U.S. patent application number 14/754835 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-22 for peptide inhibitors for mediating stress responses.
This patent application is currently assigned to YEDA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is YEDA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD.. Invention is credited to Irun R. COHEN, Neta EREZ, Johannes HERKEL, Na'aman KAM, Ansgar W. LOHSE, Avishai MIMRAN, Varda ROTTER.
Application Number | 20150297693 14/754835 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35967919 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150297693 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HERKEL; Johannes ; et
al. |
October 22, 2015 |
PEPTIDE INHIBITORS FOR MEDIATING STRESS RESPONSES
Abstract
The present invention relates to peptides capable of inhibiting
cellular and immune stress responses in a eukaryotic cell. The
invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of
human degenerative diseases and inflammation, utilizing these
peptides.
Inventors: |
HERKEL; Johannes; (Hamburg,
DE) ; COHEN; Irun R.; (Rehovot, IL) ; ROTTER;
Varda; (Rehovot, IL) ; LOHSE; Ansgar W.;
(Hamburg, DE) ; EREZ; Neta; (Tel-Aviv, IL)
; MIMRAN; Avishai; (Gedera, IL) ; KAM;
Na'aman; (Givataim, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
YEDA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD. |
Rehovot |
|
IL |
|
|
Assignee: |
YEDA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CO.
LTD.
Rehovot
IL
|
Family ID: |
35967919 |
Appl. No.: |
14/754835 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14341814 |
Jul 27, 2014 |
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14754835 |
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13287098 |
Nov 1, 2011 |
8790653 |
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14341814 |
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11573707 |
Apr 16, 2008 |
8067008 |
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PCT/IL2005/000908 |
Aug 23, 2005 |
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13287098 |
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60603255 |
Aug 23, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/185.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 31/04 20180101;
A61P 29/00 20180101; A61P 37/06 20180101; A61P 19/04 20180101; A61P
19/02 20180101; A61P 25/00 20180101; A61P 39/00 20180101; A61P
43/00 20180101; A61P 17/06 20180101; A61P 27/02 20180101; A61P
27/06 20180101; A61P 37/00 20180101; A61P 13/12 20180101; A61P
25/16 20180101; A61P 17/16 20180101; A61P 25/28 20180101; A61P 1/00
20180101; A61P 7/06 20180101; A61P 1/16 20180101; A61P 7/04
20180101; A61K 39/0008 20130101; A61P 9/10 20180101; A61P 11/00
20180101; A61K 39/0005 20130101; C07K 7/06 20130101; A61P 15/08
20180101; C07K 7/08 20130101; A61P 3/10 20180101; A61P 17/00
20180101; A61P 19/00 20180101; A61P 19/10 20180101; A61P 25/08
20180101; A61P 35/00 20180101; A61K 38/00 20130101; C07K 14/435
20130101; A61P 21/04 20180101; A61P 11/16 20180101; A61P 5/16
20180101; A61P 1/04 20180101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 39/00 20060101
A61K039/00 |
Claims
1. A method for treating a condition selected from the group
consisting of Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke and
myocardial infarction in a subject in need thereof, comprising
administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of
a peptide comprising an epitope immunoreactive with an
anti-idiotypic antibody directed against an anti-p53 antibody,
wherein the anti-p53 antibody is immunoreactive with at least a
part of the regulatory domain of the C-terminus of p53, and wherein
the peptide exhibits at least one activity selected from
anti-apoptotic activity and anti-inflammatory activity wherein the
length of the peptide is 7 to 25 amino acids and has the amino acid
sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the anti-p53 antibody is
PAb-421.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the amino acid sequence of said
peptide is as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the peptide is administered to
the subject by a route selected from oral, topical, transdermal and
parenteral.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said condition is Parkinoson's
disease.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said condition is multiple
sclerosis.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said condition is myocardial
infarction.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said condition is stroke.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/341,814 filed on Jul. 27, 2014, which is a division of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/287,098 filed on Nov. 1, 2011,
now U.S. Pat. No. 8,790,653, which is a division of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/573,707 filed on Apr. 16, 2008, now U.S.
Pat. No. 8,067,008, which is a National Phase of PCT Patent
Application No. PCT/IL2005/000908 filed on Aug. 23, 2005, which
claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/603,255 filed on Aug. 23, 2004.
[0002] The contents of the above applications are all incorporated
by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.
SEQUENCE LISTING STATEMENT
[0003] The ASCII file, entitled 63213SequenceListing.txt, created
on Jun. 30, 2015, comprising 12,030 bytes, submitted concurrently
with the filing of this application is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to peptides recognized by
monoclonal anti-DNA antibodies, the peptides being capable of
inhibiting cellular and immune stress responses in a eukaryotic
cell, for the treatment of human degenerative disorders and
inflammation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Apoptosis
[0006] Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is of fundamental
importance to normal biological processes including embryogenesis,
maintenance of tissue homeostasis, cellular development of
multicellular organisms, elimination of virus-infected cells, and
the development of the immune system (Ellis et al., 1991). It is a
type of cell death that is fundamentally distinct from degenerative
death or necrosis in that it is an active process of gene-directed
cellular self-destruction which, in some instances, serves a
biologically meaningful homeostatic function.
[0007] p53
[0008] The p53 protein, originally identified as a tumor-associated
antigen, is the product of a tumor suppressor gene that functions
to arrest the growth of mutated or aberrant cells (Baker et al,
1990). Functional p53 is believed to detect DNA damage (Lee et al,
1995) and subsequently induce DNA repair (Kastan et al, 1991),
growth arrest (Kuerbitz et al, 1992), or apoptosis (Yonish-Rouach
et al, 1991) of the aberrant cells. In particular, p53 controls
genomic stability by eliminating genetically damaged cells from the
cell population, and one of its major functions is to prevent tumor
formation.
[0009] The p53 protein has at least two DNA-binding sites:
(1) the core of the p53 protein, which interacts specifically with
a DNA sequence in the promoter region of p53 responsive genes
(el-Deiry et al, 1992); and (2) the C-terminus of the p53 protein,
which can recognize features common to damaged DNA in general (Lee
et al, 1995; Foord et al, 1991).
[0010] The p53 protein is a transcription factor that binds
specifically to a consensus site present in the regulatory
sequences of p53-dependent genes (el-Deiry et al, 1992). Mutation
of the p53 gene in the domain encoding sequences involved in
binding to the specific DNA regulatory site causes a loss of tumor
suppression. Therefore, it is not surprising that a significant
proportion of natural human tumors bear mutated p53 (Hollstein et
al, 1991).
[0011] p53 has a short half-life, and, accordingly, is continuously
synthesized and degraded in the cell. However, when a cell is
subjected to stress, p53 is stabilized. Examples of cell stress
that induce p53 stabilization are: [0012] a) DNA damage, such as
damage caused by UV (ultraviolet) radiation, cell mutations,
chemotherapy, and radiation therapy; [0013] b) hyperthermia; [0014]
c) hypoxia; and [0015] d) deregulation of microtubules caused by
some chemotherapeutic drugs, e.g., treatment using taxol or Vinca
alkaloids.
[0016] Stress-activated p53 induces a cascade of events that result
in growth arrest or apoptosis of the stressed cell, thereby
preventing the outgrowth of aberrant cells and tumor formation (Ko,
1996). However, excessive activation of p53 after severe stress can
be harmful to the organism, as tissue function may be damaged by
excessive apoptosis (Komarova, 2001).
[0017] Specifically, radiation therapy and chemotherapy exhibit
severe side effects, such as severe damage to the lymphoid and
hematopoietic system and intestinal epithelia, which limit the
effectiveness of these therapies. Other side effects, like hair
loss, also are p53 mediated and further detract from cancer
therapies. Therefore, to eliminate or reduce adverse side effects
in normal tissues associated with cancer treatment, it would be
beneficial to inhibit p53 activity in normal tissue during
treatment of p53-deficient tumors, and thereby protect normal
tissue.
[0018] Inactivation of p53 has been considered an undesirable and
unwanted event, and considerable effort has been expended to
facilitate cancer treatment by restoring p53 function. However, p53
restoration or imitation causes the above-described problems with
respect to damaging normal tissue cells during chemotherapy or
radiation therapy. These normal cells are subjected to stress
during cancer therapy, which leads the p53 in the cell to cause a
programmed death. The cancer treatment then kills both the tumor
cells and the normal cells.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 6,593,353 discloses p53 inhibitors in the
treatment of p53-mediated diseases, conditions and injuries.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 6,420,136 discloses methods for modulating the
activity of the p53 protein in cells by the addition of a protein
which enhances or inhibits the biochemical activity of p53.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 6,630,584 discloses a single chain antibody
which recognizes an epitope exposed on mutant, but not on wild-type
p53 and a DNA molecule encoding the single chain Fv, pharmaceutical
compositions comprising the antibody and methods of treatment using
the pharmaceutical compositions.
[0022] p53 and Stress-Associated Response
[0023] The adverse effects of p53 activity on an organism are not
limited to cancer therapies. p53 is activated as a consequence of a
variety of stresses associated with injuries (e.g., burns)
naturally occurring diseases (e.g., hyperthermia associated with
fever, and conditions of local hypoxia associated with a blocked
blood supply, stroke, and ischemia) and cell aging (e.g.,
senescence of fibroblasts), as well as a cancer therapy. Temporary
p53 inhibition, therefore, also can be therapeutically effective
in: (a) reducing or eliminating p53-dependent neuronal death in the
central nervous system, i.e., brain and spinal cord injury, (b) the
preservation of tissues and organs prior to transplanting, (c)
preparation of a host for a bone marrow transplant, and (d)
reducing or eliminating neuronal damage during seizures, for
example.
[0024] In addition, various degenerative diseases, including
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ischemic stroke (Mattson,
2001; Martin, 2001), glaucoma (Nickells, 1999) secondary
degeneration after trauma (Raghupathi, 2000), myocardial infarction
(Haunstetter, 1998) are associated with excessive cell death of
sensitive tissue in response to stress. Therefore, temporary
inhibition of stress-related cell death may serve the prevention
and therapy of degenerative diseases (Komarova, 2001).
[0025] Monoclonal Antibody to the DNA-Binding Domain of p53
[0026] Antibodies to DNA are characteristic of many autoimmune
diseases, notably systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and
particularly lupus nephritis. However, there is at present no
generally accepted explanation for the prevalence of anti-DNA
antibodies in autoimmune disorders Immunity to DNA appears to be
driven by an antigen (Radic et al, 1994), but self-DNA is unlikely
to be the driving antigen because mammalian DNA usually does not
induce an anti-DNA immune response (Pisetsky, 1996).
