U.S. patent application number 13/777680 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-04 for targeting compounds.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE. The applicant listed for this patent is The Scripps Research Institute. Invention is credited to Carlos F. Barbas, Richard A. Lerner, Christoph Rader, Subhash C. Sinha.
Application Number | 20130171074 13/777680 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26994016 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130171074 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barbas; Carlos F. ; et
al. |
July 4, 2013 |
TARGETING COMPOUNDS
Abstract
The present invention provides antibody targeting compounds in
which the specificity of the antibody has been reprogrammed by
covalently or noncovalently linking a targeting agent to the
combining site of an antibody. By this approach, the covalently
modified antibody takes on the binding specificity of the targeting
agent. The compound may have biological activity provided by the
targeting agent or by a separate biological agent. Various uses of
the invention compounds are provided.
Inventors: |
Barbas; Carlos F.; (La
Jolla, CA) ; Rader; Christoph; (La Jolla, CA)
; Sinha; Subhash C.; (La Jolla, CA) ; Lerner;
Richard A.; (La Jolla, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Scripps Research Institute; |
La Jolla |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
THE SCRIPPS RESEARCH
INSTITUTE
La Jolla
CA
|
Family ID: |
26994016 |
Appl. No.: |
13/777680 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10420373 |
Apr 21, 2003 |
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13777680 |
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10278364 |
Oct 22, 2002 |
8252902 |
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10420373 |
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60412455 |
Sep 19, 2002 |
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60344614 |
Oct 22, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/9.6 ;
424/179.1; 424/181.1; 424/85.2; 435/188.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 47/6881 20170801;
A61K 49/0058 20130101; A61K 47/6871 20170801; C07K 16/40 20130101;
A61K 47/54 20170801; C12N 15/115 20130101; C07K 14/5406 20130101;
A61K 47/545 20170801; C07K 14/575 20130101; C12N 9/0002 20130101;
A61P 31/00 20180101; C07D 475/04 20130101; A61P 31/12 20180101;
A61K 47/6813 20170801; C07K 14/005 20130101; A61P 31/04 20180101;
A61P 35/00 20180101; C07K 7/06 20130101; A61K 47/642 20170801; A61K
47/6889 20170801; C07K 14/71 20130101; A61K 47/66 20170801; C07K
5/0817 20130101; B82Y 5/00 20130101; C12N 2740/16022 20130101; C07K
14/47 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/9.6 ;
424/179.1; 424/85.2; 424/181.1; 435/188.5 |
International
Class: |
A61K 49/00 20060101
A61K049/00; C07K 14/54 20060101 C07K014/54; C07K 14/71 20060101
C07K014/71; C12N 15/115 20060101 C12N015/115; C12N 9/00 20060101
C12N009/00; C07K 14/47 20060101 C07K014/47; C07K 14/575 20060101
C07K014/575; C07K 14/16 20060101 C07K014/16; C07K 7/06 20060101
C07K007/06; C07K 5/09 20060101 C07K005/09; C07D 475/04 20060101
C07D475/04 |
Goverment Interests
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] This invention was made with United States Government
support under Grant Nos. CA27489 and CA86258 by the National
Institutes of Health. The United States Government has certain
rights in the invention.
Claims
1. A targeting compound comprising an antibody or an antigen
binding fragment thereof and a therapeutic targeting agent at least
300 Daltons in size linked to a side chain of a reactive lysine
residue in the combining site of the antibody or antigen binding
fragment thereof via a linker comprising X, wherein a precursor of
the linker comprises the formula X--Z, wherein X is a linear or
branched connecting chain of atoms comprising any of C, H, N, O, P,
S, Si, F, Cl, Br, and I, or a salt thereof, and wherein Z is a
group that competes for reaction with the side chain of the
reactive lysine residue in the combining site of the antibody or
antigen binding fragment thereof with a reactive group having the
structure: ##STR00006## wherein the therapeutic targeting agent is
linked via X to the side chain of the reactive lysine residue in
the combining site of the antibody or antigen binding fragment
thereof by an amine or amide linkage formed by contacting Z and the
side chain of the reactive lysine residue in the combining site of
the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.
2. The compound of claim 1, wherein the linker further comprises a
recognition group Y, such that Y is located between X and Z.
3. The compound of claim 1, wherein antigen binding specificity of
the targeting compound is substantially modified compared to the
antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.
4. The compound of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antigen binding
fragment thereof is a human antibody, a humanized antibody, or a
chimeric human antibody.
5. The compound of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antigen binding
fragment thereof is mouse monoclonal antibody 33F12 or 38C2 or
humanized 33F12 or 38C2 antibody.
6. The compound of claim 1, wherein X is a linear stretch of
between 5-100 atoms.
7. The compound of claim 1, wherein X is a linear stretch of 5
atoms.
8. The compound of claim 1, wherein X comprises one or more groups
selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, oxoalkyl, oxoalkenyl,
oxoalkynyl, aminoalkyl, aminoalkenyl, aminoalkynyl, sulfoalkyl,
sulfoalkenyl, sulfoalkynyl group, phosphoalkyl, phosphoalkenyl, and
phosphoalkynyl.
9. The compound of claim 1, wherein X is a branched connecting
chain of atoms, and wherein the branched end of the chain is linked
to identical therapeutic targeting agents.
10. The compound of claim 1, wherein X is a branched connecting
chain of atoms and wherein the branched end of the chain is linked
to distinct therapeutic targeting agents.
11. The compound of claim 1, wherein the linker comprises a
repeating ether unit of between 2-100 units.
12. The compound of claim 1, wherein the targeting compound further
comprises a therapeutic drug linked to X.
13. The targeting compound of claim 12, wherein the therapeutic
drug is a prodrug.
14. The compound of claim 1, wherein Z is an electrophilic
group.
15. The compound of claim 14, wherein Z is a ketone, diketone, beta
lactam, active ester, haloketone, lactone, anhydride, epoxide,
aldehyde, maleimide disulfide, or aryl halide.
16. The compound of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic targeting
agent comprises a growth factor.
17. The compound of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic targeting
agent is specific for a biological molecule.
18. A method of producing the targeting compound of claim 1,
comprising: obtaining an antibody or antigen binding fragment
thereof and contacting the antibody or antigen binding fragment
thereof with a precursor comprising the formula X--Z, wherein X is
linked to a therapeutic targeting agent, and wherein the contacting
covalently links a side chain of a reactive lysine residue in the
combining site of the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof
to the Z group of the precursor via an amine or amide linkage; or
obtaining a therapeutic targeting agent and contacting the
therapeutic targeting agent with an antibody or antigen binding
fragment thereof covalently linked via an amine or amide linkage to
a linker comprising X, wherein the contacting links the therapeutic
targeting agent to X.
19. A method of delivering a biological activity to cells, tissue
extracellular matrix biomolecule or a biomolecule in the fluid of
an individual, wherein the method comprises administering to the
individual the targeting compound of claim 1, wherein the targeting
compound is specific for the cells, tissue extracellular matrix
biomolecule or fluid biomolecule and wherein the targeting compound
comprises a biological activity.
20. A method of imaging cells or tissue in an individual wherein
the cells or tissue expresses a target molecule, the method
comprising administering to the individual the targeting compound
of claim 1 linked to a detectable label.
21. A method of reducing the infectivity of microbial cells or
viral particles present on a surface, the method comprising
contacting the surface with an effective amount of the targeting
compound of claim 1, wherein the targeting compound comprises a
targeting agent or biological agent specific for a receptor on the
microbial cells or virus particles.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No.
10/420,373, filed Apr. 21, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Pat. No. 8,252,902, filed Oct. 22, 2002, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/412,455, filed Sep. 19,
2002, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/344,614, filed Oct.
22, 2001; the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING
[0003] This application includes a Sequence Listing submitted
electronically as a text file named 22394US_SequenceListing.txt,
created on Feb. 26, 2013, with a size of 3,422 bytes. The sequence
listing is incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention relates to compounds for targeting biological
molecules and methods of making and using the compounds.
Conventionally developed pharmaceutical drugs and biological
effector molecules are often of limited use in therapy because of
high toxicity. Various approaches have been used over the years to
improve the therapeutic index of such drugs or effectors. One
approach has been to couple a drug or effector to a ligand
targeting agent such as an antibody. In this case, the antibody is
used to change the distribution of drug or effector such that more
of it can localize where it is most needed in vivo. Improved
targeting of small molecular weight drugs or effectors has been
achieved by complexing the drug or effector with a large molecular
weight compound. For example, European Patent EP 217577 discloses
that increased half life and targeting by an agent is achieved by
forming complexes in vivo between hapten-modified agents and
anti-hapten antibodies. Similarly, International Patent Application
Publication WO 98/22141 discloses conjugates of therapeutic agents
and haptens. The conjugates are administered to a subject and
circulate in the blood stream of the subject. Circulating
conjugates are recognized and bound by existing antibodies in the
subject. Also, Shokat and Schultz (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1991,
113:1862-1864) have disclosed a process for redirecting the immune
response using a process referred to as ligand-mediated
immunogenicity. According to this teaching, an invariant antigen is
complexed with a specific ligand and administered to a subject. The
complexed invariant antigen then binds naturally occurring
antibodies present in the subject.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides antibody targeting compounds
with unique specificity and biological properties which are useful
in many applications. The antibody targeting compounds of the
invention comprise one or more targeting agents or biological
agents or both covalently or noncovalently linked to an antibody
combining site. A linear or branched linker is preferably used in
covalent and non-covalent linkage. Chemical characteristics of the
linker are disclosed. Depending on the circumstances, the antibody
specificity of the combining site may be modified or eliminated
following covalent or noncovalent linking to the targeting or
biological agent. In some embodiments, the antigen binding
specificity of the antibody before covalent linkage may be
substantially retained after covalent linkage.
[0006] The antibody targeting compound confers various benefits
over the components themselves. For example, the antibody portion
of the compound may generally extend the half-life of a smaller
sized targeting or biological agent in vivo. Also, the biological
potency or other biological feature of a particular targeting or
biological agent may be modified by the addition of effector
function(s) provided by the antibody portion of the compound (e.g.,
complement mediated effector functions). In addition, the targeting
agent or binding agent, through its increased size conferred by
linkage to the antibody, may enable the targeting agent to function
in new capacities.
[0007] In some embodiments, the targeting agent of the compound can
bind to a non-immunoglobulin target molecule or to an
immunoglobulin target molecule outside of the immunoglobulin
combining site. Thus, in these embodiments, the targeting agent is
specific for a non-antibody or is specific for an antibody but
binds to the antibody outside its combining site. In a preferred
approach, a catalytic antibody can be modified into a compound that
binds specifically to a biomolecule. The antibody portion of the
antibody targeting compounds can include whole antibody or unique
antibody fragments and may have sequence derived from various
animal species such as a non-human immunoglobulin or human
immunoglobulin, the latter including a human antibody, humanized
antibody or human chimeric antibody.
[0008] Also provided are methods of producing antibody targeting
compounds of the invention. In one embodiment, an agent-linker
compound comprising a targeting agent and/or a biological agent is
linked to a linker that comprises a reactive group for covalent
reaction with the combining site of the antibody. In another
approach, an antibody-linker compound is prepared where the linker
includes a reactive group for reaction with said one or more
targeting agents or biological agents. In yet another approach, the
agents and the antibody can each be linked to a linkers with
compatible reactive groups so that the antibody targeting compound
forms when the two linkers covalently bond.
[0009] Further provided are agent-linker compounds comprising a
targeting agent, biological agent or both that can be covalently
linked to the combining site of an antibody. In some embodiments,
the linker includes a reactive group for covalently linking the
targeting agent to the combining site of the antibody. Linkage to
the antibody combining site may be to a side chain of a reactive
amino acid in the combining site. In some embodiments, the reactive
amino acid is a lysine while the linker reactive group is a ketone,
a diketone, a beta lactam, a succinimide active ester, haloketone,
a lactone, an anhydride, an epoxide, an aldehyde, a halide, a
sulfonate, a phosphonate, a guanidine, an amidine, an imine, an
eneamine, a ketal, a acetal, or a maleimide.
[0010] Various chemical features of the agent-linker compound are
described. In one embodiment, the linker has the general formula
X--Y--Z wherein X is a linear or branched connecting chain of atoms
comprising any of C, H, N, O, P, S, Si, F, Cl, Br, and I, or a salt
thereof, and comprising a repeating ether unit of between 2-100
units; Y is optional and is a single or fused 5 or 6 membered homo-
or heterocarbocylic saturated or unsaturated ring located within
1-20 atoms of Z; and Z is a reactive group for covalently linking
the one or more targeting agents to a side chain of a reactive
amino acid in the combining site of the antibody. The targeting
agent may be linked to X or Y or to X and Y when more than one
targeting agent or biological agent is included in the targeting
agent-linker compound.
[0011] Yet further provided are targeting agent-linker-antigen
compounds for noncovalently linking to the combining site of an
antibody. These compounds include two or more targeting agents, two
or more biological agents or at least two agents, one of which is a
targeting agent and another a biological agent. The agents are
covalently linked via a linker to an antigen recognized by the
antibody. Various chemical features of the linker and antigen are
disclosed.
[0012] Still further provided are methods of modifying an antibody
which exhibits low or nondetectable binding affinity for a
particular target molecule so that the antibody has increased
binding specificity for the particular target molecule. In one
embodiment, one or more targeting agents or biological agents
specific for the particular target molecule are covalently linked
to the combining site of the antibody to generate an antibody
targeting compound. The agents are linked in such a way as to
retain their ability to bind the particular target molecule. In
some such embodiments, the antibody prior to covalent linking
possesses an affinity for the target molecule of less than about
1.times.10.sup.-5 moles/liter. After covalent linking, the
targeting compound may exhibit an affinity for the target molecule
of greater than about 1.times.10.sup.-6 moles/liter.
[0013] Additionally provided are methods of altering at least one
physical or biological characteristic of a targeting agent or
biological agent. In one embodiment, the agent is covalently linked
to the combining site of an antibody to generate an antibody
targeting compound. Methods are also provided for modifying one or
more physical or biological properties of the antibody targeting
compounds by modifying one or more chemical characteristics of the
linker. In some embodiments, the physical or biological properties
modified include pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics,
immunogenicity, binding affinity, susceptibility to degradation,
solubility, lipophilicity, hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity,
stability, and rigidity.
[0014] Also provided are methods of delivering a biological
activity to cells, an extracellular matrix biomolecule or a fluid
biomolecule of an individual. In one approach an antigen targeting
compound of the invention which is biologically active and is
specific for the cells, extracellular matrix biomolecule or fluid
biomolecule is administered to the individual. In another approach,
an agent-linker-antigen compound of the invention, specific for
cells, tissue extracellular matrix biomolecule or fluid
biomolecule, and an antibody specific for the antigen are
separately administered to the individual and the antibody
targeting agent forms in vivo when the agent-linker-antigen
compound non-covalently associates with the antibody combining
site.
[0015] Further provided are methods treating or preventing a
disease or condition in an individual wherein the disease or
condition involves cells, tissue or fluid that expresses a target
molecule. In one approach, a therapeutically effective amount of an
antibody targeting compound of the invention is administered to the
individual. In another approach, a therapeutically effective amount
of an agent-linker-antigen compound of the invention, and an
antibody specific for the antigen are separately administered to
the individual and the antibody targeting agent forms in vivo when
the agent-linker-antigen compound non-covalently associates with
the antibody combining site. In both approaches, the antibody
targeting compound or agent-linker-antigen compound is specific for
the target molecule, and the compound or antibody comprises a
biological activity effective against the disease or condition.
[0016] Still further provided are methods of imaging cells or
extracellular matrix in an individual wherein the cells or
extracellular matrix express a target molecule. In one approach, an
antibody targeting compound of the invention is linked to a
detectable label and administered to the individual. In another
approach an agent-linker-antigen compound and an antibody specific
for the antigen are separately administered to the individual and
the antibody targeting agent forms in vivo when the
agent-linker-antigen compound non-covalently associates with the
antibody combining site. In both approaches, the label may be
linked to the antibody, the targeting agent and/or biological
agent.
[0017] Additionally provided are methods of reducing the
infectivity of microbial cells or viral particles present on a
surface. According to these methods, the surface is contacted with
an effective amount of an antibody targeting compound of the
invention, wherein the antibody targeting compound comprises a
targeting agent or biological agent specific for a receptor on said
microbial cells or virus particles.
[0018] Also provided are methods of screening a chemical library
for agonists or antagonists of a receptor. The method includes
linking individual members of the chemical library to the combining
site of an antibody and then testing the antibody linked library
for binding to the receptor or for inhibition of binding between
the receptor and a ligand for the receptor.
