made.
[0133] More specifically, when it is desired to obtain TCR V region
DNA from a biological source, a DNA segment encoding the desired
V-.alpha. and V-.beta. chain can be obtained from cells such as
T-cell hybridomas or cytotoxic T-cells (CTLs). The T-cells (e.g.,
T.sub.S, T.sub.C or T.sub.H cells) can be obtained in vivo, or the
T-cells can be cultured T-cell hybridoma(s) (e.g., D10 or B12 cell
lines). See Examples 1-3 which follows and the pending U.S.
application Ser. Nos. 08/813,781 and 08/943,086. CTLs can be
uninduced or can be associated with a pathogenic immune system
response in a rodent (e.g., mouse, rat, rabbit) or primate (e.g.
human or chimpanzee). For example, CTLs or other T-cells can be
derived from patients suffering from or suspected of having Lyme
disease, Kawasaki disease, leprosy, cancer (i.e. immune responses
against tumor associated antigens such as CEA), or an autoimmune
disorder, particularly those associated with transplantation
rejection, multiple sclerosis, insulin dependent diabetes,
rheumatoid arthritis, and allergies; or an infectious disease,
particularly an infectious disease involving an RNA or DNA virus.
Particular viruses of interest include the human immunodeficiency
viruses (HIV), cytomeglovirus (CMV), influenza, hepatitis, pox
virus, Epstein Barr, adenovirus or polyoma viruses. Exemplary
sources of CTLs are antigen-specific CTLs and TILs isolated from
patients with established carcinomas and melanomas (see e.g., Cox
A. et al. Science (1994) 264: 716; Rosenberg, S. A. et al. N. Eng.
J. Med. (1988) 319: 1676; Kawakami, Y. et al., J. Exp. Med. (1994)
180: 347); Kawakami, Y. et al. PNAS (1994) 91:6458).
[0134] As mentioned previously with respect to obtaining V-.alpha.
and V-.beta. chains from cell sources, several alternative
procedures can be used to prepare nucleic acids isolated therefrom.
More particularly, to prepare V-.alpha. and V-.beta. chain DNA,
mRNA is isolated from those cells demonstrating a desired TCR
binding specificity. Such methods generally include use of a
suitable PCR protocol using first-strand cDNA template made from
the mRNA. Standard recombinant techniques can then be employed to
make the desired .alpha. and .beta. chains. The DNA segment
encoding the desired V-.alpha. and V-.beta. chains is then modified
to include a suitable peptide linker sequence and protein tag(s),
if desired.
[0135] Generally, a DNA oligonucleotide primer for use in the PCR
methods will be between from about 12 to 50 nucleotides in length
preferably from between about 20-25 nucleotides in length. The PCR
oligonucleotide primers may suitably include restriction sites to
add specific restriction enzyme cleavage sites to the PCR product
as needed, e.g., to introduce a ligation site. Exemplary primers
are provided in the Examples and Drawings which follow. The PCR
products produced will include amplified V-.alpha. and V-.beta.
chain sequences and can be modified to include, as desired,
ribosome binding, leader and promoter sequences for optimal
expression of the fusion protein.
[0136] A DNA segment encoding a desired sc-TCR molecule can be made
in significant quantities (milligram quantities per gram cells) in
accord with methods disclosed below and in the pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 08/943,086.
[0137] More particular sc-TCRs used to make the present
polyspecific binding proteins include those sc-TCRs with V-.alpha.
and V-.beta. chains derived from a mammal. Examples include
primates, particularly human and chimpanzees; rodents, e.g.,
immunologically naive mice such as nude mice or mice which include
a transgene capable of expressing an HLA-A2 antigen complex
(Vitiello, A. et al., J. Exp. Med., (1991) 175, 1002). Particular
humans of interest include those suffering from any of the
previously mentioned pathologies, such as an autoimmune disorder.
Chimeric constructs comprising V-.alpha. and V-.beta. DNA sequences
derived from different mammals can be constructed in accordance
with known methods and are also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0138] It is preferred that a peptide linker sequence used to make
the sc-TCR be capable of effectively positioning the V-.alpha. and
V-.beta. chains to form a ligand binding pocket. The sc-TCR is thus
preferably capable of specifically binding a desired ligand such as
a superantigen or peptide antigen in the context of an MHC/HLA
peptide complex, or a small molecule. In some embodiments of the
present invention, the polyspecific binding molecules may be used
to compete with naturally-occurring TCRs on the surface of T-cells.
By "compete" is meant that the soluble fusion protein is able to
bind the ligand at a level which is equal to, or in some instances
exceeds the specific binding affinity of the TCR for the same
ligand. For example, in accordance with methods described below and
in the pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/943,086, the sc-TCR
fusion protein (or sc-TCR molecule derived therefrom) can exhibit a
binding affinity which is about equal or up to approximately 2 to
10 fold higher than the naturally-occurring TCR. Exemplary binding
assays are disclosed herein and include standard Western blotting
assays and surface plasmon resonance assays disclosed below and in
the pending U.S. Application.
[0139] In general, the peptide linker sequences disclosed herein
(sometimes referred to as a polypeptide linker, spacer sequence,
peptide linker or related term) are selected to maximize binding
interactions between a particular polyspecific binding molecule and
its binding target or targets. For example, a peptide linker
sequence suitable for the sc-TCR is preferably selected so that the
sc-TCR forms a specific binding site which resembles that of a
naturally occurring TCR V-.alpha. and V-.beta. chain. Additional
peptide linker sequences such as those used for making sc-Ab
molecules are also selected to optimize binding to specific
antigens. In single-chain constructs, peptide linker sequences
fusing the sc-TCR to the sc-Ab are selected typically maximize
interaction between the sc-TCR, the sc-Ab, and respective targets
of those binding units.
[0140] More particularly, the peptide linker sequence separating
the V.alpha.,.beta. chains of the sc-TCR preferably flexibly
positions the V-chains in a pocket that is capable of specifically
binding ligand. Preferred ligands in this instance are antigens and
especially peptide ligands presented in the context of an MHC. As
will be explained more fully below, in the discussion that follows
ligand binding to the sc-TCR can be used to modulate T-cell
activity as determined by specific assays described below.
Exemplary of such assays include in vitro assays involving
sequential steps of culturing T-cells expressing a TCR, contacting
the T-cells with the sc-TCR protein (or sc-TCR obtained therefrom)
under conditions which allow binding between the TCR and the
ligand, and then evaluating whether the soluble fusion protein is
capable of modulating activity of the T-cells.
[0141] In a more specific embodiment, the polypeptide linker
sequence comprises from about 7 to 25 amino acids, more preferably
from about 10 to 20 amino acids, still more preferably from about
12 to 20 amino acids. The linker sequence is typically flexibly
disposed in the fusion protein so as to position the V-.alpha. and
V-.beta. chains in a configuration which provides for specific
binding of a desired ligand such as a peptide antigen. The linker
preferably predominantly comprises amino acids with small side
chains, such as glycine, alanine and serine, to provide optimal
flexibility. Preferably, about 80 or 90 percent or greater of the
linker sequence comprises glycine, alanine or serine residues,
particularly glycine and serine residues. Preferably, the linker
sequence does not contain any proline residues, which could inhibit
flexibility. The linker sequence is suitably attached to the
C-terminus of the V-.alpha. chain and the N-terminus of the
V-.beta. chain of a fusion protein. See Examples 1-3 and 5 below
for disclosure related to making and using specific peptide linker
sequences.
[0142] More specifically, suitable peptide linker sequences in
accord with the invention include between from about 5 to 25 amino
acid sequences such as the (GGGGS).sub.4 sequence (i.e., Gly Gly
Gly Gly Ser).sub.4 (SEQ ID NO: 1). Preferably, a selected peptide
linker sequence is covalently linked between the C-terminal residue
of the V-.alpha. chain, and the first amino acid of the V-.beta.
chain of the sc-TCR. Several polypeptide linker sequences have been
disclosed as being acceptable for use in joining antibody variable
regions (see M. Whitlow et al., Methods: A Companion to Methods in
Enzymology, 2:97-105 (1991)). Many of those reported peptide linker
sequences can be used to make the sc-TCR.
[0143] Alternatively, other suitable linker sequences can be
readily identified empirically. For example, a DNA vector including
a DNA segment encoding a fusion protein that includes the linker
sequence can be cloned and expressed, and the fusion molecule
tested to determine if the molecule is capable of binding antigen.
An exemplary assay is a conventional antigen binding assay such as
those disclosed in Harlow and Lane, supra. Alternatively, the
expressed fusion protein comprising the linker sequence can be
tested for capacity to modulate the activity of a T-cell as
determined by assays disclosed herein. Suitable size and sequences
of linker sequences also can be determined by conventional computer
modeling techniques based on the predicted size and shape of the
fusion protein. Exemplary peptide linker sequences are those which
include suitable restriction sites (e.g. XhoI and SpeI) at the ends
of the polypeptide linker sequence between the V.alpha. and
V-.beta. chains.
[0144] Although the foregoing discussion has focused on selection
of suitable sc-TCR peptide linker sequences, it will be understood
that similar considerations can be used to select other peptide
linker sequences useful for making the polyspecific binding
molecules of this invention. Additional peptide linker sequences
include those that are used to make certain antibody binding
domains and particularly the sc-Ab, as well as peptide linker
sequences used to join the sc-Ab to the sc-TCR in single-chain
constructs.
[0145] In particular, preferred peptide linkers for making sc-Ab
molecules and especially sc-Fv molecules are usually helical in
structure. In general, such peptide linker sequences facilitate
proper folding of the sc-Fv and can enhance the solubility of the
sc-Fv and the polyspecific binding protein. More preferred peptide
linker sequences include from between about 5 to 25 amino acids and
preferably from between about 10 to 25 amino acids. More specific
disclosure relating to suitable sc-Fv peptide linker sequences can
be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,481 to Ledbetter et at the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
[0146] More preferred sc-Fv peptide linker sequences include the
following peptide sequences: (G.sub.4S).sub.3(i.e. Gly Gly Gly Gly
Ser).sub.3 (SEQ ID NO. 2) and (G.sub.4 SG.sub.4A PG.sub.4S) (i.e.
Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Ala Pro Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser) (SEQ ID NO. 3).
See FIGS. 1A-B and Examples 4, 5 below.
[0147] Preferred peptide linker sequences for joining the sc-TCR to
the sc-Fv include can be the same or closely related to those
peptide linker sequences used to make the sc-TCR. More preferred
are peptide linker sequences having the following sequences:
(G.sub.4S).sub.4 (SEQ ID NO. 1) and VNAKTTAPSVYPLEPVSGSSGSG (SEQ.
ID NO. 4). See also FIG. 6 and Example 7 below.
[0148] The sc-TCR of the present binding molecules can be prepared
as discussed above, as well as the examples which follow. See also
the pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 08/813,781 and 08/943,086.
Generally, DNA coding for a desired V-.alpha. or V-.beta. chain can
be obtained from a suitable source such as a T-cell, T-cell
hybridoma line, or publicly available V-.alpha. and V-.beta. chain
sequence as described previously. The DNA can be amplified by PCR,
cloning or other suitable means. For example, DNA encoding a
desired V-.alpha. chain can be cloned into a suitable vector,
followed by cloning of DNA encoding a desired V-.beta. chain and a
suitable single chain linker sequence to produce a desired sc-TCR.
As disclosed previously, in some cases the sc-TCR will include a
DNA encoding a C-.alpha. and/or C-.beta. chain fragment. In some
instances it may be useful to further fuse an Ig-C.sub.L chain or
fragment to the sc-TCR e.g., the murine or human C.kappa. chain or
suitable C.kappa. chain fragment. As noted previously, DNA encoding
the C.kappa. chain can be PCR amplified and ligated to DNA encoding
the sc-TCR. Alternatively, the C.kappa. chain can be included in a
DNA vector such as those disclosed by Near, et al., infra. The DNA
segment encoding the fusion protein is then introduced into the DNA
vector. The DNA vector is then expressed in a host cell and fusion
protein harvested and purified if desired.
[0149] Illustrative sc-TCRs are generally encoded by a DNA segment
including covalently linked in sequence: promoter/leader
sequence/V-.alpha. chain/single-chain linker sequence/V-.beta.
chain; promoter/leader sequence/V-.alpha. chain/single-chain linker
sequence/V-.beta. chain, C-.beta. chain fragment; promoter/leader
sequence/V-.alpha. chain, C-.alpha. chain/single chain linker
sequence/V-.beta. chain/C.kappa. chain; or promoter/leader
sequence/V-.alpha. chain, C-.alpha. chain fragment/single-chain
linker sequence/V-.beta. chain, C-.beta. chain fragment. Additional
sc-TCR molecules are as described above except that a C.sub.K chain
is fused to the DNA segment. The DNA vectors encoding the sc-TCR
proteins are introduced into desired cells, including those
specific expression systems disclosed herein, for soluble
expression of the fusion protein.
[0150] As discussed, the single-chain variable regions of the
present binding molecules can be derived from nearly any suitable
TCR or immunoglobulin variable region. With respect to the TCR
portion of the present binding molecules, suitable V.alpha., .beta.
chains will be those for which there is an increase in gene
expression following immunological induction. Methods for assaying
an increase in TCR V chain expression are known (see e.g., Hafler,
D. A. et al. J. Exp. Med. 167: 1313 (1988); and Mantgazza R, et al.
Autoimmunity 3, 431 (1990)).
[0151] Additionally specific sc-TCR molecules include those
molecules capable of binding known or yet to be discovered TAAs.
Illustrative TAAs include p53 and Her-2 Neu.
[0152] As also discussed, the present polyspecific binding
molecules also include an antibody binding domain such as a sc-Ab
and particularly a sc-Fv or functional fragment thereof. As also
discussed, methods of making and using various sc-Fv molecules have
been described. See e.g., the U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,481; Jost, C. R.
et at supra, and Lindhofer, H. et at (1996), supra.
[0153] More particular sc-Ab molecules generally include
immunoglobulin chains that are capable of specifically binding
antigen. The immunoglobulin chains may include full-length
immunoglobulin chains, e.g., a full-length V.sub.L and V.sub.H
chain; or may include a functional fragment of one or both
full-length immunoglobulin chains. The term "functional fragment"
as used with respect to a sc-Ab means a portion of the full-length
immunoglobulin chain making up that sc-Ab that is capable of
specifically binding at least about 70% and preferably at least
about 80%, 90%, or 95% up to about 100% of a specific antigen when
compared to the full-length immunoglobulin chain. Specific binding
can be quantitated by a variety of techniques such as a Western
blot or other suitable antibody binding assay as described
below.
[0154] More specific examples of an antibody binding domain in
accord with the invention include, but are not limited to, (1) a
single variable region of an antibody (V.sub.L or V.sub.H) 2) two
or more single-chain variable regions (e.g. V.sub.L+V.sub.H;
V.sub.L+V.sub.L; or V.sub.H+V.sub.H) or the complementary
determining region (CDR) thereof. Each variable region fragment
(V.sub.L or V.sub.H) is preferably encoded by V.sub.L+J.sub.L or by
V.sub.H+D.sub.H+J.sub.H sequences and composed of approximately 100
amino acids. Within these sequences are three regions of
hypervariability called complementarity determining regions (CDR)
that appear to contain the amino acids that line the antibody's
combining site. The CDRs are interspersed in four regions of lower
variability called framework regions (FR).
[0155] In one embodiment, the antibody binding domain of a
polyspecific binding molecule can be formed by the association of
V.sub.L and V.sub.H polypeptides into a .beta.-pleated sheet
conformation, with the CDR regions contained at, or near, the loops
between strands. Occasionally, the V.sub.L+V.sub.L pairs or the
V.sub.H+V.sub.H pairs or the V.sub.L or V.sub.H alone can bind
antigen.
[0156] In a more preferred embodiment, the antibody binding domain
is a sc-Ab and particularly a sc-Fv including at least one and
preferably one of the following: (1) a V.sub.L chain and a V.sub.H
chain; (2) a V.sub.L chain and a V.sub.L chain; (3) a V.sub.H chain
and a V.sub.H chain; (4) a single V.sub.L chain; or (5) a single
V.sub.H chain. The binding domain may include immunoglobulin chains
of any suitable isotype, e.g., IgG or IgM.
[0157] In embodiments in which the polyspecific binding region
includes an antibody binding domain that exists as two variable
regions linked as a single chain protein such as a sc-Fv (e.g.,
V.sub.L+V.sub.H; V.sub.L+V.sub.L; V.sub.H+V.sub.H,) the single
chain protein will preferably include a polypeptide linker sequence
to link the two variable domains together. A variety of peptide
linkers are known to be suitable for making sc-Fv constructs. See
e.g., Huston, J. S. (1988) PNAS (USA) 85:5879; and Pluckthorn, A.
(1992) Immunological Rev. 103:151. A specifically preferred linker
has the following general formula (Gly4Ser).sub.n in which n is
from about 2 to 5 and preferably about 3.
[0158] A variety of immunoglobulin V.sub.H and V.sub.L chains have
been described at the nucleic acid and protein levels. See, e.g.,
Davis in Fundamental Immunology, (1993) supra; Kabat E. A., supra;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,481; Jost, C. R. et al. supra, and Lindhofer,
H. et al. (1996), and the Brookhaven Protein Data Bank (Brookhaven
Protein Data Base, Chemistry Dept. Brookhaven National Laboratory,
Upton, N.Y. (1973).
[0159] As mentioned previously, a variety of sc-Fv constructs have
been reported. The constructs can be used in accord with the
invention to make a wide spectrum of polyspecific binding proteins.
See generally, Pastan, I and Fitzgerald D., (1991) Science
254:1173; Webber, et al., Molecular Immunol. (1995), 32:249; and
published PCT application Nos. WO96/05228 and WO 97/28191 for
disclosure relating to making and using single-chain
antibodies.
[0160] More specific sc-Fv molecules are those capable of
specifically binding cell surface targets such as glycoproteins and
lipoproteins. Examples of particular glycoproteins include, but are
not limited to, CD3/TcR and CD28. See Gilliland L. K., et al.,
(1996) Tissue Antigens 47:1 for disclosure relating to generating
and characterizing sc-Fv molecules that bind these molecules and
other surface molecules. Additional specific sc-Fv constructs have
been disclosed in Colcher, D., et al. (1990) J. Nat. Cancer Inst.
82:1191; and Yokota, T., et al. (1992) Cancer Res. 52:3402).
[0161] Additional sequence information relating to specific sc-TCR
and sc-Ab chains is available from the National Center for
Biotechnology Information (NCBI)--Genetic Sequence Data Bank
(Genbank) at the National Library of Medicine, 38A, 8N05, Rockville
Pike, Bethesda, Md. 20894. Genbank is also available on the
internet at http:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, See Benson, D. A. et at
(1997) Nucl. Acids. Res. 25: 1 for a description of Genbank.
[0162] The Ig-C.sub.L chain of a polyspecific binding protein of
this invention is .kappa.- or .lamda.-type immunoglobulin light
chain region The .kappa.-type immunoglobulin light chain constant
region will sometimes be referenced herein as "C.kappa. chain",
whereas the .lamda.-type immunoglobulin constant chain light chain
region will often be referred to as "C.sub..lamda. chain". For
example, the Ig-C.sub.L chain can be a C.kappa. chain or a suitable
fragment thereof such as those disclosed below. In addition, an
Ig-C.sub.H chain of the polyspecific binding protein can be .mu.,
.delta., .gamma., .alpha., or .epsilon. type as desired. Preferably
the amino acid sequences of the immunoglobulin heavy and light
chains are known.
