U.S. patent application number 14/828072 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-03 for viral inactivation during purification of antibodies.
The applicant listed for this patent is AbbVie Inc.. Invention is credited to Ivan R. Correia, Robert K. Hickman.
Application Number | 20150344564 14/828072 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41832791 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150344564 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hickman; Robert K. ; et
al. |
December 3, 2015 |
Viral Inactivation During Purification of Antibodies
Abstract
Described herein are methods for isolating and purifying
antibodies from a sample matrix. One aspect of the present
disclosure is directed to viral reduction/inactivation of samples
generated in the various steps of antibody purification. In a
particular aspect, methods herein employ an acidification step
followed by one or more chromatography steps. The chromatography
steps can include one or more of the following chromatographic
procedures: ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography,
and hydrophobic interaction chromatography.
Inventors: |
Hickman; Robert K.;
(Winchester, MA) ; Correia; Ivan R.; (Worcester,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AbbVie Inc. |
North Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
41832791 |
Appl. No.: |
14/828072 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12582556 |
Oct 20, 2009 |
9109010 |
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14828072 |
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61196754 |
Oct 20, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
530/388.15 ;
530/389.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 29/00 20180101;
C07K 16/00 20130101; A61P 37/06 20180101; C07K 16/244 20130101;
A61P 17/06 20180101; C07K 1/16 20130101; A61P 3/10 20180101; A61P
37/00 20180101; A61P 25/00 20180101; C07K 2317/92 20130101; C07K
2317/10 20130101; C07K 16/241 20130101; A61P 19/02 20180101; C07K
1/14 20130101; B01D 15/3809 20130101; C07K 2317/21 20130101; A61P
43/00 20180101; B01D 15/362 20130101; C07K 2317/94 20130101; C07K
1/36 20130101; B01D 15/363 20130101; B01D 15/361 20130101; A61P
1/04 20180101; C07K 2317/14 20130101; C07K 1/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C07K 16/24 20060101
C07K016/24; B01D 15/38 20060101 B01D015/38; C07K 1/36 20060101
C07K001/36; B01D 15/36 20060101 B01D015/36 |
Claims
1. A method for producing a host cell-protein (HCP) reduced
antibody preparation from a sample mixture comprising an antibody,
an HCP and a viral particle obtained from a fermentation harvest of
Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells expressing the antibody, wherein
said preparation comprises a decreased number of viral particles or
decreased viral activity in comparison to the sample mixture, said
method comprising: subjecting said sample mixture to protein A
affinity chromatography and eluting the antibody bound to protein A
at a pH of 3 to 4, wherein the pH of the sample mixture or the
eluted antibody is reduced to pH 3 to 4 for 0.5 to 2 hours; and
further applying the processed sample mixture to an ion exchange
chromatography step, a hydrophobic interaction chromatography step,
or a combination thereof.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said reduction in pH is
accomplished by admixing a suitable acid with said sample mixture,
and wherein said suitable acid is selected from the group
consisting of citric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, and
caprylic acid.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said ion exchange resin is either
an anion exchange resin or a cation exchange resin.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein said ion exchange resin is a
cation exchange resin.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said cation exchange resin
comprises a substituted matrix wherein the substituents are
selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl, sulfoethyl,
sulfopropyl, SO.sub.3.sup.-, phosphate, and sulfonate.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein said substituent is
SO.sub.3.sup.-.
7. The method of claim 3, wherein said ion exchange resin is an
anion exchange resin.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein said anion exchange resin
comprises a substituted matrix wherein the substituents are
selected from the group consisting of diethylaminoethyl, quaternary
aminoethyl, and quaternary amine groups.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said substituent is a quaternary
amine.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said ion exchange step comprises
a first ion exchange step and a second ion exchange step.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said first ion exchange step is
a cation exchange step followed by a second anion exchange
step.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising an intermediate
step, wherein said intermediate step is a filtration step occurring
between said first and said second ion exchange step.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said filtration step is
accomplished by capture ultrafiltration/diafiltration.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein said HIC chromatography
comprises a resin comprising a substituted matrix wherein the
substituents consist of one or more hydrophobic groups.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said one or more hydrophobic
groups are selected from the group consisting of alkyl-groups,
aryl-groups, and a combination thereof.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein said substituents are selected
from the group consisting of phenyl, 3-octoxypropane-1,2-diol,
ether, propyl, methyl, phenyl and butyl groups.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said resin comprises an agarose
matrix comprising phenyl substituents.