[0019] Further provided are various immunoassays that use antibody
targeting compounds of the invention. In one embodiment for
detecting or measuring analyte in a sample, the invention comprises
use of an antibody targeting compound of the invention wherein the
antibody specificity for the analyte results from the targeting
agent, which is covalently linked to the antibody combining site.
In another embodiment involving a direct or indirect binding assay
for determining the presence of an analyte using an antibody
specific for the analyte, the invention comprises determining the
presence of the analyte using an antibody specific for the analyte
wherein the antibody specificity results from a non-antibody
targeting agent specific for the analyte that is linked to a
reactive amino acid in the combining site of the antibody.
[0020] Still further provided are methods of inhibiting or reducing
the ability of a targeting agent or biological agent to cross a
cell membrane. In these methods an antibody targeting compound is
formed by covalently linking the combining site of an antibody that
does not itself cross the cell membrane to the targeting agent or
biological agent, wherein linkage of said antibody to said
targeting agent or biological agent reduces or inhibits the ability
of the agent to cross the cell membrane.
[0021] Additionally provided are methods of mediating intracellular
delivery of a intracellularly active drug. In these methods, an
antibody targeting compound is prepared wherein said compound
includes one or more targeting agents or one or more biological
agents or both covalently linked via a linker to the combining site
of the antibody. The targeting agents or biological agents are
characterized in that they bind to a cell receptor and mediate
internalization of the agent. The antibody targeting compound also
includes a drug that is active intracellularly. Intracellular drug
delivery occurs when a cell expressing the receptor contacts the
antibody targeting compound. The contacting results in
internalization of the antibody targeting agent and delivery of
said drug intracellularly. In some embodiments, the intracellularly
active drug is a prodrug that becomes active when said drug
contacts an intracellular compartment. The antibody targeting
compound may include an intracellular trafficking signal to direct
the internalized antibody targeting compound to a particular
intracellular compartment.
[0022] The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions
or medicaments that include an antibody targeting compound of the
invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows exemplary integrin targeting agents of which
Panels A-E are RGD peptidomimetic while Panel F is an RGD peptide.
The core structures are from the following: U.S. Pat. No. 6,335,330
(Panel A), U.S. Pat. No. 5,693,636 (Panel B), U.S. Pat. No.
6,040,311 (Panel C), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,117 (Panel E).
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a general scheme of a targeting agent-linker
compound with a non-branched linker (Panel A) with specific
embodiments in Panel B (SCS-873), Panel C (PST inhibitor diketo
linker; compound 26), Panel D (TAK-799 diketo linker; compound 27)
and Panel E (folate ligand dikone linker; compound 28).
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a general scheme of an embodiment of a
targeting agent-linker compound with a branched linker and two
identical targeting agents (Panel A) with specific embodiments in
Panel B (integrin targeting agent diketo linker; compound 29), and
Panel C (integrin targeting agent diketo linker; compound 30). The
branch point is in the connecting chain portion of the linker.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a general scheme of an embodiment of a
targeting agent-linker compound with a branched linker and two
different targeting agents (Panel A) with a specific embodiment in
Panel B (integrin targeting and folate targeting agent diketo
linker; compound 31). The branch point is in the connecting chain
portion of the linker.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a general scheme of an embodiment of a
targeting agent-linker compound with a branched linker and two
different targeting agents (Panel A) with a specific embodiment in
Panel B (integrin targeting agent diketo linker; compound 32). The
branch point is in the recognition group portion of the linker.
[0028] FIG. 6 shows the structure of linker reactive groups.
Structures A-C form reversible covalent bonds with reactive
nucleophilic group (e.g. lysine or cysteine side chain) in the
combining site of an antibody (structure A could form an
irreversible covalent bond X is N and if R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 form
part of a cyclic structure). R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 in
structures A-C represent substituents which can be C, H, N, O, P,
S, Si, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I) or a salt thereof X is N, C, Si, or
any other heteroatom. These substituents may also include a group
such as an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, oxoalkyl, oxoalkenyl,
oxoalkynyl, aminoalkyl, aminoalkenyl, aminoalkynyl, sulfoalkyl,
sulfoalkenyl, or sulfoalkynyl group, phosphoalkyl, phosphoalkenyl,
phosphoalkynyl group. R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 could be cyclic as
exemplified in structures B and C while X could be a heteroatom.
Structures D-G form nonreversible covalent bonds with reactive
nucleophilic group (e.g. lysine or cysteine side chain) in the
combining site of an antibody. In these structures, R.sub.1 and
R.sub.2 represent C, O N, halide and leaving groups such as mesyl
or tosyl.
[0029] FIG. 7 shows various electrophiles suitable for reactive
modification with a reactive amino acid side chain of an antibody.
Key: (A) acyl beta-lactam; (B) simple diketone; (C) succinimide
active ester; (D) maleimide; (E) haloacetamide with linker; (F)
haloketone; (G) cyclohexyl diketone; and (H) aldehyde. R refers to
other structure that may include a targeting agent, linker or
antibody, while X refers to halogen.
[0030] FIG. 8 shows the structure of linker recognition group (Y),
situated between the reactive group portion and the connecting
chain portion of the linker. Panel A shows the relationship of the
recognition group Y within the linker (see FIG. 2). Panels B-D show
distance of Y from Z, substituents on the ring and ring member
atoms.
[0031] FIG. 9 shows the structure of the linker connecting chain
(X), which directly attaches at one end to the targeting agent as
shown in Panel A (see FIG. 2). Substituents R.sub.2 to R.sub.4 are
C, H, N, O, P, S, Si, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I) or a salt thereof, and
may include a group such as an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, oxoalkyl,
oxoalkenyl, oxoalkynyl, aminoalkyl, aminoalkenyl, aminoalkynyl,
sulfoalkyl, sulfoalkenyl, sulfoalkynyl group, phosphoalkyl,
phosphoalkenyl, phosphoalkynyl as well as a carbocyclic or
heterocyclic mono or fused saturated or unsaturated ring structure.
Panel B: R1 is O and R2 is C, H, N, O, P, S, Si, halogen (F, Cl,
Br, I) or a salt thereof In the connecting chain in structures B
and C, n, r or m is 1-100. In structures D and E, n is 1, 2, 4, or
more preferably is 3.
[0032] FIG. 10 shows Scheme 1, a synthetic scheme for the amine
precursor of SCS-873, targeting agent 3 or SCS-amine. Key: (a)
BBr.sub.3, CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, -20.degree. C., 2 h; (b) DMF, rt to
80.degree. C., 3 h; (c) BnCOCl, sat. aq. NaHCO.sub.3, ether; (d)
TBDPSiCl, imidazole, DMF, 16 h; (e) Pd(OAc).sub.2, (o-tol).sub.3P,
i-Pr.sub.2EtN, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CN, reflux, 3 h; (f) 20% (w/w) Pd--C
(10%), H.sub.2, EtOH--AcOH (1:1), 36 h; (g) TBAF, THF, rt, 1 h; (h)
DEAD, PPh.sub.3, THF-benzene (3:1), 16 h; (i) 20% (w/w) Pd--C
(10%), cyclohexene-i-PrOH (1:1), 90.degree. C., 12 h; (j) i. aq. 2N
NaOH, MeOH-THF (1:1), 16 h, ii. TFAA, anisole, CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2,
0.degree. C., 2 h.
[0033] FIG. 11 shows Scheme 2, a synthetic scheme for making
Compound 4, (R=Butoxycarboxyaminohexanoyl-derivative). Key: (a)
DMF, rt; (b) EDC, HOBT, DMF; (c) 0.01 M in DMSO, 130.degree. C.;
(d) TFAA, anisole, dichloromethane; (e) DMF; (f) EDC, HOBT, DMF;
(g) (i) step d, (ii) 2M NaOH, MeOH-THF (1:1).
[0034] FIG. 12 shows Scheme 3, a synthetic scheme for making
compounds SCS-873 and SCS-1655.
[0035] FIG. 13 shows Scheme 4, a synthetic scheme for making
Compounds SCS-864 and SCS-789. Key: (a) Et.sub.3N, DMF, rt, 16
h.
[0036] FIG. 14 shows a scheme for forming a targeting agent-linker
compound using a linker with a maleimide-diketone reactive
group.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] The present invention provides various antibody targeting
compounds in which targeting agents and/or biological agents are
covalently or noncovalently linked to the combining site of an
antibody. When one or more targeting agents are linked, at least
one of the targeting agents will be linked so that it can bind its
target. This may be achieved by linking the targeting agent in a
manner that does effect its binding specificity for the target and
by sufficiently distancing the targeting agent from the antibody
combining site so that it can bind its target without steric
hindrance by the antibody. This may be achieved by using a suitable
linker and linking strategy discussed in more detail ahead.
[0038] When a biological agent is not also a targeting agent it is
preferred that the antibody retain at least some antigen binding
specificity following linkage to one or more biological agents. The
antibody compound in which one or more biological agents are linked
to the antibody combining site may exhibit biological activity due
to a linked biological agent if such agent is biologically active
while linked to the antibody. This may be achieved by various
strategies such as by linking the antibody combining site to a
location on the biological agent that does not affect biological
activity. Another strategy is to position the biological agent away
from the antibody so that the biological agent can bind to another
molecule necessary for activity without steric hindrance by the
antibody. Other strategies for obtaining a biological activity of
one or more biological agents linked to the antibody combining site
are well known to the skilled artisan. In some embodiments, the
biological activity of a biological agent may not be realized until
the agent is released from the antibody combining site. This may be
achieved in some embodiments though the aid of labile linkage as
discussed further ahead.
[0039] In some embodiments, the native antigen binding specificity
of the antibody which exists before covalent linkage will not be
substantially modified following covalent linkage. In other words,
the antibody compound resulting from covalent linkage of one or
more targeting agents or one or more biological agents may bind the
same antigens with a similar affinity as it did prior to covalent
linkage. In other embodiments, the binding specificity of the
antibody before covalent linkage will be substantially modified
following covalent linkage. Substantially modified antibody binding
specificity resulting from covalent linkage may be due to a
substantially reduced ability of the covalently linked antibody to
bind to an antigen or a substantially increased ability of the
covalently linked antibody to bind to an antigen. In some
embodiments, binding of the antigen binding site to antigen is
sufficiently reduced such that the original antigen binding
specificity of the antibody is effectively eliminated. In some
embodiments, the antigen binding site to antigen is sufficiently
reduced such that the original antigen binding specificity of the
antibody is effectively eliminated and replaced with that of a
targeting agent(s) covalently linked to the antibody combining
site. In embodiments where the binding specificity of the antibody
is effectively replaced with that of the targeting agent(s), the
antibody, after covalent linkage to the targeting agent(s),
exhibits an affinity for the target molecule of greater than about
1.times.10.sup.-6 moles/liter.
[0040] Although not wishing to be bound by any theory,
substantially reduced antibody binding to antigen may result from
the targeting agent(s) or biological agent(s) sterically hindering
the antigen from contacting the antibody combining site.
Alternatively, or in addition, substantially reduced antigen
binding may result if the amino acid side chain of the antibody
combining site modified by covalent linkage was important for
binding to the antigen. Substantially increased antibody binding to
an antigen may result when the targeting agent(s) or biological
agent(s) do not sterically hinder the antigen from contacting the
antibody combining site and amino acid side chain of the antibody
combining site modified by covalent linkage was important for
binding to the antigen.
[0041] The targeting compounds of the invention may comprise an
antibody or an antibody fragment that has a single combining site
such as Fab or Fab' antibody fragments. In such cases, the
targeting agent will be linked to the single combining site of that
antibody molecule. If an antibody or antibody fragment of a
targeting molecule comprises two or more combining sites, at least
one of the combining sites will include a covalently linked
targeting agent. In some cases, all or most of the combining sites
of an antibody can be covalently linked to a targeting agent. If
multiple combining sites of an antibody are to be linked to
targeting agents, the combining sites may all have the same
targeting agent linked thereto or may have different targeting
agents linked to the same antibody. It would be readily understood
that one could covalently link multiple targeting agents to a
single antibody combining site. Such multimeric targeting agents
may be heteromultimeric or homomultimeric with respect to the
specificity of the targeting agents in the multimer.
[0042] "Targeting agent" or "targeting component" as used herein
refers to a moiety that recognizes, binds or adheres to a target
moiety of a target molecule located for example in a cell, tissue
(e.g. extracellular matrix), fluid, organism, or subset thereof. A
targeting agent and its target molecule represent a binding pair of
molecules, which interact with each other through any of a variety
of molecular forces including, for example, ionic, covalent,
hydrophobic, van der Waals, and hydrogen bonding, so that the pair
have the property of binding specifically to each other. Specific
binding means that the binding pair exhibit binding with each other
under conditions where they do not bind to another molecule.
Examples of binding pairs are biotin-avidin, hormone-receptor,
receptor-ligand, enzyme-substrate, lgG-protein A, antigen-antibody,
and the like. The targeting agent and its cognate target molecule
exhibit a significant association for each other. This association
may be evaluated by determining an equilibrium association constant
(or binding constant) according to methods well known in the art.
Affinity is calculated as K.sub.d=k.sub.off/k.sub.on (k.sub.off is
the dissociation rate constant, k.sub.on is the association rate
constant and K.sub.d is the equilibrium constant.
[0043] Affinity can be determined at equilibrium by measuring the
fraction bound (r) of labeled ligand at various concentrations (c).
The data are graphed using the Scatchard equation: r/c=K(n-r):
[0044] where [0045] r=moles of bound ligand/mole of receptor at
equilibrium; [0046] c=free ligand concentration at equilibrium;
[0047] K=equilibrium association constant; and [0048] n=number of
ligand binding sites per receptor molecule By graphical analysis,
r/c is plotted on the Y-axis versus r on the X-axis thus producing
a Scatchard plot. The affinity is the negative slope of the line.
k.sub.off can be determined by competing bound labeled ligand with
unlabeled excess ligand (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,316,409). The
affinity of a targeting agent for its target molecule is preferably
at least about 1.times.10.sup.-6 moles/liter, is more preferably at
least about 1.times.10.sup.-7 moles/liter, is even more preferably
at least about 1.times.10.sup.-8 moles/liter, is yet even more
preferably at least about 1.times.10.sup.-9 moles/liter, and is
most preferably at least about 1.times.10.sup.-10 moles/liter.
[0049] Targeting agents include, but are not limited to, small
molecule organic compounds of 5,000 daltons or less such as drugs,
proteins, peptides, peptidomimetics, glycoproteins, proteoglycans,
lipids glycolipids, phospholipids, lipopolysaccharide, nucleic
acids, proteoglycans, carbohydrates, and the like. Targeting agents
may include well known therapeutic compounds including
anti-neoplastic agents. Anti-neoplastic targeting agents may
include targpaclitaxel, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, carminomycin,
4'-epiadriamycin, 4-demethoxy-daunomycin, 11-deoxydaunorubicin,
13-deoxydaunorubicin, adriamycin-14-benzoate,
adriamycin-14-octanoate, adriamycin-14-naphthaleneacetate,
vinblastine, vincristine, mitomycin C, N-methyl mitomycin C,
bleomycin A.sub.2, dideazatetrahydrofolic acid, aminopterin,
methotrexate, cholchicine and cisplatin, and the like.
Anti-microbial agents include aminoglycosides including gentamicin,
antiviral compounds such as rifampicin, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine
(AZT) and acylovir, antifungal agents such as azoles including
fluconazole, plyre macrolides such as amphotericin B, and
candicidin, anti-parasitic compounds such as antimonials, and the
like. Hormone targeting agents include toxins such as diphtheria
toxin, cytokines such as CSF, GSF, GMCSF, TNF, erythropoietin,
immunomodulators or cytokines such as the interferons or
interleukins, a neuropeptide, reproductive hormone such as HGH,
FSH, or LH, thyroid hormone, neurotransmitters such as
acetylcholine, and hormone receptors such as the estrogen
receptor.
[0050] In some preferred embodiments, the targeting agent is not an
antibody. In other preferred embodiments, the targeting agent is
not a metal chelate. Preferably, the targeting agent is a small
molecule as compared with a native immunoglobulin. The targeting
agent, including any linking moiety necessary for covalently
linking the targeting agent to an amino acid residue of the
antibody combining site, preferably is at least about 300 daltons
in size, and preferably may be at least about 400, 500, 600, 700,
800, 900, 1,000, 1,100, 1,200, 1,300, 1,400, 1,500, 1,600, 1,700,
1,800, 1,900, 2,000, 2,500, 3,000, 3,500, 4,000, 4,500 or even
5,000 daltons in size, with even larger sizes possible.