[0163] As noted, the present polyspecific binding molecules are
fully functional and soluble. By the term "fully functional" or
similar term is meant that the binding molecules can specifically
bind other molecules for which binding is intended. More
specifically, a binding molecule of this invention is fully
functional if the sc-TCR part of the molecule can specifically bind
an pMHC or pHLA (or a portion thereof). The term also means that
the sc-Fv part of the binding molecule can specifically bind an
antigen or portion thereof. Assays for detecting specific binding
between a polyspecific binding molecule of interest and the pMHC
(pHLA) or the antigen include Western blots and other standard
assays such as those disclosed below.
[0164] By the term, "specific binding" or a similar term is meant a
molecule disclosed herein which binds another molecule, thereby
forming a specific binding pair. However, the molecule does not
recognize or bind to other molecules as determined by, e.g.,
Western blotting ELISA, RIA, mobility shift assay, enzyme-immuno
assay, competitive assays, saturation assays or other protein
binding assays know in the art. See generally, Ausubel, et al
infra; Sambrook, et al, infra; Harlow and Lane, supra and
references cited therein for examples of methods for detecting
specific binding between molecules.
[0165] By the term "fully soluble" or similar term is meant that
the fusion protein is not readily sedimented under low G-force
centrifugation from an aqueous buffer e.g., cell media. Further, a
specific polyspecific binding molecule of this invention is soluble
if can remain in aqueous solution at a temperature greater than
about 5-37.degree. C. and at or near neutral pH in the presence of
low or no concentration of an anionic or non-ionic detergent. Under
these conditions, a soluble protein will often have a low
sedimentation value e.g., less than about 10 to 50 svedberg units.
Aqueous solutions referenced herein typically have a buffering
compound to establish pH, typically within a pH range of about 5-9,
and an ionic strength range between about 2 mM and 500 mM.
Sometimes a protease inhibitor or mild non-ionic detergent is added
and a carrier protein may be added if desired such as bovine serum
albumin (BSA) to a few mg/ml. Exemplary aqueous buffers include
standard phosphate buffered saline, tris-buffered saline, or other
known buffers and cell media formulations.
[0166] Conventionally, there are several means for linking the
polyspecific binding molecules disclosed herein including cellular,
genetic, chemical and biochemical methods. As will be appreciated,
certain polyspecific binding molecules of this invention can be
joined (crosslinked) by chemical cross-linking; natural
cross-linking by disulfide bonds; natural association without
disulfide bonds; and connecting by a genetically encoded peptide
linker (Bird, R. E., et al. (1988) Science 242; Huston et al.,
supra). For example, coupling between desired polyspecific binding
molecules will include standard protein coupling reactions such as
those generally described in Means, G. E. and Feeney, R. E. (1974)
in Chemical Modification of Proteins, Holden-Day. See also, S. S.
Wong (1991) in Chemistry of Protein Conjugation and Cross-Linking,
CRC Press.
[0167] Additionally, it will be appreciated that the polyspecific
binding complexes of the invention can be modified in several
well-known ways to suit intended uses. For example, the complexes
can be disulfide-stabilized in accordance with known methods see
e.g., the published PCT application no. WO/29350.
[0168] The present binding molecules can also be made by employing
inert polymers called dendrimers. In a more specific embodiment, a
particular dendrimer, known as the Janice face dendrimer, can be
used to join or couple together portions of the present binding
molecules. In one specific embodiment of this invention, the sc-Fv
molecule can be made to include a C-terminal cysteine residue that
can be used to cross-link the antibody to the dendrimer
particularly through disulfide bonds. The scTCR would then be
coupled to the dendrimer through free amine groups. A preferred
resulting product is a stable polyfunctional dendrimer molecule.
See Example 19 below.
[0169] As discussed above, the present invention features
multi-chain polyspecific binding protein comprising at least one
sc-TCR and an antibody binding domain. In one embodiment, the
binding protein is represented by the following general
formula:
##STR00001##
wherein,
[0170] a) A represents an antibody binding domain or functional
fragment
thereof,
[0171] b) B1, B2 are each independently a joining molecule the same
or different,
[0172] c) C1, C2 are each independently --H or a protein tag;
and
[0173] d) D represents at least one sc-TCR molecule or functional
fragment thereof.
[0174] With respect to the formula provided above, a single line
represents a covalent bond (e.g., a peptide bond), whereas a double
line represents one or more covalent bonds, e.g., a disulfide bond
such as those linking immunoglobulin heavy chains; or the double
line represents hydrogen bonds. The brackets indicate flexibility
in the sequential arrangement of the bracketed molecules (i.e.,
subunits). Thus, the order of the subunits is not important so long
as each subunit performs the function for which it is intended.
[0175] In the formula shown above, the subunits A, B1, B2, C1, C2
and D each independently represent preferably one or a plurality of
molecules. In instances where A or D represents a plurality of
molecules, each molecule will preferably be attached to the same
type of molecule (e.g., sc-TCR fused to another sc-TCR, sc-Fv fused
to another sc-Fv). Preferably each molecule in the plurality is
spaced from another by a suitable peptide linker sequence. The
number of linked molecules will vary depending on intended use but
will generally be from between about 2 to 10, preferably from about
2 to 5, more preferably 2 of such molecules, and most preferably 1
molecule. Each of the subunits described above can be fused
directly to another subunit or it may be spaced therefrom by a
suitable peptide linker, e.g., to enhance flexibility or binding
affinity.
[0176] In a particular embodiment of the multi-chain polyspecific
binding molecule represented above, A represents an F(v) or sc-Fv
molecule; D represents a sc-TCR molecule, and each of C1 and C2 is
--H.
[0177] A variety of joining molecules can be used in accord with
the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, each of B1,
B2 in the above formula can represent an immunoglobulin chain or
suitable fragment thereof capable of forming a specific binding
complex as determined, e.g., by RIA, Western blot or other suitable
binding assay. In a more particular embodiment, each of B1 and B2
is derived whole or in part from an immunoglobulin heavy chain. In
this embodiment, the joining molecules can be the same or different
class (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, or IgE class) provided that the
molecules are capable of forming a specific binding pair. In
addition, joining molecules consisting of chimeric immunoglobulin
heavy chains are within the scope of the present invention.
Preferred joining molecules include full-length immunoglobulin
heavy chain (Ig-C.sub.H) or fragments thereof such as
C.sub.H.sup.1; C.sub.H.sup.1-C.sub.H.sup.2;
C.sub.H.sup.1-C.sub.H.sup.3 and
C.sub.H.sup.1-C.sub.H.sup.2-C.sub.H.sup.3. Additionally preferred
fragments are capable of forming at least one disulfide bond with
another suitable immunoglobulin chain or fragment. An especially
preferred pair of joining molecules is a pair of immunoglobulin
heavy chains having an IgG isotype.
[0178] In another embodiment, each of B1 and B2 is an
immunoglobulin light chain the same or different provided that the
light chains are capable of forming a specific binding pair as
determined by RIA, Western immunoblot or other suitable binding
assay. Suitable immunoglobulin light chain joining molecules may be
full-length or fragments thereof and can be .kappa. or .lamda.
type. As will be appreciated, a suitable fragment of a joining
molecule will be one that is capable of forming a specific binding
pair as determined by assays described herein.
[0179] Additionally, an immunoglobulin joining molecule in accord
with the invention may be of animal (e.g., a rodent such as a mouse
or rat), or human origin or may be chimeric or humanized (see e.g.,
Morrison et al., PNAS 81, 6851 (1984); Jones et al. Nature 321, 522
(1986)). Exemplary joining molecules include those capable of being
specifically bound by anti-idiotype antibodies such as those
disclosed below as well as commercially available anti-idiotype
antibodies. See e.g., Linscott's Directory (40 Glen Drive, Mill
Valley Calif. 94941), and by the American Type Culture Collection
(ATCC) 12301 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, Md. 20852.
[0180] More specific examples of multi-chain polyspecific binding
proteins are represented in FIG. 7A. In the figure, the binding
protein includes a sc-TCR linked to a first immunoglobulin heavy
chain (Ig-C.sub.H). The first Ig-C.sub.H is linked to a second
Ig-C.sub.H to form a specific binding pair. The second Ig-C.sub.H
is the same isotype (IgG) as the first immunoglobulin heavy chain
and is further linked to an F(v) produced by a hybridoma cell. The
sc-TCR is further linked to an immunoglobulin light chain produced
the hybridoma cell. Additional multi-chain polyspecific binding
complexes (sometimes referred to as "chimeric bispecific" molecules
or antibodies) can be made by using other hybridoma cells or other
sc-TCR/Ig molecules.
[0181] As mentioned previously, the present invention also features
polyspecific binding proteins that include non-immunoglobulin
joining molecules. For example, each of B1 and B2 in the formula
shown above can be a polypeptide that includes (or consists of) a
protein-protein binding motif such as, e.g., a helix-turn-helix or
leucine zipper motif. Many examples of these binding motifs have
been described and are known in the field. See e.g., Horberg, et
al., (1993) Science 262:1401; Kamtekar, et al., (1993) Science
262:1680; Harris, et al., J. Mol. Biol. (1996) 236:1356.
[0182] More specifically, each of B1 and B2 can be a polypeptide
that consists of a protein-protein binding motif that is capable of
forming a specific binding pair. For example, each of B1 and B2 can
be a protein-protein binding motif of a transcription factor such
as fos or jun. More specific examples of protein-protein binding
motifs include birA (LXLIFEAQKIEWR; SEQ ID NO. 5), avidin
(ARKCSLTGKWTNDLGSNMT; SEQ ID NO. 6), EE (EEEEYMPME; SEQ ID NO. 8),
6.times.HIS (GMAHHHHHH; SEQ ID NO. 9), fos/jun, and (TPPPEPET; SEQ
ID NO. 10). See Rhind, S. K. (1992) U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,554;
Altman, J. D. (1996) Science, 274:94; Shatz, P. (1993)
Biotechnology, 11:1138. See also Examples 1-3 below.
[0183] As discussed, the present invention provides polynucleotides
that encode single- and multi-chain polyspecific binding proteins
(or portions thereof). In one embodiment, the polyspecific binding
protein is encoded by a polynucleotide which can be RNA, DNA, or a
chimera thereof. Typically, the polynucleotide will include or
consist of a DNA sequence (segment) that encodes the binding
protein.
[0184] For example, a polynucleotide according to the invention
typically includes an operably linked leader sequence to provide
appropriate cell processing signals. The leader sequence can be
fused to the 5' end of the DNA sequence encoding the sc-TCR
molecule. In particular, the leader can be covalently linked to the
5' end of the DNA sequence encoding the V-.alpha. chain, or in some
embodiments, the V-.beta. chain of the sc-TCR. In other
embodiments, the leader will be fused to the sc-Ab and particularly
to the sc-Fv. In a more specific embodiment, the leader sequence
can be fused to the V.sub.H chain or the V.sub.L chain of the
sc-Fv. It will be recognized however that although a specific
leader sequence is linked to a particular sc-TCR or sc-Fv sequence,
the leader sequence can often be exchanged using recombinant
techniques without a detrimental effect on the processing of the
fusion protein. Thus in one embodiment, the 5' end of the V-.alpha.
chain is covalently linked to the 3' end of a suitable leader
sequence.
[0185] A variety of specific leader sequences can be used with the
polynucleotides. In one embodiment, the leader sequence is from
between about 12 to 26 amino acid residues in length. In a specific
embodiment, a DNA sequence designed for insertion into a bacterial
expression vector can include a Pel B leader sequence.
Alternatively, DNA segments for insertion into mammalian expression
vectors may include an Ig-C.sub.L leader such as a mammalian
C.kappa. leader sequence. An exemplary C.kappa. leader is provided
below.
[0186] Additionally provided are polynucleotides that encode at
least a portion of a polyspecific binding protein and particularly
certain multi-chain polyspecific binding proteins represented in
the formula shown above. In a more particular embodiment, the
portion is sufficient to encode at least the A-B1 or D-B2 subunits.
See Examples 8, 9 and 12 below.
[0187] Additional polynucleotides according to the invention
include a DNA sequence that encodes a single-chain polyspecific
binding protein of this invention. More specifically, the
polynucleotide will usually include a promoter, translation
initiation signal, and leader sequence operably linked to the
sequence. For optimal expression in bacterial hosts, the promoter
is preferably phoA and the leader is pelB from E. coli. If desired,
the DNA sequence can further comprise a ribosome binding site from
a gene 10 sequence. For optimal expression in eukaryotic hosts, the
promoter is preferably a cytomeglovirus (CMV) promoter operably
linked to a CMV enhancer element and the leader is a mouse kappa
chain leader. By the term "operably linked" is meant a genetic
sequence operationally (i.e., functionally) linked to a
polynucleotide, or sequences upstream (5') or downstream (3') from
a given segment or sequence.
[0188] Further polynucleotides according to the invention encode at
least one sc-TCR or at least one sc-Fv each independently fused to
a DNA sequence encoding a suitable bacteriophage coat protein.
Preferably, the bacteriophage coat protein is a gene VIII or gene
III protein. Methods for making and using the polynucleotides have
been described in the pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,781.
See also U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,817 for disclosure relating to
construction and use of bacteriophage fusion proteins.
[0189] More specific polynucleotides of this invention include a
DNA sequence that encodes an sc-TCR that includes a V-.alpha. chain
covalently linked by a suitable peptide linker sequence to the
N-terminus of a V-.beta. chain. Preferably, the DNA sequence
further encodes an antibody binding domain and particularly an
sc-Fv as discussed above separated from the sc-TCR by a suitable
peptide linker sequence.
[0190] Polynucleotides that encode the present polyspecific binding
proteins can be obtained from a variety of sources including
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of publicly available
DNA sequences. In one embodiment, the polynucleotide is provided in
a DNA vector capable of expressing the molecule in a suitable
eukaryotic or prokaryotic cell expression system. As discussed,
polynucleotides of this invention may include operably linked
transcriptional elements such as a promoter, leader and optimal
enhancer sequences to drive expression of the soluble scTCR fusion
protein in a desired cell expression system. Alternatively, the DNA
vector may be selected to provide some or all of the control
elements.
[0191] The term "vector" as used herein means a nucleic acid
sequence capable of being incorporated and replicated into a host
cell typically resulting in the expression of a nucleic acid
segment of interest e.g., a polynucleotide encoding a polyspecific
binding molecule as described herein. The vectors can include e.g.,
linear nucleic acid segments or sequences, plasmids, cosmids, yeast
artificial chromosomes (YACs), phagmids and extra chromosomal DNA.
Specifically, the vector can be recombinant DNA. Also used herein
the term "expression," or "gene expression", is meant to refer to
the production of the protein product of the nucleic acid sequence
of interest including transcription of the DNA and translation of
the RNA transcription. Typically, a DNA segment encoding an sc-TCR
fusion protein of the invention is inserted into the vector,
preferably a DNA vector, to replicate the DNA segment in a suitable
host cell.
[0192] More particular DNA vectors according to the invention will
include control elements that are selected to optimize expression
in a host for which it is intended. For example, a DNA vector for
use in a bacterial host can include a promoter such as the trp
operon promoter, lac promoter, trp-lac promoter, lac.sup.uvs or
phoA promoter. Exemplary promoters are those such as phoA which
provide strong, regulated expression during slow induction
conditions lasting about several hours (e.g., 2 to 10 hours). Under
suitable culture conditions, most strong promoters are capable of
providing soluble fusion protein at levels up to and exceeding
approximately 10% of the total host cell protein. See the pending
U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,781 for more disclosure relating
to preferred conditions for expressing fusion proteins that include
a sc-TCR in bacterial cells.
[0193] In some embodiments of the invention, a polynucleotide
encoding a polyspecific binding protein of interest will be
recombinantly engineered into an appropriate DNA vector. For
example, in embodiments where the desired TCR or immunoglobulin
chain is PCR-amplified, the oligonucleotide primers are usually
configured with suitable restriction sites on both ends of the
primers so that the polynucleotide can be replaced with another
desired DNA. Thus, a suitable DNA vector of the invention is one in
which the desired binding molecule can be readily inserted in the
vector. Sometimes, as when an sc-TCR/IgG or other fusion between
the sc-TCR or immunoglobulin heavy chain or fragment thereof is
desired, the Ig-C.sub.L chain or chain fragment will be encoded by
the vector and will be fused to the DNA segment by ligation. In
other cases, the Ig-C.sub.L chain or the fragment will be fused to
the DNA segment prior to the ligation to the vector.
[0194] In general, preparation of the present polyspecific binding
proteins can be accomplished by specific procedures disclosed
herein and by recognized recombinant DNA techniques. For example,
preparation of plasmid DNA, DNA cleavage with restriction enzymes,
ligation of DNA, introduction of DNA into a cell, culturing the
cell, and isolation and purification of the expressed protein are
known techniques. See generally Sambrook et al. in Molecular
Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (2d ed. 1989); and Ausubel et al.
(1989), Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley &
Sons, New York.
[0195] More particular strategies can be employed to express the
polyspecific binding molecules described herein. For example, in
one approach, a polynucleotide encoding a polyspecific binding
protein of interest can be incorporated into a DNA vector by known
means such as by use of enzymes to restrict the vector at
pre-determined sites, followed by ligation of the DNA into the
vector. The vector containing the DNA sequence is then introduced
into a suitable host for soluble expression of the binding protein.
Selection of suitable vectors can be empirically based on factors
relating to the cloning protocol. For example, the vector should be
compatible with, and have the proper replicon for the host cell
that is being employed. Further, the vector must be able to
accommodate the DNA sequence coding for the protein that is to be
expressed. Preferred vectors are those capable of expressing the
soluble proteins in mammalian cells e.g., pcDNA3 available from
InVitrogen. See also Sambrook et al., supra and Ausubel et al.
supra for other suitable vectors for use in, mammalian, cells.
Typically, DNA vectors designed for expression in bacteria and
encoding soluble fusion proteins will not include a full-length
C.lamda. or C.kappa. intron although these sequences can be
included in vectors designed for expression in mammalian cells
capable of RNA splicing.
[0196] More preferred DNA vectors are designed to express the
polyspecific binding protein in eukaryotic cells, particularly
mammalian cells. The DNA vectors can be formatted for replication
in a bacterial host if desired so that suitable amounts of the DNA
vector can be obtained. For example, a DNA vector will usually
include (i) an origin of replication (Ori) functional in E. coli;
(ii) a selectable antibiotic resistance gene (e.g., Amp, Tet, Neo
or Kan resistance); (iii) a strong viral promoter such as the
cytomeglovirus (CMV) promoter and optional CMV enhancer element,
(iv) an Ig-C.sub.L leader sequence, (v) a sc-TCR molecule of
interest, (vi) a full-length Ig-C.sub.L intron linked to an
Ig-C.sub.L exon, (vii) a growth hormone polyadenlyation sequence,
e.g., bovine growth hormone (bgh) poly A sequence and (viii) DNA
encoding a selectable eukaryotic marker such as a strong viral
promoter (e.g., simian virus 40 (SV40) promoter) linked to the
antibiotic resistance gene and fused to a viral polyadenlyation
sequence (e.g., the SV40 polyA sequence). Alternatively, the DNA
vector can include all of (i)-(v), and (vii)-(viii), above, without
the full-length Ig-C.sub.L intron linked to the Ig-C.sub.L exon of
(vi). An exemplary Ig-C.sub.L leader sequence is the mouse kappa
leader. An example of a full-length Ig-C.sub.L intron and exon is
the full-length C.kappa. gene.
[0197] An example of a specifically preferred DNA vector for
expressing the present single-chain polyspecific binding proteins
in mammalian cells is the pSUN 27 vector illustrated in FIG. 5.