[0027] It has been reported that immunization with monoclonal
antibodies can induce immune responses that extend beyond the
specificity of the antibody, probably by anti-idiotypic
connectivity based on idiotypic-determinants in the variable
regions of the immunizing monoclonal antibody.
[0028] According to idiotypic antibody network terminology, Ab1 is
the first antibody, the antibody binding to the antigen, and Ab2 is
the anti-idiotypic antibody to Ab1. The variable region of Ab2 may
mimic the conformation of the antigen because both the antigen and
Ab2 can be bound by Ab1. Ab3 is the anti-idiotypic antibody to Ab2.
Because of the chain of structural complementarity, Ab1 and Ab3 can
have similar specificity for the original antigen.
[0029] The PAb-421 antibody is a prototypic monoclonal antibody
that reacts with the C-terminal DNA-binding domain of p53. The
sequences of the variable heavy (V.sub.H) and variable light
(V.sub.L) chains of the anti-p53 PAb-421 have been elucidated (see
WO 98/56416). The use of PAb-421 antibody for the treatment of
cancer was suggested, since it activated DNA binding of p53 in
vitro (see WO 94/12202).
[0030] The inventors previously reported that immunization of mice
with PAb-421 induced formation of anti-idiotypic antibodies that
also bind DNA (Herkel et al., 2000; and WO 00/23082). Two of these
monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies, designated Idi-1 and Idi-2,
mimicked the binding properties of the p53 regulatory domain and
reacted specifically with PAb-421 and double- and single stranded
DNA.
[0031] It was suggested by the present inventors (after the
priority date of the present invention) that damaged DNA has a
chemically defined structure that is recognized by p53 and by Idi-1
and Idi-2 antibodies (Herkel, et al, 2004). Nowhere in the
background art was it taught or suggested that it is possible to
identify novel peptides having anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory
properties using such anti-idiotypic antibodies.
[0032] There is an unmet need for novel compositions that may serve
to attenuate cellular and immune stress-response in normal tissue,
in a manner that is specific, safe and effective, thereby reducing
the severity of stress associated degenerative diseases and
stress-induced inflammation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0033] The present invention provides compositions and methods
comprising peptides for inhibiting cellular and immune
stress-response to a variety of stress-associated conditions. The
peptides of the present invention exhibit anti-apoptotic and
anti-inflammatory activity, thereby increasing cell survival in
cells or tissues that are exposed to stress.
[0034] While the use of antibodies to p53 for inducing anti-tumor
immunity has been described, the present invention demonstrates
that anti idiotypic antibodies immunoreactive with anti-p53
antibodies also may be used to define therapies useful to prevent
or decrease cell death.
[0035] Unexpectedly, it is now disclosed that peptides, recognized
by monoclonal antibodies generated by idiotypic immunization to an
anti-p53 monoclonal antibody are of potential use for therapy of
human degenerative diseases and in modifying inflammatory
responses. In other words, the anti-p53 antibodies (Abs) can
generate anti-idiotypic Abs, wherein these latter Abs recognize
epitopes useful for preventing cell death or inflammation.
[0036] The invention is based, in part, on experiments
demonstrating the efficacy of the peptides of the invention in
ameliorating stress-induced cell death and p53-mediated response,
induced by stimuli such as DNA-damaging agents, hyperthermia, toxic
stress and .gamma.-irradiation.
[0037] Surprisingly, it was further discovered that peptides of the
invention exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, both in vitro and in
vivo. Thus, the invention demonstrates that the peptides of the
invention are useful for treating inflammatory and autoimmune
diseases.
[0038] According to a first aspect, the invention is directed to
peptides comprising an epitope immunoreactive with an
anti-idiotypic antibody directed against an anti-p53 antibody,
wherein the anti-p53 antibody is immunoreactive with at least a
part of the regulatory domain at the C-terminus of p53. The
peptides of the invention exhibit at least one activity selected
from anti-apoptotic activity and anti-inflammatory activity.
[0039] In one particular embodiment, the peptides are
immunoreactive with an anti-idiotypic antibody directed against the
anti-p53 antibody PAb-421 (Herkel et al., 2000, hereby fully
incorporated by reference). In other particular embodiments, the
peptides are immunoreactive with monoclonal antibodies designated
Idi-1 and Idi-2, having structural mimicry properties to the p53
regulatory domain (Herkel et al., 2004, hereby fully incorporated
by reference).
[0040] In one embodiment, the anti-idiotypic antibody is a molecule
comprising V.sub.L-CDR3 and V.sub.H-CDR3 sequences selected from
the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:15 and 18 and SEQ ID NO:21 and
24. In another embodiment, the anti-idiotypic antibody is a
molecule comprising V.sub.L regions and V.sub.H regions selected
from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:9 and 10, SEQ ID NO:11 and
12, analogs and derivatives thereof.
[0041] The peptides are characterized and synthesized by methods
known in the art. In one embodiment, the peptides are characterized
by mass spectrometry and synthesized by chemical synthesis.
[0042] According to another embodiment, the peptides may have
structural complementarity to the DNA-binding domain of p53.
Without wishing to be bound to any particular theory or mechanism
of action, it is postulated that the peptides may be capable of
binding p53 therefore preventing p53 from binding to damaged-DNA.
In another embodiment, the peptides of the invention exhibit the
activity of binding a protein involved in apoptosis. In another
embodiment the peptides of the invention exhibit the activity of
preventing said protein from binding to damaged DNA.
[0043] According to certain embodiments the peptide comprises a
total of about 5 to 25 amino acids, preferably the peptide
comprises from about 5 to about 25 amino acids, preferably from
about 7 to 12 amino acids.
[0044] In certain particular embodiments, the present invention
provides novel peptides having an amino acid sequence selected from
the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:4, analogs,
derivatives or active fragments thereof having anti-apoptotic
activity and/or anti-inflammatory activity. The peptides of the
present invention are as follows:
SEQ ID NO:1-LPPLPYP, designated Stressin-1; SEQ ID
NO:2-DLSTDALHYRTA, designated Stressin-2; SEQ ID NO:3-HPTNQQSLWRWP,
designated Stressin-3; SEQ ID NO:4-SSLSVDYPTRYP, designated
Stressin-4.
[0045] In other particular embodiments, the derivative is a
retro-inverso peptide, having an amino acid sequence as set forth
in any one of SEQ ID NOS:5-8:
SEQ ID NO:5--PYPLPPL (all residues in the "D" isomeric form); SEQ
ID NO:6--ATRYHLADTSLD (all residues in the "D" isomeric form); SEQ
ID NO:7--PWRWLSQQNTPH (all residues in the "D" isomeric form); SEQ
ID NO:8--PYRTPYDVSLSS (all residues in the "D" isomeric form).
[0046] In one particular embodiment, the peptide has an amino acid
sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS:1, 2 and 5.
[0047] According to other embodiments, the peptides of the present
invention are useful for selectively preventing cell death of
normal tissue. In one embodiment, the peptides inhibit apoptotic
activity of mammalian cells. In another embodiment, the peptides
inhibit apoptotic activity of human cells.
[0048] According to certain preferred embodiments the peptides of
the present invention are capable of inhibiting apoptotic activity
by at least 25%, preferably by at least 50%, more preferably by at
least 75% and most preferably by at least 95%.
[0049] The present invention provides peptides having the ability
to effectively inhibit cellular and immune stress responses in
normal tissue, and are useful to treat a disease or condition where
inhibition of intracellular protein activity provides a
benefit.
[0050] According to some embodiments the peptides of the invention
are useful for treating stress-associated human degenerative
diseases. According to other embodiments the peptides are capable
of down regulating immune mediated stress responses.
[0051] In other aspects, the invention is directed to an antibody
molecule comprising V.sub.L-CDR3 and V.sub.H-CDR3 sequences
selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:15 and 18 and SEQ
ID NO:21 and 24, and uses thereof for the isolation of peptides
according to the invention. In one embodiment, the antibody
molecule comprises V.sub.L regions and V.sub.H regions selected
from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:9 and 10 and SEQ ID NO:11
and 12.
[0052] According to yet another aspect the present invention
provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising as an active
ingredient a peptide of the invention or a salt thereof and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
[0053] According to another aspect the present invention provides a
method for modulating cellular and immune stress-associated
responses in a cell of an organism comprising exposing the cell to
an effective amount of a peptide of the invention, an analog, a
derivative, or a salt thereof.
[0054] Diseases and inflammatory conditions that may be treated by
the peptides of the invention include, but not limited to,
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, secondary degeneration
after trauma, stroke, CNS intoxication, glaucoma, macular
degeneration, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus
erythematosis, autoimmune uveitis, graft versus host disease, graft
rejection, arthritis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome
(SIRS) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), adult respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS), psoriasis, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction,
radiation disease, hyperthermia, hypoxia, fulminant toxic liver,
kidney failure, infertility and many others.
[0055] In another aspect, the invention provides a method for
treating a degenerative disease or condition in a subject in need
thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically
effective amount of a peptide of the invention, an analog, a
derivative, or a salt thereof.
[0056] In one embodiment, the disease or condition is a
stress-associated degenerative disorder.
[0057] In another embodiment, said subject has a neoplastic
disorder and is undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy
for the treatment of cancer.
[0058] In another embodiment, the disease or condition is selected
from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's
disease, secondary degeneration after trauma, stroke, CNS
intoxication, glaucoma, macular degeneration, myocardial
infarction, radiation disease, hyperthermia, hypoxia, fulminant
toxic liver, kidney failure and infertility.
[0059] In another aspect, the invention provides a method for
treating an inflammatory disease or condition in a subject in need
thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically
effective amount of a peptide of the invention, an analog, a
derivative, or a salt thereof.
[0060] In one embodiment, the disease or condition has an etiology
associated with production of at least one pro-inflammatory
cytokine selected from IL-6 and TNF-.alpha..
[0061] In another embodiment, the disease is an autoimmune
disease.
[0062] In other embodiments, the disease or condition is selected
from the group consisting of: type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis,
systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), autoimmune uveitis, arthritis,
systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD), adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS),
psoriasis, atherosclerosis, graft rejection and graft versus host
disease.
[0063] In one particular embodiment, the disease is multiple
sclerosis.
[0064] In one embodiment, the peptide inhibits apoptotic activity
in response to cellular and immune stress disorders in normal
tissue or cells. According to one embodiment the peptides of the
present invention modulate intracellular protein activity within a
cell in vivo. In another embodiment, the peptides of the present
invention modulate intracellular protein activity within a cell ex
vivo.