[0051] Suitable targeting agents in targeting compounds of the
invention can be a protein or peptide. "Polypeptide", "peptide,"
and "protein" are used interchangeably to refer to a polymer of
amino acid residues. As used herein, these terms apply to amino
acid polymers in which one or more amino acid residue is an
artificial chemical analogue of a corresponding naturally occurring
amino acid. These terms also apply to naturally occurring amino
acid polymers. Amino acids can be in the L or D form as long as the
binding function of the peptide is maintained. Peptides can be of
variable length, but are generally between about 4 and 200 amino
acids in length. Peptides may be cyclic, having an intramolecular
bond between two non-adjacent amino acids within the peptide, e.g.,
backbone to backbone, side-chain to backbone and side-chain to
side-chain cyclization. Cyclic peptides can be prepared by methods
well know in the art. See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,625.
[0052] Protein or peptide targeting agents that exhibit binding
activity for a target molecule are well known in the art. For
example, a targeting agent may be a viral peptide cell fusion
inhibitor. This may include the T-20 HIV-1 gp41 fusion inhibitor
which targets fusion receptors on HIV infected cells (for T-20, see
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,281,331 and 6,015,881 to Kang et al.; Nagashima et
al. J. Infectious Diseases 183:1121, 2001; for other HIV inhibitors
see U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,459 to Barney and WO 0151673A2 to Jeffs et
al), RSV cell fusion inhibitors (see WO 0164013A2 to Antczak and
McKimm-Breschkin, Curr. Opin. Invest. Drugs 1:425-427, 2000
(VP-14637)), pneumovirus genus cell fusion inhibitors (see WO
9938508A1 by Nitz et al.), and the like. Targeting agents also
include peptide hormones or peptide hormone analogues such as LHRH,
bombesin/gastrin releasing peptide, somatastatin (e.g., RC-121
octapeptide), and the like, which may be used to target any of a
variety of cancers ovarian, mammary, prostate small cell of the
lung, colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic. See, e.g., Schally et
al., Eur. J. Endocrinology, 141:1-14, 1999.
[0053] Peptide targeting agents suitable for use in targeting
compounds of the invention also may be identified using in vivo
targeting of phage libraries that display a random library of
peptide sequences (see, e.g., Arap et al., Nature Medicine, 2002
8(2):121-7; Arap et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2002
99(3):1527-1531; Trepel et al. Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol. 2002
6(3):399-404).
[0054] In some embodiments, the targeting agent is specific for an
integrin. Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoprotein
complexes that function in cellular adhesion events and signal
transduction processes. Integrin .alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.3 is
expressed on numerous cells and has been shown to mediate several
biologically relevant processes, including adhesion of osteoclasts
to bone matrix, migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, and
angiogenesis. Integrin .alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.3 antagonists likely
have use in the treatment of several human diseases, including
diseases involving neovascularization, such as rheumatoid
arthritis, cancer, and ocular diseases.
[0055] Suitable targeting agents for integrins include RGD peptides
or peptidomimetics or non-RGD peptides or peptidomimetics. As used
herein, reference to "Arg-Gly-Asp peptide" or "RGD peptide" is
intended to refer to a peptide having one or more Arg-Gly-Asp
containing sequence which may function as a binding site for a
receptor of the "Arg-Gly-Asp family of receptors", e.g., an
integrin. Integrins, which comprise and alpha and a beta subunit,
include numerous types including .alpha..sub.1.beta..sub.1,
.alpha..sub.2.beta..sub.1, .alpha..sub.3.beta..sub.1,
.alpha..sub.4.beta..sub.1, .alpha..sub.5.beta..sub.1,
.alpha..sub.6.beta..sub.1, .alpha..sub.7.beta..sub.1,
.alpha..sub.8.beta..sub.1, .alpha..sub.9.beta..sub.1,
.alpha..sub.1.beta..sub.1, .alpha..sub.6.beta..sub.4,
.alpha..sub.4.beta..sub.7, .alpha..sub.D.beta..sub.2,
.alpha..sub.D.beta..sub.2, .alpha..sub.L.beta..sub.2,
.alpha..sub.M.beta..sub.2, .alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.1,
.alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.3, .alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.5,
.alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.6, .alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.8,
.alpha..sub.x.beta..sub.2, .alpha..sub.IIb.beta..sub.3,
.alpha..sub.IELb.beta..sub.7, and the like. The sequence RGD is
present in several matrix proteins and is the target for cell
binding to matrix by integrins. Platelets contain a large amount of
RGD-cell surface receptors of the protein GP II.sub.b/III.sub.a,
which is primarily responsible, through interaction with other
platelets and with the endothelial surface of injured blood
vessels, for the development of coronary artery thrombosis. The
term RGD peptide also includes amino acids that are functional
equivalents (e.g., RLD or KGD) thereof provided they interact with
the same RGD receptor. Peptides containing RGD sequences can be
synthesized from amino acids by means well known in the art, using,
for example, an automated peptide synthesizer, such as those
manufactured by Applied Biosystems, Inc., Foster City, Calif.
[0056] As used herein, "non-RGD" peptide refers to a peptide that
is an antagonist or agonist of integrin binding to its ligand (e.g.
fibronectin, vitronectin, laminin, collagen etc.) but does not
involve an RGD binding site. Non-RGD integrin peptides are known
for .alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.3 (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,767,071
and 5,780,426) as well as for other integrins such as
.alpha..sub.4.beta..sub.1 (VLA-4), .alpha..sub.4.beta..sub.7 (see,
e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,619; Chang et al., Bioorganic &
Medicinal Chem Lett, 12:159-163 (2002); Lin et al., Bioorganic
& Medicinal Chem Lett, 12:133-136 (2002)), and the like.
[0057] An integrin targeting agent may be a peptidomimetic agonist
or antagonist, which preferably is a peptidomimetic agonist or
antagonist of an RGD peptide or non-RGD peptide. As used herein,
the term "peptidomimetic" is a compound containing non-peptidic
structural elements that are capable of mimicking or antagonizing
the biological action(s) of a natural parent peptide. A
peptidomimetic of an RGD peptide is an organic molecule that
retains similar peptide chain pharmacophore groups of the RGD amino
acid sequence but lacks amino acids or peptide bonds in the binding
site sequence. Likewise, a peptidomimetic of a non-RGD peptide is
an organic molecule that retains similar peptide chain
pharmacophore groups of the non-RGD binding site sequence but lacks
amino acids or peptide bonds in the binding site sequence. A
"pharmacophore" is a particular three-dimensional arrangement of
functional groups that are required for a compound to produce a
particular response or have a desired activity. The term "RGD
peptidomimetic" is intended to refer to a compound that comprises a
molecule containing the RGD pharmacophores supported by an
organic/non-peptide structure. It is understood that an RGD
peptidomimetic (or non-RGD peptidomimetic) may be part of a larger
molecule that itself includes conventional or modified amino acids
linked by peptide bonds.
[0058] RGD peptidomimetics are well known in the art, and have been
described with respect to integrins such as GPIIb/IIIa,
.alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.3 and .alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.5 (See, e.g.,
Miller et al., J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43:22-26; and International
Patent Publications WO 0110867, WO 9915178, WO 9915170, WO 9815278,
WO 9814192, WO 0035887, WO 9906049, WO 9724119 and WO 9600730; see
also Kumar et al., Cancer Res. 61:2232-2238 (2000)). Many such
compounds are specific for more than one integrin. RGD
peptidomimetics are generally based on a core or template (also
referred to as "fibrinogen receptor antagonist template"), to which
are linked by way of spacers to an acidic group at one end and a
basic group at the other end of the core. The acidic group is
generally a carboxylic acid functionality while the basic group is
generally a N-containing moiety such as an amidine or guanidine.
Typically, the core structure adds a form of rigid spacing between
the acidic moiety and the basic nitrogen moiety, and contains one
or more ring structures (e.g., pyridine, indazole, etc.) or amide
bonds for this purpose. For a fibrinogen receptor antagonist,
generally, about twelve to fifteen, more preferably thirteen or
fourteen, intervening covalent bonds are present (via the shortest
intramolecular path) between the acidic group of the RGD
peptidomimetic and a nitrogen of the basic group. The number of
intervening covalent bonds between the acidic and basic moiety is
generally shorter, two to five, preferably three or four, for a
vitronectin receptor antagonist. The particular core may be chosen
to obtain the proper spacing between the acidic moiety of the
fibrinogen antagonist template and the nitrogen atom of the
pyridine. Generally, a fibrinogen antagonist will have an
intramolecular distance of about 16 angstroms (1.6 nm) between the
acidic moiety (e.g., the atom which gives up the proton or accepts
the electron pair) and the basic moiety (e.g., which accepts a
proton or donates an electron pair), while a vitronectin antagonist
will have about 14 angstroms (1.4 nm) between the respective acidic
and basic centers. Further description for converting from a
fibrinogen receptor mimetic to a vitronectin receptor mimetic can
be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,964.
[0059] The peptidomimetic RGD core can comprise a 5-11 membered
aromatic or nonaromatic mono- or polycyclic ring system containing
0 to 6 double bonds, and containing 0 to 6 heteroatoms chosen from
N, O and S. The ring system may be unsubstituted or may be
substituted on a carbon or nitrogen atom. Preferred core structures
with suitable substituents useful for vitronectin binding include
monocyclic and bicyclic groups, such as benzazapine described in WO
98/14192, benzdiazapine described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,168, and
fused tricyclics described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,008,213.
[0060] U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,964 contains an extensive list of
references in Table 1 of that document which disclose RGD
peptidomimetic cores structures (referred to as fibrinogen
templates) which can be used for prepraring RGD peptidomimetics.
Preferred vitronectin RGD and fibronectin RGD peptidomimetics are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,335,330; 5,977,101; 6,088,213;
6,069,158; 6,191,304; 6,239,138; 6,159,964; 6,117,910; 6,117,866;
6,008,214; 6,127,359; 5,939,412; 5,693,636; 6,403,578; 6,387,895;
6,268,378; 6,218,387; 6,207,663; 6,011,045; 5,990,145; 6,399,620;
6,322,770; 6,017,925; 5,981,546; 5,952,341; 6,413,955; 6,340,679;
6,313,119; 6,268,378; 6,211,184; 6,066,648; 5,843,906; 6,251,944;
5,952,381; 5,852,210; 5,811,441; 6,114,328; 5,849,736; 5,446,056;
5,756,441; 6,028,087; 6,037,343; 5,795,893; 5,726,192; 5,741,804;
5,470,849; 6,319,937; 6,172,256; 5,773,644; 6,028,223; 6,232, 308;
6,322,770; 5,760,028.
[0061] Exemplary RGD peptidomimetic integrin targeting agents are
shown below as compounds 1, 2, and 3 can be used for preparing an
intregrin targeting compound of the present invention. In the three
compounds, the linker is attached as indicated to the nitrogen of
the seven membered ring. Other RGD peptidomimetic integrin
targeting agents include compound 33, wherein P and L or carbon or
nitrogen. The linker may be R1 or R2 while the R3 group includes a
basic group such as an --NH group. In some embodiments, the R3
group is as shown in compounds 1, 2, or 33. In some embodiments,
the R3 group includes a heterocyclic group such a benzimidazole,
imidazole, pyridine group, or the like. In some such embodiments,
the R3 group is a alkoxy group, such as a propoxy group or the
like, that is substituted with a heterocyclyl group that is
substituted with an alkylamine group, such as a methylamino group
or the like, whereas in other embodiments, the R3 group is an
alkoxy group, such as a propoxy group or the like, substituted with
a heterocyclylamino group, such as with a pyridinylamino group or
the like such as a 2-pyridinylamino group. In other embodiments R3
is a group of formula --C(.dbd.O)Rb where Rb is selected from
--N(alkyl)-alkyl-heterocyclyl groups such as
--N(Me)-CH2-benzimidazole groups and the like.
##STR00001##
[0062] Other exemplary integrin peptidomimetic targeting agents and
a peptide targeting agent are shown in FIG. 1. The linker may be
any of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, while R.sub.4 may be a linker or
a hydrolyzable group such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, oxoalkyl,
oxoalkenyl, oxoalkynyl, aminoalkyl, aminoalkenyl, aminoalkynyl,
sulfoalkyl, sulfoalkenyl, or sulfoalkynyl group, phosphoalkyl,
phosphoalkenyl, phosphoalkynyl group, and the like. One of skill in
the art will readily appreciate that other integrin agonist and
antagonist mimetics can also be used in targeting compounds of the
present invention.
[0063] The target molecule to which the targeting agent of the
targeting compound binds is preferably a non-immunoglobulin
molecule or is an immunoglobulin molecule where the target moiety
is outside the immunoglobulin combining site. It is not intended to
exclude from the inventive compounds those targeting agents that
function as antigens and, therefore, bind to an immunoglobulin
combining site. Such targeting agents are included herein provided
the targeting agents also bind to a non-immunoglobulin molecule
and/or a target moiety located outside the combining site of an
immunoglobulin molecule. In general, the target molecule can be any
type of molecule including organic, inorganic, protein, lipid,
carbohydrate, nucleic acid and the like.
[0064] The target molecule is preferably a biomolecule such as a
protein, carbohydrate, lipid or nucleic acid. The target molecule
can be associated with a cell ("cell surface expressed"), or other
particle ("particle surface expressed") such as a virus, or may be
extracellular. If associated with a cell or particle, the target
molecule is preferably expressed on the surface of the cell or
particle in a manner that allows the targeting agent of the
targeting compound to make contact with the surface receptor from
the fluid phase of the body.
[0065] In some preferred embodiments, the target molecule is
predominantly or exclusively associated with a pathological
condition or diseased cell, tissue or fluid. Thus, the targeting
agent of a present antibody targeting compound can be used to
deliver the targeting compound to a diseased tissue by targeting
the cell, an extracellular matrix biomolecule or a fluid
biomolecule. Exemplary target molecules disclosed hereinafter in
the Examples include integrins (Example 1), cytokine receptors
(Examples 2, 3 and 7), cytokines (Example 4), vitamin receptors
(Example 5), cell surface enzymes (Example 6), and HIV-1 virus and
HIV-1 virus infected cells (Examples 8 and 11), and the like.
[0066] In other preferred embodiments, the target molecule is
associated with an infectious agent and is expressed on the surface
of a microbial cell or on the surface of a viral particle. As such,
antibody targeting compositions in which the targeting agent can
bind to the cell surface expressed or particle expressed infectious
agent can be used as an anti-microbial, by targeting microbial
agents inside the body or on the surface (e.g., skin) of an
individual. In the latter case, the invention compound can be
applied topically.
[0067] Antibody targeting agents specific for a microbial target
molecule also can be used as an anti-microbial agent in vitro.
Accordingly, a method of reducing the infectivity of microbial
cells or viral particles present on a surface is provided. Some
methods include contacting the surface of a microbial cell or viral
particle with an effective amount of the invention targeting
compound. The targeting compound in such methods includes a
targeting agent specific for a receptor on the microbial cell or
virus particle. Applicable surfaces are any surfaces in vitro such
as a counter top, condom, and the like.
[0068] Another preferred target molecule for targeting molecules of
the invention is prostate specific antigen (PSA), a serine protease
that has been implicated in a variety of disease states including
prostate cancer, breast cancer and bone metastasis. Specific
inhibitors of PSA which bind to the active site of PSA are known.
See Adlington et al., J. Med. Chem., 2001, 44:1491-1508 and WO
98/25895 to Anderson. A specific inhibitor of PST is shown below as
compound 34.
##STR00002##
[0069] A targeting agent, in addition to its ability to bind a
target molecule, may be characterized in having one or more
biological activities, each activity characterized as a detectable
biological affect on the functioning of a cell organ or organism.
Thus, in addition to being a targeting agent, such compounds can be
considered biological agents. For example, the integrin targeting
agents shown as compounds 1, 2, 3 and 33 above not only target an
integrin, but have integrin antagonist biological activity. In some
embodiments, however, a targeting agent may be a pure binding agent
without biological activity.
[0070] The targeting compounds of the invention include a targeting
agent that is covalently linked to a combining site of an antibody.
Such targeting compounds may have one or more biological activities
associated with the targeting compound. The biological activity may
be an inherent feature of the targeting agent itself or may be
provided by a biological agent distinct from the targeting agent in
the targeting compound. The biological agent may be associated
covalently or non-covalently with the other molecules or portions
of the targeting compound, although covalent linkage is preferred.
The biological agent may be linked to either the targeting agent,
the antibody, or both by means well known in the art. For example,
see Kiaris et al., Eur. J. Cancer 37:620-628 (2001) and Schally et
al. Eur. J. Endocrin. 141:1-14 (1989), which describe various
conjugates between peptide hormone targeting agents and
doxorubicin. See also, Canevari et al., Ann Oncol 1994 October;
5(8):698-701; Rihova, Folia Microbiol (Praha) 1995; 40(4):367-84;
Vitetta, Princess Takamatsu Symp 1988; 19:333-40; and Ghose et al.,
Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst 1987; 3(4):263-359. Thus, in some
embodiments, the antibody-targeting agent targeting compounds of
the invention may include a functional component in the form of a
targeting agent that has inherent biological activity. In such
embodiments, the targeting agent is linked to a combining site of
the antibody or antibody fragment and the targeting agent is the
functional component that exhibits the biological activity. In
other embodiments, the targeting compound includes a targeting
agent linked to a combining site of an antibody or antibody
fragment, and also includes a separate functional component that is
preferably attached or linked to the targeting compound through a
covalent bond.