Construction and use of the pSUN27 vector has been described
previously in the pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 08/813,781 and
08/943,086. The pSUN27 vector has been deposited pursuant to the
Budapest Treaty with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) at
10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va. 20110-2209. The DNA
vector was deposited with the ATCC on Sep. 17, 1997 and was
assigned Accession No. 209276. The pSUN27 vector includes a CMV
promoter, murine light chain leader sequence, Kozak consensus
sequence, and the murine C.kappa. gene intron and exon sequence.
See also Near, et al., Mol. Immunology. (1990) for more specific
disclosure relating to the murine heavy chain sequence.
[0198] Additionally preferred are DNA vectors suited for joining a
desired sc-TCR or functional fragment to an immunoglobulin heavy
chain or fragment. For example, in one embodiment, the DNA vector
can be replicated in a bacterial host if desired. In particular,
the DNA vector will usually include (I) an origin of replication
(Ori) functional in E. Coli; (ii) a selectable antibiotic
resistance gene (Amp, Tet, Neo, or Kan); (iii) a strong viral
promoter such as CMV promoter and optional CMV enhancer; (iv) a
V.sub.H chain or fragment; (v) a C.sub.H chain; (vi) a growth
hormone polyadenlyation sequence, e.g., bgh poly A sequence; and
(vii) strong viral promoter (e.g., SV40 promoter) linked to the
antibiotic resistance gene and fused to a viral polyadenylation
sequence (e.g., SV40 PolyA sequence).
[0199] An example of a specifically preferred DNA vector for
joining a desired sc-TCR to the immunoglobulin chains is pSUN7
shown in FIG. 8.
[0200] A DNA vector of the invention can be modified according to
conventional techniques to optimize expression in mammalian cells.
For example, the eukaryotic marker encoding the neomycin resistance
gene of the pSUN27 or pSUN7 vector described above can be replaced
by DNA encoding the thymidine kinase (TK) gene to facilitate
expression of the sc-TCR fusion protein in TK- (TK deficient)
mammalian cells. The DNA vector can be modified in other ways
well-known in the art (e.g., changing promoters, antibiotic
resistance genes, replacing the CMV promoter with a promoter
obtained from an immunoglobulin, SV40, an adenovirus or papilloma
virus promoter to optimize sc-TCR fusion protein expression in a
desired mammalian cell. Alternatively, the DNA sequence encoding
the sc-TCR protein can be inserted into well-known vectors suitable
for expression in yeast or insect cells, as desired. See e.g.
Ausubel, et al., supra and Summer and Smith, infra.
[0201] A DNA vector especially designed for replication and
expression of a desired binding protein in bacteria includes e.g.,
(i) an origin of replication functional in E. coli and derived
e.g., from pBR322, preferably from well-known pUC19 vectors; (ii) a
selectable antibiotic resistance gene, e.g., ampicillin and/or
neomycin resistance gene; (iii) a transcriptional termination
region, e.g., the termination region of the E. coli trp operon;
(iv) a transcriptional promoter, e.g., a phoA, tac, tac-lac, lacZ,
lacing, T7, or T3 promoter; (v) a leader sequence, e.g., a pelB or
ompA leader; (vi) a DNA sequence encoding the sc-TCR fused to a
desired sc-Fv through a suitable peptide linker sequence (vii) a
transcriptional terminator, e.g., the T1T2 sequence from the
ribosomal RNA locus of E. coli. Alternatively, the vector can
include (i)-(vii), above, except that the sc-TCR is provided with a
fused Ig-C.sub.L chain or fragment.
[0202] Suitable host cells can be transformed by a variety of
methods including retroviral transfer, viral or bacteriophage
infection, calcium-, liposome-, or polybrene-mediated transfection,
biolistic transfer, or other such techniques known in the art.
[0203] As noted previously, in some cases it may be desirable to
express the polyspecific binding protein in non-mammalian cells.
For example, suitable host cells for expressing the fusion proteins
in bacteria include cells capable of being readily transformed and
exhibiting rapid growth in culture medium. Particularly preferred
hosts cells include E. coli, Bacillus subtillus, etc. Other host
cells include, yeasts, e.g., S. cerevisiae and insect cells.
Exemplary cells for insect cell expression are those capable of
being infected by a baculovirus such as Sf9 cells. See also, Summer
and Smith (1988) A Manual of Methods for Baclovirus Vectors and
Insect Cell Culture Procedures, Texas Agricultural Experimental
Station Bulletin No. 1555, College Station, Texas.
[0204] Although in the examples which follow cells of mammalian
origin are used, in principle, nearly any eukaryotic cell is useful
in the practice of the subject invention. Examples include primate
cells, e.g., human cells such as fibroblast cells, and cells from
other animals such as ovine, porcine, murine, and bovine cells.
Specific examples of mammalian cells include COS, HeLa, and CHO,
cells.
[0205] In general, cell culturing conditions are employed in which
stably transformed or transfected cell lines are selected e.g., by
incorporation of a suitable cell selection marker into the vector
(e.g., an antibiotic resistance gene or G418). Cells which express
a desired polyspecific binding protein of this invention can be
determined by known procedures e.g., by ELISA assay using
commercially available monoclonal antibodies which specifically
bind the binding molecule at a desired site. Illustrative of such
sites includes the V-.alpha. or V-.beta. chain of the sc-TCR or the
variable chain of an antibody binding site, e.g., the V.sub.H or
V.sub.L chain of the sc-Fv. Alternatively, in embodiments in which
a polyspecific binding molecule includes an immunoglobulin heavy
chain, e.g., an sc-TCR/IgG molecule, a monoclonal antibody can be
chosen which specifically binds the C.kappa. or C.lamda. chain (or
fragment). Examples of monoclonal antibodies and suitable assays
are provided in the examples below.
[0206] If included, a leader sequence in a DNA vector suitably
directs expression of the binding protein to host cell membranes or
to the host cell media and can be formatted to include a
restriction site so that DNA encoding, e.g., a V-.alpha. chain of
interest, can be conveniently ligated to the construct. Suitably,
the restriction site is incorporated into the 3'-end of the leader
sequence, sometimes referred herein as a junction sequence, e.g. of
about 2 to 10 codons in length; and linked to the V-.alpha. chain
so that the coding region for the V-.alpha. chain is typically the
first amino acid of the V-.alpha. coding region. Alternatively, the
leader sequence can be linked to the V.sub.H or the V.sub.L coding
region of the sc-Fv chain. For example, one restriction site is the
Sfi I site, although other cleavage sites can be incorporated
before the V-.alpha. chain coding region to augment convenient
insertion of the V-.alpha. chain into the vector construct. As
discussed above, use of such a restriction site in combination with
a second restriction site, typically positioned at the beginning of
the V-.alpha. chain, enables rapid and straightforward insertion of
sequences coding for a wide variety of V-.alpha. chains, or
V-.alpha., C-.alpha. chains. Preferred leader sequences contain a
strong translation initiation site and can sometimes include a cap
site at the 3'-end of their mRNA. As mentioned above, exemplary
leader sequences include pelB, and OmpA for bacterial expression
and a C.kappa. mouse kappa chain leader sequence for mammalian
expression.
[0207] The present invention also includes methods for isolating
the polynucleotides or vectors encoding same. In general, the
methods include introducing the vector or polynucleotide into
desired host cells, culturing the cells and purifying the encoded
polyspecific binding molecule (or portion thereof) from the host
cells to obtain substantially pure protein. The vector or
polynucleotide can also be isolated in substantially pure form by
standard methods. Typically, the vector or polynucleotide will be
DNA for most recombinant manipulations.
[0208] In some instances, the polyspecific binding proteins of the
present invention will include one or more fused protein tags
(typically one or two). For example, the protein tags can be used
to help purify the protein from naturally occurring cell
components, which typically accompany the fusion protein. In other
cases, the protein tag can be used to introduce a pre-determined
chemical or proteolytic cleavage site into the soluble fusion
protein. Particularly, contemplated is introduction of a segment
encoding a protein tag into a DNA vector, e.g., between sequence
encoding the soluble fusion protein and the Ig-C.sub.L chain or
suitable fragment so that the scTCR molecule can be cleaved (i.e.
separated) from the Ig-C.sub.L chain or fragment if desired.
[0209] Polyspecific binding molecules that include a protein tag
can have that tag fused to the molecule by genetic or chemical
manipulations as needed. In one embodiment, the binding molecule
includes one protein tag fused to the C-terminus of the protein.
Alternatively, the protein tag can be fused to the N-terminus of
the binding protein. In another embodiment, the protein tag is
fused between the sc-TCR and sc-Ab molecules of the polyspecific
binding protein.
[0210] The polyspecific binding proteins of this invention can be
purified by several conventional techniques. For example, as
previously mentioned, the binding proteins can include at least one
protein tag (the same or different), including tags which comprise
a chemical or protease cleavage site. Particularly, a protein tag
can be a polypeptide bearing a charge at physiological pH, such as
e.g., 6.times.HIS. In this embodiment, a suitable synthetic matrix
can be used to purify the fusion protein. More particularly, the
synthetic matrix can be a commercially available sepharose matrix,
such as e.g. Ni-Sepharose or other such suitable matrixes capable
of binding the 6.times.HIS tag at about pH 6-9. Other suitable tags
include EE or MYC epitopes, which are specifically bound by
commercially available monoclonal antibodies. In general, a wide
variety of epitopes capable of being specifically bound by an
antibody, e.g., a monoclonal antibody, are capable of serving as a
protein tag. Other suitable synthetic matrices includes those with
a bound antibody capable of specifically binding the present sc-TCR
proteins. Exemplary protein tags include those with an
enterokinase, Factor Xa, snake venom or thrombin cleavage site. See
e.g., published PCT application WO 96/13593. See also Example 6-7
below.
[0211] An expressed polyspecific binding protein can be isolated
and purified by known methods including immunoaffinity
chromatography, immunoabsorption, immunoprecipitation and the like.
Importantly, the preparative procedures will not usually require
prolonged isolation steps to obtain significant yields of the
fusion protein. In accordance with the protein purification methods
described more fully below, yields for most polyspecific binding
proteins are in the range of about 2 to 6 milligrams per liter.
[0212] As discussed, the polyspecific binding proteins of this
invention can be expressed and purified by one or a combination of
strategies. In one approach, a polyspecific binding protein such as
a single-chain fusion protein is expressed in a suitable cell.
Preferably the binding protein is expressed in the cell or cell
media. A cell extract or host cell culture medium is obtained and
then centrifuged. The resulting supernatant can be purified by
affinity or immunoaffinity chromatography, e.g. Protein-A or
Protein-G affinity chromatography or an immunoaffinity protocol
comprising use of an antibody that specifically binds the binding
protein. Examples of such an antibody are commercially available
monoclonal antibodies capable of specifically binding the sc-TCR,
sc-Fv or other portion of the binding molecule such as the protein
tag or immunoglobulin heavy chain portion. More specific examples
of suitable monoclonal antibodies are those capable of binding a
V-.alpha. chain or v-.beta. chain of the sc-TCR, e.g., H57, B20.1,
MR5-2, and F23.1 (Pharmagen). Specific examples of such antibodies
are anti-idotypic antibodies such as those in the examples
below.
[0213] As described above, the polyspecific binding molecules of
the present invention are provided in a soluble and fully
functional form. Thus, in one embodiment, the binding molecules are
stably secreted into culture medium and are capable of specifically
binding a ligand of interest such as a TCR antigen or portion
thereof capable of binding the binding molecule. In embodiments of
the invention in which a polyspecific binding molecules is present
as a single-chain, the molecule is preferably stable under
physiological conditions in the substantial or complete absence of
a chaotropic agent such as a detergent or the like. Thus, the
binding molecules will usually not include regions rich in
hydrophobic amino acids such as those amino acids found in a TCR
transmembrane region.
[0214] The polyspecific binding molecules provided herein can be
modified by standard methods to include a variety of covalently
linked protein tags (effectors). For example, one or more effectors
or tags can be added to the binding molecules to visualize bridging
between bound cells and/or to boost recognition, damage or killing
by immune cells. Potential sites for adding the effectors or tags
include the sc-TCR, sc-Fv or immunoglobulin heavy chain portion (if
present). Preferred tags generally impart a desired biological,
chemical or physical property. More specific effectors or tags have
been described in the pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 08/813,781
and 08/943,086.
[0215] Additional examples of suitable protein tags include
polypeptide sequences that have a charge at physiological pH, such
as, e.g., 6.times.HIS. In this instance, a suitable synthetic
matrix to purify the polyspecific binding complex would be, e.g., a
commercially available metallo-sepharose such as, e.g.,
Ni-sepharose or other such suitable matrix capable of binding
6.times.HIS at about pH 6-9. The EE epitope and myc epitope are
further examples of suitable protein tags, which epitopes can be
specifically bound by one or more commercially available monoclonal
antibodies. Effector molecules may be conjugated to the
polyspecific binding complexes by means of a heterobifunctional
protein cross-linking agent such as, e.g., SPDP, carbodimide, or
the like. See Meany and Feeney, supra; Wong, supra.
[0216] It will be useful for some applications to non-recombinantly
modify the polyspecific binding complexes of the invention by
non-genetic means. For example, the binding complexes can include a
variety of pharmaceutical agents in addition to those described
above such as drugs, enzymes, hormones, chelating agents capable of
binding, e.g., a radionuclide, as well as other proteins and
polypeptides useful for diagnosis or treatment of disease. For
diagnostic purposes, the polyspecific binding molecule can either
be labeled or unlabelled. For example, a wide variety of labels may
be suitably employed, such as radionuclides, fluors, enzymes,
enzyme substrates, enzyme cofactors, enzyme inhibitors, ligands
such as, e.g., haptens, and the like.
[0217] For some applications, it will be desirable to position a
polyspecific binding molecule by including a fused peptide linker
sequence. Several suitable peptide linkers and methods of testing
same have been described. In some cases it may be useful to add an
agent to the fused peptide linker in accordance with well-known
techniques. Examples of useful agents include photometrically
detectable labels such as, e.g., a dye or a fluor; an enzyme (such
as, e.g., .beta.-galactosidase, alkaline phosphatase, or
horseradish peroxidase; which enzymes are capable of forming a
photometrically detectable label). See generally U.S. Pat. No.
5,434,051 for a discussion of suitable photometrically detectable
labels. Alternatively, the agents can be conjugated directly to the
polyspecific binding molecules disclosed herein by a variety of
other means not involving a peptide linker, some of which means are
disclosed.
[0218] Further, the polyspecific binding proteins of the invention
can be post-translationally modified if desired by e.g.,
carbohydrate or fatty acid addition. For example, the binding
molecules can be modified by glycosylation. Glycosylation sites on
proteins are known in the art and are typically either N-linked
(asparagine-linked) or O-linked (serine- or threonine-linked). Such
glycosylation sites can be readily identified by inspection of the
protein sequence. The present binding molecules can be glycosylated
by suitable eukaryotic cells as evidenced by, e.g., SDS-PAGE gel
electrophoresis. SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis and other related
methods can be combined with conventional biochemical techniques
such as, e.g., enzymatic digestion, to detect carbohydrate bound to
the polyspecific binding proteins of the invention. Examples of
preferred digestive enzymes include, e.g., endoglycosidases, and
exoglycosidases available, e.g., from New England Biolabs (Beverly
Mass.). Accordingly, the polyspecific binding molecules of the
invention can be readily analyzed for the presence of carbohydrate
groups, particularly oligosaccharide groups.
[0219] In some instances, it may be useful to obtain substantially
pure polyspecific binding molecules of the invention in
glycosylated form. Particularly, such glycosylated molecules may
exhibit less in vivo degradation when administered as a therapeutic
agent, thereby increasing circulating half-life (see e.g., Goto, M.
et al. Bio/Technology 6:67 (1988)).
[0220] In particular, the present polyspecific binding molecules
are also suitable for a variety of in vitro and in vivo uses
including diagnostic and imaging applications as well as HLA
typing. See e.g., A. K. Abbas, Cellular and Molecular Immunology,
page 328 (W.B. Saunders Co. 1991). For in vivo imaging
applications, a polyspecific binding protein of interest can be
detectably labeled by addition of .sup.125I, .sup.32P, .sup.99Tc or
other detectable tag. The labeled polyspecific binding molecule can
then be administered to a mammal and the subject scanned by known
procedures. Such an analysis of the mammal could aid in the
diagnosis and treatment of a number of disorders including e.g.
undesired expression of APCs accompanying immune system
disorders.
[0221] Molecular weights of present polyspecific binding molecules
will vary depending on a number of factors including whether a
particular binding molecule includes one or more sc-TCR molecules,
what specific antibody binding domain is included, whether a
full-length C.kappa. or C.lamda. chain is present, or whether one
or more protein tags is employed. In general, in embodiments in
which the polyspecific binding molecule is present as a
single-chain, the binding molecule will have a molecular weight
from between about 80 to 110 kDA, and particularly from between
about 90 to 100 kDA. In this embodiment, the V-.alpha. and V-.beta.
chains of the sc-TCR will have a molecular weight of greater than
about 16 kDA, more typically between about 12 to about 20 kDa.
Additionally, in embodiments in which the sc-Fv includes a V.sub.H
and a V.sub.L chain, the chains will have a molecular weight of
greater than about 18, more typically about 12 to about 20 kDA. The
molecular weight of a specific binding molecule will depend on
several parameters including the number of sc-TCR or sc-Fv
molecules present.
[0222] As discussed, some polyspecific binding molecules of the
present invention are multi-chain molecules and especially
bispecific chimeric antibodies. See FIGS. 7A and 7B. Typically, the
multi-chain molecules will have a molecular weight from between
about 150 to about 250 kDa or greater depending, e.g., on the
number of sc-TCR or sc-Fv molecules present. All of the above
mentioned molecular weights are determined by conventional
molecular sizing experiments such as SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis
or centrifugation. See generally Sambrook, et al., supra Harlow and
Lane, supra; Ausubel et al, supra.
[0223] In some settings it can be useful to increase the valency of
a particular polyspecific binding molecules. For example, one way
to increase the valency of a polyspecific binding molecule is to
covalently link together between one and four binding molecules
(the same or different) by using e.g., standard biotin-streptavidin
labeling techniques, or by conjugation to suitable solid supports
such as latex beads. Chemically cross-linked proteins (for example
cross-linked to dendrimers) are also suitable polyvalent species.
For example, the protein can be modified by including sequences
encoding amino acid residues with chemically reactive side chains
such as Cys or His. Such amino acids with chemically reactive side
chains may be positioned in a variety of positions in the fusion
protein, preferably distal to the binding region of the sc-TCR or
sc-Fv.
[0224] As a specific example, the C-terminus of the polyspecific
binding molecule can be covalently linked to a protein purification
tag or other fused protein which includes such a reactive amino
acid(s). Suitable side chains can be included to chemically link
two or more fusion proteins to a suitable dendrimer particle to
give a multivalent molecule. Dendrimers are synthetic chemical
polymers that can have any one of a number of different functional
groups on their surface (D. Tomalia, Aldrichimica Acta, 26:91:101
(1993)). Exemplary dendrimers for use in accordance with the
present invention include e.g. E9 starburst polyamine dendrimer and
E9 comburst polyamine dendrimer, which can link cysteine
residues.
[0225] Highly useful in vitro and in vivo T-cell binding assays
have been disclosed in published PCT Application Nos.
PCT/US95/09816, PCT/US96/04314 and PCT/US97/01617, as well as the
pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 08/382,454, 08/596, 387
and 08/943,086. The disclosed T-cell binding assays can be used or
readily adapted if necessary to test the function of the
polyspecific binding proteins of this invention. The disclosures of
said published PCT application Nos. PCT/US95/09816, PCT/US96/04314,
PCT/US97/01617, and pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 08/382,454,
08/596, 387 are each incorporated herein by reference.