[0065] According to some embodiments the peptide may be
administered to the subject in need thereof by any suitable route
of administration, including, but not limited to, orally,
topically, transdermally, parenterally
[0066] These and other embodiments of the present invention will
become apparent in conjunction with the figures, description and
claims that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0067] FIG. 1: DNA content of L12 cells treated with the
DNA-damaging agent cisplatin, as a measure for p53-mediated cell
death.
[0068] FIGS. 2A-B: Cisplatin (80 .mu.M)-induced p53-mediated cell
death of mouse embryo fibroblasts.
[0069] FIG. 3: The effect of Stressin peptides on BALB/c mice when
subjected to body irradiation at a dose of 6.5 Gy.
[0070] FIG. 4: TNF-.alpha. secretion of RAW 264.7 macrophages in
response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or CpG-oligonucleotides is
inhibited by Stressin-1.
[0071] FIG. 5: Interleukin-6 secretion of RAW 264.7 macrophages in
response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or CpG-oligonucleotides is
inhibited by Stressin-1.
[0072] FIG. 6: Inhibitory effect of Stressin-1 in development of
experimental autoimmune disease (EAE) in mice.
[0073] FIG. 7: Amino acid sequences of the variable regions of
PAb-421, Idi-1 and Idi-2. Complementarity Determining Regions
(CDRs) of the light chain or of the heavy chain are aligned.
Presented are Idi-1 VL (SEQ ID NO: 9) and VH (SEQ ID NO: 10); Idi-2
VL (SEQ ID NO: 11) and VH (SEQ ID NO: 12); Idi-1 VL CDR1-3 (SEQ ID
NOs: 13-15, respectively) and VH CDR1-3 (SEQ ID NOs: 16-18,
respectively); Idi-2 VL CDR1-3 (SEQ ID NOs: 19-21, respectively)
and VH CDR1-3 (SEQ ID NOs: 22-24, respectively); and PAb-421 VL
(SEQ ID NO: 29), VH (SEQ ID NO: 30), VL CDR1-3 (SEQ ID NOs: 31-33,
respectively) and VH CDR1-3 (SEQ ID NOs: 34-36, respectively).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0074] The present invention provides compositions and methods
comprising peptides for inhibiting cellular and immune
stress-response to a variety of stress-associated conditions. The
invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of
human degenerative diseases and inflammation, utilizing peptides
recognized by monoclonal anti-DNA antibodies, the peptides having
anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activity.
DEFINITIONS
[0075] As used herein, the term "Linear Peptide" means a peptide or
polypeptide in which the amino acids are linked to one another via
an amide bond formed between the alpha-amino group of one and the
alpha-carboxylic group of another.
[0076] As used herein, "cell" refers to a eukaryotic cell.
Typically, the cell is of animal origin and can be a stem cell or
somatic cells. Suitable animal cells can be of, for example,
mammalian and avian origin. Examples of mammalian cells include
human, bovine, ovine, porcine, murine, rabbit cells. The cell may
be an embryonic cell, bone marrow stem cell or other progenitor
cell. Where the cell is a somatic cell, the cell can be, for
example, an epithelial cell, fibroblast, smooth muscle cell, blood
cell (including a hematopoietic cell, red blood cell, T-cell,
B-cell, etc.), cardiac muscle cell, macrophage, dendritic cell,
neuronal cell (e.g., a glial cell or astrocyte).
[0077] In the context of this invention "modulation" means
inhibition; i.e., a decrease in expression. This modulation can be
measured in ways which are routine in the art, for example by
Western blot or ELISA assay of protein expression, or by an
immunoprecipitation assay of protein expression.
[0078] The term "treating" as used herein includes prophylactic and
therapeutic uses, and refers to the alleviation of symptoms of a
particular disorder in a patient, the improvement of an
ascertainable measurement associated with a particular disorder, or
the prevention of a particular immune response (such as transplant
rejection).
[0079] Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, comprise two heavy chains
linked together by disulfide bonds and two light chains, each light
chain being linked to a respective heavy chain by disulfide bonds
in a "Y" shaped configuration. Proteolytic digestion of an antibody
yields Fv (Fragment variable) and Fc (fragment crystalline)
domains. The antigen binding domains, Fab', include regions where
the polypeptide sequence varies. The term F(ab').sub.2 represents
two Fab' arms linked together by disulfide bonds. The central axis
of the antibody is termed the Fc fragment. Each heavy chain has at
one end a variable domain (VH) followed by a number of constant
domains (CH). Each light chain has a variable domain (VL) at one
end and a constant domain (CL) at its other end, the light chain
variable domain being aligned with the variable domain of the heavy
chain and the light chain constant domain being aligned with the
first constant domain of the heavy chain (CH1).
[0080] The variable domains of each pair of light and heavy chains
form the antigen binding site. The domains on the light and heavy
chains have the same general structure and each domain comprises
four framework regions, whose sequences are relatively conserved,
joined by three hypervariable domains known as complementarity
determining regions (CDR1-3). These domains contribute specificity
and affinity of the antigen binding site.
[0081] The term "antibody" as used herein refers to a polypeptide
ligand substantially encoded by an immunoglobulin gene or
immunoglobulin genes, or fragments thereof, which specifically
binds and recognizes an epitope (e.g., an antigen). As used herein,
this term refers to intact molecules such as polyclonal antibodies
or monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), recombinant and engineered
antibodies, as well as to fragments thereof, such as Fab, F(ab')2,
Fab miniantibodies (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,573, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,294,353, WO 96/37621, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/999,554), Fv, scFv (e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,946,778, 5,091,513 and
5,096,815) and the like which are capable of binding the epitopic
determinant. Antibodies used in the invention can be prepared using
intact polypeptides or fragments containing small peptides of
interest as the immunizing antigen. The polypeptide or oligopeptide
used to immunize an animal can be derived from the translation of
RNA or synthesized chemically and can be conjugated to a carrier
protein, if desired. Commonly used carriers that are chemically
coupled to peptides are exemplified by bovine serum albumin,
thyroglobulin and keyhole limpet hemocyanin. The coupled peptide is
then used to immunize the animal (e.g., a mouse, a rat, or a
rabbit). Non-limitative methods of generating antibodies are
described in the Examples hereinbelow; however, other methods well
known in the art may readily be used.
[0082] By the term "anti-idiotypic antibody" is intended an
antibody directed against (in other words, immunoreactive with) an
idiotypic determinant of another antibody. As used herein, the term
"idiotypic determinant" refers to an antigenic determinant or
epitope unique to the immunoglobulin product of a single clone of
cells. The idiotope is found in the variable region of the
antibody. The term "epitope" refers to an antigenic determinant on
a molecule which is recognized by antibodies.
[0083] As used herein, the term "immunoreactive" means that the
antibody is capable of binding the antigen with a binding affinity
that is indicative of an immune reaction to the antigen. Such
affinities are well known to those of skill in the art and include
affinities of 10.sup.5 to 10.sup.14 M.sup.-1. Methods of
determining the affinity of an antibody composition are described
in Day, Advanced Immunochemistry, (2.sup.nd edition) Wiley-Liss,
New York, N.Y. (1990).
[0084] Stressin Peptides
[0085] According to a first aspect, the invention is directed to
peptides comprising an epitope immunoreactive with an
anti-idiotypic antibody directed against an anti-p53 antibody,
wherein the anti-p53 antibody is immunoreactive with at least a
part of the regulatory domain at the C-terminus of p53. The
peptides of the invention exhibit at least one activity selected
from anti-apoptotic activity and anti-inflammatory activity, as
will be specified hereinbelow.
[0086] In one embodiment, the peptides are selected by
anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibodies having structural mimicry
properties to the p53 regulatory domain. According to certain
embodiments, the peptides are immunoreactive with monoclonal
antibodies raised against anti-p53 antibodies. In one particular
embodiment, the anti-p53 antibody is PAb-421 (Herkel et al., 2000).
In other particular embodiments, the peptides are immunoreactive
with monoclonal antibodies designated Idi-1 and Idi-2, having
structural mimicry properties to the p53 regulatory domain (Herkel
et al., 2004).
[0087] In other embodiments, the peptides are immunoreactive with
an anti-idiotypic antibody molecule comprising V.sub.L-CDR3 and
V.sub.H-CDR3 sequences selected from the group consisting of: SEQ
ID NOS:15 and 18, and SEQ ID NOS:21 and 24. In another embodiment,
the anti-idiotypic antibody is a molecule comprising CDR sequences
selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOS:13-18, and SEQ ID
NOS:19-24. In another embodiment, the anti-idiotypic antibody is a
molecule comprising V.sub.L regions and V.sub.H regions selected
from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:9 and 10, SEQ ID NOS:11 and
12, analogs thereof.
[0088] The peptides are characterized and synthesized by methods
known in the art. In one embodiment, the peptides are characterized
by mass spectrometry and synthesized by chemical synthesis, as
described below.
[0089] The peptides of the invention are preferably from 5 to 25
amino acids, more preferably from 5 to 15 amino acids and most
preferably from 7 to 12 amino acids.
[0090] According to certain particular embodiment, the present
invention provides four selected peptides, designated Stressin-1 to
4 (for STress RESponse Specific peptide INhibitor). The amino acid
sequences of certain peptides of the invention are listed in Table
1 and designated SEQ ID NO:1 through SEQ ID NO:4.
[0091] Unless otherwise specified, the amino acid residues
described herein are preferred to be in the "L" isomeric form.
However, residues in the "D" isomeric form can be substituted for
any L-amino acid residue, as long as the peptide retains the
desired functional property.
[0092] In other particular embodiments, the invention provides
analogs, fragments and functional derivatives of the peptides
designated SEQ ID NO:1 through SEQ ID NO:4, as will be described in
detail hereinbelow. According to certain particular embodiments,
the derivatives are retro-inverso peptides having an amino acid
sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS:5-8, as specified
below. In a particular embodiment, the peptide has an amino acid
sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS:1, 2 and 5.
[0093] Previously, mAbs Idi-1 and Idi-2 were demonstrated to
specifically bind both PAb-421 and DNA, single- or double-stranded
(Herkel et al., 2000 of some of the inventors of the present
invention). The present invention provides antibody molecules
directed to PAb-421 comprising variable regions selected from the
group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:9 and 10 and SEQ ID NOS:11 and 12,
and antibody molecules comprising CDRs having amino acid sequences
selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOS:13-18 and SEQ ID
NOS:19-24. Such antibodies exclude the known mAbs termed Idi-1 and
Idi-2.