[0071] A targeting agent or biological agent can be linked to an
antibody targeting compound of the invention using a linkage that
is labile under certain conditions. The labile linkage may be
between the antibody and the targeting agent or biological agent,
while if a linker is present, the labile linkage may be between the
antibody and the linker, the targeting agent or biological agent
and the linker, within the linker, or combinations thereof.
[0072] Labile linkers include, reversible covalent bonds, pH
sensitive linkages (acid or base sensitive), enzyme sensitive
linkages, degradation sensitive linkers, photosensitive linkers,
sand the like, and combinations thereof. These features are also
characteristic of a prodrug which can be considered as a type of
labile linker. A variety of labile linkers have been previously
designed. For example, prodrugs can be formed using compounds
having carboxylic acid moieties that slowly degrade by hydrolysis
as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,729.
[0073] The particular design of a labile linker may be used to
direct release of the biological agent after it has reached the
intended target. For example, a linkage may be designed to direct
release in a particular intracellular compartment or in an
extracellular compartment in which antibody targeting compounds may
accumulate. An acid-labile linker such as a cis-aconitic acid
linker can take advantage of the acidic environment of different
intracellular compartments such as the endosomes encountered during
receptor mediated endocytosis and the lysosomes. See Shen et al.,
Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (1981) 102:1048-1054; Yang et al.,
J. Natl. Canc. Inst. (1988) 80: 1154-1159. A peptide spacer arm
located within or at the ends of a linker can be used to effect
release of a targeting agent or biological agent by the action of a
peptidase such as a lysosomal peptidase. See e.g., Trouet et al.,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (1982) 79: 626-629.
[0074] Particular targeting agents may or may not possess
biological activity depending on the context of their use. For
example, the therapeutic drug doxorubicin, which is a DNA
intercalator, can be a targeting agent for double stranded DNA when
the drug is covalently linked to an antibody and applied to DNA in
a cell-free form. Doxorubicin, however, may not be considered a
targeting agent with respect to a cell while the drug is covalently
linked to an antibody unless the compound can be taken up by the
cell. In the latter case, doxorubicin may have biological activity
following uptake if the drug can access DNA in the cell
nucleus.
[0075] Biological agent functional components include, but are not
limited to, small molecule drugs (a pharmaceutical organic compound
of about 5,000 daltons or less), organic molecules, proteins,
peptides, peptidomimetics, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, lipids
glycolipids, phospholipids, lipopolysaccharides, nucleic acids,
proteoglycans, carbohydrates, and the like. Biological agents may
be anti-neoplastic, anti-microbial, a hormone, an effector, and the
like. Such compounds include well known therapeutic compounds such
as the anti-neoplastic agents paclitaxel, daunorubicin,
doxorubicin, carminomycin, 4'-epiadriamycin,
4-demethoxy-daunomycin, 11-deoxydaunorubicin, 13-deoxydaunorubicin,
adriamycin-14-benzoate, adriamycin-14-octanoate,
adriamycin-14-naphthaleneacetate, vinblastine, vincristine,
mitomycin C, N-methyl mitomycin C, bleomycin A.sub.2,
dideazatetrahydrofolic acid, aminopterin, methotrexate, cholchicine
and cisplatin, and the like. Anti-microbial agents include
aminoglycosides including gentamicin, antiviral compounds such as
rifampicin, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) and acylovir,
antifungal agents such as azoles including fluconazole, plyre
macrolides such as amphotericin B, and candicidin, anti-parasitic
compounds such as antimonials, and the like. Hormones may include
toxins such as diphtheria toxin, cytokines such as CSF, GSF, GMCSF,
TNF, erythropoietin, immunomodulators or cytokines such as the
interferons or interleukins, a neuropeptide, reproductive hormone
such as HGH, FSH, or LH, thyroid hormone, neurotransmitters such as
acetylcholine, hormone receptors such as the estrogen receptor.
Also included are non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as
indomethacin, salicylic acid acetate, ibuprofen, sulindac,
piroxicam, and naproxen, and anesthetics or analgesics. Also
included are radioisotopes such as those useful for imaging as well
as for therapy.
[0076] Biological agent functional components for use in the
targeting compounds of the invention can be naturally occurring or
synthetic. Biological agents can be biologically active in their
native state, or be biologically inactive or in a latent precursor
state and acquire biological or therapeutic activity when a portion
of the biological agent is hydrolyzed, cleaved or is otherwise
modified. The prodrug can be delivered at the surface of a cell or
intracellulary using antibody targeting compounds of the invention
where it can then be activated. In this regard, the biological
agent can be a "prodrug," meaning that prodrug molecules capable of
being converted to drugs (active therapeutic compounds) by certain
chemical or enzymatic modifications of their structure. In the
prodrug approach, site-specific drug delivery can be obtained from
tissue-specific activation of a prodrug, which is the result of
metabolism by an enzyme that is either unique for the tissue or
present at a higher concentration (compared with other tissues);
thus, it activates the prodrug more efficiently.
[0077] Photodynamic treatment may be used to activate a prodrug by
cleaving a photosenitive linker or by activating a photoresponsive
enzyme (acyl enzyme hydrolysis) as described previously (see U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,114,851 and 5,218,137). Photodynamic treatment also may
be used to rapidly inactivate a drug in sites where the drug
activity is not desired (e.g. in non-target tissues). Various means
of covalently modifying a drug to form a prodrug are well known in
the art.
[0078] Targeting agents may be covalently linked to the antibody
combining site directly or through the aid of a linker. An
appropriate linker can be chosen to provide sufficient distance
between the targeting agent and the antibody combining site in
order for the targeting agent to be able to bind to its target
molecule. This distance depends on several factors including, for
example, the distance from the outermost surface of the antibody
combining site to the reactive side chain in the combining site,
and the nature of the targeting agent. Generally, the linker will
be between about 5 to 10 angstroms (0.5 to 1 nm) in length, with 10
or more angstroms (1.0 nm) being more preferred, although shorter
linkers of about 3 angstroms (0.3 nm) in length may be sufficient
if the amino acid side chain is very near to the outermost portion
of the combining site and/or the targeting agent or biological
agent includes a segment that can function as a part of a
linker.
[0079] Linker length may also be viewed in terms of the number of
linear atoms (cyclic moieties such as aromatic rings and the like
to be counted by taking the shortest route). Linker length under
this measure is generally about 10 to 200 atoms and more typically
about 30 or more atoms, although shorter linkers of two or more
atoms may be sufficient if the reactive amino acid side chain is
very near to the outermost portion of the combining site.
Generally, linkers with a linear stretch of at least about 9 atoms
are sufficient. Other linker considerations include effect on
physical or pharmacokinetic properties of the resulting targeting
compound or targeting agent-linker, solubility, lipophilicity,
hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, stability (more or less stable as
well as planned degradation), rigidity, flexibility,
immunogenicity, modulation of antibody binding, chemical
compatibility with targeting agent, ability to be incorporated into
a micelle or liposome, and the like.
[0080] In targeting compounds where a linker is present between the
antibody combining site, the targeting agent may be prepared by
several approaches. In one approach, a targeting agent-linker
compound and/or biological agent-linker compound is synthesized
with a linker that includes one or more reactive groups designed
for covalent reaction with a side chain of an amino acid in the
combining site of an antibody. The agent-linker compound and
antibody are combined under conditions where the linker reactive
group forms a covalent bond with the amino acid side chain.
[0081] In another approach, linking can be achieved by synthesizing
an antibody-linker compound comprising an antibody and a linker
wherein the linker includes one or more reactive groups designed
for covalent reaction with an appropriate chemical moiety of the
targeting agent or biological agent. The targeting agent or
biological agent may need to be modified to provide the appropriate
moiety for reaction with the linker reactive group. The
antibody-linker and targeting agent and/or biological agent are
combined under conditions where the linker reactive group
covalently links to the targeting and/or biological agent.
[0082] A further approach for forming an antibody targeting
compound of the invention uses a dual linker design. In one
embodiment, the an agent-linker compound is synthesized which
comprises a targeting agent and/or a biological agent and a linker
with a reactive group. An antibody-linker compound is synthesized
which comprises an antibody and a linker with a chemical group
susceptible to reactivity with the reactive group of the
agent-linker of the first step. These two linker containing
compounds are then combined under conditions whereby the linkers
covalently link, forming the antibody targeting compound.
[0083] In another embodiment, an antibody-linker compound is
synthesized which comprises an antibody and a linker with a
reactive group. A targeting agent and/or biological agent-linker
compound is prepared which comprises the agent and a linker with a
chemical group susceptible to reactivity with the reactive group of
the antibody-linker of the first step. These two linker containing
compounds are then combined under conditions whereby the linkers
covalently link, forming the antibody targeting compound.
"Susceptible" as used herein with reference to a chemical moiety
indicates that the chemical moiety will covalently bond with a
compatible reactive group. Thus, an electrophilic group is
susceptible to covalent bonding with a nucleophillic group and vice
versa.
[0084] As discussed, the linker may be first conjugated to the
targeting agent and then the targeting agent-linker conjugated to
the antibody combining site. Alternatively, the linker may be
conjugated first to the antibody combining site and the
antibody-linker conjugated to the targeting agent. Numerous means
well known in the art can be used to attach a linker to the
targeting agent or antibody combining site. Exemplary functional
groups that can be involved in the linkage include, for example,
esters, amides, ethers, phosphates, amino, keto, amidine,
guanidine, imines, eneamines, phosphates, phosphonates, epoxides,
aziridines, thioepoxides, masked or protected diketones (ketals for
example), lactams, haloketones, aldehydes, thiocarbamate,
thioamide, thioester, sulfide, disulfide, phosphoramide,
sulfonamide, urea, thioruea, carbamate, carbonate, hydroxamide, and
the like.
[0085] The linker includes any atom from the group C, H, N, O, P,
S, Si, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I) or a salt thereof. The linker also
may include a group such as an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, oxoalkyl,
oxoalkenyl, oxoalkynyl, aminoalkyl, aminoalkenyl, aminoalkynyl,
sulfoalkyl, sulfoalkenyl, or sulfoalkynyl group, phosphoalkyl,
phosphoalkenyl, phosphoalkynyl group. The linker also may include
one or more ring structures. As used herein a "ring structure"
includes a carbocyclic homo or hetero mono or fused saturated or
unsaturated ring structure. Combinations of the above groups and
rings may also be present in the linkers of the targeting compounds
of the invention.
[0086] The general design of a embodiment of a unbranched linker
for use in preparing targeting compounds of the present invention
is shown in FIG. 2A. The linker is of the formula
X--Y--Z
Wherein X is a connecting chain, Y is a recognition group and Z is
a reactive group. FIG. 2B-E shows various targeting agent-linker
compounds with the linker X, Y and Z portions identified. The
linker may be linear or branched. In some embodiments, the linker
has a linear stretch of between 5-200 or 10-200 atoms although in
other embodiments, longer linker lengths may be used. One or more
targeting agents may be linked to X. In some embodiments, where
more than one targeting agent is linked and a branched linker is
used, some of the targeting agents may be linked to different
branches of the linker. However, it should be understood that
linkers used in the compounds of the invention may have one or more
recognition groups, one or more reactive groups and one or more
connecting chains and combinations thereof. Connecting chains may
branch from another connecting chain or from a recognition
group.
[0087] The connecting chain X of the linker includes any atom from
the group C, H, N, O, P, S, Si, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I) or a salt
thereof. X also may include a group such as an alkyl, alkenyl,
alkynyl, oxoalkyl, oxoalkenyl, oxoalkynyl, aminoalkyl,
aminoalkenyl, aminoalkynyl, sulfoalkyl, sulfoalkenyl, or
sulfoalkynyl group, phosphoalkyl, phosphoalkenyl, phosphoalkynyl
group. In some embodiments, X may include one or more ring
structures. In a preferred embodiment, X includes a repeating ether
unit of between 2-100 units. Various embodiments of X are shown in
FIG. 9.
[0088] The recognition group Y of the linker is optional and if
present is located between the reactive group and the connecting
chain. In preferred embodiments, Y is located from 1-20 atoms from
Z. Although not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed
that the recognition group acts to properly position the reactive
group into the antibody combining site so that it may react with a
reactive amino acid side chain. FIG. 8 shows a variety of exemplary
recognition groups with one or more homo or hetero ring structures
of five or six atoms. Larger ring structures also may be used. One
or more targeting agents may be linked to Y. In some embodiments, a
linker may be used to link the targeting agent to Y. In embodiments
where two or more targeting agents are used, one or more can be
attached to both X and Y. More than one targeting agent also can be
attached to Y.
[0089] The linker reactive group Z includes any nucleophilic or
electrophilic group. In a preferred embodiment Z is capable of
forming a covalent bond with a reactive side chain of an antibody.
In some embodiments, Z includes one or more C.dbd.O, groups
arranged to form a diketone, an acyl beta-lactam, an active ester,
haloketone, a cyclohexyl diketone group, an aldehyde or maleimide.
Other groups may include lactone, anhydride, and
alpha-haloacetamide or an epoxide. Exemplary linker electrophilic
reactive groups that can covalently bond to a reactive nucleophilic
group (e.g. lysine or cysteine side chain) in the combining site of
an antibody include acyl beta-lactam, simple diketone, succinimide
active ester, maleimide, haloacetamide with linker, haloketone,
cyclohexyl diketone, aldehyde, amidine, guanidine, imine, eneamine,
phosphate, phosphonate, epoxide, aziridine, thioepoxide, a masked
or protected diketone (a ketal for example), lactam, sulfonate, and
the like masked C.dbd.O groups such as imine, ketal, acetal and any
other known electrophilic group. A preferred linker reactive group
includes one or more C.dbd.O, groups arranged to form a acyl
beta-lactam, simple diketone, succinimide active ester, maleimide,
haloacetamide with linker, haloketone, cyclohexyl diketone, or
aldehyde.
[0090] Z may be a group that forms a reversible or nonreversible
covalent bond. In some embodiments, reversible covalent bonds may
be formed using diketone Z groups such as those shown in FIG. 6.
R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 in structures A-C of FIG. 6
represent substituents which can be C, H, N, O, P, S, Si, halogen
(F, Cl, Br, I) or a salt thereof. These substituents also may
include a group such as an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, oxoalkyl,
oxoalkenyl, oxoalkynyl, aminoalkyl, aminoalkenyl, aminoalkynyl,
sulfoalkyl, sulfoalkenyl, or sulfoalkynyl group, phosphoalkyl,
phosphoalkenyl, phosphoalkynyl group. R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 also
could from a ring structure as exemplified in structures B and C. X
in FIG. 6 could be a heteroatom. Other Z groups that form
reversible covalent bonds include the diketone amidine, imine, and
other reactive groups shown in structures B and G of FIG. 7. FIG. 7
also includes the structures of other preferred linker reactive
groups.
[0091] Z reactive groups that form a nonreversible covalent bond
with the combining site of an antibody include structures D-G in
FIG. 6 and structures A, C and D of FIG. 7. Such structures are
useful for nonreversibly attaching a targeting agent-linker to a
reactive nucleophilic group (e.g. lysine or cysteine side chain) in
the combining site of an antibody.
[0092] It should be understood that the above described reversible
and nonreversible covalent linking chemistry can also be applied to
link a targeting agent or biological agent to an antibody in the
absence of a linker or to link a targeting agent or biological
agent to a linker (e.g. to the connecting chain of the linker). For
example, a targeting agent can be linked to a linker to form a
targeting agent-linker by placing a suitable reactive group Z type
element such as an appropriate nucleophilic or electrophilic group
on either the linker or the targeting agent and a suitable reactive
moiety such as an amino or sulfhydral group on the other of the
two.
[0093] A preferred linker for use in targeting compounds of the
invention and for preparing targeting agent-linker compounds
includes a 1,3-diketone reactive group as Z. Another preferred
linker is one where the connecting chain X includes a repeating
ether unit of between 2-100 units. Linkers in which the recognition
group Y is present are preferred with Y located preferably between
1-20 atoms from the reactive group Z. Such a linker attached to the
core of an integrin targeting RGD peptidomimetic moiety such as
those described above, can have the structure 28 as shown below
where n is from 1-100 or more and preferably is 1, 2, or 4, and
more preferably is 3. In some embodiments, the linker is a
repeating polymer such as polyethylene glycol.