18. The method of claim 1, further comprising a filtration step to
remove viral particles and to facilitate buffer exchange.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein said preparation is
substantially free of HCPs.
20. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the
residual amount of protein A level produced according to said
method.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein said antibody is adalimumab.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein said adalimumab is
pharmaceutical grade.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/196,754, filed Oct. 20, 2008, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The purification processes for pharmaceutical grade
monoclonal antibodies produced by fermentation culture typically
involve four basic steps. These steps include (1)
harvest/clarification--separation of host cells from the
fermentation culture; (2) capture--separation of antibody from the
majority of components in the clarified harvest; (3) fine
purification--removal of residual host cell contaminants and
aggregates; and (4) formulation--place the antibody into an
appropriate carrier for maximum stability and shelf life.
[0003] However, often these steps do not necessarily address
possible viral contamination. There is a present need for methods
of producing and purifying an antibody of interest suitable for
clinical use that includes reduction and/or inactivation of
contaminating harmful viruses. The present invention addresses this
need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed to methods for isolating
and purifying antibodies from a sample matrix. One aspect of the
invention is directed to viral inactivation of samples generated in
the various steps of antibody purification. In a particular aspect,
methods herein employ an acid inactivation step followed by one or
more chromatography steps. The chromatography steps can include one
or more of the following chromatographic procedures: ion exchange
chromatography, affinity chromatography, and hydrophobic
interaction chromatography. Further, the present invention is
directed toward pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more
antibodies purified by a method described herein.
[0005] One embodiment or the present invention is directed toward a
method of purifying an antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof
from a sample matrix such that the resulting antibody composition
is substantially free of host cell proteins ("HCPs"). In one
aspect, the sample matrix (or simply "sample") comprises a cell
line harvest wherein the cell line is employed to produce specific
antibodies of the present invention. In a particular aspect, the
sample matrix is prepared from a cell line used to produce
anti-IL-12 antibodies; in another aspect, the sample matrix is
prepared from a cell line used to produce anti-TNF.alpha.
antibodies; and in another aspect the sample matrix is prepared
from a cell line used to produce anti-IL-18 antibodies.
[0006] One method of the present invention involves subjecting a
sample matrix comprising the putative antibody of interest or
antigen-binding portion thereof to a pH adjustment. In one aspect,
the pH is adjusted to an acidic pH. An example of a suitable pH is
between about 3 and about 5, preferably about 3.5. This primary
recovery is performed, in part, to reduce or inactivate
pH-sensitive viruses. In addition to reducing and/or inactivating
viruses, the acidic conditions facilitate the removal of cells and
cellular debris thus forming a primary recovery sample. After a
suitable period of time, the pH can be adjusted toward a more
neutral or basic pH and in certain embodiments the sample will be
subjected to one or more chromatographic steps, including, but not
limited to affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography,
and hydrophobic interaction chromatography.
[0007] In one embodiment, the affinity chromatography step
comprises subjecting the primary recovery sample to a column
comprising a suitable affinity chromatographic support.
Non-limiting examples of such chromatographic supports include, but
are not limited to Protein A resin, Protein G resin, affinity
supports comprising the antigen against which the antibody of
interest was raised, and affinity supports comprising an Fc binding
protein. Protein A resin is useful for affinity purification and
isolation of antibodies (IgG). In one aspect, a Protein A column is
equilibrated with a suitable buffer prior to sample loading. An
example of a suitable buffer is a Tris/NaCl buffer, pH around 7.2.
Following this equilibration, the sample can be loaded onto the
column. Following the loading of the column, the column can be
washed one or multiple times using, e.g., the equilibrating buffer.