[0094] In one embodiment, the antibody molecule comprises
V.sub.L-CDR3 and V.sub.H-CDR3 sequences selected from the group
consisting of: SEQ ID NOS:15 and 18 (corresponding to
Complementarity Determining Region 3 of the light chain of Idi-1
and Complementarity Determining Region 3 of the heavy chain of
Idi-1, respectively) and SEQ ID NOS:21 and 24 (Idi-2). In another
embodiment, the antibody molecule comprises CDR sequences as
presented in Table 4 below, having amino acid sequences selected
from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOS:13-18 (Idi-1) and SEQ ID
NOS:19-24 (Idi-2). In another embodiment, the antibody molecule
comprises V.sub.L regions and V.sub.H regions (variable regions of
an immunoglobulin light and heavy chain) selected from the group
consisting of SEQ ID NOS:9 and 10 (Idi-1), SEQ ID NOS:11 and 12
(Idi-2). The antibody molecules of the invention also include
molecules comprising analogs and derivatives of said V.sub.L
regions and V.sub.H regions, as long as the analog or derivative is
immunoreactive with the antigen-binding portion of PAb-421.
[0095] In another aspect, the invention provides use of antibody
molecules as described above for isolating peptides exhibiting at
least one activity selected from the group consisting of
anti-apoptotic activity and anti-inflammatory activity. Suitable
methods utilizing these antibodies for identification and isolation
of the peptides of the invention are disclosed hereinbelow.
[0096] Phage Display Library
[0097] Phage display peptide libraries have emerged as a powerful
method in identifying such peptide agonists and antagonists. See,
for example, Scott et al. (1990), Devlin et al. (1990), U.S. Pat.
No. 5,223,409; U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,731; U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,530;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,018; U.S. Pat. No. 5,338,665; U.S. Pat. No.
5,922,545; WO 96/40987; and WO 98/15833. In such libraries, random
peptide sequences are displayed by fusion with coat proteins of
filamentous phage. Typically, the displayed peptides are
affinity-eluted against an antibody-immobilized extracellular
domain of a receptor. The retained phages may be enriched by
successive rounds of affinity purification and repropagation. The
best binding peptides may be sequenced to identify key residues
within one or more structurally related families of peptides. See,
e.g., Cwirla et al. (1997), in which two distinct families were
identified. The peptide sequences may also suggest which residues
may be safely replaced by alanine scanning or by mutagenesis at the
DNA level. Mutagenesis libraries may be created and screened to
further optimize the sequence of the best binders (Lowman,
1997).
[0098] The peptides of the invention were selected and isolated
from a phage display library (Ph.D.-7 or Ph.D.-12 from New England
Biolabs, Frankfurt, Germany) with an antibody surrogate of the p53
regulatory domain. The p53 antibody surrogate had been generated by
idiotypic immunization to the PAb-421 monoclonal antibody (Herkel
et al., 2000) which binds the p53 regulatory domain; two monoclonal
antibodies, designated Idi-1 and Idi-2, mimicked the binding
properties of the p53 regulatory domain.
[0099] The selected candidate peptides were tested for their
ability to interfere with the p53-mediated cellular stress response
by testing their capacity to inhibit the response to hyperthermia
of the L12 cell line (Wolf, 1984), which lacks endogenous p53
activity and had been stably transfected with the p53 gene or a
control vector. In these cells, p53 activity induces growth arrest
and cell survival rather than apoptosis in response to hyperthermia
(Nitta, 1997).
[0100] Four peptides, designated Stressin-1 to -4 (for STress
RESponse Specific peptide INhibitor), were identified that at
concentrations of 100 .mu.g/ml inhibited p53-mediated growth arrest
after hyperthermia and induced death of almost all cells with
active p53, which is the response of L12 cells that lack p53
activity (Table 1); the peptide sequences are shown in Table 2.
[0101] Alternative Methods for Identifying and Isolating
Peptides
[0102] Structural analysis of protein-protein interaction may also
be used to suggest peptides that mimic the binding activity of
large protein ligands. In such an analysis, the crystal structure
may suggest the identity and relative orientation of critical
residues of the large protein ligand, from which a peptide may be
designed (see, e.g., Takasaki et al., 1997). These analytical
methods may also be used to investigate the interaction between a
receptor protein and peptides selected by phage display, which may
suggest further modification of the peptides to increase binding
affinity.
[0103] Other methods compete with phage display in peptide
research. A peptide library can be fused to the carboxyl terminus
of the lac repressor and expressed in E. coli. Another E.
coli-based method allows display on the cell's outer membrane by
fusion with a peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein (PAL).
Hereinafter, these and related methods are collectively referred to
as "E. coli display". In another method, translation of random RNA
is halted prior to ribosome release, resulting in a library of
polypeptides with their associated RNA still attached. Hereinafter,
this and related methods are collectively referred to as "ribosome
display". Other methods employ chemical linkage of peptides to RNA;
see, for example, Roberts and Szostak (1997). Hereinafter, this and
related methods are collectively referred to as "RNA-peptide
screening". Chemically derived peptide libraries have been
developed in which peptides are immobilized on stable,
non-biological materials, such as polyethylene rods or
solvent-permeable resins. Another chemically derived peptide
library uses photolithography to scan peptides immobilized on glass
slides. Hereinafter, these and related methods are collectively
referred to as "chemical-peptide screening". Chemical-peptide
screening may be advantageous in that it allows use of D-amino
acids and other unnatural analogues, as well as non-peptide
elements. Both biological and chemical methods are reviewed in
Wells and Lowman (1992).
[0104] Phage display, in particular, is useful in generating
peptides for use in the present invention. It has been stated that
affinity selection from libraries of random peptides can be used to
identify peptide ligands for any site of any gene product (Dedman
et al., 1993). Phage display is particularly well suited for
identifying peptides that bind to such proteins of interest as cell
surface receptors or any proteins having linear epitopes (Wilson et
al., 1998; Kay et al., 1998).
[0105] Synthesis of Peptides of the Invention
[0106] The peptides of the invention can be produced by any known
chemical and recombinant methods of producing an amino-acid
sequence, including peptidomimetic methodologies (Allen G., 1989;
Young, 1963; Meienhofer, 1973; Schroder and Lupke, 1965). Chemical
synthesis is commonly performed by coupling of the amino acid
residues or peptide fragments to one another in correct order in
liquid phase to produce the desired peptide. Another common
strategy is the coupling of the amino acids to one another starting
with a solid phase (resin) to which the C-terminal of the last
amino acid of the sequence is coupled, whereupon the C-terminal of
the penultimate amino acid is coupled to the N-terminal of the last
amino acid, etc., finally releasing the built-up peptide from the
solid phase (so called solid-phase technique).
[0107] The term "peptide" refers to molecules of 2 to 25 amino
acids, with molecules of 5 to 20 amino acids preferred and those of
7 to 12 amino acids most preferred. Exemplary peptides may be
randomly generated by any of the methods cited above, carried in a
peptide library (e.g., a phage display library), or derived by
digestion of proteins.
[0108] The present invention encompasses any analog, derivative,
and conjugate containing the peptides of the invention, the amino
acid sequence of which is shown herein so long as the peptide is
capable of inhibiting apoptosis and/or inflammation. Thus, the
present invention encompasses peptides containing non-natural amino
acid derivatives or non-protein side chains.
[0109] The term "analog" includes any peptide or polypeptide having
an amino acid sequence substantially identical to one of the
sequences specifically shown herein in which one or more residues
have been conservatively substituted with a functionally similar
residue and which displays the abilities as described herein.
Examples of conservative substitutions include the substitution of
one non-polar (hydrophobic) residue such as isoleucine, valine,
leucine or methionine for another, the substitution of one polar
(hydrophilic) residue for another such as between arginine and
lysine, between glutamine and asparagine, between glycine and
serine, the substitution of one basic residue such as lysine,
arginine or histidine for another, or the substitution of one
acidic residue, such as aspartic acid or glutamic acid for
another.
[0110] A peptide derivative refers to a molecule comprising the
amino acid sequence of a peptide of the invention subject to
various changes, including, but not limited to, chemical
modifications, substitutions, insertions, extensions and deletions
where such changes do not destroy the anti-inflammatory or
anti-apoptotic activity of the peptide, and such derivative is not
a known peptide or protein. "Peptide derivative" is intended to
include peptide mimetics, as described hereinbelow. In this regard,
a peptide of this invention corresponds to, and preferably is
identical to, one of the peptides listed in Table 1, where one or
more changes are made so long as the polypeptide retains the
inhibitory function of peptide of the invention in one or more of
the assays as defined herein. With respect to the antibody
molecules of the invention, a variable region derivative retains
the ability to specifically bind (i.e. is immunoreactive with) the
idiotypic determinant of PAb-421.
[0111] Peptide derivatives having chemical modifications include,
for example, peptides having one or more residues chemically
derivatized by reaction of side chains or functional groups. Such
derivatized molecules include, for example, those molecules in
which free amino groups have been derivatized to form amine
hydrochlorides, p-toluene sulfonyl groups, carbobenzoxy groups,
t-butyloxycarbonyl groups, chloroacetyl groups or formyl groups.
Free carboxyl groups may be derivatized to form salts, methyl and
ethyl esters or other types of esters or hydrazides. Free hydroxyl
groups may be derivatized to form O-acyl or O-alkyl derivatives.
The imidazole nitrogen of histidine may be derivatized to form
N-im-benzylhistidine. Also included as chemical derivatives are
those peptides, which contain one or more naturally occurring amino
acid derivatives of the twenty standard amino acid residues. For
example: 4-hydroxyproline may be substituted for proline;
5-hydroxylysine may be substituted for lysine; 3-methylhistidine
may be substituted for histidine; homoserine may be substituted or
serine; and ornithine may be substituted for lysine.
[0112] In addition, a peptide derivative can differ from the
natural sequence of the peptides of the invention by chemical
modifications including, but are not limited to, terminal-NH.sub.2
acylation, acetylation, or thioglycolic acid amidation, and by
terminal-carboxyl-amidation, e.g., with ammonia, methylamine, and
the like.
[0113] Peptides of the present invention also include any peptide
having one or more additions and/or deletions of residues relative
to the sequence of the peptides of the invention, the sequence of
which are shown herein, so long as the requisite inhibitory
activity on apoptosis and/or inflammation is maintained. The term
"active fragment" thus relates to a peptide portion of a full
length Stressin peptide of the invention that has at least one
activity that is characteristic of the corresponding full-length
peptide. Non-limitative examples of suitable methods for measuring
inhibition of apoptosis and inflammation are demonstrated
herein.