##STR00003##
[0094] The linker reactive group or similar such reactive group
that may be inherent in the targeting agent, is chosen for use with
a particular antibody. For example, a chemical moiety for
modification by an aldolase antibody may be a ketone, diketone,
beta lactam, active ester haloketone, lactone, anhydride,
maleimide, alpha-haloacetamide, cyclohexyl diketone, epoxide,
aldehyde, amidine, guanidine, imine, eneamine, phosphate,
phosphonate, epoxide, aziridine, thioepoxide, masked or protected
diketone (ketal for example), lactam, haloketone, aldehyde, and the
like. A 1,3-diketone configuration such as the diketone shown in
Compound SCS-873 (see below) or SCS-864 (see below), is especially
preferred as a substrate for modification by an aldolase
antibody.
##STR00004##
[0095] A linker reactive group chemical moiety (Z) suitable for
covalent modification by a reactive sulfhydryl group in an antibody
may be a disulfide, aryl halide, maleimide, alpha-haloacetamide,
isocyanate, epoxide, thioester, active ester, amidine, guanidine,
imine, eneamine, phosphate, phosphonate, epoxide, aziridine,
thioepoxide, masked or protected diketone (ketal for example),
lactam, haloketone, aldehyde, and the like. The chemical structures
of various targeting agent-linker compounds which include a linker
with a 1,3 diketone as the reactive group are shown in FIGS.
2-5.
[0096] One of skill in the art will readily appreciate that
reactive amino acid side chains in antibodies may possess an
electrophilic group that reacts with a nucleophilic group on the
targeting agent or its linker, whereas in other embodiments a
reactive nucleophilic group in an amino acid side chain of a
combining site of an antibody or an antibody fragment reacts with
an electrophilic group in a targeting agent or linker. Thus,
antibody or antibody fragment combining site side chains may be
substituted with an electrophile (e.g., FIGS. 6 and 7) and this
group may be used to react with a nucleophile on the targeting
agent or its linker (e.g., NH.sub.2). In this embodiment, the
antibody and targeting agent each have a partial linker with
appropriate reactive moieties at each end so that the two ends of
the partial linker can form the full linker, thus creating the
complete targeting compound.
[0097] One of skill in the art also will readily appreciate that
two or more targeting agents may be linked to a single antibody
combining site. The two targeting agents may be the same or may be
different with respect to their specificity for a particular
target. In one embodiment, each targeting agent may be linked to a
separate reactive side chain of an amino acid in the antibody
combining site. In a preferred embodiment, the two targeting agents
are attached to a branched or linear linker which then links both
targeting agents to the same reactive amino acid side chain in the
antibody combining site. Each branch of a branched linker may in
some embodiments comprise a linear stretch of between 5-100 atoms.
By way of example, the structures disclosed in FIGS. 3-5 show
embodiments of branched linkers with two targeting agents linked to
a different branch of the linker, which has a 1,3-diketone as the
reactive group. As shown in these embodiments, the branch point may
be in the connecting chain or in the recognition group (if
present).
[0098] "Antibody" as used herein includes immunoglobulins which are
the product of B cells and variants thereof as well as the T cell
receptor (TcR) which is the product of T cells and variants thereof
An immunoglobulin is a protein comprising one or more polypeptides
substantially encoded by the immunoglobulin kappa and lambda,
alpha, gamma, delta, epsilon and mu constant region genes, as well
as myriad immunoglobulin variable region genes. Light chains are
classified as either kappa or lambda. Heavy chains are classified
as gamma, mu, alpha, delta, or epsilon, which in turn define the
immunoglobulin classes, IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD and IgE, respectively.
Also subclasses of the heavy chain are known. For example, IgG
heavy chains in humans can be any of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4
subclass.
[0099] A typical immunoglobulin structural unit is known to
comprise a tetramer. Each tetramer is composed of two identical
pairs of polypeptide chains, each pair having one "light" (about 25
kD) and one "heavy" chain (about 50-70 kD). The N-terminus of each
chain defines a variable region of about 100 to 110 or more amino
acids primarily responsible for antigen recognition. The terms
variable light chain (V.sub.L) and variable heavy chain (V.sub.H)
refer to these light and heavy chains respectively.
[0100] Antibodies exist as full length intact antibodies or as a
number of well-characterized fragments produced by digestion with
various peptidases or chemicals. Thus, for example, pepsin digests
an antibody below the disulfide linkages in the hinge region to
produce F(ab').sub.2, a dimer of Fab which itself is a light chain
joined to V.sub.H-CH.sub.1 by a disulfide bond. The F(ab').sub.2
may be reduced under mild conditions to break the disulfide linkage
in the hinge region thereby converting the F(ab').sub.2 dimer into
an Fab' monomer. The Fab' monomer is essentially a Fab fragment
with part of the hinge region (see, Fundamental Immunology, W. E.
Paul, ed., Raven Press, N.Y. (1993), for a more detailed
description of other antibody fragments). While various antibody
fragments are defined in terms of the digestion of an intact
antibody, one of skill will appreciate that any of a variety of
antibody fragments may be synthesized de novo either chemically or
by utilizing recombinant DNA methodology. Thus, the term antibody,
as used herein also includes antibody fragments either produced by
the modification of whole antibodies or synthesized de novo or
antibodies and fragments obtained by using recombinant DNA
methodologies.
[0101] The T cell receptor (TcR) is a disulfide linked heterodimer
composed of or chains or, on a minority of T cells, or chains. The
two chains are generally disulfide-bonded just outside the T cell
plasma membrane in a short extended stretch of amino acids
resembling the antibody hinge region. Each TcR chain is composed of
one Antibody-like variable domain (V or V) and one constant domain
(C or C). The full TcR has a molecular mass of about 95 kDa with
the individual chains varying in size from 35 to 47 kDa. Also
encompassed within the meaning of TCR are portions of the receptor
such as the variable regions of this receptor that can be produced
as a soluble protein using methods well known in the art. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,840 describes a soluble T cell
receptor (TcR) prepared by splicing the extracellular domains of a
TcR to the glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI) membrane anchor
sequences of Thy-1. The molecule is expressed in the absence of CD3
on the cell surface, and can be cleaved from the membrane by
treatment with phosphatidylinositol specific phospholipase C
(PI-PLC). The soluble TcR also may be prepared by coupling the TcR
variable domains to an antibody heavy chain CH.sub.2 or CH.sub.3
domain, essentially as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,132 or as
soluble TcR single chains as described by Schusta et al. Nature
Biotech. 18,754-759 (2000) or Holler et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci
(USA) 97:5387-5392 (2000). The TcR "antibodies" as soluble products
may be used in place of antibody for making the compounds of the
invention. The combining site of the TcR can be identified by
reference to CDR regions and other framework residues using the
same methods discussed above for antibodies.
[0102] Recombinant antibodies may be conventional full length
antibodies, antibody fragments known from proteolytic digestion,
unique antibody fragments such as Fv or single chain Fv (scFv),
domain deleted antibodies, and the like. An Fv antibody is about 50
Kd in size and comprises the variable regions of the light and
heavy chain. A single chain Fv ("scFv") polypeptide is a covalently
linked V.sub.H::V.sub.L heterodimer which may be expressed from a
nucleic acid including V.sub.H- and V.sub.L-encoding sequences
either joined directly or joined by a peptide-encoding linker. See
Huston, et al. (1988) Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA, 85:5879-5883. A
number of structures for converting the naturally aggregated, but
chemically separated light and heavy polypeptide chains from an
antibody V region into an scFv molecule which will fold into a
three dimensional structure substantially similar to the structure
of an antigen-binding site. See, e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,091,513,
5,132,405 and 4,956,778.
[0103] The combining site refers to the part of an antibody
molecule that participates in antigen binding. The antigen binding
site is formed by amino acid residues of the N-terminal variable
("V") regions of the heavy ("H") and light ("L") chains. The
antibody variable regions comprise three highly divergent stretches
referred to as "hypervariable regions" or "complementarity
determining regions" (CDRs) which are interposed between more
conserved flanking stretches known as "framework regions" (FRs). In
an antibody molecule, the three hypervariable regions of a light
chain (LCDR1, LCDR2, and LCDR3) and the three hypervariable regions
of a heavy chain (HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3) are disposed relative to
each other in three dimensional space to form an antigen binding
surface or pocket. The antibody combining site therefore represents
the amino acids that make up the CDRs of an antibody and any
framework residues that make up the binding site pocket.
[0104] The identity of the amino acid residues in a particular
antibody that make up the combining site can be determined using
methods well known in the art. For example, antibody CDRs may be
identified as the hypervariable regions originally defined by Kabat
et al. (see, "Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest," E.
Kabat et al., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services;
Johnson, G and Wu, T T (2001) Kabat Database and its applications:
future directions. Nucleic Acids Research, 29: 205-206;
http://immuno.bme.nwa.edu). The positions of the CDRs may also be
identified as the structural loop structures originally described
by Chothia and others, (see Chothia and Lesk, J. Mol. Biol. 196,
901 (1987), Chothia et al., Nature 342, 877 (1989), and Tramontano
et al., J. Mol. Biol. 215, 175 (1990)). Other methods include the
"AbM definition" which is a compromise between Kabat and Chothia
and is derived using Oxford Molecular's AbM antibody modeling
software (now Accelrys) or the "contact definition" of CDRs by
Macallum et al., ("Antibody-antigen interactions: contact analysis
and binding site topography," J Mol Biol. 1996 Oct. 11;
262(5):732-45). The following chart identifies CDRs based upon
various known definitions.
TABLE-US-00001 Loop Kabat AbM Chothia Contact L1 L24--L34 L24--L34
L24--L34 L30--L36 L2 L50--L56 L50--L56 L50--L56 L46--L55 L3
L89--L97 L89--L97 L89--L97 L89--L96 H1 H31--H35B H26--H35B
H26--H32..34 H30--H35B (Kabat Numbering) H1 H31--H35 H26--H35
H26--H32 H30--H35 (Chothia Numbering) H2 H50--H65 H50--H58 H52--H56
H47--H58 H3 H95--H102 H95--H102 H95--H102 H93--H101
General guidelines by which one may identify the CDRs in an
antibody from sequence alone are as follows:
[0105] LCDR1: [0106] Start--Approximately residue 24. [0107]
Residue before is always a Cys. [0108] Residue after is always a
Trp. Typically TRP is followed with TYR-GLN, but also may be
followed by LEU-GLN, PHE-GLN, or TYR-LEU. [0109] Length is 10 to 17
residues.
[0110] LCDR2: [0111] Start--16 residues after the end of Ll. [0112]
Sequence before is generally ILE-TYR, but also may be VAL-TYR,
ILE-LYS, or ILE-PHE. [0113] Length is generally 7 residues.
[0114] LCDR3: [0115] Start--generally 33 residues after end of L2.
[0116] Residue before is a Cys. [0117] Sequence after is
PHE-GLY-X-GLY. [0118] Length is 7 to 11 residues.
[0119] HCDR1: [0120] Start--at approximately residue 26 (four
residues after a CYS) [Chothia/AbM definition] Kabat definition
starts 5 residues later. [0121] Sequence before is CYS--X--X--X.
[0122] Residues after is a TRP, typically followed by VAL, but also
followed by ILE, or ALA. [0123] Length is 10 to 12 residues under
AbM definition while Chothia definition excludes the last 4
residues.
[0124] HCDR2: [0125] Start--15 residues after the end of Kabat /AbM
definition of CDR-H1. [0126] Sequence before typically
LEU-GLU-TRP-ILE-GLY (SEQ ID NO. 1), but a number of variations are
possible. [0127] Sequence after is
LYS/ARG-LEU/ILE/VAL/PHE/THR/ALA-THR/SER/ILE/ALA [0128] Length is 16
to 19 residues under Kabat definition (AbM definition ends 7
residues earlier).
[0129] HCDR3: [0130] Start--33 residues after end of CDR-H2 (two
residues after a CYS). [0131] Sequence before is CYS--X--X
(typically CYS-ALA-ARG). [0132] Sequence after is TRP-GLY-X-GLY.
[0133] Length is 3 to 25 residues.
[0134] The identity of the amino acid residues in a particular
antibody that are outside the CDRs, but nonetheless make up part of
the combining site by having a side chain that is part of the
lining of the combining site (i.e., it is available to linkage
through the combining site), can be determined using methods well
known in the art such as molecular modeling and X-ray
crystallography. See e.g., Riechmann et al., (1988) Nature,
332:;323-327. The aldolase antibody mouse mAb 38C2, which has a
reactive lysine near to but outside HCDR3, is an example of such an
antibody.
[0135] The reactive residue of the antibody combining site may be
naturally associated with the antibody such as when the residue is
encoded by nucleic acid present in the lymphoid cell first
identified to make the antibody. Alternatively, the amino acid
residue may arise by purposely mutating so as to encode the
particular residue (see, e.g., WO 01/22922 to Meares et al.). In
another approach, the amino acid residue or its reactive elements
(e.g., a nucleophilic amino group or sulfhydryl group) may be
attached to an amino acid residue in the antibody combining site.
Thus, covalent linkage with the antibody occurring "through an
amino acid residue in the combining site of the antibody" as used
herein means that linkage can be directly to an amino acid residue
of an antibody combining site or through a chemical moiety that is
linked to a side chain of an amino acid residue of an antibody
combining site.
[0136] As discussed, antibodies that can be used in preparing the
antibody targeting compounds of the invention require a reactive
side chain in the antibody combining site. A reactive side chain
may be present or be placed by mutation in any antibody. Catalytic
antibodies are a preferred source of such antibodies. Such
antibodies include aldolase antibodies, beta lactamase antibodies,
esterase antibodies, amidase antibodies, and the like.
[0137] A reactive lysine in an antibody combining site may be
covalently linked to a ketone, diketone, beta lactam, active ester
haloketone, lactone, anhydride, maleimide, epoxide, aldehyde
amidine, guanidine, imines, eneamines, phosphates, phosphonates,
epoxides, aziridines, thioepoxides, masked or protected diketones
(ketals for example), lactams, haloketones, aldehydes, and the
like, associated with a targeting agent or linker-targeting agent.
An exemplary and preferred such antibody is an aldolase antibody
such as the mouse monoclonal antibody mAb 38C2 and other like
catalytic antibodies as well as suitably humanized and chimeric
versions of such antibodies. Mouse mAb 38C2 is the prototype of a
new class of catalytic antibodies that were generated by reactive
immunization and mechanistically mimic natural aldolase enzymes
(Barbas et al., 1997, Science 278, 2085-2092). Through a reactive
lysine, these antibodies catalyze aldol and retro-aldol reactions
using the enamine mechanism of natural aldolases (Wagner et al.,
1995, Science 270, 1797-1800; Barbas et al., 1997, Science 278,
2085-2092; Zhong et al., 1999, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 38, 3738-3741;
Karlstrom et al., 2000, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.,
973878-3883). In addition to their versatility and efficacy in
synthetic organic chemistry (e.g., Hoffmann et al., 1998, J. Am.
Chem. Soc. 120, 2768-2779 ; Sinha et al., 1998, Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. U.S.A. 95, 14603-14608), aldolase antibodies have been used to
activate camptothecin, doxorubicin, and etoposide prodrugs in vitro
and in vivo as an anti-cancer strategy (Shabat et al., 1999, Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 96, 6925-6930 and ,2001, Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. U.S.A. 98, 7528-7533).
[0138] In another example, the reactive amino acid of an antibody
combining site may be a reactive cysteine, serine or tyrosine
residue. For cysteines, the resulting antibody may form a covalent
linkage with maleimide-containing components or other
thiol-reactive groups such as iodoacetamides, aryl halides,
disulfhydryls and the like. Reactive cysteines may be found in
thioesterase catalytic antibodies as described by Janda et al.,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 91:2532-2536, (1994). For other
esterase antibodies see Wirsching et al., Science 270:1775-82
(1995). Reactive amino acid-containing antibodies may be prepared
by means well known in the art including mutating an antibody
combining site residue to encode for the reactive amino acid or
chemically derivatizing an amino acid side chain in an antibody
combining site with a linker that contains the reactive group.
[0139] Antibodies suitable for use herein may be obtained by
conventional immunization, reactive immunization in vivo, or by
reactive selection in vitro, such as with phage display. Antibodies
may be produced in humans or in other animal species. Antibodies
from one species of animal may be modified to reflect another
species of animal. For example, human chimeric antibodies are those
in which at least one region of the antibody is from a human
immunoglobulin. A human chimeric antibody is typically understood
to have variable regions from a non-human animal, e.g. a rodent,
with the constant regions from a human. In contrast, a humanized
antibody uses CDRs from the non-human antibody with most or all of
the variable framework regions from and all the constant regions
from a human immunoglobulin. Chimeric and humanized antibodies may
be prepared by methods well known in the art including CDR grafting
approaches (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,843,708; 6,180,370;
5,693,762; 5,585,089; 5,530,101), chain shuffling strategies (see
e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,332; Rader et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
USA (1998) 95:8910-8915), molecular modeling strategies (U.S. Pat.
No. 5,639,641), and the like.