[0226] The ability of a polyspecific binding protein of the present
invention to modulate activity of an immune cells and especially a
T-cell (i.e. cause or elicit T-cell activity such as proliferation)
can be readily determined in accordance with the assays and
materials for performing the assays disclosed in said published PCT
Application Nos. PCT/US95/09816, PCT/US96/04314, PCT/US97/01617, as
well as said pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 08/382,454,
08/596, 387 and 08/943,086. See also Matsui, et al. (1994) PNAS
(USA) (1994) 91:12862.
[0227] More specifically, as disclosed in said published PCT
Application Nos. US95/09816, PCT/US96/04314, PCT/US97/01617, as
well as said pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 08/382,454,
08/596, 387 and 08/943,086, in vitro assays can be performed to
determine if a molecule is capable of modulating T-cell activity.
Such assays can be modified to determine functionality of the
polyspecific binding proteins. Generally, a exemplary assay is
conducted as follows, by the sequential steps 1-4 below. T-cells
suitably express a marker that can be assayed and that indicates
T-cell activation, or modulation of T-cell activity after
activation. Thus, as disclosed in the prior applications, the
murine T-cell hybridoma D011.10 expressing interleukin-2 (IL-2)
upon activation can be employed. IL-2 concentrations can be
measured to determine if a particular sc-TCR fusion molecule is
capable of modulating activity of the T-cell hybridoma (e.g.,
increasing IL-2 production). A general example of such a suitable
assay is conducted by the following sequential steps:
[0228] 1. Suitable T-cell hybridomas or T-cells are obtained.
[0229] 2. The T-cell hybridoma or T-cells are then cultured under
conditions that allow proliferation.
[0230] 3. The proliferating T-cell hybridoma or T-cells are then
contacted with one or more of the polyspecific binding proteins.
The cells will typically not proliferate (i.e. they are resting)
until the polyspecific binding protein is added along with suitable
target cells.
[0231] 4. In cases where non-hybridoma T-cells are employed such as
naive T-cells, it may be useful to add a suitable co-stimulatory
factor to provide signals necessary for activation. The T-cell
hybridomas or T-cells are subsequently assayed for a marker, e.g.
IL-2 production is measured. In embodiments in which a bispecific
molecule is used, production of IL-2 is one way to evaluate the
extent to which the bispecific molecule can modify the T-cell
response. Preferred are bispecific molecules that provide for cell
bridging and facilitate about a two to about a threefold increase
in IL-2 over a suitable control (i.e. an unstimulated T-cell).
Additionally preferred are bispecific molecules which when used
without added immune cells will not result in stimulation and in
significant IL-2 production as measured by the above-mentioned
general assay. That is, addition of the polyspecific binding
molecule without addition of target cells will not result in
significant T-cell stimulation (i.e. IL-2 production). See Example
14 below for a more specific assay.
[0232] As disclosed previously in said published PCT Application
Nos. PCT/US95/09816, PCT/US96/04314, PCT/US97/01617, and in said
pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/382,454, 08/596, 387
and 08/943,086, the T-cells employed in the assays are usually
incubated under conditions suitable for proliferation. For example,
a DO11.10 T-cell hybridoma is suitably incubated at about
37.degree. C. and 5% CO.sub.2 in complete culture medium (RPMI 1640
supplemented with 10% FBS, penicillin/streptomycin, L-glutamine and
5.times.10-5 M 2-mercaptoethanol). Serial dilutions of a fusion
protein can be added to the T-cell culture medium in concentrations
typically in the range of from 10.sup.-8 to 10.sup.-5 M. T-cell
activation signals are preferably provided by antigen presenting
cells that have been loaded with the appropriate antigen.
[0233] As disclosed previously in said published PCT Application
Nos. PCT/US95/09816, PCT/US96/04314, PCT/US97/01617 and in said
pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/382,454, 08/596, 387
and 08/943,086, rather than measurement of an expressed protein
such as IL-2, modulation of T-cell activation can be suitably
determined by changes in antigen-dependent T-cell proliferation as
measured by radiolabelling techniques as are recognized in the art.
For example, a detectably-labeled (e.g., tritiated) nucleotide may
be introduced into an assay culture medium. Incorporation of such a
tagged nucleotide into DNA serves as a measure of T-cell
proliferation. This assay is not suitable for T-cells that do not
require antigen presentation for growth, e.g., T-cell hybridomas.
It is suitable for measurement of modulation of T-cell activation
for untransformed T-cells isolated from mammals. T-cell
proliferation following contact with the fusion protein (only in
the presence of peptide/MHC target cells) indicates that the
molecule modulates activity of the T-cells and can suppress immune
response. The in vitro T-cell proliferation assay is preferred for
measuring the effects of fusion proteins on antigen-specific
changes in T-cell colony expansion in vivo. Measurement of IL-2
production or T-cell proliferation can be employed to determine if
the polyspecific binding protein is capable of modifying T-cell
activation.
[0234] Additionally preferred bispecific binding molecules include
those capable of mediating CTL killing of desired target cells as
determined by a cytotoxicity assay such as a conventional chromium
(Cr.sup.51) release assay. In a specific embodiment, the chromium
release assay is used to measure CTL killing. The cell killing can
be monitored and quantified if desired by a number of suitable
means including measuring the released chromium. The chromium
release assay is readily adaptable for use with nearly any
polyspecific binding molecules disclosed herein and suitable tumor
cell targets. Preferred are bispecific binding molecules that are
capable of releasing between at least about 10 to 15% lysis with
respect to spontaneous release from suitable control cells. See
Example 18 below for more specific information regarding the
chromium release assay.
[0235] In general, suitable T-cells for the assays are provided by
transformed T-cell lines such as T-cell hybridomas or T-cells
isolated from a mammal, e.g., a primate such as from a human or
from a rodent such as a mouse, rat or rabbit. Other suitable
T-cells include: 1) T-cell hybridomas which are publicly available
or can be prepared by known methods, 2) T helper cells, and 3) T
cytotoxic cells, preferably cytotoxic CD8+ cells. T-cells can be
isolated from a mammal by known methods. See, for example, R.
Shimonkevitz et al., J. Exp. Med., (1983) 158:303.
[0236] Related in vitro and in vivo assays for testing sc-TCR
molecules have been described in said published PCT Application
Nos. PCT/US95/09816, PCT/US96/04314, PCT/US97/01617 and in said
pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 08/382,454, 08/596,387
and 08/943,086. Such assays can be readily adapted for use with the
present polyspecific binding molecules as needed.
[0237] See Example 14 below for an especially preferred assay for
detecting stimulation of T hybridoma cells using preferred
bispecific hybrid molecules.
[0238] The present invention provides additional methods for
testing the single- and multi-chain polyspecific binding proteins
disclosed herein. For example, the functionality of the sc-TCR or
antibody-binding portion of the binding molecules can be readily
demonstrated by a variety of specific binding assays. Preferred
binding assays monitor and preferably quantitate specific binding
between the antibody binding portion and a desired cell surface
protein. Preferred specific binding assays include Western
blotting, ELISA, RIA, mobility shift assay, enzyme-immuno assay,
competitive assays, saturation assays, cytometric assays or other
protein binding assays know in the art. Preferred are assays that
are capable of detecting a cell surface protein, e.g., a TCR,
glycoprotein or other suitable molecule.
[0239] One preferred assay for analyzing the present polyspecific
binding molecules is an ELISA assay. For example, in one
embodiment, suitable host cells expressing a desired bispecific
hybrid molecule are screened in an ELISA format using an antibody
that is capable of specifically binding the hybrid molecule.
Preferred are bispecific hybrid molecules that include a protein
tag such as an EE-tagged molecule. In this instance, the tagged
molecules can be probed using commercially available antibodies
that specifically bind the tag. The bound antibody can be
conveniently detected using standard ELISA, e.g., by binding a
second detectably-labeled antibody that binds the antibody
recognizing the EE-tag. Alternatively, the bispecific hybrid
molecule may be probed with an antibody that specifically binds the
sc-TCR or the antibody binding domain and particularly the
sc-Fv.
[0240] The above-described ELISA assays can be used to detect and
characterize nearly any of the polyspecific binding proteins
disclosed herein. Additionally, the ELISA assays can be used to
screen cells for capacity to express a desired polyspecific binding
protein. See Example 3 and FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B and 11 for
results of illustrative ELISA assays.
[0241] Additionally preferred assays for analyzing the present
polyspecific binding proteins include Western immunoblots. Briefly,
a particular polyspecific binding protein such as a bispecific
hybrid molecule can be separated by conventional gel
electrophoresis and transferred to a suitable support medium. The
transferred blot can then be probed with a wide variety of
antibodies such as those that specifically bind the sc-TCR or
antibody binding domain, e.g., the sc-Fv. Bound antibody can be
visualized by standard detection methods. See the Examples below
and FIG. 12.
[0242] Additionally preferred assays for analyzing the present
polyspecific binding proteins involve flow cytometric analysis. For
example, specific binding between the sc-TCR or sc-Fv portion of a
bispecific hybrid protein and a glycoprotein or other suitable
marker expressed on a cell can be determined by flow cytometric
analysis. In a more particular example, T hybridoma cells or other
suitable cells that express the CD3 molecule are contacted with the
bispecific hybrid molecule under conditions conducive to forming a
specific binding complex. The cells are then washed and contacted
with a detectably-labeled antibody (e.g., biotinylated) specific
for a V chain of the sc-TCR or a protein tag attached to the
bispecific hybrid molecule (e.g., the EE tag). A standard
chromogenic assay is then performed using labeled streptavidin and
spectrophotometric detection methods. Functionality of the sc-Fv
can be demonstrated by staining of the T-hybridoma cells.
Non-specific staining can be detected by a variety of methods
including use of T hybridoma cells that do not express the CD3
molecule. For some applications it may be useful to check the
binding specificity by including a suitable antibody that can
compete with the bispecific hybrid protein for binding to the
cells. Preferred bispecific binding proteins will exhibit from an
increase in cytochrome from between about 5 to 1000 fold and
preferably between from about 10 to 100 fold when compared to a
suitable control. See Example 15 and FIGS. 17-19 for results of a
flow cytometric analysis.
[0243] As discussed, the present invention also features
recombinant bacteriophages that include fusion proteins that
comprise sc-TCR or sc-Fv molecules fused to a suitable
bacteriophage protein or fragment thereof. As discussed, sc-Fv
fusion proteins comprising a bacteriophage coat protein are known
in the field. Methods for making and using sc-TCR fusion proteins
comprising a bacteriophage coat protein have been disclosed in
pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,781. See also U.S. Pat.
No. 5,759,817. It will be apparent from the examples that follow
that the disclosed methods can be adapted, as needed, to facilitate
manufacture of the present recombinant bacteriophages.
[0244] More particularly, the present recombinant bacteriophages
display fusion proteins that each include a sc-TCR or sc-Fv linked
to a bacteriophage coat protein or fragment. Preferred recombinant
bacteriophages of this invention are bispecific and feature the
binding specificity of the sc-TCR and sc-Fv fusion proteins. As
disclosed in the pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/943,086, the
scTCR fusion protein generally includes a bacteriophage coat
protein or fragment thereof covalently linked to a V-.alpha. chain
fused to a V-.beta. chain preferably through a flexible peptide
linker sequence. Preferably, the bacteriophage coat protein is a
bacteriophage gene III or gene VIII protein. The sc-Fv fusion
protein typically includes a bacteriophage coat protein or fragment
covalently linked to the V.sub.H or V.sub.L chain preferably
through a flexible peptide linker protein.
[0245] As used herein "bacteriophage coat protein" includes the
full-length coat protein. A suitable fragment of that coat protein
is capable of facilitating packaging of the scTCR or sc-Fv and
displaying the scTCR or sc-Fv as a fusion protein component of the
bacteriophage coat. Successful packaging can be demonstrated in
several ways including plaque assays that quantitate production of
infectious particles. More specific disclosure relating to methods
of making and using the bacteriophages can be found in Examples 21,
24, 26-28 below.
[0246] In one embodiment, the recombinant bacteriophages of this
invention display scTCR and sc-Fv fusion proteins that each
optionally include one or more fused protein tags (typically one or
two). Attachment of at least one protein tag has several advantages
including providing a straightforward way of purifying the
bacteriophages from cell components which can accompany it.
Preferred are proteins tags that facilitate chemical or
immunological recognition of the bacteriophage such as those
specific tags described below. An especially preferred tag is the
EE sequence.
[0247] In particular, the sc-TCR and sc-Fv fusion proteins of the
recombinant bacteriophages of this invention can include nearly any
sc-TCR or sc-Fv molecule described herein. For example, the sc-TCR
fusion protein can include covalently linked in sequence: 1) a
V-.alpha. chain, 2) a suitable peptide linker sequence, 3) a
V-.beta. chain 4) a C.sub..beta.-chain and 5) and a first
bacteriophage coat protein or fragment. The sc-Fv fusion protein
can include covalently linked in sequence: 1) a V.sub.H chain, 2) a
suitable peptide linker sequence, 3) a V.sub.L chain, and 4) a
second bacteriophage coat protein or fragment. The first and second
bacteriophage coat proteins can be the same or different depending,
e.g., on the amount or quality of display desired.
[0248] In embodiments in which the recombinant bacteriophage
includes fusion proteins that each comprise a sc-TCR or sc-Fv
fusion protein, that bacteriophage will sometimes be referred to
herein as a "bispecific bacteriophage" or simply "bispecific
phage". Illustrative of such bispecific phages include those that
display a desired sc-TCR fused to the bacteriophage gene VIII
protein and the sc-Fv fused to the gene III protein. However, in
some cases, it may be useful to make recombinant bispecific
bacteriophages that display the sc-TCR fused to the gene III
protein and the sc-Fv fused to the gene WIT protein.
[0249] As discussed, additional disclosure relating to the
construction and use of the sc-TCR fusion proteins can be found in
the pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,781. In particular,
the pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,781 discloses an
sc-TCR fusion protein that includes a C-.beta. chain fragment
covalently linked between the C-terminus of the V-.beta. chain and
the N-terminus of the bacteriophage gene III protein. Optionally, a
protein tag can be covalently linked to the C-terminus of the
C-fragment and the N-terminus of the bacteriophage gene III
protein. Also disclosed is an sc-TCR fusion protein that includes a
first protein tag covalently linked between the C-terminus of the
V-.beta. chain and the N-terminus of the bacteriophage gene III
protein, and a second protein tag covalently linked to the
C-terminus of the fusion protein.
[0250] Additionally disclosed in the pending U.S. application Ser.
No. 08/813,781 is an sc-TCR fusion protein that includes covalently
linked in sequence: 1) a V-.alpha. chain, 2) a peptide linker
sequence, 3) a V-.beta. chain covalently linked to a C-.beta. chain
fragment, and 4) a bacteriophage gene VIII protein. Also taught is
an sc-TCR fusion protein that includes covalently linked in
sequence: 1) a V-.alpha. chain covalently linked to a C-.alpha.
chain fragment, 2) a peptide linker sequence, 3) a V-.beta. chain
covalently linked to a C-.beta. chain fragment, and 4) a
bacteriophage gene VIII protein. In this embodiment, the sc-TCR may
further include a first protein tag covalently linked to the
C-terminus of the V-.beta. chain and the N-terminus of the gene
VIII protein, and a second protein tag covalently linked to the
C-terminus of the fusion protein. Additionally, a protein tag may
be covalently linked to the C-terminus of the C-.beta. chain
fragment and the N-terminus of the gene VIII protein.
[0251] If desired, the present recombinant bacteriophages can be
manipulated to have valancies from between about 2 to 10 and
preferably from between about 2 to 3. That is, the bacteriophages
can be formatted to include: 1) between from about 2 to 3 sc-TCR
fusion proteins, 2) between from about 2 to 3 sc-Fv fusion
proteins, or 3) between from about 2 to 3 sc-TCR and sc-Fv fusion
proteins. Such polyspecific bacteriophages are highly useful, e.g.,
as when it is desirable to increase the avidity or binding affinity
of an sc-TCR or sc-Fv fusion protein displayed on the
bacteriophage.
[0252] The present invention also provides methods for making the
recombinant polyspecific bacteriophages described herein. For
example, in one embodiment, bacterial host cells are transfected
with polynucleotides that encode a sc-TCR or sc-Fv in which the
encoded sc-TCR or sc-Fv is fused to a suitable bacteriophage coat
protein or fragment. Also contemplated are polynucleotides that
encode a functional fragment of the sc-TCR or sc-Fv. Also
envisioned are polynucleotides that encode multiple copies (i.e.
about 2 to 5) of the sc-TCR or sc-Fv. More specific disclosure
relating to making and using polynucleotides encoding the sc-TCR
fused to a suitable bacteriophage coat protein or fragment can be
found in the pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,781.
[0253] The present recombinant bacteriophages can be produced by
one or a combination of strategies. Preferred are methods that use
bacterial host cells such as E. coli that are conducive to the
bacteriophage propagation. In a particular embodiment, the host
cells are transfected with a polynucleotide that encodes the sc-TCR
fusion protein under conditions sufficient to display same as part
of the bacteriophage coat or capsid. The host cell can be infected
at the same time or at later time with a polynucleotide encoding
the sc-Fv fusion protein under conditions that are also conducive
to displaying the sc-FV fusion protein on the capsid. Production of
the polyspecific bacteriophages can be detected and quantified if
desired by a variety of conventional methods such as RIA, ELISA,
Western immunoblot and affinity chromatography.
[0254] In another embodiment, the recombinant polyspecific
bacteriophages of this invention are made by infecting suitable
host cells with "monospecific" recombinant bacteriophages that
independently carry the sc-TCR or sc-Fv fusion proteins described
herein. More specific disclosure relating to such bacteriophages
can be found in the pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,781.
See also U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,817. For example, in a more specific
embodiment, the polyspecific bacteriophages can be made by first
infecting suitable bacterial host cells with a monospecific
bacteriophage and then infecting the same host cells with the other
monospecific bacteriophage. Alternatively, the infection can be
conducted by co-infecting with both monospecific
bacteriophages.
[0255] It will be appreciated that the present methods for making
the recombinant polyspecific bacteriophages are highly flexible.
That is, the order in which the host cells are transfected (or
infected) with a particular polynucleotide (or recombinant
bacteriophage) is not important so long as the resulting
recombinant bacteriophage has the binding specifies intended.
[0256] The recombinant bacteriophages of this invention provide a
number of important uses and advantages. For example, the
bacteriophages preferably display full- or nearly full-length scTCR
and sc-Fv molecules. Accordingly, use of the present bacteriophage
libraries positively impacts analysis of scTCR and sc-Fv molecules,
particularly scTCR and sc-Fv binding pockets.
[0257] The present recombinant bacteriophages are particularly
useful for a wide spectrum of screens such as those formatted to
detect and evaluate specific binding of a sc-TCR and sc-Fv
molecules. The bacteriophages are also useful for analyzing a
variety of binding molecules such as antigens, antibodies, small
molecules, superantigens and MHC/HLA peptide complexes.
Importantly, the present bacteriophage display libraries express
fusion proteins with a V-.alpha. and a V-.beta. chain, thereby
making the fusion proteins more fully representative of TCRs found
in vivo.
[0258] Additionally, the present bacteriophages can be manipulated
to maximize formation of specific binding complexes between the
bacteriophages and desired binding molecules or even cells, thereby
increasing detection of the binding molecules or cells which may be
rare or weakly binding. The bacteriophages of the invention are
especially amenable to biopanning techniques (e.g., cell panning
and immunopanning).