[0114] Addition of amino acid residues may be performed at either
terminus of the peptides of the invention for the purpose of
providing a "linker" by which the peptides of this invention can be
conveniently bound to a carrier. Such linkers are usually of at
least one amino acid residue and can be of 40 or more residues,
more often of 1 to 10 residues. Typical amino acid residues used
for linking are tyrosine, cysteine, lysine, glutamic and aspartic
acid, or the like.
[0115] A peptide of the invention may also be conjugated to itself
or aggregated in such a way as to produce a large complex
containing the peptide. Such large complex may be advantageous
because it has new biological properties such as longer half-life
in circulation or greater activity.
[0116] Peptide Mimetic
[0117] Peptidomimetics are small molecules that can bind to
proteins by mimicking certain structural aspects of peptides and
proteins. They are used extensively in science and medicine as
agonists and antagonists of protein and peptide ligands of cellular
and other receptors, and as substrates and substrate analogs for
enzymes.
[0118] A primary goal in the design of peptide mimetics has been to
reduce the susceptibility of mimics to cleavage and inactivation by
peptidases. In one approach, one or more amide bonds have been
replaced in an essentially isosteric manner by a variety of
chemical functional groups, including, but not limited to urea
bond, carbamate bond, sulfonamide bond, hydrazine bond, or any
other covalent bond. In another approach, a variety of uncoded or
modified amino acids such as D-amino acids and N-methyl amino acids
have been used to modify mammalian peptides.
[0119] To test whether Stressin peptide may protect an organism
from death by excessive p53 activation and tissue failure by
subjecting BALB/c mice to whole body .gamma.-irradiation (6.5 Gy).
A retro-inverso peptide was used to determine whether prolonged in
vivo half-life would give an advantage (see Example 6);
retro-inverso peptides are resistant to proteases and consist of
D-amino acids in reversed order, resulting in an altered peptide
backbone but unchanged orientation of the side chains (Van
Regenmortel, 1998).
[0120] As used herein, the term "retro-inverso peptide" of the
Stressin-1 peptide, for example, as used in a variation of the
invention, is intended to encompass peptides in which the sequence
of the amino acids is reversed as compared to the sequence in
Stressin-1 and consist of D-amino acids in reversed order.
[0121] The present invention thus provides retro-inverso Stressin
peptides having an amino acid sequence as set forth in any one of
SEQ ID NOS:5-8.
[0122] The backbone can comprise a variety of atom types, including
carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur and phosphorus, with the majority
of the backbone chain atoms typically consisting of carbon. A
plurality of side chain moieties that include a terminal guanidino
or amidino group are attached to the backbone. Although spacing
between adjacent sidechain moieties is typically consistent, the
delivery-enhancing transporters used in the invention can also
include variable spacing between sidechain moieties along the
backbone.
[0123] Cell Death and p53 Inhibition
[0124] Apoptosis, or "programmed cell death", is a process whereby
the cell executes a "cell suicide" program. It is now thought that
the apoptosis program is evolutionarily conserved among virtually
all multicellular organisms, as well as among all the cells_in a
particular organism. Further, it is believed that in many cases,
apoptosis may be a "default" program that must be actively
inhibited in healthy surviving cells.
[0125] The decision by a cell to submit to apoptosis may be
influenced by a variety of regulatory stimuli and environmental
factors (Thompson, 1995). Physiological activators of apoptosis
include tumor necrosis factor (TNF), Fas ligand, transforming
growth factor-.beta., the neurotransmitters glutamate, dopamine,
N-methyl-D-aspartate, withdrawal of growth factors, loss of matrix
attachment, calcium and glucocorticoids. Damage-related inducers of
apoptosis include heat shock, viral infection, bacterial toxins,
the oncogenes myc, rel and E1A, tumor suppressor p53, cytolytic
T-cells, oxidants, free radicals and nutrient deprivation
(antimetabolites). Therapy-associated apoptosis inducers include
gamma radiation, UV radiation and a variety of chemotherapeutic
drugs, including cisplatin, doxorubicin, bleomycin, cytosine
arabinoside, nitrogen mustard, methotrexate and vincristine.
Toxin-related inducers or apoptosis include ethanol and d-amyloid
peptide. Apoptosis can have particularly devastating consequences
when it occurs pathologically in cells that do not normally
regenerate, such as neurons. Because such cells are not replaced
when they die, their loss can lead to debilitating and sometimes
fatal dysfunction of the affected organ. Such dysfunction is
evidenced in a number of neurodegenerative disorders that have been
associated with increased apoptosis, including Alzheimer's disease,
Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, retinitis
pigmentosa and cerebellar degeneration.
[0126] In one aspect, this invention provides compositions and
methods for preventing or inhibiting apoptosis in eukaryotic cells.
Irrespective of the mechanism by which the peptides of the
invention mediates stress responses, and without wishing to be
bound by any theory or mechanism of action, it is postulated that
the peptides may be capable of binding p53 therefore preventing p53
to be bound to damaged-DNA.
[0127] A potential therapeutic inhibitor of p53 is a compound that
acts at any stage of the p53 signaling pathway, and leads to
functional inactivation of a p53-mediated response (i.e., blocking
of p53-dependent growth arrest, apoptosis, or both). Prior
investigators did not consider therapeutic p53 inhibitors because
therapeutic p53 suppression was considered a disadvantage leading
to the onset and proliferation of cancerous tumors. The present
invention, therefore, is directed to the therapeutic and reversible
inhibition of p53 activity, and to peptides capable of such
inhibition.
[0128] However, there are several objectives that should be
mentioned before a therapy involving suppression of p53 or any
other protein that plays a role in apoptosis or
inflammation-related disorders is implemented, for example: [0129]
a) providing an inhibitor that is sufficiently efficacious in vivo
for practical administration as a therapeutic drug; [0130] b)
providing an inhibitor that has a sufficiently low toxicity for use
in therapy, and also does not cause undesirable side effects at
concentrations sufficient to inhibit p53 activity; [0131] c)
exhibiting inhibition that is reversible. Long-term p53
inactivation, for example, can significantly increase the risk of
cancer; [0132] d) during temporary p53 inactivation, the cells
should recover from the applied stress and the p53-activating
signal should be eliminated or reduced, otherwise restoration of
p53 activity while the p53-activating signal is active could result
in cell damage; [0133] e) the p53 suppression therapy is not
associated with a dramatic increase in the frequency of cancer
development.
[0134] The peptides of the invention can be used alone, or, for
example, in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation therapy
during cancer treatment, to protect normal cells from p53
programmed death due to stresses inflicted by a cancer treatment or
by a disease or trauma. In addition, during chemotherapy, both
tumor and normal cells are destroyed. Tumor cells are
preferentially killed compared to normal cells, which is the basis
of a successful chemotherapy. By administering a therapeutic p53
inhibitor, for example, normal cells are protected, and the dose of
the chemotherapeutic agent, therefore, can be increased to more
effectively treat the cancer.
[0135] It should be understood that the peptides of the present
invention do not necessarily act via modulating p53 activity as
some of these peptides exhibited anti-apoptotic activity in
p53-deficient cell lines and in p53 activity assays.
[0136] Methods to Measure Apoptosis
[0137] Apoptosis is an active, gene-directed self-destruction
process of the cell and is associated with characteristic
morphological and biochemical changes. Nuclear and cytoplasmic
condensation and fragmentation of the dying cell into
membrane-bound apoptotic bodies are typical characteristics of
apoptosis. Another feature of apoptotic cell death is the
chromosomal DNA degradation into oligonucleosomal fragments after
the activation of specific nucleases.
[0138] By "inhibiting apoptosis" or "inhibits apoptotic activity"
is meant any decrease in the number of cells that undergo apoptosis
relative to an untreated control (i.e. cells not exposed to the
peptides of the invention). Preferably, the decrease is at least
25%, more preferably the decrease is at least 50%, and most
preferably the decrease is at least one-fold.
[0139] Flow cytometry offers a wide variety of possibilities to
measure apoptosis. Different methods have been established and
implemented, some which stain on the cell surface and some which
stain intracellularly.
[0140] One of the first approaches was, beside the observation that
apoptotic cells shrink and have higher intracellular granularity,
to stain with DNA specific fluorochromes (e.g. propidium iodide
[PI], ethidium bromide [EtBr]). As soon as a lethal hit is being
induced, the DNA starts to change its profile. Apoptotic DNA not
only consists of fragmented DNA (visualized as shorter bands, so
called DNA ladder, in an agarose gel) but is also partially
digested into single nucleotides, so that fluorochromes, like PI or
EtBr, have less DNA to stain (Nicoletti et al., 1991). This is
typically observed by a shift to the left, called sub-G1 peak, on
the specific fluorochrome detection channel in the FACScan.TM.
(from Becton Dickinson, USA).
[0141] Another method is the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase
(TdT)-mediated endlabeling of the DNA strand breaks (TUNEL). The
TUNEL method detects DNA strand breaks in cells undergoing
apoptosis. TdT is an enzyme which catalyzes the addition of
deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate to the 3'-OH ends of double or
single-stranded DNA. Unlike normal cells, apoptotic cell nuclei
incorporate exogenous nucleotides (dUTP)-DIG in the presence of
TdT. An anti-DIG antibody fragment with a conjugated fluorochrome
enables the visualization of apoptotic cells. An increase of
apoptotic cells causes a higher number of DNA fragments and
consequently a brighter fluorescence. An advantage of this method
is the very high specificity (Gavrieli et al., 1992). A
disadvantage of this method is that it is expensive and can only be
used for a small set of samples, because it is time intensive.
Therefore, it is not applicable for large screening programs
[0142] The loss of cell membrane polarity and the presentation of
increased amounts of phosphatidyl serine (PS) on the outside of the
cell membrane during the early phase of apoptosis has led to yet a
new approach. Annexin V is a calcium-dependent phospholipid binding
protein with high affinity for PS. The cell membrane integrity is
maintained in the early and intermediate phases of apoptosis. Early
and intermediate apoptotic cells show increased binding of
Annexin-FITC and are mainly negative for PI-staining. Late
apoptotic stages and necrotic cells become double positive, because
of PS presentation on the surface and the PI staining of
intracellular nucleic acids due to disintegration of the membrane.
This method is also costly and labor intensive.
[0143] Other methods for measuring apoptosis in vivo and in vitro
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,726,895 and 6,723,567.