[0140] Unlike typical chemical derivatization of antibodies, those
derived from reactive immunization can be specifically labeled in
their binding site at a defined position, facilitating the rapid
and controlled preparation of a homogeneous product. In addition,
unlike chemical derivatization of antibodies, those derived from
reactive immunization with 1,3-diketones are reversible. Due to
this reversibility, a diketone derivative of a targeting compound
bound to mAb 38C2 can be released from the antibody through
competition with the covalent binding hapten JW (Wagner et al.,
1995, Science 270, 1797-800), or related compounds. This allows one
to immediately neutralize the conjugate in vivo in case of an
adverse reaction. Alternatively, non-reversible covalent linkage is
possible such as with aldolase antibodies and beta lactam
derivatives of the targeting compound. Unlike typical anti-hapten
antibodies, covalent diketone binding antibodies have the advantage
that the covalent linkage that is formed between the diketone and
antibody is stable to large changes in pH, either extremes of low
pH 3 or high pH 11. Such pH shifts do not release the targeting
compound from the antibody. This is an advantage for tumor
targeting since tumors typically exhibit reduced pH as compared to
normal tissues. The added stability of covalent binding antibodies
covalently linked to their targeting agent should provide
additional advantages in terms of formulation, delivery, and long
term storage.
[0141] A targeting compound of the present invention can be made
using techniques well known in the art. Typically, synthesis of a
targeting agent which also is a functional component (biological
agent) is the first step. The targeting agent (also functional
component in this case) is then derivatized for linkage to a
connecting component (the linker) which is then combined with the
antibody. One of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the
specific synthetic steps used depend upon the exact nature of the
three components.
[0142] By way of example, as a first step, targeting agent-linker
compounds shown as Compounds 15 and 4, was made as shown in Schemes
1 (FIG. 10) and 2 (FIG. 11), respectively, as derivatized versions
of the integrin targeting agents shown as Compounds 1 and 2, above.
Compounds 15 and 4 were derivatized (relative to Compounds 1 and 2)
by addition of a portion of the linker (connecting component).
Scheme 3 (FIG. 12) shows additional synthetic steps by which a
complete linker with a diketone reactive moiety was added to
derivatized targeting agent Compound 15 to obtain targeting
compounds SCS-873 and SCS-1655.
[0143] Integrin targeting components shown as compounds 15 and 4
were synthesized as shown in the FIG. 10 (Scheme 1) and FIG. 11
(Scheme 2), respectively. A linker with a diketone reactive moiety
was added to these targeting molecules as shown in Scheme 3 (FIG.
12) to form targeting compound-linker molecules SCS-873 and
SCS-1655. Synthesis of SCS-873 was achieved starting from compound
14 in three steps. Compound 14 was converted to 15 as shown in
Scheme 1 and the crude product was reacted with an
N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)-ester of the diketone compound 23 in
CH3CN-DMF in the presence of Et3N. Purification over silica gel
(CH2Cl2-MeOH, 9:1) afforded pure SCS-873.
[0144] Compound SCS-1655 was synthesized from 14 in five steps
(Schemes 2 and 3). Deprotection of the BOC group in compound 14
followed by reaction with the NHS ester of the bivalent linker 24
afforded compound 25, which was then deprotected and reacted with
23 as above to afford SCS-1655.
[0145] Synthesis of integrin targeting component-linker molecules
SCS-864 and SCS-789 is shown in Scheme 4 (FIG. 13). SCS-864 and
SCS-789 were each synthesized in one step from compound 4 (FIG. 13,
scheme 4). Linking of Compound 4 was achieved with the appropriate
activated NHS-ester.
[0146] Targeting agent-linker compounds, such as SCS-864, SCS-873
and SCS-1655 where the linker includes a diketone reactive moiety,
can be incubated with 0.5 equiv. of an aldolase antibody such as
mAb 38C2 to produce antibody targeting compounds. Additional
examples are set forth below.
[0147] Also provided are targeting agent-linker compounds for
covalently linking to a combining site of an antibody. The linker
is of sufficient length to allow the targeting agent to bind to the
target molecule when the targeting agent is linked through the
linker to an antibody. In some embodiments, the targeting
agent-linker compound includes one or more targeting agents
specific for a target molecule with a linker of the formula
X--Y--Z. The makeup of linker components X, Y and Z are as
described above. If two or more targeting agents are included in
the targeting agent-linker compound, the various targeting agents
may be attached directly to the linker or the linker may be
branched with targeting agents attached to different linker
branches.
[0148] Also provided is a targeting agent-linker compound that can
be noncovalently associated with the combining site of an antibody.
This compound can be used in conjunction with a suitable antibody
to form a targeting compound of the invention. Such targeting
agent-linker compounds comprise two or more targeting agents
covalently linked via a linker to an antigen recognized by the
antibody. The linker may linear or branched and should be of
sufficient length to allow the targeting agent(s) to bind to the
target molecule when the targeting agent(s) is linked through the
linker to the antibody.
[0149] In some embodiments, the linker includes any of C, H, N, O,
P, S, Si, F, Cl, Br, and I, or a salt thereof The linker also may
include a group such as an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, oxoalkyl,
oxoalkenyl, oxoalkynyl, aminoalkyl, aminoalkenyl, aminoalkynyl,
sulfoalkyl, sulfoalkenyl, or sulfoalkynyl group, phosphoalkyl,
phosphoalkenyl, phosphoalkynyl group. The linker also may include
one or more ring structures. Combinations of the above groups and
rings may also be present in the linkers of the targeting compounds
of the invention. In some embodiments, the linker has a linear
stretch of between 2-200 atoms although in other embodiments,
longer linker lengths may be used. One or more targeting agents may
be linked to the linker and if a branched linker is used, some of
the targeting agents may be linked to different branches of the
linker.
[0150] In some embodiments, the targeting agent of the targeting
agent-linker compound is biologically active while in other
embodiments, the targeting agent-linker compound further includes a
separate biological agent, which is preferably covalently linked to
the targeting agent. In some embodiments, the biological agent may
be linked to the targeting agent or to the linker using essentially
the same approaches used to link the targeting agent to the linker
or using other approaches well known in the art.
[0151] The antigen of the linker can be any antigen which can be
bound by an available antibody. Antigens are well known in the art
and include, an organic compound, a drug, a biomolecule such as a
protein, peptide, peptidomimetic, glycoprotein, proteoglycan,
lipid, glycolipid, nucleic acid, carbohydrates, and the like as
well as combinations of these molecules.
[0152] The present invention also includes methods of modifying the
combining site of an antibody to generate binding specificity for a
particular target molecule. Such methods include covalently linking
a reactive amino acid side chain in the combining site of the
antibody to a chemical moiety on a linker of a targeting
agent-linker compound where the targeting agent is specific for the
target molecule. The chemical moiety of the linker is sufficiently
distanced from the targeting agent so that the targeting agent can
bind to the target molecule when the targeting agent-linker
compound is covalently linked to the antibody combining site.
Typically, the antibody will not be considered specific for the
target molecule. In a preferred embodiment, the antibody prior to
covalent linking would have an affinity for the target molecule of
less than about 1.times.10.sup.-5 moles/liter. However, after the
antibody is covalently linked to the targeting agent-linker
compound, the modified antibody preferably has an affinity for the
target molecule of at least about 1.times.10.sup.-6 moles/liter,
more preferably at least about 1.times.10.sup.-7 moles/liter, even
more preferably at least 1.times.10.sup.-8 moles/liter, yet even
more preferably at least 1.times.10.sup.-9 moles/liter, most
preferably at least about 1.times.10.sup.-10 moles/liter.
[0153] The present invention also includes methods of altering at
least one physical or biological characteristic of a targeting
agent, biological agent or linker. The methods include covalently
linking the targeting agent or biological agent to the combining
site of an antibody as described above. In some embodiments, the
targeting agent or biological agent is linked to the antibody
combining site though a linker, the characteristics of which are
described above. The method is particularly useful for linking
small targeting or biological agents of 5 Kd or less. However, the
method also works for larger such molecules. Characteristics of the
targeting agent or biological agent can include binding affinity,
susceptibility to degradation, such as by proteases,
pharmocokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, solubility,
solubility, lipophilicity, hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity,
stability (more or less stable as well as planned degradation),
rigidity, flexibility, modulation of antibody binding, and the
like.
[0154] As used herein, pharmacokinetics refers to the concentration
an administered compound in the serum over time. Pharmacodynamics
refers to the concentration of an administered compound in target
and nontarget tissues over time and the effects on the target
tissue (efficacy) and the non-target tissue (toxicity).
Improvements in, for example, pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics
can be designed for a particular targeting agent or biological
agent such as by using labile linkages or by modifying the chemical
nature of any linker (changing solubility, charge, etc.).
[0155] The biological characteristic of an antibody targeting
compound of the invention may be modified to obtain improved
pharmaceutical or other characteristics. This may be achieved by
altering one or more chemical characteristics of the targeting
agent or biological agent, the linker or the antibody. A preferred
approach is to chemically modify one or more chemical
characteristics of the linker. By altering chemical characteristics
of the compound including the linker, one can obtain improved
features such as improvement in pharmockinetics, pharmacodynamics,
solubility, immunogenicity and the like.
[0156] The targeting compounds of the present invention have many
uses. For example, the antibody portion of a targeting compound may
generally extend the half-life of a smaller sized targeting agent
in vivo. Also, the biological potency of a particular targeting
agent may be increased by the addition of effector function(s)
provided by the antibody portion of the targeting compound (e.g.,
complement mediated effector functions). In addition, the targeting
agent, through its increased size conferred by linkage to the
antibody, may enable the targeting agent to function as a
competitive inhibitor in situations where it would otherwise fail
to do so. Thus, in one aspect, the invention provides a method for
increasing the effective circulating half-life of a targeting
agent. The method includes linking the targeting agent to an
antibody using a linking group as set forth above. In another
aspect, the invention provides a method of redirecting an antibody
to a specific target. The method includes linking an antibody to a
targeting agent through a linker as set forth above.
[0157] The invention also provides a method of treating or
preventing a disease or condition in an individual wherein said
disease or condition involves cells, tissue or fluid that expresses
a target molecule. The method includes administering to a subject
such as a patient, a therapeutically effective amount of a
targeting compound of the invention. The subject may be an animal
such as a mammal In some embodiments, the subject is a human. The
compound may include a biological agent that is the same or is
distinct from the targeting agent and which may take any of the
forms or activities described herein. In some preferred
embodiments, the target molecule is an integrin and the disease is
a carcinoma. The association of integrin expression in carcinomas
is well known in the art (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,753,230 and
5,766,591, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference). For therapeutic use in humans, a human, humanized, or
human chimeric antibody is a preferred as the antibody component of
the targeting compound. An antibody with a human IgG4 constant
region also is preferred if agonist activity is desired.
[0158] In addition to therapeutic applications, antibody targeting
compounds of the invention may also be used for the imaging of
cells such as tumor cells or tissues (e.g., an extracellular matrix
biomolecule) as is well known in the art. Accordingly, provided is
a method of imaging cells or tissue (e.g., an extracellular matrix
biomolecule) in an individual. In such methods, the cells or tissue
expresses a target molecule. The method includes administering to a
subject an antibody targeting compound of the invention linked to a
detectable label. A detectable label for use in such methods can be
a radioisotope or may be a non-radioisotope such as may be used in
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging. In the latter case, one
may link the antibody targeting agent to chelates e.g.,
diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA) of the paramagnetic metal
gadolinium essentially as described in Simkins et al., Nat. Med.,
4(5):623-6 (1998).
[0159] The binding of a mixture of SCS-873 and 38C2 to human
Karposi's sarcoma SLK cells was studied. SCS-873 effectively
mediated cell surface binding of 38C2. No binding of 38C2 was
detectable in the absence of SCS-873. Control experiments confirmed
that the 1,3-diketone moiety is required for binding of SCS-873 to
38C2. After independent i.p. and i.v. injections, respectively,
SCS-873 and 38C2 form an integrin .alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.3
targeting conjugate in vivo. In these experiments, the circulatory
half-life of SCS-873 was extended by more than two orders of
magnitude through binding to 38C2. Combination of SCS-873 and 38C2
effectively inhibited tumor growth in a mouse model of human
Karposi's sarcoma, whereas either SCS-873 or 38C2 alone were less
effective or not effective at all.
[0160] The present invention also provides methods of targeting a
biological activity to cells, tissue (e.g., an extracellular matrix
biomolecule) or a biolomolecule in the fluid of a subject. The
method includes administering to the subject, a targeting compound
that includes a targeting agent specific for the cells, tissue
extracellular matrix biomolecule or fluid biomolecule. The
targeting agent is covalently linked to an amino acid residue in
the combining site of an antibody. In some embodiments, a linker is
used to link the targeting agent to the antibody. The targeting
agent is not an antibody. In some embodiments, the compound has a
biological activity while in other embodiments, an biologically
active molecule that is not the targeting agent is included as a
component of the compound. Alternatively, the component parts of
the targeting compound may be separately administered and then form
the covalent compound in vivo. In such a method, the targeting
agent may include a linker/reactive moiety or the antibody
combining site may be suitably modified to covalently link to the
targeting agent.
[0161] A targeting compound of the present invention can be
administered as a pharmaceutical or medicament that includes a
targeting compound of the invention formulated with a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Accordingly, the compounds may
be used in the manufacture of a medicament or pharmaceutical
composition. Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be
formulated as solutions or lyophilized powders for parenteral
administration. Powders may be reconstituted by addition of a
suitable diluent or other pharmaceutically acceptable carrier prior
to use. Liquid formulations may be buffered, isotonic, aqueous
solutions. Powders also may be sprayed in dry form. Examples of
suitable diluents are normal isotonic saline solution, standard 5%
dextrose in water, or buffered sodium or ammonium acetate solution.
Such formulations are especially suitable for parenteral
administration, but may also be used for oral administration or
contained in a metered dose inhaler or nebulizer for insufflation.
It may be desirable to add excipients such as polyvinylpyrrolidone,
gelatin, hydroxy cellulose, acacia, polyethylene glycol, mannitol,
sodium chloride, sodium citrate, and the like.
[0162] Alternately, compounds may be encapsulated, tableted or
prepared in an emulsion or syrup for oral administration.
Pharmaceutically acceptable solid or liquid carriers may be added
to enhance or stabilize the composition, or to facilitate
preparation of the composition. Solid carriers include starch,
lactose, calcium sulfate dihydrate, terra alba, magnesium stearate
or stearic acid, talc, pectin, acacia, agar or gelatin. Liquid
carriers include syrup, peanut oil, olive oil, saline and water.
The carrier may also include a sustained release material such as
glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or with a wax.
The amount of solid carrier varies but, preferably, will be between
about 20 mg to about 1 g per dosage unit. The pharmaceutical
preparations are made following the conventional techniques of
pharmacy involving milling, mixing, granulating, and compressing,
when necessary, for tablet forms; or milling, mixing and filling
for hard gelatin capsule forms. When a liquid carrier is used, the
preparation may be in the form of a syrup, elixir, emulsion, or an
aqueous or non-aqueous suspension. For rectal administration, the
invention compounds may be combined with excipients such as cocoa
butter, glycerin, gelatin or polyethylene glycols and molded into a
suppository.
[0163] Compounds of the invention may be formulated to include
other medically useful drugs or biological agents. The compounds
also may be administered in conjunction with the administration of
other drugs or biological agents useful for the disease or
condition that the invention compounds are directed.
[0164] As employed herein, the phrase "an effective amount," refers
to a dose sufficient to provide concentrations high enough to
impart a beneficial effect on the recipient thereof. The specific
therapeutically effective dose level for any particular subject
will depend upon a variety of factors including the disorder being
treated, the severity of the disorder, the activity of the specific
compound, the route of administration, the rate of clearance of the
compound, the duration of treatment, the drugs used in combination
or coincident with the compound, the age, body weight, sex, diet,
and general health of the subject, and like factors well known in
the medical arts and sciences. Various general considerations taken
into account in determining the "therapeutically effective amount"
are known to those of skill in the art and are described, e.g., in
Gilman et al., eds., Goodman And Gilman's: The Pharmacological
Bases of Therapeutics, 8th ed., Pergamon Press, 1990; and
Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th ed., Mack Publishing Co.,
Easton, Pa., 1990. Dosage levels typically fall in the range of
about 0.001 up to 100 mg/kg/day; with levels in the range of about
0.05 up to 10 mg/kg/day are generally applicable. A compound can be
administered parenterally, such as intravascularly, intravenously,
intraarterially, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or the like.
Administration can also be orally, nasally, rectally, transdermally
or inhalationally via an aerosol. The composition may be
administered as a bolus, or slowly infused.