[0259] As discussed, the recombinant bacteriophages and
bacteriophage libraries of the present invention can be provided in
kit form. The kit may include recombinant bacteriophages displaying
a single type of sc-TCR and sc-Fv. Alternatively, the kit may
include a recombinant bacteriophage library in which case the
library will preferably include a variety of different sc-TCR and
sc-Fv fusion proteins. More specific kits further include pertinent
host cells and/or reagents for detecting the bacteriophages, e.g.,
antibodies and directions for using the kit.
[0260] The present invention also provides a variety of methods for
administering at least one polyspecific binding protein to a mammal
and preferably a rodent or a primate such as a human patient. For
example, in one embodiment, there is provided a method for
administering a polynucleotide that encodes a polyspecific binding
molecule and especially a single-chain polyspecific-binding
molecule. Preferred are polynucleotides that can express the
single-chain binding molecule in the mammal. Preferably, DNA
carrying the coding regions of the binding protein, suitably under
the control of an strong eukaryotic promoter such as a strong viral
promoter (e.g., CMV), is injected directly into skeletal muscle of
the subject according to known methods. Methods for administration
of plasmid DNA, uptake of that DNA by cells of the administered
subject and expression of protein has been reported (see J. Ulmer
et al. Science, (1993) 259:1745-1749). In embodiments in which the
polyspecific binding molecule is administered to a mammal and
especially a human, it is preferred that the isotype of the
molecule be compatible with the host employed.
[0261] As noted previously, the polyspecific binding proteins of
the present invention have therapeutic applications. For example,
as discussed, the binding molecules can be used to redirect the
specificity of a certain immune cells and particularly a T-cell,
CTL, CD8+ cell, NK cell, or macrophage to eliminate a desired
target cell that expresses an MHC such as a virally infected or
tumor cell. Cross-linking of the immune cells with the target cells
provides a potent immune response sufficient to damage or kill the
target cell.
[0262] Additionally, the polyspecific binding proteins described
herein can be administered to reduce or eliminate an immune
response in a mammal, e.g., to treat a mammal such as a human that
suffers from or is susceptible to cancer and an infectious disease.
Also suitable for treatment are those subjects suffering or likely
to suffer from an undesired immune response e.g. patients
undergoing transplant surgery such as transplant of heart, kidney,
skin or other organs. In situations involving transplant rejection,
a treatment protocol may suitably be commenced in advance of the
surgical procedure.
[0263] Administration of the polyspecific binding molecules
described herein can be via any suitable means such as
administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the fusion
protein or polynucleotide encoding same. In some embodiments in
which DNA administration is desired it may be helpful to provide
two or more polynucleotides encoding parts of a desired
polyspecific binding protein such as when use of a bispecific
hybrid molecule is desired.
[0264] A number of specific approaches can be employed to reduce or
kill desired target cells in accord with the present invention. For
example, one treatment method for damaging and preferably killing
target cells provides for the administration of a therapeutically
effective amount of a desired polyspecific binding molecule to link
target cells expressing an MHC complex to specific immune cells
expressing a cell surface antigen. Association between the target
cells and the immune cells facilitates an immune reaction that
damages and preferably eliminates the target cells. In some
embodiments, more than one polyspecific-binding molecule may be
administered as needed. In some instances, T-cell mediated immune
responses such as T-cell proliferation, differentiation, activation
or B lymphocyte stimulation can be selectively controlled.
[0265] The polyspecific binding proteins described herein can be
administered to a mammal by injection, e.g., intraperitoneal or
intravenous injection. In preferred embodiments, the polyspecific
binding proteins are preferably produced from mammalian or other
suitable cells and purified prior to use so it is essentially or
completely free of pyrogens. The optimal dose for a given
therapeutic application can be determined by conventional means and
will generally vary depending on a number of factors including the
route of administration, the patient's weight, general health, sex,
and other such factors recognized by the art-skilled.
[0266] Administration can be in a single dose, or a series of doses
separated by intervals of days or weeks. The term "single dose" as
used herein can be a solitary dose, and can also be a sustained
release dose. The subject can be a mammal (e.g., a human or
livestock such as cattle and pets such as dogs and cats) and
include treatment as a pharmaceutical composition which comprises
at least one polyspecific binding protein and typically one of such
protein. Such pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are
prepared and used in accordance with procedures known in the art.
For example, formulations containing a therapeutically effective
amount of the binding protein may be presented in unit-dose or
multi-dose containers, e.g., sealed ampules and vials, and may be
stored in a freeze dried (lyophilized) condition requiring only the
addition of the sterile liquid carrier, e.g. water injections,
immediately prior use. Liposome formulations also may be preferred
for many applications. Other compositions for parenteral
administration also will be suitable and include aqueous and
non-aqueous sterile injection solutions which may contain
anti-oxidants, buffers, bacteriostat and solutes which render the
formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient; and
aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions which may include
suspending agents and thickening agents.
[0267] Methods of the invention which include reducing or
eliminating target cells expressing e.g., a tumor or viral peptide
loaded MHC. The methods may be used in combination with other
therapies such as anti-viral, immunosuppressive, anti-cancer or
anti-inflammatory therapies to provide a more effective treatment
regimen. For example, the polyspecific binding proteins of this
invention can be used with specific anti-viral agents such as those
used to reduce or eliminate a retrovirus infection and particularly
infection by the AIDS virus. Additionally, the polyspecific binding
proteins can be used with standard anti-cancer therapies such as
chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
[0268] As mentioned previously, in some instances it may be useful
to produce antibodies to the polyspecific binding proteins
described herein or fragments thereof. More specific methods for
making antibodies have been described in the pending U.S.
application Ser. Nos. 08/813,781 and 08/943,086.
[0269] As mentioned above, the polyspecific binding molecules
described herein can be readily modified by one or a combination of
strategies to improve binding. More specific disclosure relating to
methods for improving the binding of sc-TCR molecules has been
reported in the pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,781.
[0270] Substantially pure soluble fusion proteins or nucleic acids
are at least about 90 to 95% pure and preferably at least 98% to
99% or more pure for pharmaceutical use. Once purified partially or
to substantial purity, the soluble fusion proteins can be used
therapeutically (including extracorporeally), or in developing or
performing in vitro or in vivo assays as disclosed herein.
[0271] All documents mentioned herein are fully incorporated herein
by reference in their entirety. The following non-limiting examples
are illustrative of the invention.
Example 1
Construction of p-149 Single-Chain (sc) TCR
[0272] The T cell clone, p-149, recognizes a peptide fragment
(STPPPGTRV, SEQ ID NO. 11) of the human wild-type tumor suppresser
protein p53 restricted by HLA-A2.1. (See Theobald et al., PNAS,
1995) The T cell receptor gene was cloned into a three domain
single-chain format previously shown to produce soluble TCR and
functional receptor molecules (FIG. 1A).
[0273] In brief, mRNA was isolated from the T cell clone and cDNA
was made using the Marathon cDNA Amplification Kit (Clontech). The
cDNA was used as a template in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with
primers KC171 and KC174 to produce a 5'SfiI3'SpeI V.alpha. chain
fragment including the first seven amino acids of the C.alpha.
chain N-terminus. The same cDNA was then used as a PCR template
with primers KC172 and KC176 to generate a 5'XhoI-3'XmaI V beta C
beta chain fragment. The C beta chain was truncated just before the
cysteine residue at amino acid 127 of the full-length C beta
chain.
[0274] The alpha and beta chain fragments were cloned into the
pGEM-T Easy Vector System (Promega) for DNA sequence determination.
Correct fragments were restriction digested and cloned into the
expression vector pKC60 to create a V alpha-(G.sub.4S).sub.4 V beta
C beta scTCR molecule. The pKC60 vector is referred to herein as
PSUN23 (FIG. 3). The pKC60 vector has been described in the pending
U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,731. The new vector was named
pNAG2 (FIG. 4).
[0275] The E. coli DNA construct pNAG2 was then reamplified by PCR
with primers KC203 and KC208 to generate a
5'AgeI-3'HpaI/BspEI/NruI/ClaI DNA fragment. The scTCR fragment was
cloned into the pGEM-T Easy Vector System for DNA sequence
determination.
[0276] This new pGEM-based vector was then used as a "shuttle
vector" for introduction of other DNA fragments to create a
bispecific sc molecule.
[0277] 1. Cloning and expression of variant p-149 scTCR forms in E.
coli.
[0278] It is possible to provide the p-149 sc-TCR in a variety of
useful constructs. For example, four variations of the pSUN21
construct described below can be used to express the scTCR. It has
been found that the level of soluble scTCR is increased when the
scTCR is expressed in the pSUN21 scTCR design shown in FIG. 1B.
Therefore, an initial cloning will be accomplished by using this
single-chain construct as a template. As described, a two-step
cloning procedure will be used to assemble the scTCR into the
expression vector. As discussed above, the p-149 cDNA encoding the
full length alpha and beta chains of this receptor has been cloned.
Related cloning methods can be used to make the variants.
[0279] For example, one variant of the p-149 TCR construct will
closely resemble the DO11.10 scTCR cloned into vector pSUN21. This
construct contains the V.alpha. domain, a stretch of 10-25 amino
acids followed by a (G4S).sub.4 linker, and the V.beta./C.beta.
domains. An EE-tag sequence will be included at the carboxyl
terminal region. This facilitates detection of the molecule on
immunoblots and can be used for cross-linking scTCR molecules. A
slightly modified second construct will encode a BirA site (see
Example 24 below) at the carboxyl terminal end. BirA has been
characterized as a biotinylation sequence and has been used to
produce tetrameric forms of MHC molecules. See Altman et al.,
Science, 274, 94-96 (1996). The site will be used for constructing
tetrameric scTCR molecules for evaluation of the scTCR in cell
binding and blocking assays. Also envisioned is construction of
monomeric forms by cross-linking the scTCR with the scFv containing
the BirA and avidin (see Example 24 below) tags, respectively. The
addition of the BirA site through genetic manipulation has an
advantage over more traditional biotinylation methods that rely on
chemical cross-linking protocols. In many instances, the use of
such coupling agents results in the denaturation of the protein
which could be avoided by encoding at the gene level a site for
biotinylation. Another advantage of having the BirA site is that
stoichiometrically, a one:one molar ratio of scTCR:scFv can be
assembled.
[0280] In another example, a p-149 sc-TCR variant can be made that
will contain the DNA encoding for the jun sequence. This will be
cloned as a 3'DNA fragment into the scTCR design. The scTCR/jun
fusion will be available for cross-linking with the scFv/fos
fusion.
[0281] In yet another example of a p-149 variant, a fusion protein
can be made whereby, the carboxyl terminal region of the
C.beta./EE-tag is genetically fused to pVIII, the major coat
protein of filimentous phage. A variety of sc-TCR fusions
comprising bacteriophage proteins including the pVIII and pIII
proteins have been disclosed in the pending U.S. application Ser.
No. 08/813,781. As we described, the construction of bispecific
phage (expression of both scTCR and scFv fragments on the surface
of the phage) will be the one form of this hybrid molecule. The
molecule has a variety of important uses including killing tumor
cells in vitro and in vivo, by forming a "bridge" between CTL and
target cells. The pSUN21 vector will be used to clone the
scTCR/pVIII fusion. The vector has a lacZ promoter and has been
used in the development of the scTCR/phage display model discussed
in the preliminary results section. This is a modified pBluScript
vector that can produce phage expressing scTCR/pVIII molecules
after superinfection with wild-type phage.
[0282] As disclosed in the pending U.S. application Ser. Nos.
08/813,781 and 08/813,781, a variety of specific DNA vectors can be
used to fuse a desired sc-TCR to bacteriophage coat proteins. For
example, the pending U.S. Applications disclose the DNA vectors
pKC46 (pSUN18) and pKC62 (pSUN19). These vectors have been
deposited pursuant to the Budapest Treaty with the American Type
Culture Collection (ATCC). The DNA vectors were deposited with the
ATCC on Feb. 26, 1997 and were assigned Accession Nos. 97895
(pSUN18) and 97896 (pSUN19). The DNA vector pKC62 (pSUN19) includes
a phoA promoter, modified pelB sequence, gene 10 ribosome binding
site and bacteriophage gene VIII protein. The DNA vector pKC46
(pSUN18) includes the lac Z promoter, an EE tag and bacteriophage
gene III protein. The DNA vectors can be propagated in E. coli or
other suitable host cells in accordance with standard methods.
[0283] The DNA vectors pKC46 (pSUN18) and pKC62 (pSUN19) are
designed to accommodate a variety of V.alpha., V.beta.-C.beta. and
polypeptide linker sequences. The V.alpha. chain of both DNA
vectors can be removed by restriction digestion with SFiI and SpeI.
The V.beta.-C.beta. chain can be removed by restriction digestion
with XhoI-XmaI. Additionally, the DNA vectors allow exchange of the
peptide linker sequence by restriction digestion with SpeI and
XhoI. See FIGS. 2A-2E for more specific examples of sc-TCR
constructs.
Example 2
Purification and Characterization of the p-149 sc-TCR
[0284] The pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/943,086 discloses a
variety of methods for purifying sc-TCR proteins including these
that comprise the D011.10 sc-TCR. These methods can be adapted to
purify the p-149 fusion protein. For example, to purify the scTCR,
an antibody with specificity for a conformational epitope on
V.beta. 11.0 or V.alpha. 2.3 can be used along lines disclosed in
the pending U.S. Application. In particular, the p-149 scTCR can be
purified on an immunoaffinity column using the following
procedure.
[0285] Cell paste generated from a fermentor can be suspended in
extraction buffer followed by mechanical lysing of cells by passage
through a French press. The supernatant is clarified by
centrifugation at 25,000.times.g and applied to a Q-sepharose
column. The scTCR is collected in the flow-thru and then applied to
a Protein-A-sepharose column cross-linked with mAb H57-95. This is
a hamster mAb specific for an epitope on the C-beta domain of
murine TCRs. This antibody shows good binding characteristics for
murine TCRs and has been previously used to purify intact scTCR
molecules as well as breakdown products from the lysate. To remove
the degraded or improperly folded receptors, a second antibody
affinity column will be used that can discriminate between scTCR
that is conformationally intact from scTCR that has been degraded.
Bound scTCR is eluted using a 50 mM glycine buffer, pH 11, and the
scTCR preparation will be analyzed by running sample on a 12% SDS
polyacrylamide gel and staining with coomassie brilliant blue or
western blotting.
[0286] To determine whether the expressed protein is functional,
the scTCR can be tested in accord with assays disclosed in the
pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 08/813,781 and 08/943,086 such
as a cell binding assay and a blocking assay. The cell binding
assay can be performed as discussed in the pending U.S.
applications. Alternatively, the assays can be modified by forming
tetramers using scTCR molecules that include a single biotin
sequence at the carboxyl terminal end. See Example 24 below. The
tetramers will be formed by adding streptavidin coupled to PE and
then incubating these molecules with tumor cells known to naturally
process and present the 149 peptide associated with HLA-A2.1.
Controls will include cells only expressing HLA-A2.1. antigen and
cells expressing neither the HLA-A2.1. nor the peptide. It is
anticipated that a peak shift in fluorescence of cells expressing
the peptide associated with HLA-A2.1.
Example 3
Construction, Expression and Characterization of the DO11.10
scTCR
[0287] The DO11.10 TCR recognizes OVA peptide (323-339) in the
context of the class II MHC IA.sup.d molecule. (See Haskins et al.,
J. Exp. Med., 1983.) The E. coli DNA construct pKC60 was
reamplified by PCR with primers KC169 and KC208 to generate a
5'AgeI-3'HpaI/BspEI/NruI/ClaI DNA fragment. The scTCR DNA fragment
was cloned into the pGEM-T Easy Vector System for DNA sequence
determination. The correct scTCR DNA was then restriction digested
with AgeI and HpaI and cloned into the "shuttle vector", replacing
the previous scTCR DNA fragment, to generate a new scTCR/scSc-Fv
bispecific sc molecule. The DO11.10 bispecific sc molecule was then
cloned into pSUN27 to create pBISP/DO11.10 (FIG. 6).
[0288] The pBISP/DO11. 10 vector (pSUN 28) has been deposited
pursuant to the Budapest treaty with the ATCC on Sep. 3, 1998 and
was assigned Accession No. 203186.
[0289] 1. Expression of variant scTCR molecules in E. coli.
[0290] The effect of changes in the design of the scTCR was
investigated on the level of protein expression. Vectors which
encode for the different scTCR and fusion constructs were used to
transform E. coli K91 cells. Expression experiments were carried
out by growing transformed K91 cells overnight in media containing
inorganic phosphate to prevent activating the phoA promoter and
inducing protein expression. The following morning a new culture
was started from the overnight culture and grown until phosphate
had been depleted. The duration of induction was normalized by
monitoring the depletion of phosphate over time in the culture. See
the pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 08/813,781 and 08/943,086
for additional disclosure relating to producing sc-TCR fusion
molecules.
[0291] To compare the level of expression between the different
constructs, protein was prepared from samples for analysis from
cell lysates that had been normalized to the same absorbence
reading at 600 nm (10 OD/ml). Protein was released from cells by
sonication and the sample was clarified by centrifugation at
25,000.times.g for 20 minutes. Samples were then loaded onto a 12%
SDS-PAGE gel and after electrophoresis and transfer of proteins to
a nylon membrane, the TCR was detected by probing with an antibody
specific for the EE-tag. We observed in this expression experiment
that alterations to the basic design of the scTCR can produce
significant changes in the level of soluble protein expressed. For
example, the scTCR construct pSUN22, which includes the V.alpha.
and V.beta. domains joined by a synthetic linker, is not detectable
in the soluble fraction at the concentration of material loaded. A
signal can be detected by loading 50-fold more sample although the
signal is still not equivalent to the levels seen with pSUN21.
These data indicate high levels of soluble scTCR can be produced in
E. coli by modifying the construct design.
[0292] 2. Characterization of the Soluble sc-TCR
[0293] A. Immunoprecipitation
[0294] The folding integrity of the scTCR protein produced by
pSUN23 and pSUN 19 DNA vectors was analyzed by running binding
assay experiments using two mAb (MR5-2 and F23.1) with specificity
for correctly folded epitopes on V.beta. 8.2. Furthermore, scTCR
having correctly paired V.alpha. with V.beta. chains were assayed
using an anti-idiotype mAb, KJl, generated against the DO11.10 TCR.
The binding assay experiments have been described in the pending
U.S. application Ser. Nos. 08/813,781 and 08/943,086. The data
indicate that the scTCR protein has a conformationally correct
V.beta. domain and correctly paired V.alpha. and V.beta.
domains.
[0295] B. Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA)
[0296] A sandwich ELISA assay was used to further characterize the
folding domains of the scTCR. Use of the ELISA assay is more fully
described in the pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 08/813,781 and
08/943,086. Briefly, different dilutions of the scTCR was captured
by anti-EE tag mAb coated on wells and was detected using one of
the following mAbs, H57 (C.beta.) MR5-2 (V.beta. 8.2), F23.1
(V.beta. 8.2) and KJl (V.alpha./V.beta.). These data support the
presence of a correctly folded scTCR and indicated that the scTCR
is stable even after elution at high pH (11.0) and storage at
4.degree. C. for several weeks.
[0297] C. Surface Plasmon Resonance (BioCore) binding studies using
antibodies and superantigen.
[0298] The scTCR/geneVIII fusion protein was characterized using
surface plasmon resonance. The technique is more fully described in
the pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,781. As disclosed in
the pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,781, the data indicate
that although the two anti-TCR mAbs recognize different epitopes
they showed stearic hindrance which prevented binding of both mAbs
to the beta chain in this assay format. To demonstrate the presence
of the bacteriophage pVIII protein on the scTCR fusion protein, the
scTCR was bound by the anti-M13 antibody. Binding of the
Streptococcus SAg known as SEC3 (Toxin Technology, Tampa Fla.) to
the scTCR/gene VIII fusion is also disclosed in the pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 08/813,781. These data together with the
antibody binding data demonstrate that the E. coli produced scTCR
is correctly folded.