[0144] Inflammatory Stress Responses and TNF-.alpha. and IL-6
Mediated Inflammation
[0145] The mammalian response to stress includes not only the
response of the stressed cell, but also the complex activity of the
immune system known as inflammation (Nathan et al., 2002), which
includes a large number of immune activities that serve tissue
maintenance and healing (Cohen, 2000).
[0146] Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are
important biological entities collectively referred to as
pro-inflammatory cytokines. These, along with several other related
molecules, mediate the inflammatory response associated with the
immunological recognition of infectious agents. The inflammatory
response plays an important role in limiting and controlling
pathogenic infections.
[0147] Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are also
associated with a number of diseases of autoimmunity such as toxic
shock syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, diabetes and
inflammatory bowel disease (Dinarello, et al., 1984). In these
diseases, chronic elevation of inflammation exacerbates or causes
much of the pathophysiology observed.
[0148] An important and accepted therapeutic approach for potential
drug intervention in these diseases is the reduction of
pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF (also referred to in its
secreted cell-free form as TNF-.alpha.) and IL-6. A number of
anti-cytokine therapies are currently in clinical trials. Efficacy
has been demonstrated with a monoclonal antibody directed against
TNF-.alpha. in a number of autoimmune diseases (Heath, 1997). These
include the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and
ulcerative colitis (Rankin, 1997, and Stack et al., 1997). The
monoclonal antibody is thought to function by binding to both
soluble TNF-.alpha. and to membrane bound TNF.
[0149] Traumatic brain injury triggers a cascade of events
resulting in delayed edema, necrosis and impaired function. Harmful
mediators are accumulating in the brain after injury and recently,
the role of cytokines in the pathophysiology of brain injury has
been suggested. Spatial and temporal induction of TNF-.alpha. and
IL-6 activity in rat brain after closed head injury has been
previously reported. An inhibitor of TNF-.alpha. production,
HU-211, was shown to improve the outcome of closed brain injury in
an experimental model (Shohami, et al., 1997). Atherosclerosis is
known to have an inflammatory component and cytokines such as IL-1
and TNF have been suggested to promote the disease.
[0150] The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 has been implicated with
the acute phase response. IL-6 is a growth factor in a number in
oncological diseases including multiple myeloma and related plasma
cell dyscrasias (Treon, et al., 1998). It has also been shown to be
an important mediator of inflammation within the central nervous
system. Elevated levels of IL-6 are found in several neurological
disorders including AIDS dementia complex, Alzheimer's disease,
multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, CNS trauma and
viral and bacterial meningitis (Gruol et al., 1997). IL-6 also
plays a significant role in osteoporosis. In murine models it has
been shown to effect bone resorption and to induce osteoclast
activity (Ershler et al., 1997).
[0151] WO 01/01986 discloses particular compounds alleged to having
the ability to inhibit TNF-.alpha.. WO 98/52558 discloses
heteroaryl urea compounds which are indicated to be useful in
treating cytokine mediated diseases. WO 99/23091 discloses another
class of urea compounds which are useful as anti-inflammatory
agents. WO 99/32463 relates to aryl ureas and their use in treating
cytokine diseases and proteolytic enzyme mediated disease.
[0152] The present invention shows that Stressin peptides are
useful in interfering and blocking both TNF-.alpha. and IL-6
secretion by macrophage cells in response to innate activators such
as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and CpG oligonucleotides (see Example
7). Therefore, these peptides are able to modify the
pro-inflammatory signaling pathway in immune cells. As is
demonstrated for Stressin-1 below, the peptides of the invention
play a role in down-regulating the inflammatory immune response to
stress.
[0153] The present invention further demonstrates the
anti-inflammatory properties of Stressin peptides on autoimmune
inflammatory diseases, as exemplified on experimental autoimmune
encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of human multiple
sclerosis (see Example 8).
[0154] Pharmaceutical Compositions and Therapeutic Use
[0155] In another aspect, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical
composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a
peptide of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier.
[0156] As used herein a "pharmaceutical composition" refers to a
preparation of one or more of the agents described herein, or
physiologically acceptable salts or solvents thereof, with other
chemical components such as physiologically suitable carriers and
excipients. The purpose of a pharmaceutical composition is to
facilitate administration of a compound to an organism.
[0157] The preparation of pharmaceutical compositions, which
contain peptides or polypeptides as active ingredients is well
known in the art. Typically, such compositions are prepared as
indictable, either as liquid solutions or suspensions, however,
solid forms, which can be suspended or solubilized prior to
injection, can also be prepared. The preparation can also be
emulsified. The active therapeutic ingredient is mixed with
inorganic and/or organic carriers, which are pharmaceutically
acceptable and compatible with the active ingredient. Carriers are
pharmaceutically acceptable excipients (vehicles) comprising more
or less inert substances when added to a pharmaceutical composition
to confer suitable consistency or form to the composition. Suitable
carriers are, for example, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol,
ethanol, or the like and combinations thereof. In addition, if
desired, the composition can contain minor amounts of auxiliary
substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents and pH buffering
agents, which enhance the effectiveness of the active
ingredient.
[0158] Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of the peptides described
herein can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in
cell cultures or experimental animals, e. g., by determining the
IC.sub.50 (the concentration which provides 50% inhibition) and the
LD.sub.50 (lethal dose causing death in 50% of the tested animals)
for a subject compound. The data obtained from these cell culture
assays and animal studies can be used in formulating a range of
dosage for use in human. The dosage may vary depending upon the
dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized. The
exact formulation, route of administration and dosage can be chosen
by the individual physician in view of the patient's condition.
(See e.g., Fingl et al., 1975).
[0159] The amount of active agent used in an administration
composition of the present invention is an amount effective to
accomplish the purpose of the particular active agent for the
target indication. The amount of active agent in the compositions
typically is a pharmacologically, biologically, therapeutically, or
chemically effective amount. However, the amount can be less than
that amount when the composition is used in a dosage unit form
because the dosage unit form may contain a plurality of compounds
or active agents in a single composition or may contain a divided
pharmacologically, biologically, therapeutically, or chemically
effective amount. The total effective amount can then be
administered in cumulative units containing, in total, an effective
amount of the active agent.
[0160] A therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the
invention is an amount that when administered to a patient is
capable of exerting an anti-apoptotic activity and/or an
anti-inflammatory activity. Assays for detecting the anti-apoptotic
activity of the peptide of the invention include, but are not
limited to, staining DNA with specific fluorochromes such as
propidium iodide and ethidium bromide, Annexin V assays, TUNEL
assays and the like; certain non-limitative examples of such assays
are presented in the Examples below. Assays for detecting
anti-inflammatory activity of the peptides are also well known in
the art; non-limitative examples of such methods are presented in
the Examples below.
[0161] Although an appropriate dosage of a peptide of the invention
varies depending on the administration route, age, body weight sex
or conditions of the patient, and should be determined by the
physician in the end, the dose suitable for adult humans can
generally be between about 0.2-2000 mg/kg body weight, preferably
between about 2-200 mg/kg.
[0162] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention
comprises one or more compounds of the present invention, and one
or more excipients or diluents. In one embodiment, one or more of
the compounds, or solvates, or salts of these compounds.
[0163] The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" as used herein,
refers to salts which are substantially non-toxic to living
organisms. Typical pharmaceutically acceptable salts include those
salts prepared by reaction of the compounds of the present
invention with a pharmaceutically acceptable mineral or organic
acid. Such salts are also known as acid addition salts.
[0164] The compositions comprising the compounds and active agents
have utility in the delivery of active agents to selected
biological systems and in an increased or improved bioavailability
of the active agent compared to administration of the active agent
without the delivery agent. Delivery can be improved by delivering
more active agent over a period of time, or in delivering active
agent in a particular time period (such as to effect quicker or
delayed delivery) or over a period of time (such as sustained
delivery).
[0165] Pharmaceutical compositions for use in accordance with the
present invention thus may be formulated in conventional manner
using one or more physiologically acceptable carriers comprising
excipients and auxiliaries, which facilitate processing of the
active compounds into preparations which can be used
pharmaceutically. Proper formulation is dependent upon the route of
administration chosen.
[0166] The pharmaceutical compositions can be administered locally
or systemically by any conventional and appropriate route
including, but not limited to, oral, intraperitoneal, parenteral,
intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, transdermal, intrathecal,
topical, rectal, buccal, inhalational or intranasal.
[0167] For injection, the compounds of the invention may be
formulated in aqueous solutions, preferably in physiologically
compatible buffers such as Hank's solution, Ringer's solution, or
physiological saline buffer. For transmucosal administration,
penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in
the formulation. Such penetrants for example DMSO, or polyethylene
glycol are generally known in the art.
[0168] Pharmaceutical compositions, which can be used orally,
include push-fit capsules made of gelatin as well as soft, sealed
capsules made of gelatin and a plasticizer, such as glycerol or
sorbitol. The push-fit capsules may contain the active ingredients
in admixture with filler such as lactose, binders such as starches,
lubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate and, optionally,
stabilizers.
[0169] In soft capsules, the active compounds may be dissolved or
suspended in suitable liquids, such as fatty oils, liquid paraffin,
or liquid polyethylene glycols. In addition, stabilizers may be
added. All formulations for oral administration should be in
dosages suitable for the chosen route of administration.
[0170] Alternatively, the compounds of the present invention can be
incorporated into oral liquid preparations such as aqueous or oily
suspensions, solutions, emulsions, syrups, or elixirs, for example.
Moreover, formulations containing these compounds can be presented
as a dry product for constitution with water or other suitable
vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations can contain
conventional additives, like suspending agents, such as sorbitol
syrup, methyl cellulose, glucose/sugar syrup, gelatin,
hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, aluminum stearate
gel, and hydrogenated edible fats; emulsifying agents, such as
lecithin, sorbitan monooleate, or acacia; nonaqueous vehicles
(which can include edible oils), such as almond oil, fractionated
coconut oil, oily esters, propylene glycol, and ethyl alcohol; and
preservatives, such as methyl or propyl p-hydroxybenzoate and
sorbic acid.
[0171] For administration by inhalation, the peptides for use
according to the present invention are conveniently delivered in
the form of an aerosol spray presentation from a pressurized pack
or a nebulizer with the use of a suitable propellant, e. g.,
dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane,
dichloro-tetrafluoroethane or carbon dioxide. In the case of a
pressurized aerosol, the dosage unit may be determined by providing
a valve to deliver a metered amount. Capsules and cartridges of,
e.g., gelatin for use in an inhaler or insufflator may be
formulated containing a powder mix of the peptide and a suitable
powder base such as lactose or starch.