[0165] The administration of an antibody-targeting agent conjugate
to an immunocompetent individual may result in the production of
antibodies against the conjugate. Such antibodies may be directed
to the antibody itself, such as the variable region including the
antibody idiotype as well as to the targeting agent or any linker
used to conjugate the targeting agent to the antibody. Reducing the
immunogenicity of the antibody-targeting agent conjugate can be
addressed by methods well known in the art such as by attaching
long chain polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based spacers, and the like,
to the antibody-targeting agent. Long chain PEG and other polymers
are known for their ability to mask foreign epitopes, resulting in
the reduced immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins that display
foreign epitopes (Katre et al., 1990, J. Immunol. 144, 209-213;
Francis et al., 1998, Int. J. Hematol. 68, 1-18). As noted, PEG can
be a linker as well, thus providing both linker function and
reduced immunogenicity in a targeting compound of the invention.
Alternatively, or in addition, the individual administered the
antibody-targeting agent conjugate may be administered an
immunosuppressent such as cyclosporin A, anti-CD3 antibody, and the
like.
[0166] A method of screening a chemical library for agonists or
antagonists of a receptor is further provided. The method includes
linking individual members of the chemical library to the combining
site of an antibody and then testing the antibody linked library
for binding to the receptor or for inhibition of binding between
the receptor and a ligand for the receptor. By this approach, the
present antibody targeting compounds provide a new format for high
throughput screening to identify candidate small molecule chemicals
such as drugs peptides peptidomimetics, organic compounds, and the
like, that function for example, as antagonists or agonists. The
relative small size of a useful candidate chemical molecule
typically requires indirect screening such as in displacement or
competition formats. As provided herein, one can build the chemical
library on an antibody format, by linking individual drugs in the
library to a combining site of an antibody.
[0167] Antibody combining site-tagged libraries may be prepared by
synthesizing chemical candidates with a suitable linker comprising
a particular linker moiety designed for covalent interaction with a
particular antibody. Such linkers may include a diketone moiety to
be used in conjunction with an aldolase antibody that includes a
reactive lysine in the combining site. One skilled in the art would
readily understand that other linkers and linker moieties (e.g.,
biotin) which have been described herein are clearly useful for
this purpose.
[0168] Antibody combining site-tagged chemical libraries thus
prepared can be used, for example, in receptor assays or cell
bioassays where binding of each compound in the library may be
monitored by detecting the linked antibody. Detection of the
antibody portion of each compound may be accomplished by methods of
antibody detection well known in the art. For example, the antibody
may be linked to a detectable moiety such as an enzyme,
fluorophore, radioisotope, and the like. Indirect systems can also
be used such as biotin-streptavidin. Libraries can be screened on
cells or impure antigens such as viral lysates as well as on
purified antigens. For example, libraries can be tested for binding
or inhibition of binding using as the target, lysates run on
protein gels, with the analysis focussed on a particular gel band.
In the case where the receptor is expressed on a cell, binding or
inhibition of binding can be determined by detecting cellular
signaling events occurring (or not occurring as in the case of
inhibition) downstream of said binding or inhibition of binding.
Downstream cellular signaling can be detected with the aid of a
reporter gene as is well known in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,618,720 and 5,670,113).
[0169] Screening of antibody tagged chemical libraries can be
readily adapted for use with high throughput instruments. Screening
may be done in vitro or in vivo. Furthermore, a biological display
library such as a peptide phage library may be used to prepare an
antibody combining site-tagged library. In such cases, the site of
attachment of the linker moiety (e.g., diketone) can be the fusion
point of the library to the biological carrier.
[0170] Also provided is an immunoassay method for determining the
amount of analyte in a sample. Such methods include:
[0171] (a) forming, in a medium containing a sample, a complex
between the analyte and at least one antibody specific for the
analyte;
[0172] (b) analyzing the medium to detect the amount of the
complex; and
[0173] (c) relating the amount of the complex to the amount of
analyte in the sample. Such methods may also include forming the
complex with at least one antibody that is specific for the
analyte. The specificity of the antibody is provided by a
non-antibody targeting agent specific for the analyte which is
covalently linked to a reactive amino acid in the combining site of
the antibody. Thus, the antibody targeting compounds of the
invention can be used in immunoassays for detecting and measuring
the amount of an analyte in a sample as has been done previously
with conventionally prepared polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies.
Such assays are well known in the art and include RIA, EIA,
Western, ELISA, and the like. The assay formats may be competitive
or non-competitive and may be direct or indirect. The antibody
targeting compound can be used in the liquid phase and/or can be
bound to a solid phase carrier. Carriers include glass,
polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, dextran, nylon, natural
and modified cellulose, polyacrylamide, agarose, magnetite, and the
like. The nature of the carrier can be either soluble or insoluble.
The antibody targeting compound may be detectably labeled in any of
various ways well known in the art. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,659,678;
4,780,423; and 4,298,685 are exemplary of such assays.
[0174] Viewed in general terms, the amount of an analyte in a
sample can be determined by forming, in a medium containing the
sample, a complex between the analyte and at least one antibody
specific for the analyte. The medium is then analyzed to determine
the amount of the complex that is formed. Finally, the amount of
complex formed is then related to the amount of analyte in the
sample. As already described, this general approach can take many
forms such as direct and indirect, homogenous or heterogeneous, and
competitive and noncompetitive. In all cases, the antibody
targeting compounds of the invention may be used to replace
functions provided by conventionally prepared antibodies.
[0175] Also provided is a direct or indirect binding assay where
the presence of an analyte is determined using an antibody specific
for the analyte. In such methods, the presence of the analyte is
determined using an antibody specific for the analyte. The antibody
specificity results from a non-antibody targeting agent that is
specific for the analyte, and the targeting agent is covalently
linked to a reactive amino acid in the combining site of the
antibody. Thus, antibody-targeting compounds of the invention can
be used in qualitative assays in place of conventionally prepared
antibodies.
[0176] It would be readily evident that the compounds of the
invention find use not only in human medical therapy and diagnosis
but also in veterinary, agricultural, environmental and other
disciplines.
[0177] Also provided are methods of inhibiting or reducing the
ability of a targeting agent or biological agent to cross a cell
membrane. In these methods an antibody targeting compound is formed
by covalently linking the combining site of an antibody that does
not itself cross the cell membrane to the targeting agent or
biological agent, wherein linkage of said antibody to said
targeting agent or biological agent reduces or inhibits the ability
of the agent to cross the cell membrane. Antibodies that are not
directed to cell surface internalizing receptors are a preferred
source of antibodies that do not cross cell membranes.
[0178] Further provided are methods of mediating intracellular
delivery of a intracellularly active drug. In these methods, an
antibody targeting compound is prepared wherein said compound
includes one or more targeting agents or one or more biological
agents or both covalently linked via a linker to the combining site
of the antibody. The targeting agents or biological agents are
characterized in that they bind to a cell receptor and mediate
internalization of the agent. The antibody targeting compound also
includes a drug that is active intracellularly. Intracellular drug
delivery occurs when a cell expressing the receptor contacts the
antibody targeting compound. The contacting results in
internalization of the antibody targeting agent and delivery of
said drug intracellularly.
[0179] This approach uses takes advantage of receptor mediated
endocytosis (i.e., receptor mediated internalization) to deliver
the antibody targeting compound intracellularly. Cell surface
receptors that mediate internalization of binding ligands are well
known in the art and include, for example, integrins, HER2, EGF
receptor, folic acid receptor, and the like. Internalization assays
are readily available and can be evaluated using fluorescent
detection methods.
[0180] In some embodiments, the intracellularly active drug is a
prodrug that becomes active when said drug contacts an
intracellular compartment. The antibody targeting compound may
include an intracellular trafficking signal to direct the
internalized antibody targeting compound to a particular
intracellular compartment. Many proteins contain one or more
targeting sequences that serve as a trafficking signal or address
to target the protein to the correct intracellular site. Receptors
at the destination also may be involved in the trafficking
process.
[0181] The sequences that direct proteins and other compounds to
different intracellular sites such as endoplasmic reticulum,
endosome, golgi, or nucleus, and the like, are well known in the
art. For example, endoplasmic reticulum trafficking signals include
a KDEL or KKXX sequence, golgi trafficking signals include a GRIP
domain (see Munro et al., Curr Biol 9: 377-379, 1999), lysosomal
trafficking signals (from golgi) include mannose-6-phosphate
modified oligosaccharides, and nuclear localization trafficking
signals which include one or two short positively charged
sequences, e.g., lysine or arginine rich (see, Penco et al. Biotech
Appl Biochem 34:151-159 2001).
[0182] The versatility of the invention is illustrated by the
following Examples which illustrate preferred embodiments of the
invention and are not limiting of the claims or specification in
any way.
EXAMPLE 1
Antibody Targeting Compound Comprising an RGD Peptidomimetic
Targeting Agent Covalently Linked to the Combining Site of Aldolase
Monoclonal Antibody 38C2
[0183] An integrin targeting compound was formed based on the
formation of a reversible covalent bond between a diketone linker
derivative of an RGD peptidomimetic and the reactive lysine of
mouse mAb 38C2. Mouse mAb 38C2 is the prototype for a new class of
catalytic antibodies generated by reactive immunization and
mechanistically mimic natural aldolase enzymes (Barbas et al.,
Science 278, 2085-2092, 1997). Through a reactive lysine, these
antibodies catalyze aldol and retro-aldol reactions using the
enamine mechanism of natural aldolases (Wagner et al., Science 270,
1797-1800, 1995; Barbas et al., Science 278, 2085-2092, 1997; Zhong
et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 38, 3738-3741, 1999). In addition to
their versatility and efficacy in synthetic organic chemistry,
aldolase antibodies have been used in the activation of
camptothecin, doxorubicin, and etoposide prodrugs in vitro and in
vivo as an anti-cancer strategy (Shabat et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. U.S.A. 96, 6925-6930, 1999); Shabat, D. et al. Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 98, 7528-7533, 2001). Yet another feature of
these antibodies, namely their ability to bind diketones
covalently, has remained largely unexplored.
[0184] The RGD peptidomimetic used (see Compound 1) is specific for
human integrin with a high binding affinity for
.alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.3 at 0.9 nM and .alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.5
at 0.6 nM (specificity exhibited by minimal
.alpha..sub.IIb.beta..sub.3 binding) (Miller et al., supra). A
diketone linker modified version of Compound 1, designated SCS-873,
was prepared as described above.
[0185] A peptidomimetic RGD antagonist with known activity for both
.alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.3 or .alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.5 binding is
desirable because some of these compounds bind both murine and
human integrins. Such species cross reactivity affords preclinical
in vivo studies in animal angiogenesis models prior to human
trials. In addition, the targeting compound may be used for the
therapy of Kaposi's sarcoma which is associated with
.alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.3 integrin.
[0186] SCS-873 was linked to antibody 38C2 by the following
procedure: One milliliter antibody 38C2 in phosphate buffered
saline (10 mg/ml) was added to 12 microliters of a 10 mg/mL stock
solution of SCS-873 and the resulting mixture was maintained at
room temperature for 2 hours prior to use.
[0187] The binding of a mixture of SCS-873 and 38C2 to SLK cells
was evaluated. SCS-873 effectively mediated cell surface binding of
38C2. No binding of 38C2 was detectable in the absence of SCS-873.
Control experiments confirmed that the diketone moiety of the
linker is required for binding of SCS-873 to 38C2. It was
determined that SCS-873 retains the integrin specificity of the
integrin targeting component, i.e., no binding to a.sub.IIbb.sub.3
in ELISA was detected while binding to .alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.3
and .alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.3 was found to be strong. Independent
i.p. and i.v. injections of the targeting compound prepared with
SCS-873 and 38C2 versus each component alone into mice demonstrated
integrin targeting in vivo. In these experiments, the serum
half-life of SCS-873 was extended by more than two orders of
magnitude through binding to 38C2. Free SCS-873 not bound to
antibody had a serum half-life of only minutes while the
combination of antibody and small molecule could be detected in the
serum sampled from eye bleeds after several days.
EXAMPLE 2
Antibody Targeting Compound Comprising IL-4 as Targeting Agent
Covalently Linked to the Combining Site of Aldolase Monoclonal
Antibody 38C2
[0188] Kaposi's sarcoma tumor cells, among other human epithelial
tumor cells, express interleukin-4 (IL-4) receptors that can be
targeted with a recombinant chimeric protein consisting of IL-4 and
a truncated form of bacterial toxin called Pseudomonas exotoxin
(Husain et al., 1999, Nat. Med. 5, 817-822). Based on these
studies, an IL-4 targeting compound for targeting mAb 38C2 to
Kaposi's sarcoma tumor cells is prepared. A linker with a diketone
reactive group is conjugated to a lysine side chain of IL-2 using a
lysine reactive moiety such as N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS).
Alternatively, a recombinant IL-4 with an added free cysteine is
used for conjugation to cysteine reactive moieties such as
maleimide. To reduce immunogenicity associated with the linker
portion of the targeting compound, the spacer (i.e. linker
connecting chain) between the diketone reactive group on one end
and the NHS or maleimide group on the other, is a polyethylene
glycol (PEG) chain. Long chain PEG and other polymers are known for
their ability to mask foreign epitopes, resulting in the reduced
immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins that display foreign
epitopes (Katre et al., 1990, J. Immunol. 144, 209-213; Francis et
al., 1998, Int. J. Hematol. 68, 1-18). Not more than one to two
diketones should be conjugated to the IL-4 in order to avoid
clearance of cross-linked antibodies (Rehlaender and Cho, 1998,
Pharm. Res. 15, 1652-1656). Other interleukins such as IL-2 can be
used in place of IL-4 as the targeting agent. While IL-4 can be
used primarily as a targeting module, an enhancement of its
pharmacological effect (Lussow et al., 1996, Transplantation 62,
1703-1708) may result from IL-2 receptor triggering due to the
prolonged serum half-life of the interleukin obtained through its
linkage to an antibody.
EXAMPLE 3
Antibody Targeting Compound Comprising VEGF-R2 Binding Peptide as
Targeting Agent Covalently Linked to the Combining Site of Aldolase
Monoclonal Antibody 38C2
[0189] Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key modulator
of tumor angiogenesis. Induced by hypoxia, VEGF expression is
upregulated through the induction of VEGF mRNA transcription in the
tumor. Following production and release by the tumor, VEGF diffuses
to endothelial cells of nearby preexisting blood vessels, which
display VEGF receptors (VEGFR). VEGF binds to two tyrosine kinase
receptors, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, which are expressed predominantly
on endothelial cells. Activation of endothelial cells is associated
with the binding of VEGF to VEGFR-2, whereas VEGFR-1 probably
functions as a decoy receptor that regulates the local
concentration of VEGF (Neufeld et al., 1999, FASEB J. 13, 9-22).
Following activation, the endothelial cells proliferate, migrate
directionally toward the tumor, and eventually roll up and
interconnect to form new blood vessels. Anti-angiogenic drugs that
interfere with the interaction of VEGF and VEGR-2 are promising
candidates for cancer therapy (Klohs and Hamby, 1999, Curr. Opin.
Biotechnol. 10, 544-549). Binetruy-Tournaire et al. (2000, EMBO J.
19, 1525-1533) identified the VEGFR-2 binding linear peptide
ATWLPPR (SEQ ID NO: 2) through phage display of peptide libraries.
ATWLPPR (SEQ ID NO: 2) effectively interfered with VEGF binding to
VEGFR-2 and inhibited VEGF-mediated angiogenesis.
[0190] An antibody targeting compound comprising VEGF-R2 binding
peptide is prepared by synthesizing the peptide with an additional
Cys residue at the amino or carboxy terminus, resulting in a
peptide with the sequence ATWLPPRC (SEQ ID NO: 3) and CATWLPPR (SEQ
ID NO: 4), respectively. These thiol-modified peptides are reacted
with a maleimide/diketone linker (FIG. 14) to produce
peptide-linker-diketo and diketo-linker-peptide. Incubation of
these diketone derivatives with mAb38C2 results in a covalent
linkage between the VEGFR-2 peptide and the antibody combining
site. The resulting antibody--VEGFR-2 targeting compound is used to
target endothelial cells that express VEGFR-2 such as in tumor
angiogenesis. The compound prolongs the half-life of the peptide
and equips it with antibody effector function.
EXAMPLE 4
Antibody Targeting Compound Comprising Neutralizing RNA Aptamer as
Targeting Agent Covalently Linked to the Combining Site of Aldolase
Monoclonal Antibody 38C2
[0191] Using the process of SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands
by Exponential Enrichment), RNA and DNA aptamers to a variety of
molecular targets have been generated (Jayasena, 1999, Clin. Chem.
45, 1628-1650). For example, 2' fluoropyrimidine RNA aptamers that
include about 25 nucleotides and that bind VEGF with an affinity in
the 100-pM range were described (Ruckman et al., 1999, J. Biol.