Other washes including washes employing different buffers can be
used before eluting the column. The Protein A column can then be
eluted using an appropriate elution buffer. An example of a
suitable elution buffer is an acetic acid/NaCl buffer, pH around
3.5. The eluate can be monitored using techniques well known to
those skilled in the art. For example, the absorbance at OD.sub.280
can be followed. The eluated fraction(s) of interest can then be
prepared for further processing
[0008] In certain embodiments, the sample is subjected to one or
more additional chromatographic procedures. In one aspect, the
primary recovery sample is subjected to ion exchange
chromatography. In this embodiment, the ion exchange step can be
either cation or anion exchange chromatography or a combination of
both. This step can include multiple ion exchange steps such as a
cation exchange step followed by an anion exchange step or visa
versa. In one aspect, the ion exchange step involves a two step ion
exchange process. In a particular aspect, a first cation exchange
step is followed by a second anion exchange step. A suitable cation
exchange column is a column whose stationary phase comprises
anionic groups. An example of such a column is a Fractogel
SO.sub.3.sup.- column. This ion exchange capture chromatography
step facilitates the isolation of the antibody of interest from the
primary recovery sample. A suitable anion exchange column is a
column whose stationary phase comprises cationic groups. An example
of such a column is a Q Sepharose.TM. column. One or more ion
exchange step further isolates antibodies by reducing impurities
such as host cell proteins and DNA and, where applicable, affinity
matrix protein. This anion exchange procedure is a flow-through
mode of chromatography (in contrast to the cation exchange
procedure) wherein the antibodies do not interact or bind to the
anion exchange resin (or solid phase). However, many impurities do
interact with and bind to the anion exchange resin.
[0009] In another embodiment, the ion exchange sample is subjected
to further chromatography. In one aspect, this step involves the
use of hydrophobic interactive chromatography ("HIC"). A suitable
column is one whose stationary phase comprises hydrophobic groups.
An example of such a column is a phenyl Sepharose.TM. column. It is
possible that the antibodies have formed aggregates during the
isolation/purification process. This hydrophobic chromatographic
step facilitates the elimination of these aggregations. It also
assists in the removal of impurities. The procedure uses a high
salt buffer which promotes interaction of the antibodies (or
aggregations thereof) with the hydrophobic column. The column is
eluted using lower concentrations of salt.
[0010] In one embodiment, a first and second ion exchange step is
performed following primary recovery. In this embodiment, the ion
exchange sample is subjected to an intermediate filtration step. In
one aspect, this filtrations step comprises capture
ultrafiltration/diafiltration ("UF/DF"). This filtration step
facilitates, e.g., the concentration of antibodies and
antigen-binding portions thereof.
[0011] In another embodiment, the HIC eluate is filtered using a
viral removal filter such as an Ultipor DV50.TM. filter. This
procedure separates viral particles from the phenyl eluate to
reduce the amount of virus (if present) to safe levels. Filters
well known to those skilled in the art can be used in this
embodiment.
[0012] The purity of the monoclonal antibodies in the resultant
sample product can be analyzed using methods well known to those
skilled in the art, e.g., western blot analysis.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed to one
or more pharmaceutical compositions comprising an isolated
monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof and an
acceptable carrier. In another aspect, the compositions further
comprise one or more pharmaceutical agents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 discloses the heavy and light chain variable region
sequences of a non-limiting example of an anti-IL-12 antibody
(ABT-847).
[0015] FIG. 2 discloses the heavy and light chain sequences of a
non-limiting example of an anti-IL-18 antibody (ABT-325).
[0016] FIG. 3 discloses the heavy and light chain sequences of a
non-limiting example of an anti-TNF.alpha. antibody
(Adalimumab).
[0017] FIG. 4 depicts a non-limiting flow diagram of a purification
scheme of the instant invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a photograph of a polyacrylamide electrophoresis
gel indicating that the antibody molecule to be purified remains in
solution upon lowering the pH of the clarified culture medium.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention is directed to methods for isolating
and purifying antibodies from a sample matrix. One aspect of the
invention is directed to viral inactivation of samples generated in
the various steps of antibody purification. In a particular aspect,
methods herein employ an acid inactivation step followed by one or
more chromatography steps. The chromatography steps can include one
or more of the following chromatographic procedures: ion exchange
chromatography, affinity chromatography, and hydrophobic
interaction chromatography. Further, the present invention is
directed toward pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more
antibodies purified by a method described herein.
[0020] For clarity and not by way of limitation, this detailed
description is divided into the following sub-portions: [0021] 1.