[0172] The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are also
useful for topical and intralesional application. As used herein,
the term "topical" means "pertaining to a particular surface area",
e.g. skin and mucosa, and the topical agent applied to a certain
area of said surface will affect only the area to which it is
applied. The formulations of the peptides/peptide analogs may be
administered topically as a gel, ointment, cream, emulsion,
sustained release formulation including a transdermal patch, and
may comprise liposomes and any other pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier suitable for administration of the drug topically. The
pharmaceutical compositions herein described may also comprise
suitable solid of gel phase carriers or excipients. Examples of
such carriers or excipients include, but are not limited to,
calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars, starches,
cellulose derivatives, gelatin and polymers such as polyethylene
glycols.
[0173] In another aspect, the invention provides a method for
modulating cellular and immune stress-associated responses in a
cell of an organism comprising exposing the cell to an effective
amount of a peptide of the invention.
[0174] In other aspects, the present invention relates to methods
of treating or preventing the symptoms of inflammatory conditions
and/or degenerative diseases and disorders, comprising
administering to a patient suffering from the disease a
therapeutically effective amount of a peptide of the invention. Yet
another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of
reducing or eliminating death of normal cells attributable to
trauma or a disease comprising administering a therapeutically
effective amount of a peptide according to the invention to an
organism to inhibit stress-related protein activity.
[0175] In certain embodiments, the peptide is in the form of a
pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of said
peptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
[0176] Stress associated responses are associated with diseases and
disorders including, for example, pathological conditions such as
neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. stroke, Parkinson's, and
Alzheimer's disease), myocardial infarction, exposure to radiation
or chemotherapeutic agents, inflammation, injuries (e.g., burns and
central nervous system injuries), cell aging, hyperthermia,
seizures, hypoxias (e.g., ischemia and stroke), and in transplant
tissues and organs prior to transplanting.
[0177] These conditions also include autoimmune diseases,
characterized by a state of immunization of an individual against
at least one of the body's normal constituents. These phenomena are
observed in particular in pathologies including, but not limited to
infections associated with SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
disease), Gougerot-Sjogren syndrome (or Sjogren's disease) and
rheumatoid polyarthritis, as well as pathologies such as
sarcoidosis and osteopenia, spondylarthritis, scleroderma, multiple
sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hyperthyroidism,
Addison's disease, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, Crohn's disease,
Goddpasture's syndrome, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis,
idiopathic purpural hemorrhage, insulin-dependent diabetes,
myasthenia, pemphigus vulgaris, pernicious anemia,
poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, psoriasis and spontaneous
sterility, as well as immediate or delayed phenomena observed
during graft rejections and graft-versus host disease. In one
particular embodiment, the peptides of the invention are useful for
the treatment of multiple sclerosis, as exemplified in Example 8
herein.
[0178] The phenomenon of graft rejection is a state of immunization
of an individual against foreign constituents (bodily fluids such
as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, etc., cells, tissues, organs,
antibodies, etc.) deliberately implanted into the patient.
[0179] As used herein, the terms "degenerative disorder"
"degenerative disease" and "degenerative condition" are directed to
any disorder, disease or condition characterized by inappropriate
cell proliferation or inappropriate cell death or in some cases,
both, or aberrant or disregulated apoptosis. These conditions also
include conditions in which, although appropriate and regulated at
the level of a single cell, excessive apoptosis is associated with
organ dysfunction or failure.
[0180] In one embodiment, the peptides are useful to prevent cell
death in non-malignant tissue or cells in a subject having a
neoplastic disorder and undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation
therapy for the treatment of cancer.
[0181] The terms "inflammatory disease" and "inflammatory
condition", as used herein, mean any disease or condition in which
an excessive or unregulated inflammatory response leads to
excessive inflammatory symptoms, host tissue damage, or loss of
tissue function.
[0182] In one embodiment, the inflammatory disease or condition is
an autoimmune disease. In a particular embodiment, the autoimmune
disease is multiple sclerosis.
[0183] In another embodiment, the inflammatory disease or condition
has an etiology associated with production of at least one
pro-inflammatory cytokine selected from IL-6 and TNF-.alpha., as
discussed herein.
[0184] The following examples are to be considered merely as
illustrative and non-limiting in nature. It will be apparent to one
skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains that
many modifications, permutations, and variations may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Peptide Selection from Phage Display Libraries
[0185] The monoclonal anti-PAb-421 antibodies Idi-1 and Idi-2 were
generated and characterized as described (Herkel et al., 2004).
Briefly, BALB/c mice were immunized three times with PAb-421 and
the spleen cells of the mouse that produced the highest
anti-PAb-421 titers were fused with NSO myeloma cells. Supernatants
of the growing cells were screened by ELISA for binding to PAb-421
and to DNA. The hybridomas Idi-1 and Idi-2 were isolated and cloned
twice by limiting dilution.
[0186] Ph.D.-7 or Ph.D.-12 libraries from New England Biolabs,
Frankfurt, Germany were screened according to manufacturers
instructions. Briefly, three rounds of selection by Idi-1 or Idi-2
monoclonal antibodies were performed and consensus peptide
sequences were identified by sequencing of phage DNA. Candidate
peptides were then synthesized by Sigma-Genosis (Pampisford, UK)
and further studied in functional assays, as described
hereinbelow.
Example 2
Examining the Effect of Candidate Peptides on p53-Mediated Growth
Arrest
[0187] The selected candidate peptides were tested for their
ability to interfere with the p53-mediated cellular stress response
by testing their capacity to inhibit the response to hyperthermia
of the L12 cell line (Wolf, 1984), which lacks endogenous p53
activity and had been stably transfected with the p53 gene or a
control vector. In these cells, p53 activity induces growth arrest
and cell survival rather than apoptosis in response to hyperthermia
(Nitta, 1997).
[0188] The amount of cell death was assessed by staining the cells
with the vital dye trypan blue (Sigma) and counting the ratio of
dead/live cells per visual field with a light microscope.
[0189] Results: incubation for 2 hours at 42.degree. C. induced
death of all cells that lacked p53 and, in contrast, transient
growth arrest and survival of about 80% of the cells with active
p53. Four peptides, designated Stressin-1 to -4 (for STress
RESponse Specific peptide INhibitor), were identified that at
concentrations of 100 .mu.g/ml inhibited p53-mediated growth arrest
after hyperthermia and induced death of almost all cells with
active p53, which is the response of L12 cells that lack p53
activity (Table 1); the peptide sequences are shown in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Incidence of cell death induced by
hyperthermia in L12 cells with or without active p53 and inhibition
of the p53-dependent stress response by Stressin peptides. no
peptide Stressin 1 Stressin 2 Stressin 3 Stressin 4 L12 without p53
100% n.d. n.d. n.d. n.d. L12 with p53 20% 100% 90% 80% 80%
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Amino acid sequences of Stressin peptides
that modify the cellular response to stress. SEQ ID NO: Amino acid
sequence Name 1 LPPLPYP Stressin-1 2 DLSTDALHYRTA Stressin-2 3
HPTNQQSLWRWP Stressin-3 4 SSLSVDYPTRYP Stressin-4
Example 3
Effect of Stressin Peptides on p53-Mediated Cell Death Induced by
DNA Damage
[0190] L12 cells were treated for 48 hours with 50 .mu.M of the
DNA-damaging agent Cisplatin and p53-mediated cell death was
determined by measuring the DNA content of cells stained with
propidium iodide (FIG. 1). Cells incubated in the absence of
peptide responded to Cisplatin treatment with p53-mediated cell
death.
[0191] Results: FACS analysis shows that treatment with Stressin-1
or Stressin-2 rescued 35% or 25% of the cells, respectively, from
p53-mediated cell death.
Example 4
Effect of Stressin Peptides on p53-Mediated Cell Death in
Non-Transformed Cells
[0192] Mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF) were treated with cisplatin
(80 .mu.M) in the presence or absence of Stressin-1 peptide as
described in Example 3, and cell death was assessed by
incorporation of the vital dye Neutral red (Sigma, Taufkirchen,
Germany), O.D. at 540 nm was read in an ELISA reader.
[0193] The percent of viable cells is presented in FIG. 2A;
viability was calculated by the equation:
[0194] Cell viability=sample OD.sub.540.times.100/OD.sub.540 of
untreated cells.
[0195] Micrographs of the treated cells are presented in FIG.
2B.
[0196] FIG. 2 shows that Stressin-1 inhibited cell death of MEF
cells induced by 80 .mu.M Cisplatin in a dose-dependent way with
maximal efficiency at a concentration of 50 .mu.M.
Example 5
Effect of Stressin Peptides on Cell Death Induced by Toxic
Stress
[0197] To learn whether Stressin peptide may protect from toxic
stress, primary hepatocyte cultures were incubated with or without
ethanol at a concentration of 0.6%, and with 50 .mu.M Stressin-1 or
without peptide. After 48 hours, the numbers of dead and alive
cells were determined by trypan blue exclusion (Table 3).
[0198] Results: All hepatocytes exposed to ethanol died in the
absence of Stressin-1; in contrast,
[0199] Stressin-1 rescued 20% hepatocytes from ethanol-induced cell
death.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Survival of hepatocytes exposed to a lethal
dose of ethanol is promoted by Stressin-1 peptide. Untreated
Stressin-1 Hepatocytes without ethanol 100% 100% Hepatocytes with
0.6% ethanol 0% 20%
Example 6
Effect of Stressin Peptides on Mice Subjected to
.gamma.-Irradiation
[0200] BALB/c mice were subjected to whole body .gamma.-irradiation
(6.5 Gy). One hour after irradiation, the mice received
intraperitoneally either Stressin-1 (n=7; SEQ ID NO:1) or a
modified, retro-inverso Stressin-1 peptide (n=7; SEQ ID NO:5), both
at a concentration of 500 .mu.g/mouse, or a sham injection with
saline (n=6). The retro-inverso peptide was used to determine
whether prolonged in vivo-half-life would give an advantage.
[0201] Results: After 17 days, 66% of the sham-treated group were
dead; in contrast, none of the mice treated with the Stressin-1
peptide and only 29% of the mice treated with the modified
Stressin-1 peptide were dead. After 40 days only 33% in the sham
group recovered from radiation disease; in contrast, 57% and 86% of
the mice treated with the modified or the unmodified Stressin-1
peptide recovered from radiation disease (FIG. 3).