Chem. 32, 20556-20567). Like the peptide described in the previous
example, the aptamers were found to interfere with the interaction
of VEGF and VEGFR-2.
[0192] An antibody targeting compound comprising VEGF RNA aptamer
is prepared using commercially available thiol-derivatized
nucleotides such as 5'-phosphorothioate. A phosphorothioate group
is a modified phosphate group with one of the oxygen atoms replaced
by a sulfur atom. The thiol-modified nucleotide within the RNA
aptamer is reacted with a maleimide diketone (e.g., FIG. 14) to
produce an RNA aptamer targeting-diketone linker compound.
Alternatively, a primary amino group is introduced into the RNA
aptamer using commercially available amino modifiers. A nucleotide
labeled with a primary amino group within the RNA aptamer is
reacted with a linker that has N-hydroxysuccinimide diketone as the
reactive group. Incubation of the diketone derivatives with mAb38C2
results in a covalent linkage between the RNA aptamer and the
antibody combining site. The resulting antibody--RNA aptamer
VEGFR-2 targeting compound is used to target endothelial cells that
express VEGFR-2 such as in tumor angiogenesis. The compound
prolongs the half-life of the RNA aptamer and equips it with
antibody effector function.
EXAMPLE 5
Antibody Targeting Compound Comprising Folate as Targeting Agent
Covalently Linked to the Combining Site of Aldolase Monoclonal
Antibody 38C2
[0193] The folate receptor mediates the uptake of folic acid into
cells by endocytosis. It is overexpressed on a variety of
epithelial tumor cells (Leamon and Low, 2001, Drug Discov. Today 6,
44-51). For example, greater than 90% of ovarian carcinomas express
the folate receptor (Sudimack and Lee, 2000, Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev.
41, 147-162). Mabs directed to the folate receptor, for example
Mov18 and Mov19, have been evaluated as drugs for ovarian cancer
therapy (Coney et al., 1994, Cancer Res. 54, 2448-2455; Molthoff et
al., 1997, Cancer 80, 2712-2720). Folate-mediated targeting of
cancer cells over expressing the folate receptor is an alternative
strategy (Leamon and Low, 2001, Drug Discov. Today 6, 44-51). For
example, chemotherapeutic drugs such as maytansinoids (Ladino et
al., 1997, Int. J. Cancer 73, 859-864), are conjugated to folate
for selective chemotherapy.
[0194] A targeting agent-linker compound comprising folate
derivatized with a diketone shown in FIG. 2E is linked to mAb 38C2
and is used to target ovarian cancer cells. Because a majority of
ovarian tumor cells also express integrins
.alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.3 and/or .alpha..sub.v.beta..sub.5, in
addition to the folate receptor, a dual targeting compound may be
used for treatment. A targeting agent-linker compound comprising
folate and an RGD peptidomimetic antagonist are together
derivatized with a single diketone linker to form the dual
targeting compound shown in FIG. 4B. The targeting agent-linker is
linked to mAb 38C2 and is used to target ovarian cancer cells.
EXAMPLE 6
Antibody Targeting Compound Comprising an Inhibitor of Prostatic
Acid Phosphatase or Prostate-specific Antigen as Targeting Agent
Covalently Linked to the Combining Site of Aldolase Monoclonal
Antibody 38C2
[0195] Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and prostate-specific
antigen (PSA), a serine protease, are expressed on the cell surface
of prostate tumor cells and are used as markers for prostate
cancer. Mabs directed to PAP and PSA have long been considered
promising drugs for prostate cancer therapy (Chang et al., 1999,
Curr. Opin. Urol. 9, 391-395). More recently, small synthetic
molecules that are specific inhibitors of PAP (Beers et al., 1996,
Bioorg. Med. Chem. 4, 1693-1701) and PSA (Adlington et al., 2001,
J. Med. Chem. 44, 1491-1508) have been reported. Other cell surface
enzymes specific for prostate tumor cells, such as the recently
identified serine protease hepsin (Magee et al., 2001, Cancer Res.
61, 5692-5696), also can be used as a target after specific small
synthetic molecules or peptides targeting agents are
identified.
[0196] A targeting agent-linker compound comprising a PAP and/or
PSA inhibitor is derivatized with a diketone linker to form the
compound shown in FIG. 2C). The targeting agent-linker is linked to
mAb 38C2 and is used to target prostate cancer.
EXAMPLE 7
Antibody Targeting Compound Comprising Thrombopoietin Mimetic
Peptides or Small-Molecule Agonists of the Thrombopoietin Receptor
Covalently Linked to the Combining Site of Aldolase Monoclonal
Antibody 38C2
[0197] The cell surface thrombopoietin receptor (cMpl, TPOR) is a
member of the hematopoietic growth factor receptor superfamily.
Thrombopoietin (TPO), the cytokine that binds to the thrombopoietin
receptor, plays a central role in megakaryopoiesis and platelet
production. Therapeutically, recombinant TPO is being tested in the
clinic for the treatment of thrombocytopenia resulting from
chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. As a therapeutic
compound, TPO suffers from a relatively short half-life in vivo and
from manufacturing and formulation short-comings.
[0198] A TPO targeting agent antibody compound is prepared to treat
treatment of thrombocytopenia resulting from chemotherapy and bone
marrow transplantation. The TPO mimetic peptide AF12505 with the
sequence IEGPTLRQWLAARA (SEQ ID NO: 5), which has been reported to
mimic the activity of recombinant TPO (Cwirla et al., 1997,
Science, 276:1696-9), is synthesized with an additional Cys residue
added to the amino terminus to produce CIEGPTLRQWLAARA (SEQ ID NO:
6). This thiol-labeled peptide is then reacted with a
maleimide/diketone linker (FIG. 14) to produce TPO peptide-linker
(diketone) compound. Incubation of this diketone derivative with
mAb38C2 generates an antibody-TPO receptor targeting compound.
[0199] In vitro assays are used to demonstrate that the targeted
antibody binds live cells expressing the TPOR and stimulated
megakaryocyte colony formation to a greater extent than the peptide
AF12505. Other TPO mimetic peptides are known in the art and can
also be used as the TPO receptor targeting agent. In addition,
small-molecule mimetics with TPO receptor binding have recently
been described by Kimura et. al (FEBS Lett, 1998, :428(3):250-4.)
also may be used in preparing TPOR targeting compounds.
[0200] The above approach can be similarly applied to target the
erythropoietin (EPO) receptor using EPO targeting mimetics that
have increased therapeutic efficacy (Middleton et al., J Biol
Chem., 1999, 274(20):14163-9; Johnson et al., Nephrol Dial
Transplant., 2000, 15(9):1274-7).
EXAMPLE 8
Antibody Targeting Compound Comprising T-20 Peptide or
Small-Molecules that Bind the Envelope Proteins of HIV-1 Covalently
Linked to the Combining Site of Aldolase Monoclonal Antibody
38C2
[0201] T-20, N-Acetyl-YTSLIHSLIEESQNQQEKNEQELLELDKWASLWNWF (SEQ ID
NO: 7), a synthetic peptide corresponding to a region of the
transmembrane subunit of the HIV-1 envelope protein, blocks cell
fusion and viral entry at concentrations of less than 2 ng/ml in
vitro. When administered intravenously, T-20 (monotherapy), the
peptide decreases plasma HIV RNA levels demonstrating that viral
entry can be successfully blocked in vivo. Administration of T-20
provides potent inhibition of HIV replication comparable to
anti-retroviral regimens approved at present (Kilby et al., Nat
Med., 1998, 4(11):1302-7). This peptide drug suffers from a short
half-life in vivo of approximately 2 hrs.
[0202] An antibody targeting compound using the T-20 peptide as
targeting agent was produced to increase the valency, potency, and
half-life of T-20. The T-20 peptide was synthesized with an
additional Cys residue at the carboxy terminus, the resulting
modified T-20 peptide having the sequence
N-Acetyl-YTSLIHSLIEESQNQQEKNE QELLELDKWASLWNWFC (SEQ ID NO: 8).
This thiol-labeled peptide was then reacted with a
maleimide/diketone linker (FIG. 14) to produce a T-20-Cys-linker
compound. Incubation of this targeting agent-diketone linker with
Ab38C2 resulted in a covalent linkage between the peptide and the
antibody. In vitro assays demonstrated that the targeted antibody
demonstrated increased potency in inhibiting HIV-1 entry and
infection.
[0203] In addition to peptides that target the envelope proteins of
HIV-1, a number of small-molecules that bind the envelope proteins
have been described. For example, the betulinic acid derivative
IC9564 is a potent anti-human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV)
compound that can inhibit both HIV primary isolates and
laboratory-adapted strains. Evidence suggests that HIV-1 gp120
plays a key role in the anti-HIV-1 activity of IC9564 (Holz-Smith
et al., Antimicrob Agents Chemother., 2001, 45(1):60-6.) Preparing
an antibody targeting compound in which IC9564 is the targeting
agent is expected to have increased activity over IC9564 itself by
increasing valency, half-life, and by directing immune killing of
HIV-1 infected cells based on the constant region of the antibody
chosen. Similarly, recent X-ray crystallographic determination of
the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp41 core structure opened up a new
avenue to discover antiviral agents for chemotherapy of HIV-1
infection and AIDS. Compounds with the best fit for docking into
the hydrophobic cavity within the gp41 core and with maximum
possible interactions with the target site can also be improved by
addition of a diketone arm and covalent linkage to an antibody.
Several compounds of this class have been identified (Debnath et
al., J Med Chem., 1999, 42(17):3203-9).
EXAMPLE 9
Antibody Targeting Compound Formation in Vivo via Transgenic
Expression of the Antibody and Administration of the Targeting
Agent-Linker Derivative
[0204] Within the scope of the methods of the present invention is
in vivo formation of the targeting compounds of the invention. In
one approach, mAb 38C2 is produced in vivo from an inducible
transgene and a targeting agent-linker derivative (e.g. diketone
linker) is administered. Using gene delivery vectors, such as
adenoviruses, cDNAs encoding light and heavy chain or a
single-chain fragment of mAb 38C2 can be introduced into a host
organism to establish the antibody transgene. This approach allows
increased flexibility in treatment. For example, a patient with a
general risk of cancer chooses to receive the transgene prior to
the actual detection of the disease. Once cancer is diagnosed,
expression of the reactive antibody (e.g. mAb 38C2) is induced in
the patient and a targeting agent-linker derivative (e.g. diketone
linker), where the targeting agent is specifically designed for
targeting and affecting the diagnosed cancer, is administered.
Ideally, both transgene induction and drug administration are
accomplished orally, thus avoiding hospitalization.
EXAMPLE 10
Antibody Targeting Compound Libraries with Improved
Detectability
[0205] Screening of small molecule or peptide antagonist, agonists,
or simple binding molecules is often hampered by the assay
available for the detection of the binding event. Often,
displacement or competition assays are required where the small
molecule displaces or competes with the binding of another molecule
to the target site. The assay must frequently be specifically
designed for the specific target molecule. The direct detection of
a small molecule binding to either a cell surface or a protein is
often not possible.
[0206] This problem is addressed by preparing the library in the
form of antibody targeting compounds. To this end, small molecule
libraries are synthesized with an appended reactive group such as a
diketone or a high affinity tag such as biotin. Incubation of the
tagged molecule with the target allows simple and sensitive
detection of the binding event, accomplished using an enzyme-linked
or fluorophore labeled antibody (e.g. 38C2 for the diketone) or
streptavidin (for biotin). These types of assays are readily
adapted for high throughput screening of compound and peptide
libraries. The advantage of this direct screening of tagged
molecules is that the detection method is sensitive and
standardized over the diversity of possible cell surface molecules
and protein or other soluble protein targets. Once identified, the
attachment site of the linker arm does not need to be designed
since it pre-exists in the tagged molecule. Therefore direct
addition of the covalent binding antibody provides the novel
therapeutic agent. In cases where a biotin tag is used for
detection, the biotin arm is readily exchanged for a diketone arm
for direct addition of the covalent binding antibody providing the
novel therapeutic agent. If the library is a biological display
library such as a peptide phage library, the site of attachment of
the diketone arm is at the point where the peptide library resides
are joined to the phage coat protein.
EXAMPLE 11
Antibody Targeting Compound Comprising TAK-779 Small-Molecules that
Bind the Envelope Proteins of HIV-1 Covalently Linked to the
Combining Site of Aldolase Monoclonal Antibody 38C2
[0207] The .beta.-chemokine receptor CCR5 is an attractive target
for inhibition of macrophage-tropic (CCR5-using or R5) HIV-1
replication because individuals having a nonfunctional receptor (a
homozygous 32-bp deletion in the CCR5 coding region) are apparently
normal, but are resistant to infection with R5 HIV-1. TAK-779 is a
low molecular weight (Mr 531.13) nonpeptide CCR5-antagonist (Baba
et al., (1999, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 96, 5698-5703). A
targeting agent-linker compound was prepared by derivatizing
TAK-779 with a diketo linker to yield the compound shown in FIG.
2D. The diketo-TAK-779 compound was incubated with Mab 38C2 to
generate an antibody CCR5 targeting compound (TAK-799 based). This
compound displayed highly potent and selective inhibition of R5
HIV-1 replication and bound specifically to CCR5 expressing cells.
The antibody CCR5 targeting compound also displayed increased
valency, increased biological potency, and increased serum
half-life over that of the TAK-799 itself
[0208] Other CCR5 antagonists (Shiraishi, et al., 2000, J. Med.
Chem., 43, 2049-2063) can also be modified for reaction with
covalent binding antibodies to produce targeting compounds of the
invention. A wide variety of chemokine receptor antagonists may
also be modified using this approach.
EXAMPLE 12
Antibody Targeting Compound Comprising LHRH Peptide Covalently
Linked to the Combining Site of Aldolase Monoclonal Antibody
38C2
[0209] [D-Lys6] LH-RH antagonist
Glp-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Lys-Leu_Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 9) (100
micromoles) was dissolved in 1 mL anhydrous DMF. One equivalent of
NHS-diketone linker (compound 35) was added with stirring
overnight. Solvent was evaporated in vacuo, and the product was
purified by HPLC. The resulting [D-Lys6] LH-RH-diketone linker
compound was used directly for coupling to antibody 38C2. The
resulting covalently-modified antibody specifically bound the
OV-1063 human epithelial ovarian cancer line known to express the
LH-RH receptor.
##STR00005##
[0210] The invention thus has been disclosed broadly and
illustrated in reference to representative embodiments described
above. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various
modifications can be made to the present invention without
departing from the spirit and scope thereof. All publications,
patent applications, and issued patents, are herein incorporated by
reference to the same extent as if each individual publication,
patent application or issued patent were specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its
entirety. Definitions that are contained in text incorporated by
reference are excluded to the extent that they contradict
definitions in this disclosure. All structures shown herein are
contemplated to provide all enantiomers.
Sequence CWU 1
1
915PRTArtificial Sequenceantibody-heavy chain-complementarity
determining regions-2; HCDR2 1Leu Glu Trp Ile Gly1 5 27PRThomo
sapiens 2Ala Thr Trp Leu Pro Pro Arg1 5 38PRTHomo sapiens 3Ala Thr
Trp Leu Pro Pro Arg Cys1 5 48PRTHomo Sapiens 4Cys Ala Thr Trp Leu
Pro Pro Arg1 5 514PRTHomo Sapiens 5Ile Glu Gly Pro Thr Leu Arg Gln
Trp Leu Ala Ala Arg Ala1 5 10 615PRTHomo Sapiens 6Cys Ile Glu Gly
Pro Thr Leu Arg Gln Trp Leu Ala Ala Arg Ala1 5 10 15
736PRTArtificial SequenceA synthetic peptide corresponding to a
region of the transmembrane subunit of the HIV-1 envelop protein,
blocks cell fusion and viral entry at concentrations of less than 2
ng/ml in vitro. 7Tyr Thr Ser Leu Ile His Ser Leu Ile Glu Glu Ser
Gln Asn Gln Gln1 5 10 15 Glu Lys Asn Glu Gln Glu Leu Leu Glu Leu
Asp Lys Trp Ala Ser Leu 20 25 30 Trp Asn Trp Phe 35
837PRTArtificial SequenceA synthetic peptide corresponding to a
region of the transmembrane subunit of the HIV-1 envelop protein,
blocks cell fusion and viral entry at concentrations of less than 2
ng/ml in vitro. This one has a Cysteine at the C-terminus. 8Tyr Thr
Ser Leu Ile His Ser Leu Ile Glu Glu Ser Gln Asn Gln Gln1 5 10 15
Glu Lys Asn Glu Gln Glu Leu Leu Glu Leu Asp Lys Trp Ala Ser Leu 20
25 30 Trp Asn Trp Phe Cys 35 910PRTArtificial SequenceLH-RH
antagonist 9Xaa His Trp Ser Tyr Lys Leu Arg Pro Gly1 5 10
* * * * *
References