[0299] 3. Purification of the D011.10 scTCR
[0300] Methods for purifying sc-TCR fusion proteins have been
disclosed in the pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 08/813,781 and
08/943,086. The D011.10 sc-TCR can be purified by those methods
including the following specific method.
[0301] The fusion protein encoded by vector pSUN23 was purified
from transformed cells by immunoaffinity chromatography in
accordance with conventional methods. Briefly, the purification was
performed by making an affinity column by coupling 4 mg of
anti-idiotype antibody, KJl per ml of protein-A coated sepharose
beads (Pharmacia). E. coli lysates were prepared by solubilizing 50
g of fermentor-derived cell paste in 600 ml of solubilization
buffer. Resuspended cells were lysed by two passages through a
French press. Insoluble material was removed by centrifugation at
27,000 g for 30 minutes and the supernatant was applied to a
Q-sepharose anion exchange column. The scTCR protein was collected
in the flowthru and subsequently applied to the antibody column.
Bound scTCR was eluted with a 50 mM glycine buffer, pH 11.0 and
fractions containing protein were used for characterization.
[0302] The scTCR protein preparations were evaluated for purity by
electropheresis on an SDS-PAGE gel followed by commassie brilliant
blue staining. Protein integrity was determined by immunoblotting
using either antibody H57-597 or anti-Glu-Glu (EE) tag antibody as
a probe. Finally an aliquot of purified scTCR was run under reduced
and non-reduced conditions and after transfer of proteins the
membrane was probed with the anti-EE tag antibody. The western blot
results indicated that the purified scTCR was present as a monomer
since both reduced and non-reduced samples migrated with the 46 kD
molecular weight marker.
Example 4
Construction of 145-2C11 sc-Fv
[0303] The anti-murine CD3-epsilon monoclonal antibody hybridoma
cell line 145-2C11 was purchased from American Type Culture
Collection. (See Leo et al., PNAS, 1987) The DNA sequence of the
variable chain coding regions of the antibody are available via the
world wide web.
[0304] The Sc-Fv was designed as a V.sub.L-linker-V.sub.H gene
construct. (See Jost et al, J. Biol. Chem., 1994) First, a shorter
(G.sub.4S).sub.3 linker was designed and made by annealing
complementary oligos KC245 and KC246 to form a 5'SpeI-3'XhoI DNA
fragment. pKC60 was restriction digested with the appropriate
restriction enzymes to drop out the previous linker DNA fragment
and allow for ligation with the annealed oligos.
[0305] To prepare DNA encoding the V regions of the mAb, mRNA from
10.sup.6 145-2C 11 hybridoma cells was isolated using the RNeasy
Total RNA Kit (Qiagen) in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions. V.sub.H chain cDNA was made by incubating a mixture
containing "back" primer KC244 along with the 145-2C 11 mRNA.
Standard amounts of nucleotides and reverse transcriptase were
added to the mixture to form cDNA. The VH chain cDNA was made in a
similar manner with the exception that "back" primer KC253 was used
instead of the KC244 primer. VL chain cDNA was used as a template
with primers KC243 and KC244 in a PCR reaction to amplify a 320 bp
5'SfiI-3''SpeI V.sub.L chain fragment. V.sub.H chain cDNA was used
as a template with primers KC247 and KC253 in a similar manner to
amplify a 350 bp 5'XhoI-3''XmaI VH chain fragment.
[0306] The V.sub.L and V.sub.H chain fragments were cloned into the
pGEM-T Easy Vector System for DNA sequence determination. Correct
fragments were restriction digested and cloned into the pKC60
expression vector already containing the shorter linker sequence
described above.
[0307] Once the 145-2C11 Sc-Fv was complete, the DNA construct was
reamplified by PCR with primers KC250 and KC251 to generate a
5'BspEI-3'NruI DNA fragment. The fragment was cloned into the
pGEM-T Easy Vector System for DNA sequence determination. The
correct DNA was then restriction digested and cloned into the
"shuttle vector" downstream of the scTCR. See FIGS. 1C-1D for
illustrations of the 145-2C11 sc-Fv (IC) and F23.1 sc-Fv (ID)
molecules.
Example 5
Design of the sc Molecule Linker Sequence
[0308] To connect the scTCR and scSc-Fv together as a single-chain
fusion protein, two different linker sequences were designed. One
set of annealed oligos, KC209 and KC210, coded for part of the CH1
domain of murine heavy chain followed by the standard (G4S)
sequence. A second, shorter linker sequence was designed similarly
but without the CH1 domain using annealed oligos KC295 and KC296.
Oligos were annealed to generate a 5'HpaI-3'BspEI DNA fragment. The
"shuttle vector" was digested with the appropriate restriction
enzymes to drop out the previous linker DNA fragment and allow for
ligation of either of the two new linker sequences between the
scTCR and the Sc-Fv.
Example 6
Addition of a 3' Peptide Tag to sc Molecule Construct
[0309] In the "shuttle vector" design outlined above, a stop codon
and splice site were introduced between the NruI and ClaI
restriction sites as part of the PCR amplification of the scTCR
with "back" primer KC208. To aid in downstream purification of the
bispecific sc protein, a set of annealed oligos (KC237 and KC238)
was designed to introduce a 3' EE tag (EEEEYMPME; SEQ ID NO. 8)
with stop codon and splice site. The annealed oligo pair was cloned
5'NruI-3'ClaI into the "shuttle vector" already encoding for the
complete bispecific sc molecule. Alternatively, oligos KC239 and
KC240 (splice site only) were annealed and similarly cloned to
allow expression of the bispecific sc molecule as a murine kappa
light chain fusion protein.
Example 7
Completion of p149 Bispecific sc Molecule
[0310] After cloning the scTCR, Sc-Fv, linker, and tag DNA
fragments into the "shuttle vector" to complete the bispecific sc
molecule design, the DNA was restriction digested (AgeI-ClaI) and
cloned into the mammalian cell expression vector pSUN27 (FIG. 5)
(previously described in the pending U.S. application Ser. No.
08/943,086 to create pBISP/149 (FIG. 6).
Example 8
Construction of p149 scTCR/IgG Fusion Molecule
[0311] There has been recognition that the expression of the
145-2CII scSc-Fv alone, i.e. not as part of a bispecific sc
molecule, is very low. Without wishing to be bound to theory, the
low level of sc-Fv expression may be a limiting factor in the
expression of bispecific molecules. Native 145-2C 11 hybridoma cell
line was used as antibody source and cells were transfected with
scTCR fused with murine IgG2b heavy chain (FIG. 7A-7B). The
transfected hybridoma cell line should secrete some 145-2C11/scTCR
chimeric molecules if the host's hamster IgG can pair efficiently
with murine IgG2b heavy chain.
[0312] To clone the p149 scTCR as an IgG fusion, an internal EcoRI
restriction site was first mutated using site-directed mutagenesis.
Briefly, a pair of complimentary oligonucleotides, KC293 and KC294,
were designed containing the desired mutation. The pNAG2 DNA
construct was amplified by PCR with the primers using Pfu DNA
polymerase. The resulting PCR product was digested with DpnI which
digests the parental DNA template, leaving the mutated DNA intact.
The mutated scTCR DNA was sequenced and then reamplified by PCR
with primers KC276 and KC268 to generate a 5'NruI-3'EcoRI DNA
fragment. The mutated scTCR DNA was cloned into the pGEM-T Easy
Vector System for DNA sequence determination. The correct scTCR DNA
was restriction digested and cloned into the mammalian cell
expression vector pSUN7 to create the p149 scTCR/IgG fusion
molecule.
Example 9
Construction of DO 11.10 scTCR/IgG Fusion Molecule
[0313] The pKC60 DNA construct was reamplified by PCR with primers
KC275 and KC268 to generate a 5'NruI-3'EcoRI DNA fragment. The
scTCR fragment was cloned into the pGEM-T Easy Vector System for
DNA sequence determination. The correct scTCR DNA was restriction
digested and cloned into the mammalian cell expression vector pSUN7
to create the DO 11.10 scTCR/IgG fusion molecule (See FIGS. 7A and
7B).
Example 10
Construction of the Murine IgG2b Expression Vector
[0314] The construction of the murine IgG2b (heavy chain)
expression vector was as follows. The backbone of the vector was
the plasmid pcDNA3 (Invitrogen). The plasmid was cut with HindIII
and XhoI and a "light chain polylinker" DNA fragment was inserted
to create the starting "light chain vector" pcDNA3.LCPL. This
linker contained the restriction sites HindIII, KpnI, ClaI, PmlI,
EcoRV, XmaI, BarnHI, and XhoI to facilitate subsequent cloning
steps. A SmaI-BcII DNA fragment containing a light chain leader,
mouse anti-CKMB kappa light chain genomic fragment, and 3' UTR was
cloned into the EcoRV-BarnHI sites of pcDNA3.LCPL. Mutagenesis was
then performed to eliminate an NruI MluI, and BstBI site and to
introduce an NheI and BarnHI site to create the plasmid
pcDNA3mut.LCPL.LCVK.
[0315] The "heavy chain vector" pcDNA3mut.HCPL was constructed from
the pcDNA3mut.LCPL.LCVK plasmid by replacing the light chain
expression region (HindIII-XhoI) with a "heavy chain polylinker"
consisting of restriction sites HpaI, BspEI, EcoRV, KpnI, and XhoI.
This plasmid was digested with EcoRv and KpnI. A SmaIKpnI digested
DNA fragment containing a heavy chain leader and an anti-CKMB IgG2b
mouse heavy chain genomic fragment (see Near et al., Molecular
Immun., 1990) was then ligated into the EcoRV-KpnI digested
plasmid. A KpnI-SalI oligonucleotide fragment containing a 3'UTR
and a NotI site upstream of the SalI site was subsequently cloned
into the KpnI-XhoI digested plasmid (knocking out the XhoI site) to
create the plasmid pcDNA3mut.HCPL.HCV2b, also known as the murine
IgG2b expression vector pSUN7 (FIG. 8).
Example 11
Expression of Bispecific sc Molecules
[0316] CHO cells were prepared for transfection by washing with
cold DPBS. The cells were resuspended in DPBS and mixed with 10-40
ug of PvuI linearized pBISP/149 or pBISP/DO 11.10. After five
minutes on ice, the cells were electroporated using a Gene Pulser
(BioRad) set to deliver one pulse of 250 volts, 960.mu. Fd or
0.25.mu. Fd. The pulsed cells were placed on ice for five minutes.
The cells were diluted into 10 ml of 10% IMDM medium (IMDM, 10%
FBS, 2 mM glutamine, 5000 units/ml penicillin, 5000 ug/ml
streptomycin) and grown in a T-25 cm2 TC flask overnight at 37 C
with 10% CO2 The next day, the cells were plated in 96 well plates
with neomycin selective medium (10% IMDM plus 0.75 mg/ml G418) and
refed every 3-7 days.
[0317] Transfectants were screened for expression of soluble
bispecific sc molecules in an ELISA assay format. EE-tagged
molecules were detected using an anti-EE tag antibody passively
coated overnight onto a 96 well plate. On assay day, the plates
were blocked with 10% FBS/PBS for one hour. The wells were washed
and supernatant from the transfectants was added to the plate.
After incubating and washing, biotinylated anti-C beta mAb H57-597
(cell line was purchased from ATCC) was added to the plate,
followed by washing and incubation with streptavidin-HRP (Sigma).
Positive wells were identified by the addition of TMB substrate,
quenched with 1N sulfuric acid, and read at an absorbance of 450
nM. A small number of positive clones were selected for expansion
and limiting dilution cloning was carried out to establish stably
transfected cell lines (FIGS. 9A-9B).
[0318] Transfectants were also screened for the expression of
bispecific sc molecules in an ELISA assay format using rnAbs which
specifically recognize the scTCR, followed by detection with
biotinylated anti-C beta mAb and streptavidin-HRP. For the p149
scTCR bispecific sc molecule, a conformational mAb to the V alpha
domain (B20.1, Pharmagen) was used as the coating antibody. The
DO11.10 bispecific sc molecules could be detected using the
anti-idiotypic, anti-DO11.10 TCR mAb KJ-I (FIGS. 9A-B, 10A-B).
Positive clones were detected as described above, expanded and
primary cloned to establish stably transfected cell lines. It has
been found that the scBISP molecules are expressed at high levels
in mammalian cells (1 to 2 mg/l).
[0319] The following information will be helpful in understanding
FIGS. 9A-B, 10A-B:
TABLE-US-00001 FIG. 9A Dilution OD450 1:2 0.4755 neat 0.8545 FIG.
9B: OD450 Dilution H57 B20.1 1:2 0.206 1.21 neat 0.511 1.975 FIG.
10A: OD450 Dilution Anti-EE KJ-1 1:4 0.0825 0.5935 1:2 0.186 0.9095
neat 0.3435 1.1195 FIG. 10B: OD450 Dilution Anti-EE KJ-1 F23.1 1:2
0.185 1.143 1.227 neat 0.381 1.1655 1.898
Example 12
Expression of Chimeric Bispecific Molecules
[0320] The 145-2CI 1 hybridoma cell line was transfected with
either p149 scTCR/IgG fusion DNA or DO11.10 scTCR/IgG fusion DNA
using the same method as described above for the bispecific sc
molecule transfection.
[0321] Transfectants were screened for expression of soluble
chimeric bispecific molecules in an ELISA assay format. 96 well
plates were passively coated with goat anti-mouse IgG2b (Caltech).
Incubation and washing steps were performed as described above.
Goat anti-hamster IgG-HRP (Jackson Immuno.) was used to probe the
wells (FIG. 11). Positive colonies were identified, expanded and
primary cloned to establish stably transfected cell lines.
[0322] The following information will be helpful in understanding
FIG. 11:
TABLE-US-00002 OD450 Construct neat 1:2 BISP/149 0.6305 0.2985
BISP/DO1 0.964 0.6983
Example 13
Purification of Bispecific sc Protein
[0323] Bispecific sc proteins were purified from transfectant
supernatant using standard affinity chromatography methods. For
EE-tagged proteins, an anti-EE tag CNBr-coupled agarose column was
used to enrich for full-length sc molecules. Supernatant was passed
over the column bed one or more times. After washing with PBS, the
bound protein was eluted off the column by the addition of high pH
sodium bicarbonate/carbonate buffer and neutralized by the addition
of a 1 to 10 dilution of 2M Tris, pH8.0. The purified protein was
buffer exchanged into PBS using a 30 kD MW cut-off concentration
unit. The final protein concentration was determined by an OD280
reading. Western blot analysis (probed with anti-EE tag antibody)
(FIG. 12) and coomassie-blue staining of the purified protein (FIG.
13) show enrichment for the full-length bispecific sc molecule.
Example 14
Bispecific Sc Molecule Stimulation of T Hybridoma Cells
[0324] T hybridoma cell stimulation assays were performed to assess
whether the bispecific sc molecules displayed biological activity.
We developed a working model system using the murine T cell
hybridoma 2B4 (Matsui, et al., PNAS USA. (1994) 91, 12862) The 2B4
T cell hybridoma has an/13 TCR consisting of V 11.0 and V.beta.3.0
and recognizes amino acid residues 88-104 of pigeon cytochrome C
presented in the context of MHC class II molecule IE.sup.k Several
different immobilized Abs specific for either the DO11.10 or 149
TCR were tested for cross-reactivity to 2B4 TCR, but turned out to
be unreactive towards the 2B4 TCR. If an immobilized Ab
demonstrated cross-reactivity for the 2B4 TCR, we would expect to
observe stimulation of the T hybridoma cells and secretion of L-2
into the culture supernatant. The Abs evaluated included two
specific for 149 TCR, the anti-V 2 and anti-V.beta.11, and two
specific for the DO11.10 TCR, the anti-V.beta.8.0 (F23.1) and the
anti-idiotypic mAb (KJ-1). Also, we evaluated immobilized
IA.sup.d/OVA (the cognate MHC/peptide for the DO11.10 TCR), but did
not observe any stimulation. We then immobilized these molecules
and evaluated the activity of the DO11.10 and 149 bispecific sc
molecules. To test the DO11.10-2C11 bisp. sc molecule, we coated
wells with either KJ-1 or F23.1. After incubation overnight with
10.sup.5 2B4 cells using different amounts of bispecific, we
assayed supernatant for the presence of IL-2 which is a good
indicator of cell stimulation. As shown in FIG. 13, immobilized
KJ-1 effectively activated the hybridoma cells. To evaluate whether
a similar response could occur when using immobilized IA.sup.d/OVA,
we next incubated the 2B4 cells with bispecific molecules overnight
in the presence of plate-bound IA.sup.d/OVA. The presence of IL-2
in the supernatant was not detected in the IL-2 ELISA assay (FIG.
14) suggesting the TCR on the bispecific was not engaging the
MHC/peptide ligand in a manner sufficient for cell stimulation. We
proposed based on these findings and several others that it may be
essential to improve the avidity of the bispecific sc molecules
through dimerization using an antibody specific for the TCR but
would not interfere with the bispecific binding to MHC/peptide. In
our example, we chose the MR5-2 mAb (PharMingen) which has
specificity for an epitope on V.beta.8.2. After assaying under
these modified conditions, we observed a signal in the wells
containing immobilized IA.sup.d/OVA but did not detect a signal in
blank wells. Furthermore, in wells coated with KJ-1 mAb, the effect
of cross-linking of the bispecific sc molecule generated a higher
IL-2 output suggesting dimerization of the bispecific sc molecule
leads to perhaps a stronger and/or different signaling and
stimulation (FIG. 15).
[0325] The following information will be helpful in understanding
FIGS. 14 and 15:
TABLE-US-00003 FIG. 14 BISP ng/well OD450 2 0.013 3.9 0.036 7.8
0.196 15.6 0.72 31.2 1.01 62.5 1.3375 125 1.746 250 2.066 FIG. 15:
Construct BISP BISP + MR5 Blank 0 0.12 IAd/OVA 0.01 0.271
[0326] To evaluate the 149-2C 11-EE-tag bispecific sc molecule, we
coated wells with either anti-V 2.0 or anti-V.beta.11.0 mAb. Blank
wells were used as naive controls. The findings generated in these
experiments were similar to those reported for the DO 11.10-2C 11
bispecific-sc molecules and showed that only in the presence of
immobilized Ab specific for the 149 TCR did we observe IL-2
production (FIG. 16). Furthermore, in this example, we demonstrated
that the cross-linking by the bispecific to stimulate the T
hybridomas could be effectively blocked using soluble anti-CD3
F(ab)'.sub.2 145-2C 11. These findings argue favorably for
functional bispecific sc molecules and show the anti-CD3 portion of
the bispecific acts by binding directly to the CD3 molecule on T
cells (FIG. 16).
[0327] The following information will be helpful in understanding
FIG. 16:
TABLE-US-00004 OD450 Construct 1:2 1:4 1:2/CD3 1:4/CD3 Blank 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01 RR3-15 1.07 1.03 0.185 0.282 B20.1 1.2 1.08 0.112
0.118
Example 15
Flow Cytometric Analysis for Direct Cell Binding Studies
[0328] To demonstrate functionality of the scSc-Fv portion of the
bispecific sc molecule, 2B4 T hybridoma cells were used in binding
studies with the purified protein. 2B4 cells display CD3 on their
surface and correctly folded 145-2C11 sc-Fv should recognize
CD3.epsilon.. For each test sample, 10.sup.6 2B4 cells were washed
with cold DPBS and resuspended in 40ul of 1% FBS/DPBS (resuspension
and washing buffer) with or without the addition of purified
bispecific sc protein. After incubation on ice, the cells were spun
down gently and resuspended with 0.5 ug of biotinylated antibody
(pBISP/149 was incubated with an antibody to the Va2 domain
(B20.1); pBISP/DO11.10 was incubated with an antibody to the
V.beta.8 domain (F23.1).) Samples were incubated on ice, spun down,
and resuspended with streptavidin-cychrome (Becton Dickenson).