Example 7
Effect of Stressin Peptides on LPS- and CpG-Induced Cytokine
Secretion
[0202] To learn whether Stressin peptides may modify the
inflammatory response to stress signals, the response of RAW 264.7
macrophage line cells to pro-inflammatory microbial signals,
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and CpG oligonucleotides, was studied. The
cells were incubated with LPS or CpG oligonucleotides in the
presence or absence of Stressin-1 (50 .mu.M). After 6 hours, the
amounts of secreted TNF-.alpha. (FIG. 4) or Interleukin-6 (FIG. 5)
in culture supernatant, as a measure for macrophage activation,
were determined by specific ELISA reagents and anti-TNF-.alpha. and
anti-IL-6 antibodies (R&D Systems, Wiesbaden, Germany).
[0203] Results: Stressin-1 inhibited macrophage activation and
secretion of TNF-.alpha. and Interleukin-6 induced by both LPS and
CpG oligonucleotides.
Example 8
Stressin-1 Protects Mice from Experimental Autoimmune Disease
(EAE)
[0204] MBP Acl-9-specific T cell receptor-transgenic Tg4 mice (Liu
et al., 1995) were immunized subcutaneously with 200 .mu.g of
modified (Y at position 4) Act-9 peptide in complete Freund's
Adjuvant followed by intraperitoneal administration of 200 ng of
Pertussis toxin the next day. At one hour after MBP immunization
one group of mice (n=4) received 100.mu.l of PBS intraperitoneally
and another group of mice (n=6) received 500 .mu.g Stressin-1
peptide in 100 .mu.l PBS intraperitoneally. The mice were then
tested for the development of experimental autoimmune
encephalomyelitis by assessment of the clinical EAE score. As can
be seen in FIG. 6, Stressin-1 protects mice from EAE.
Example 9
Sequencing of Idi-1 and Idi-2 Variable Regions
[0205] Total RNA was extracted from Idi-1 and Idi-2 hybridomas
using TriReagent (Molecular Research Center, INC.), and the RNA was
used as a template for cDNA synthesis using SuperScript Reverse
Transcriptase (Invitrogen, Karlsruhe, Germany). PCR amplification
of the heavy and light chain variable regions were performed using
primers specific for the respective flanking constant region: 5'
CGGGAATTCCCCAGGTGCAGCTGCAGCAGTCTGG SEQ ID NO:25 and 3'
GCGGGCCCTCGAGTCTATGTACATATGCAAGGCTTACAACC SEQ ID NO:26 for the
heavy chain; 5' CGCGCAAGCTTGATATTGTGATAACCCAGGATGA SEQ ID NO:27 and
3' GATGGTGGGAAGATG SEQ ID NO:28 for the light chain. PCR products
were purified and sequenced using the same primers.
[0206] The variable regions of Idi-1 (Idi-1 V.sub.L--SEQ ID NO:9;
Idi-1 V.sub.H--SEQ ID NO:10), Idi-2 (Idi-2 V.sub.L--SEQ ID NO:11;
Idi-2 V.sub.H--SEQ ID NO:12) and PAb-421 are presented in FIG. 7.
The CDR sequences of Idi-1 and Idi-2 are indicated in FIG. 7 and
listed, along with their corresponding SEQ ID NOS, in Table 4
below:
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 CDR sequences of Idi-1 and Idi-2 SEQ ID NO:
Description Amino acid sequence 13 Idi-1 V.sub.L CDR1
RQSLLYKNGKTYLN 14 Idi-1 V.sub.L CDR2 LMSIRAS 15 Idi-1 V.sub.L CDR3
QQLVEYPYT 16 Idi-1 V.sub.H CDR1 KASGYIFTSYWIN 17 Idi-1 V.sub.H CDR2
NISPADSSTNYN 18 Idi-1 V.sub.H CDR3 EEVRRRRDMDF 19 Idi-2 V.sub.L
CDR1 QASESVSFAGTSLMH 20 Idi-2 V.sub.L CDR2 RASKLES 21 Idi-2 V.sub.L
CDR3 MQSMEDPYT 22 Idi-2 V.sub.H CDR1 KASGYSFTGYTIN 23 Idi-2 V.sub.H
CDR2 LINPYNGGTCYN 24 Idi-2 V.sub.H CDR3 RVWLRRDGFYYAMDY
[0207] While the present invention has been particularly described,
persons skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and
modifications can be made. Therefore, the invention is not to be
construed as restricted to the particularly described embodiments,
rather the scope, spirit and concept of the invention will be more
readily understood by reference to the claims which follow.
Sequence CWU 1
1
2817PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 1Leu Pro Pro Leu Pro Tyr Pro 1 5
212PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 2Asp Leu Ser Thr Asp Ala Leu His
Tyr Arg Thr Ala 1 5 10 312PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 3His Pro
Thr Asn Gln Gln Ser Leu Trp Arg Trp Pro 1 5 10
412PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 4Ser Ser Leu Ser Val Asp Tyr Pro
Thr Arg Tyr Pro 1 5 10 57PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 5Pro Tyr
Pro Leu Pro Pro Leu 1 5 612PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 6Ala Thr
Arg Tyr His Leu Ala Asp Thr Ser Leu Asp 1 5 10
712PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 7Pro Trp Arg Trp Leu Ser Gln Gln
Asn Thr Pro His 1 5 10 812PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 8Pro Tyr
Arg Thr Pro Tyr Asp Val Ser Leu Ser Ser 1 5 10
9107PRTArtificialsynthetic peptide 9Asp Ile Val Ile Thr Gln Asp Glu
Leu Ser Asn Pro Val Thr Ser Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Ser Val Ser Ile Ser
Cys Arg Gln Ser Leu Leu Tyr Lys Asn Gly 20 25 30 Lys Thr Tyr Leu
Asn Trp Phe Leu Gln Arg Pro Gly Gln Ser Pro Gln 35 40 45 Leu Leu
Ile Tyr Leu Met Ser Ile Arg Ala Ser Gly Val Ser Asp Arg 50 55 60
Phe Ser Gly Asn Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Glu Ile Ser Arg 65
70 75 80 Val Arg Ala Glu Asp Val Gly Val Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Leu
Val Glu 85 90 95 Tyr Pro Tyr Thr Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys Leu 100
105 10108PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 10Asn Ile Val Met Thr Gln
Ser Pro Ala Ser Leu Ala Val Ser Leu Gly 1 5 10 15 Gln Arg Ala Thr
Ile Ser Cys Gln Ala Ser Glu Ser Val Ser Phe Ala 20 25 30 Gly Thr
Ser Leu Met His Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln Pro Pro 35 40 45
Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Arg Ala Ser Lys Leu Glu Ser Gly Val Pro Ala 50
55 60 Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Glu Ser Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile
Asp 65 70 75 80 Pro Val Glu Glu Asp Asp Ala Ala Met Tyr Tyr Cys Met
Gln Ser Met 85 90 95 Glu Asp Pro Tyr Thr Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys
Leu 100 105 11116PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 11Gln Val Gln Leu
Gln Gln Ser Gly Ala Glu Leu Val Arg Pro Gly Ala 1 5 10 15 Ser Val
Lys Leu Ser Cys Lys Ala Ser Gly Tyr Ile Phe Thr Ser Tyr 20 25 30
Trp Ile Asn Trp Val Arg Gln Arg Pro Gly Gln Gly Leu Glu Trp Ile 35
40 45 Gly Asn Ile Ser Pro Ala Asp Ser Ser Thr Asn Tyr Asn Gln Lys
Phe 50 55 60 Lys Asp Lys Ala Thr Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Ser Thr
Thr Ala Tyr 65 70 75 80 Met Gln Leu Ser Arg Pro Thr Phe Glu Asp Ser
Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Glu Glu Val Arg Arg Arg Arg
Asp Met Asp Phe Trp Gly Gln 100 105 110 Gly Thr Ser Val 115
12120PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 12Gln Val Gln Leu Gln Gln Ser
Gly Pro Glu Leu Val Lys Pro Gly Ala 1 5 10 15 Ser Met Lys Ile Ser
Cys Lys Ala Ser Gly Tyr Ser Phe Thr Gly Tyr 20 25 30 Thr Ile Asn
Trp Val Lys Gln Ser His Gly Lys Asn Leu Glu Trp Ile 35 40 45 Gly
Leu Ile Asn Pro Tyr Asn Gly Gly Thr Cys Tyr Asn Pro Lys Phe 50 55
60 Lys Gly Lys Ala Thr Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Ser Ser Thr Ala Tyr
65 70 75 80 Met Glu Leu Leu Ser Leu Thr Ser Glu Asp Ser Ala Val Tyr
Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Arg Val Trp Leu Arg Arg Asp Gly Phe Tyr
Tyr Ala Met Asp 100 105 110 Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Ser Val 115 120
1314PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 13Arg Gln Ser Leu Leu Tyr Lys
Asn Gly Lys Thr Tyr Leu Asn 1 5 10 147PRTArtificialSynthetic
peptide 14Leu Met Ser Ile Arg Ala Ser 1 5 159PRTArtificialSynthetic
peptide 15Gln Gln Leu Val Glu Tyr Pro Tyr Thr 1 5
1613PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 16Lys Ala Ser Gly Tyr Ile Phe
Thr Ser Tyr Trp Ile Asn 1 5 10 1712PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide
17Asn Ile Ser Pro Ala Asp Ser Ser Thr Asn Tyr Asn 1 5 10
1811PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 18Glu Glu Val Arg Arg Arg Arg
Asp Met Asp Phe 1 5 10 1915PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 19Gln Ala
Ser Glu Ser Val Ser Phe Ala Gly Thr Ser Leu Met His 1 5 10 15
207PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 20Arg Ala Ser Lys Leu Glu Ser 1 5
219PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 21Met Gln Ser Met Glu Asp Pro Tyr
Thr 1 5 2213PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 22Lys Ala Ser Gly Tyr
Ser Phe Thr Gly Tyr Thr Ile Asn 1 5 10 2312PRTArtificialSynthetic
peptide 23Leu Ile Asn Pro Tyr Asn Gly Gly Thr Cys Tyr Asn 1 5 10
2415PRTArtificialSynthetic peptide 24Arg Val Trp Leu Arg Arg Asp
Gly Phe Tyr Tyr Ala Met Asp Tyr 1 5 10 15
2534DNAArtificialSynthetic oligonucleotide 25cgggaattcc ccaggtgcag
ctgcagcagt ctgg 342641DNAArtificialSynthetic oligonucleotide
26gcgggccctc gagtctatgt acatatgcaa ggcttacaac c
412734DNAArtificialSynthetic oligonucleotide 27cgcgcaagct
tgatattgtg ataacccagg atga 342815DNAArtificialSynthetic
oligonucleotide 28gatggtggga agatg 15
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