After washing two times, the cells were resuspended again and then
acquired/analyzed on a FACScan instrument (Becton Dickenson) using
CellQuest software (Becton Dickenson).
[0329] Incubation of 2B4 cells with either the pBISP/149 or
pBISP/DO11.10 purified protein resulted in significant shifts in
cell staining. As more bispecific sc protein was added, the shift
in fluorescence was more pronounced, demonstrating the ability of
the scSc-Fv to bind to the CD3 on the cell surface (FIGS.
17-18).
[0330] The CD3 binding is specific and can be blocked by the
addition of soluble anti-CD3 which competes with the bispecific sc
molecules for binding sites on the 2B4 cell surface (FIG. 19).
[0331] FIGS. 17-19 are more fully understood in light of the
following Tables I, II and III below.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 1 [FIG. 17] Key Name Parameter Gate --
062498.001 FL3-H No Gate -- 062498.002 FL3-H No Gate -- 062498.003
FL3-H No Gate -- 062498.004 FL3-H No Gate Marker Events % Gated %
Total Mean Median Peak Ch File: 062498.001 [No BISP] Sample ID: 2B4
ANTI-VA2- B-SA-CY Gate: No Gate All 10000 100.00 100.00 7.78 3.19 1
File: 062498.002 [1X BISP] Sample ID: 2B4 1UL149 BISP ANTI
VA2-B-SA-CY Gate: No Gate All 10000 100.00 100.00. 10.96 7.10 8
File: 062498.003 [10X BISP] Sample ID: 2B4 10UL 149BISP
ANTI-VA2-B-SA-CY Gate: No Gate All 10000 100.00 100.00 88.96 62.08
55 File: 062498.004 [25X BISP] Sample ID: 2B4 25UL 149BISP
ANTI-VA2-B-SA-CY Gate: No Gate All 10000 100.00 100.00 186.06
177.83 215
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 2 [FIG. 18] Key Name Parameter Gate --
062498.009 FL3-H No Gate -- 062498.010 FL3-H No Gate -- 062498.011
FL3-H No Gate -- 062498.012 FL3-H No Gate Marker Events % Gated %
Total Mean Median Peak Ch File: 062498.009 [No BISP] Sample ID: 2B4
ANTI-VB8.2-B-SA-CY Gate: No Gate All 10000 100.00 100.00 8.08 2.48
1 File: 062498.010 [1X BISP]Sample ID: 2B4 1UL DO11BISP
ANTI-VB8.2-B SA-CY Gate: No Gate All 10000 100.00 100.00 7.51 3.65
3 File: 062498.011[5XBISP] Sample ID: 2B4 5UL DO11BISP ANTI-VB8.2-B
SA-CY Gate: No Gate All 10000 100.00 100.00 19.31 14.46 15 File:
062498.012 [10XBISP]Sample ID: 2B4 10UL DO11BISP ANTI-VB8.2-B SA-CY
Gate: No Gate All 10000 100.00 100.00 28.29 24.56 27
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 3 [FIG. 19] Key Name Parameter Gate --
051398.003 FL3-H G1 -- 051398.002 FL3-H G1 -- 051398.005 FL3-H G1
-- 051398.006 FL3-H G1 Events % Gated % Total Mean Median Peak Ch
File: 051398.003 [No BISP/No .alpha.C3] Sample ID: 2B4 VA2 CYCH PI
Gate: G1 Gated events: 9853 Total Events: 11724 9853 100.00 84.04
5.20 4.66 4 File: 051398.002 [BISP, No .alpha.CD3]Sample ID: 2B4
BISP VA2 CYCH PI Gate: G1 Gated events: 9907 Total Events: 11420
9907 100.00 86.75 8.21 7.84 9 File: 051398.005 [No BISP, No
.alpha.CD3] Sample ID: 2B4 ANTI-CD3 VA2 CYCH PI Gate: G1 Gated
events: 9905 Total Events: 11715 9905 100.00 84.65 5.60 5.14 4
File: 051398.006 [BISP, No .alpha.CD3] Sample ID: 2B4 ANTI-CD3 BISP
VA2 CYCH PI Gate: G1 Gated events: 9933 Total Events: 11218 9933
100.00 88.55 5.43 5.00 5
Example 16
T Cell Proliferation Assay
[0332] A T-cell assay was performed to determine whether the scBisp
149 molecule could mediate specific T cell activation. A
proliferation assay was carried out using long-term cultured T
cells, cultured in the presence of unpulsed or 149 peptide pulsed
T2 (29) target cells that had been fixed in 1% paraformaldehyde
prior to being used in the assay. Conditions were chosen to test
whether the scBisp 149 molecule could activate T cells to
proliferate when incubated with unpulsed or p149 peptide pulsed T2
target cells. The assay was carried out as follows. Briefly,
spleens isolated from BALB/c mice were used to prepare splenocyte
suspensions. RBCs were lysed using Gey's solution and the recovered
splenocytes were then cultured for 10-15 days at
1.25.times.10.sup.6 cells/mL in IMAM media supplemented with 10%
Fetal Bovine Serum (FBI) containing 50 U/mL of murine rIL-2. Media
was changed every 3 days and non-adherent cells were recovered,
counted and resuspended at 1.25.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml. Before
using the cells in the proliferation assay, live cells were
isolated on a Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient. The cultures were
incubated for 3 days and T cell proliferation was measured using
the colorimetric proliferation reagent WST-1 (Boehringer Manheim)
according to the manufacturer's instructions. As shown in FIG. 20,
only T cells incubated in the presence of the bispecific and the
149 peptide loaded T2 cells demonstrated significant proliferation,
whereas the cultures incubated in the absence of either the 149
peptide or the scBishp 149 molecule did not exhibit proliferation.
These data were significant because they illustrate "proof of
principle" that scTCR used in a hybrid scBisp molecule format can
mediate T cell responses to target cells presenting HLA-A2 and the
specific peptide.
[0333] Spleenocytes were prepared from spleens isolated from Balb/c
mice. Briefly, RBCs were removed by lysing using Gey's solution and
the recovered spleenocytes were then cultured for 10-15 days at
1.25.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml containing 50 U/ml of murine rIL-2.
Media was changed every 3 days and non-adherent cells were
recovered, counted and resuspended at 1.25.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml.
Before using the cells in the proliferation assay, we isolated the
live cells (primarily T cells) on a Ficoll-Hypaque density
gradient. In this example, we tested whether the 149-2C11 sc
molecule could effectively recognize and bind to cognate
MHC/peptide on presenting cells and facilitate cross-linking and
activation of T cells. The proliferation assay was carried out
using long-term cultured T cells, cultured in the presence of
unpulsed or 149 peptide pulsed T2 target cells that were than fixed
in 1% paraformaldehyde prior to being used in the assay. The
cultures were incubated for 3 days and T cell proliferation was
measured using the colorimetric proliferation reagent WST-1
(Borhringer Manheim) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
After a 1 hour incubation at 37.degree. C. 100 .mu.l of supernatant
was transferred to a flat bottom plate for reading at dual
wavelength (450-620 nary). As shown in FIG. 19, T cells incubated
in the presence of the bispecific and the 149 peptide loaded T2
cells demonstrated significant proliferation, whereas the cultures
incubated in the absence of p149 peptide or bispecific did not
exhibit any significant proliferation. These data support the
T-hybridoma stimulation results described above and suggest the
149-2CI I bispecific sc molecule is biologically active.
Example 17
Profiling Cytokine Production
[0334] Another important parameter to evaluate is the ability of
the bispecific sc molecule to mediate cytokine responses. Cytokine
production can be detected by an ELISA assay specific for the
cytokine of interest. 96 well plates are passively coated with
anti-cytokine "A" overnight. On assay day, the wells are blocked
with 10% FBS/PBS for one hour before adding supernatant from the
proliferation-type experiment. Wells are probed with biotinylated
anti-cytokine "A" followed by incubation with streptavidin-HRP.
Positive wells are detected by the addition of ABTS substrate and
read at an absorbance of 405 nM
[0335] Cytokine production can also be looked at intracellularly
using a saponin permeabilization protocol. The cells are fixed with
formaldehyde and then stained for the cytokine of interest in the
presence of 0.5% saponin. Samples can then be analyzed using flow
cytometry.
Example 18
Measuring In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity
[0336] One-of the most important parameters to measure will be
whether the bispecific sc molecule can mediate target or tumor cell
killing. These assays will be carried out using a standard
Cr.sup.51 release CTL killing assay. The assay will be run as
follows: Target cells (i.e. tumors) are first labeled with the
isotope Cr.sup.51. The Cr.sup.51 is taken up by the tumor cells and
is released into the culture supernatant upon cell lysis by the
specifically activated cytotoxic T cells. The free or released
Cr.sup.51 is then counted and the specific cell lysis determined.
We will use this type of an assay to evaluate the 149-2C11 sc
molecule's ability to mediate target cell lysis. In our assay, we
will use tumor cell lines (i.e. MDA-238, BT549, and MCF-7 available
from ATCC) known to express surface HLA-A2 and produce increased
levels of wild-type p53. Controls will include A2 negative tumor
lines (Ramos) and A2 positive but p53 negative cell lines
(Saos-2).
Example 19
Generation of Bispecific Molecules Through Chemical Cross-Linking
to Dendrimers
[0337] To construct the bispecific molecule using a chemical
cross-linking approach, the 2C11 mAb and the DO11.10 scTCR was
used. Instead of directly cross-linking the two molecules,
dendrimers were used as a scaffold to attach the molecules.
Dendrimers are positively charged polyamines that are uniformly
synthesized. Because the size and shape of each dendrimer derived
during synthesis is exactly the same, the addition of proteins to
the dendrimer results in the formation of homogenous molecules. The
dendrimer also is inert and soluble under physiological conditions.
Full-length 2C11 mAb was pepsin digested to produce F(ab)'2
fragments which were isolated by gel filtration. The F(ab').sub.2
peak was pooled and buffered exchanged and Fab' molecules were
produced by incubating the F(ab').sub.2 preparation under mild
reducing conditions followed by purification on a sizing column.
The isolated Fab' molecules were then directly coupled through free
sulfhydryl groups to sulfo-succinimdyl (4-iodoacetyl) amino
benzoate (sulfo-SIAB) derivatized dendrimers at a ratio of one Fab'
to one SIAB derivatized dendrimer. Reactive-aldehyde groups were
generated on terminal carbohydrate residues of the D011.10 scTCR
molecule for coupling to free amine groups on dendrimers. The scTCR
was coupled to the 2C11 Fab' dendrimer at a 1:1 ratio to yield a
bispecific molecule. The bispecific molecule was evaluated for its
ability to activate T hybridoma cells in a stimulation assay. A
working model system was developed using the murine T cell
hybridoma 2B4. See Davis, M. M. et al. Ciba Fund. Synp. (1997). The
2B4 T cell hybridoma has an/TCR consisting of V 11.0 and
V.beta.33.0 and recognizes amino acid residues 88-104 of pigeon
cytochrome C presented in the context of MHC class II molecule
IE.sup.k. When the bispecific/dendrimer was added to wells
containing 2B4 T cells high levels of IL-2 were reported indicating
stimulation had occurred. Further analysis revealed that the strong
positive charge on the dendrimer complex caused non-specific
binding to the T cell surface resulting in stimulation.
Example 20
Mouse Models: Evaluation of the Bispecific Molecule's Activity In
Vivo
[0338] Three different established murine models have been
established in order to evaluate the potential tumor suppression
activity of the bispecific molecules. The first model includes
using a normal mouse strain (i.e. Balb/c mouse) and injecting into
this mouse pS3/HLA-A2 transformed EL-4 cells. These tumor cells
proliferate quickly and within a few days kill the mouse. The
following treatment protocol will be initially used. To evaluate
our bispecific molecule, mice will be pre-treated with 0.5 mg of
bispecific 1 49-2C11 sc molecule on day 0. The following day the
mice will receive a second dose of the bispecific sc molecule along
with the p53/A2 positive transfected EL-4 cells. The main parameter
to measure in this model will be whether mice that receive the
bispecific molecule survive for a longer period of time than
control mice (ones that did not receive the bispecific molecule).
Because the EL-4 tumor lines displays such rapid growth, we may be
required to modify the treatment regimen for us to observe any
increased survival time with the bispecific sc molecule.
[0339] The second model will use SCID mice implanted with murine
tumors transfected to express HLA-A2 and human wild-type p53. This
model usually runs for two to three weeks. Briefly, after
implanting tumors, we can measure the growth of the tumor and then
introduce into these mice purified murine CD8+ T cells and inject
different amounts of the bispecific molecule. In some cases, we
will need to pre-activate the T cells and this will be carried out
by incubating T cells in vitro in the presence of rIL-2. We will
then evaluate the affect on tumor growth and the change in survival
time to determine whether the bispecific sc molecule has anti-tumor
activity in vivo.
[0340] The third model and most relevant will evaluate the ability
of the bispecific sc molecule to mediate tumor killing in in vivo
of human tumors. SCID mice will be implanted with human breast
carcinoma lines (i.e. MDA-238, BT549, MCf-7) and allowed to grow
for 4 to 6 weeks. Then purified T cells and subset populations
pre-activated in in vivo with rIL-2, will be introduced into the
mice. The potential anti-tumor activity will be assessed by
measuring tumor reduction and increased survival time. These
studies will be used to determine whether a "humanized" version of
the bispecific molecule should be constructed.
Example 21
"Humanized" Bispecific sc Molecule
[0341] Because the antibody used in our current bispecific sc
molecule is specific for murine CD3.epsilon., we will have to
modify it for use in treating human neoplasms. Furthermore, if we
use hybridoma technology, we will most likely isolate murine mAbs
specific to human TCRs or CD3 that will have to undergo
"humanization". The humanization will be earned out doing CDR
grafting. This usually has the negative affect of decreasing the
binding avidity of the Ab. The TCR can be "humanized" primarily
through swapping out the C beta constant domain with the human C
beta constant region.
Example 22
Display of sc-TCR Fusion Proteins on Bacteriophage
[0342] As disclosed in the pending U.S. application Ser. No.
08/813,781, it is possible to display a variety of sc-TCR
constructs on the surface of fd bacteriophage. Briefly, the pending
application discloses methods of expressing a desired three domain
sc-TCR as a fusion with the major coat protein, pVIII, of
filamentous phage. The rationale for this is to increase the
valency of the scTCR on the surface of the phage which should
result in an increase in the avidity of scTCR/pVIII for the
MHC/peptide complex. As disclosed in the pending U.S. application
Ser. No. 08/813,781, the sc-TCR fusion proteins on the
bacteriophage display a functional TCR.
[0343] A. Characterization of Displayed sc-TCR Fusion Protein
[0344] 1. Western Blot Data
[0345] Many studies have been published showing scFv/pVIII fusion
proteins expressed on the surface of phage. See Castagnoli et al.,
J. Mol. Biol., (1991), 222: 301 and Huset et al., J. Immunol.,
(1992) 149:2914. The pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,781
discloses methods of making and using specific recombinant
bacteriophages that display sc-TCR fusion proteins. Here, Western
blot analysis was used to confirm display of the scTCR/pVIII
molecule on the capsid coat of the phage. Briefly, bacteriophage
were purified by means of a standard polyethylene glycol (PEG)
precipitation procedure, and subsequently an aliquot of the
purified phage was run on an SDS-PAGE gel. The scTCR/pVIII fusion
was detected in the recombinant phage (but not in control phage
expressing scTCR without the EE-tag) by probing the membranes with
a mAb against the EE tag sequence. Although several smaller bands
representing breakdown products of the scTCR fusion were observed,
the presence of a 50 kD protein band indicated a full length
.alpha./.beta. scTCR had been incorporated into the phage
capsid.
[0346] 2. ELISA data
[0347] As disclosed in the pending U.S. application Ser. No.
08/813,781, ELISA assays can be used to characterize recombinant
bacteriophage that include a desired sc-TCR fusion protein. The
conformational integrity of the V.beta.8.2 chain was evaluated
using two conformational dependent mAbs, MR5-2 and F23.1; and the
precise folding of the V.alpha.13.1, J.alpha. D0, V.beta.8.2,
D.beta.1, and J.beta.1.1 domains which form the CDR3 binding pocket
of the receptor was assessed using the anti-idiotype mAb KJ1.
Background signal was considered as phage binding to wells coated
with either BSA or mAb anti-V.beta.17 and was subtracted from the
total signal observed. The four antibodies reacted specifically
with the phage TCR indicating the scTCR/pVIII fusion was presented
on the phage in the proper orientation.
[0348] B. Phage Panning
[0349] Panning of antibody and peptide libraries is firmly
established as a method to reliably screen for specific binding
molecules, Greenwood, supra. Methods for panning bacteriophage that
display sc-TCR fusion proteins have been disclosed in the pending
U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,781. Briefly, the methods include
standard antibody, cell panning, and panning with sc-MHC/peptide
complexes disclosed in published PCT Application No. US 95/09816 as
well as the pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 08/382,454 and
08/596,387. Results from these enrichment studies correlate well
with other published antibody panning findings. See, Winter et al.,
Annu. Rev. Immunol., (1994), 12.
[0350] C. Blocking Assay
[0351] To characterize the MHC/peptide binding specificity of the
TCR bearing phage, a competitive blocking assay. The competitive
blocking assay has been disclosed in the pending U.S. application
Ser. No. 08/943,086. Briefly, the objective of this example was to
determine whether TCR carrying phage could compete with the native
TCR on DO11.10 hybridoma T cells for binding to MHC/peptide
complexes in a cell based assay. The results demonstrate the
DO11.10 receptor on phage was functional and was able to
discriminate between different peptide sequences.
[0352] To eliminate the possibility that the TCR carrying phage had
perhaps affected the IL-2 production of the DO11.10 cells in a
non-specific manner, wells were coated with mAb anti-CD3 epsilon to
stimulate the hybridomas through the T cell receptor complex CD3
molecule to produce IL-2. Results from these experiments indicate
that the phage did not have a non-specific inhibitory effect on the
T hybridoma cells. Thus, the scTCRs are displayed on the surface of
bacteriophage as functional molecules which are able to interact
with specific MHC/peptide targets.
Example 23
Cloning and Expression of the F23.1 scFv
[0353] A preferred component of the polyspecific binding molecules
disclosed herein is a an scFv with specificity for a particular
sub-population of T cell receptors. As discussed a wide spectrum of
different sc-Fv molecules can be used in accord with the present
invention.
[0354] A more specific polyspecific binding molecule is a
bispecific molecule which includes a single-chain form of the
murine mAb F23.1. It is possible to clone and express such a sc-Fv
by standard techniques. The native F23.1 antibody has been well
characterized (1) and has been shown to activate V.beta.8.2 bearing
T cells by cross-linking the TCR on its surface, Hiller et al.,
Biochem. J., (1991) 278: 573. The sc-Fv can be cloned and expressed
by the following general steps.
[0355] 1. cDNA synthesis and cloning of the heavy and light chain
genes of F23.1
[0356] First strand cDNA synthesis can be accomplished with mRNA
isolated from 107 F23.1 cells. Using primer JS300
(GAAX.sub.1TAX.sub.2CCCTTGACCAGGC wherein X.sub.1=A,G and
X.sub.2=A, C, G; SEQ ID NO. 12), we synthesized heavy chain cDNA.
This primer encodes for the first two amino acids of the heavy
chain CH1 domain. The light chain cDNA was synthesized essentially
the same way except we used primer OKA57 (GCACCTCCAGATGTTAACTGCTC;
SEQ ID NO. 13) which is specific for the 3' end of framework four
of the kappa chain.
[0357] Double stranded DNA was made by amplifying the cDNA as
follows. Heavy chain was amplified by using primer set PMC18
(front)
(CCCGGGCCACCATGGX.sub.1ATGX.sub.2AGCTGX.sub.3GTX.sub.4ATX.sub.5CTC;
wherein X.sub.1=A,G; X.sub.2=C,G; X.sub.3=G,T; X.sub.4=A,C;
X.sub.5=C,G; SEQ ID. NO. 14 and JS300 and the light chain was
amplified using primer set PMC14 (front)
(CCCGGGCCACCATGGAGX.sub.1CACAX.sub.2X.sub.3CTCAGGTC, wherein
X.sub.1 and X.sub.3 are and X.sub.2 is G,T; SEQ ID NO. 44) and
OKA57. The amplified PCR products were then cloned into pGEM T-easy
vector (Promega) and submitted for nucleotide sequence
determination. A subsequent step will be to clone the heavy and
light chains into a single-chain format for expression of scFv
fragments.
Example 24
Cloning and Expression of the F23.1 Antibody as a Single-Chain
Molecule
[0358] It is possible to clone a single-chain version of the F23.1
antibody which has been shown to recognize a conformational
determinant on murine T cells bearing V.beta.8.2 TCRs. In general,
the V.beta.8.2 family of TCRs is expressed at a frequency of 20% on
T cells in most strains of mice, Staertz, U., J. Immunol., (1995)
134, 3994. After the antibody gene has been cloned it will be
possible to express the scFv molecule in E. coli for
characterization.
[0359] The full length heavy and light chains (i.e. V/CH; V/CL)
representing the F23.1 antibody have been cloned separately into
vector pGEMT-easy (Promega) and the VH and VL genes have been
confirmed by sequencing. The F23.1 antibody gene will be cloned
into a single-chain molecule by splicing together the genes
encoding the VH and VL domains. For example, one approach is to
clone the scFv into the expression vector pEN2, for production of
scFv fragments in E. coli. The pEN2 vector has been disclosed e.g.,
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,284.
[0360] The cloning protocol can be performed by using a two-step
PCR amplification process. In the first round, the VH and VL genes
will be separately amplified by using a specific primer set that
anneals to the "front" and "back" of the VH and VL genes. In future
experiments, T cells will be targeted to tumors, using as the
antibody portion, antibodies reactive to CD3, CD4, and to
particular TCRs. However, this particular antibody is preferred,
e.g., because it can activate T cells, and more specifically
activate CTLs. To make the scFv construct, a second step
amplification will be carried out using overlapping PCR methodology
to "splice" together the VH and VL genes. The two chains are linked
using a 16 amino acid linker (G4SG4APG4S) containing the
restriction site for the 8 base cutter AcsI. In those instances
where overlapping PCR must be undertaken, two primers can be used
as follows: JSS32(T) (GGTGGCGGCGCGCCGGGAGGCGGCGGTTC; SEQ ID NO. 15)
which overlaps within the linker sequence on the 5' end of the
light chain and the bottom primer JSS33(B)
(GCCTCCCGGCGCGCCGCCACCACCGCTGCCACCGCCACC; SEQ ID NO. 16) which
overlaps within the linker region and runs into the 3' end of the
heavy chain. The overlap PCR product is digested with SfiI and SpeI
and then isolated by running the sample on a 1% agarose gel and
excising the scFv band.
[0361] The scFv gene is then cloned into the expression vector pEN2
as a Sfi/to SpeI fragment and induction of the protein is
controlled by the phoA promoter. It is believed that approximately
50% of the scFv molecules can be expressed in E. coli as soluble
and functional protein. If a particular host cell or culturing
condition produce insoluble protein, the sc-Fv can be refolded
according to standard techniques to obtain soluble protein.
Example 25
Construction of scFv/pIII Fusions for Expression on
Bacteriophage
[0362] As discussed, it is possible to express a variety of sc-Fv
fusion proteins on the surface of a bacteriophage as one component
of the phage capsid. For example, it is possible to make a
bispecific bacteriophage endowed with binding affinity for an
epitope on a desired T cell receptor and on a target tumor
cell.
[0363] More specifically, to make an example of the bispecific
phage, the F23.1 antibody molecule will be cloned as a scFv/geneIII
fusion. As discussed in the pending U.S. application Ser. No.
08/813,781, the geneIII protein is a 406 amino acid protein that is
expressed as five copies on the surface of phage. An specific fd
tet bacteriophage has been modified by adding convenient SpeI and
NotI sites for cloning scFv genes as pill fusions. By amplifying
the F23.1 scFv gene from the pEN2 vector described above in Example
23, the gene will be cloned as an SpeI-NotI fragment into the
N-terminal region of the wild-type pIII protein. Because induction
of the scFv/pIII fusion is under the control of the tac promoter,
expression will occur after the addition of 1 mM of IPTG.
Generally, it has been reported that one copy of the scFv is
displayed per phage as a gene III fusion. Therefore, the phage
represent an attractive system to use for displaying single copies
of the antibody molecule. This will help to minimize non-specific
interactions and will allow the phage to closely mimic the ideal
concept of displaying monovalent scFv molecules. See FIGS. 2D-2E
for examples of specific sc-TCR fusion constructs.
[0364] 1. Modifications to the scFv Construct by Adding Specific
Tags
[0365] Several alternate ways will be used to make scFv molecules
containing carboxyl terminal region tags. DNA encoding for the
sequence of each tag will be fused to the 3' end of the light chain
gene. The inclusion of a carboxyl terminal tag will result in
detection of the molecule. Examples of tags include the KT3,
TPPPEPET; (SEQ ID NO. 10,); 6.times.His, GMAHHHHHH; (SEQ ID NO. 9,)
avidin; ARKCSLTGKWTNDLGSNMT; (SEQ ID NO. 6) fos, BirA,
LXLIFEAQKIEWR (SEQ ID NO. 5) or jun. The molecule KT3EE (EEEEYMPME,
SEQ ID NO. 8) may also be used in some instances. See Hiller et
al., (1991), Biochem., J., 278, 573; Patel et al., 1994), Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, (1994), 91, 7360; Kruif et al., J. Biol.
Chem., 271: 7630 and Schatz, P., Bio/Technology, (1993) 11,
1138.
Example 26
Purification and Analyses of scFv F23.1 for Binding to Native and
Single-Chain TCR
[0366] Metal-chelating chromatography has become a widely used
procedure in the purification of recombinant proteins. This
technology can be used to purify the scFv molecule. A 6.times.His
tag has been engineered into the design of the scFv molecule to
allow simple purification on a Ni2+NTA column. Preparation of the
soluble fraction is accomplished by suspending E. coli cell paste
in extraction buffer and cells are then lysed in a French press.
The sample will then be applied to a Ni2+NTA column under
conditions that allow for binding of 6.times.His tagged proteins
and bound protein will be eluted using imidazole, pH 7.4. Samples
will be analyzed for purity by SDS-PAGE and coomassie blue staining
of the gel. Western blot analysis will be used to evaluate the
integrity of the scFv by probing membranes with an antibody
specific for a KT3 tag.
[0367] If desired, additional purification of the sc-Fv may be
performed as follows. For example, an affinity column can be made
by first covalently coupling the anti-EE tag mAb to protein-A
sepharose beads. The anti-EE tag coated beads will then be used to
capture the purified D011.10 scTCR which will then be cross-linked
to the mAb. The column can be used to purify the scFv (F23.1)
antibody because it has specificity for the V.beta.8.2 domain. This
two-step purification scheme will yield a homogeneous scFv
preparation.
[0368] To assess whether the purified scFv F23.1 is functional,
plasmon surface resonance studies can be used to measure the
binding constant associations of the scFv to scTCR(DO11.10) protein
biotinylated and coupled to a streptavidin coated chip. As a
control, the binding constant association of the native F23.1
antibody can be determined for comparison with the recombinant
F23.1 antibody. See the pending U.S. application Ser. No.
08/813,781 for disclosure relating to performing this assay.
[0369] In addition to comparing the binding profiles between the
native and recombinant F23.1 antibodies for the scTCR, it is
possible to investigate the ability of these antibodies to bind to
the native TCR on DO11.10 T cells. Flow cytometric analysis will be
employed to detect binding of biotin labeled antibodies to the
receptors on the cells. It is anticipated that the data from these
experiments will predict the ability of the scFv fragment to
activate T cells through binding of the V.beta.8.2 bearing
receptors. Disclosure relating to performing flow cytometric
analysis can be found in the pending U.S. application Ser. Nos.
08/813,781 and 08/943,086.
Example 27
Expression of the F23.1 scFv as a geneIII Fusion on the Surface of
Bacteriophage
[0370] As discussed, the F23.1 sc-Fv can be expressed as a pIII
fusion for display on the surface of bacteriophage. This approach
represents a unique way to rapidly characterize the scFv molecule
before making the effort to express and purify the antibody from E.
coli. To accomplish many of the characterization studies described,
sufficient numbers of phage can be obtained from 2- to 5 liters of
an overnight culture. Moreover, as an alternative to purying the
sc-Fv molecules as described in Example 6 (instead of using an
elaborate affinity purification system as we have described for
purifying scFv molecules from E. coli lysate), the purification of
the bacteriophage can be easily accomplished by two rounds of
polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation. If it is necessary to
further purify the phage, enrichment on a CsCl gradient can be
used. After cloning, the phage expressing the scFv can be produced,
purified and available for testing within a shorter period of time
compared to expression and purification of soluble scFv molecules.
Cell binding assays can be used to test whether phage are
expressing scFv/pIII fusions. This will be carried out by
incubating phage with DO11.10 T cells and assaying for, bound phage
using a biotin labeled antibody specific for phage. More specific
disclosure relating to performing the cell binding assays can be
found in the pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/813,781.
Detection of antibody labeled phage will be analyzed by adding a
streptavidin-phycoerythrin (PE) conjugate. scFv molecules expressed
as pill fusions normally retain conformational activity and in many
instances perform better than the recombinant Fv fragment. One goal
is to confirm that a functional scFv fragment is displayed only on
the tip of the phage.
Example 28
Ability of Recombinant Bacteriophage to Activate T Cells
[0371] The F23.1 sc-Fv molecule preferably exhibits an ability to
stimulate DO11.10 T cell hybridomas or to activate a population of
non-enriched murine T cells. All experiments will use the native
F23.1 antibody as a positive control, especially since reports have
shown it can activate T cells. See Staerz, supra. In the first
experiment, bacteriophage expressing the scFv/fusion will be
adsorbed directly to the plastic well or immobilized by capturing
with an antibody to the phage. Another approach will use the phage
in suspension. Briefly, 105 DO11.10 T hybridoma cells will be added
to wells containing phage as described above. After an overnight
incubation, plates will be centrifuged to pellet cells and the
supernatant isolated and assayed for IL-2 using an anti-IL-2
ELISA.
[0372] The second experiment will use T cells isolated from Balb/c
mice. Two parameters will be measured to evaluate activation. The
first parameter will be to assay IL-2 levels after incubating 106
naive cells in the presence of the antibody phage. The second
method will be to stain naive cells for activation markers
identified on T cells after incubation with the phage. It is
possible to assay a number of surface markers that are expressed or
up-regulated after activation. Parallel studies can be performed
using the purified scFv instead of the phage. However, in this case
it is preferred that the molecule will be immobilized with an mAb
having specificity for the KT3 tag located at the carboxyl terminal
region of the scFv molecule. From these two experiments, it is
possible to evaluate the effectiveness of using scFv phage to
stimulate or activate T cells.
Example 29
Engineering Bispecific Hybrid Molecules (i.e. Bispecific
Bacteriophage) and Characterization of its Tumor Killing Properties
In Vitro
[0373] One objective of the present invention is to illustrate that
the present polyspecific binding molecules and particularly the
sc-TCR/sc-Fv bispecific molecules can kill tumor cells in vitro.
The bispecific molecules can be made in a number of ways in accord
with the invention including the following specific methods.
[0374] One approach to making bispecific molecules will be to
utilize bacteriophage as a vehicle for displaying simultaneously
both the scTCR and the scFv. Bispecific phage will be made by
infecting K91 E. coli cells previously transformed with the pSUN26
phagemid vector, and then with scFv/pIII expressing phage. After
PEG purification of the bispecific phage, the phage can be
characterized to ensure both scTCR and scFv fusions are expressed
on the surface. This will be done by ELISA assay in which wells
will be coated at lug/well of purified scTCR (DO11.10) bearing the
V 8.2 epitope. Phage that express a functional scFv F23.1 should
bind to the DO11.10 scTCR. Streptavidin-HRP will be used to detect
the p-149 scTCR displayed on the surface of phage. Anti-V 2.3 or
anti-V 11.0 mAb (PharMingen) will be used followed by
streptavidin-HRP.
Example 30
Strategies for Linking scTCR and scFv Molecules with Joining
Molecules
[0375] As discussed, the present polyspecific binding molecules can
be joined by one or a combination of different joining molecules.
Several specific joining molecules include immunoglobulin heavy
chains and the molecules disclosed above that are capable of
forming specific binding complexes.
[0376] For example, one specific type of joining molecule is the
biotin binding motif of avidin. This joining molecule has been
genetically encoded into the design of the p-149 scFv molecule.
Therefore, scFv molecules will be expressed with a sequence of
amino acids derived from avidin which contains a biotin binding
motif (See, Hiller et al., Biochem., (1991), 278, 573-585. The
scTCR will be expressed containing the carboxyl terminal
biotinylation sequence, BirA, see Schatz, P., Bio/Technology, 11,
1138-1143 (1993), as described in aim 2, that can bind free biotin
in vivo or in vitro in the presence of biotin ligase, Schatz, P.
supra, an enzyme capable of adding a single biotin molecule to the
BirA site. Monovalent bispecific molecules can be efficiently
formed using this approach. An attraction for using this approach
is the strong interaction between avidin and biotin (10.sup.-15 M)
(see, Green, N., Methods Enzymol., (1990) 184, 85-133 and the high
probability of forming heterodimers (scTCR:scFv) compared to
homodimer formation (scTCR:scTCR or scFv:scFv).
[0377] Use of additional joining molecules are contemplated. For
example, another approach can be used in which it is possible to
link a desired sc-TCR and sc-Fv together by using the fos/jun
leucine zipper, see for example, Patel et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA, (1994) 91, 7360-7364 and Segal et al., Annals. New York
Academy of Sciences, (1991) 636, 288-294. Again, each molecule
would be made separately. For example, the scFv will have a
carboxyl terminal fos sequence and the scTCR will be engineered to
have a carboxyl terminal jun sequence. A single cysteine residue
will flank either side of the fos and jun moieties to facilitate
the formation of disulfide bonds to enhance the stability of the
interaction. Also like the avidin/biotin approach, this technology
has the advantage of producing heterodimers at a very high
frequency compared to homodimer formation, Patel et al., supra.
[0378] The invention has been described with reference to preferred
embodiments thereof, however, it will be appreciated that those
skilled in the art, upon consideration of this disclosure, may make
modifications and improvements within the spirit and scope of the
invention. All documents referenced herein are incorporated by
reference.
Sequence CWU 1
1
47120PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic peptide 1Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly
Gly Gly Ser Gly1 5 10 15Gly Gly Gly Ser 20215PRTArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic peptide 2Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser1 5 10
15316PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic peptide 3Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ala Pro Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser1 5 10 15423PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic peptide 4Val Asn Ala Lys Thr Thr Ala
Pro Ser Val Tyr Pro Leu Glu Pro Val1 5 10 15Ser Gly Ser Ser Gly Ser
Gly 20513PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic peptide 5Leu Xaa Leu Ile Phe Glu Ala Gln Lys Ile Glu Trp
Arg1 5 10619PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic peptide 6Ala Arg Lys Cys Ser Leu Thr Gly Lys Trp
Thr Asn Asp Leu Gly Ser1 5 10 15Asn Met Thr739DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
7gcctcccggc gcgccgccac caccgctgcc accgccacc 3989PRTArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic peptide 8Glu
Glu Glu Glu Tyr Met Pro Met Glu1 599PRTArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic peptide 9Gly
Met Ala His His His His His His1 5108PRTArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic peptide 10Thr
Pro Pro Pro Glu Pro Glu Thr1 5119PRTHomo sapiens 11Ser Thr Pro Pro
Pro Gly Thr Arg Val1 51220DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer 12gaartavccc ttgaccaggc
201323DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 13gcacctccag atgttaactg ctc 231435DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
14cccgggccac catggratgs agctgkgtma tsctc 351529DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
15ggtggcggcg cgccgggagg cggcggttc 291632DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
16gaggtgaccg gtgagcaggt ggagcagctt cc 321744DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
17gaggtggagg cccagccggc catggcccag caggtgagac aaag
441836DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 18gaggtggagc tcgagcaatg ctggtgtcat ccaaac
361930DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 19gaggtggaga ctagtagctt ctgggttctg
302033DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 20gaggtggagc ccggggtctg ctcggcccca ggc
332132DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 21gaggtgaccg gtcagcaggt gagacaaagt cc
322268DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 22gtggagatcg ataagtgtac ttacgttttc attatcgcga
tccggagtta acgtctgctc 60ggccccag 682346DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
23aacgcaaaga caaccgcccc ttcagtatat ccactagcgc ccgttt
462447DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 24ccggaaacgg gcgctagtgg atatactgaa ggggcggttg
tcgcgtt 472554DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic primer 25cgagaggaag aagagtacat gccgatggaa
taatgaaaac gtaagtacac ttat 542654DNAArtificial SequenceDescription
of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer 26cgataagtgt acttacgtmc
attattccat cggcatgtac tcttcttcct ctcg 542721DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
27cgaaaacgta agtacactta t 212823DNAArtificial SequenceDescription
of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer 28cgataagtgt acttacgttt tcg
232939DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 29gaggtggccc agccggccat ggccgacatc cagatgacc
393031DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 30gaggtgacta gttttgattt ccagcttggt g
313151DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 31ctagtggagg tggcggatca ggaggcggag gttctggcgg
aggtgggagt c 513251DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic primer 32tcgagactcc cacctccgcc agaacctccg
cctcctgatc cgccacctcc a 513328DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer 33gaggtgctcg aggaggtgca
gctggtgg 283427DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic primer 34gaggtgtccg gagacatcca gatgacc
273528DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 35gaggtgtcgc gatgaggaga cggtgacc
283643DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 36gaggtggaat tctcattacc cgggtgagga gacggtgacc atg
433728DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 37gtggaggaat tcgtctgctc ggccccag
283852DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 38gaggtgtcgc gacagctacc ggtgtccact ccgagcaggt
ggagcagctt cc 523952DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic primer 39gaggtgtcgc gacagctacc ggtgtccact
cccagcaggt gagacaaagt cc 524032DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer 40caagcagcct caggaactct
ggaaatacgc tc 324132DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic primer 41gagcgtattt ccagagttcc tgaggctgct tg
324219DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 42aacggtggag ggggctcat 194323DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
43ccggatgagc cccctccacc gtt 234432DNAArtificial SequenceDescription
of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer 44cccgggccac catggagnca
caknctcagg tc 324525PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic peptide 45Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly
Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly1 5 10 15Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly
Ser 20 25466PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic 6xHis tag 46His His His His His His1
5475PRTArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic peptide 47Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser1 5
* * * * *