Definitions; [0022] 2. Antibody Generation; [0023] 3. Antibody
Production; [0024] 4. Antibody Purification; [0025] 5. Methods of
Assaying Sample Purity; [0026] 6. Further Modifications; [0027] 7.
Pharmaceutical Compositions; and [0028] 8. Antibody Uses.
1. Definitions
[0029] In order that the present invention may be more readily
understood, certain terms are first defined.
[0030] The term "antibody" includes an immunoglobulin molecule
comprised of four polypeptide chains, two heavy (H) chains and two
light (L) chains inter-connected by disulfide bonds. Each heavy
chain is comprised of a heavy chain variable region (abbreviated
herein as HCVR or VH) and a heavy chain constant region (CH). The
heavy chain constant region is comprised of three domains, CH1, CH2
and CH3. Each light chain is comprised of a light chain variable
region (abbreviated herein as LCVR or VL) and a light chain
constant region. The light chain constant region is comprised of
one domain, CL. The VH and VL regions can be further subdivided
into regions of hypervariability, termed complementarity
determining regions (CDRs), interspersed with regions that are more
conserved, termed framework regions (FR). Each VH and VL is
composed of three CDRs and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus
to carboxy-terminus in the following order: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2,
FR3, CDR3, FR4.
[0031] The term "antigen-binding portion" of an antibody (or
"antibody portion") includes fragments of an antibody that retain
the ability to specifically bind to an antigen (e.g., hIL-12,
hTNF.alpha., or hIL-18). It has been shown that the antigen-binding
function of an antibody can be performed by fragments of a
full-length antibody. Examples of binding fragments encompassed
within the term "antigen-binding portion" of an antibody include
(i) a Fab fragment, a monovalent fragment comprising the VL, VH, CL
and CH1 domains; (ii) a F(ab')2 fragment, a bivalent fragment
comprising two Fab fragments linked by a disulfide bridge at the
hinge region; (iii) a Fd fragment comprising the VH and CH1
domains; (iv) a Fv fragment comprising the VL and VH domains of a
single arm of an antibody, (v) a dAb fragment (Ward et al., (1989)
Nature 341:544-546, the entire teaching of which is incorporated
herein by reference), which comprises a VH domain; and (vi) an
isolated complementarity determining region (CDR). Furthermore,
although the two domains of the Fv fragment, VL and VH, are coded
for by separate genes, they can be joined, using recombinant
methods, by a synthetic linker that enables them to be made as a
single protein chain in which the VL and VH regions pair to form
monovalent molecules (known as single chain Fv (scFv); see, e.g.,
Bird et al. (1988) Science 242:423-426; and Huston et al. (1988)
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883, the entire teachings of
which are incorporated herein by reference). Such single chain
antibodies are also intended to be encompassed within the term
"antigen-binding portion" of an antibody. Other forms of single
chain antibodies, such as diabodies are also encompassed. Diabodies
are bivalent, bispecific antibodies in which VH and VL domains are
expressed on a single polypeptide chain, but using a linker that is
too short to allow for pairing between the two domains on the same
chain, thereby forcing the domains to pair with complementary
domains of another chain and creating two antigen binding sites
(see, e.g., Holliger, P., et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
90:6444-6448; Poljak, R. J., et al. (1994) Structure 2:1121-1123,
the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by
reference). Still further, an antibody or antigen-binding portion
thereof may be part of a larger immunoadhesion molecule, formed by
covalent or non-covalent association of the antibody or antibody
portion with one or more other proteins or peptides. Examples of
such immunoadhesion molecules include use of the streptavidin core
region to make a tetrameric scFv molecule (Kipriyanov, S. M., et
al. (1995) Human Antibodies and Hybridomas 6:93-101, the entire
teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference) and use of a
cysteine residue, a marker peptide and a C-terminal polyhistidine
tag to make bivalent and biotinylated scFv molecules (Kipriyanov,
S. M., et al. (1994) Mol. Immunol. 31:1047-1058, the entire
teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference). Antibody
portions, such as Fab and F(ab')2 fragments, can be prepared from
whole antibodies using conventional techniques, such as papain or
pepsin digestion, respectively, of whole antibodies. Moreover,
antibodies, antibody portions and immunoadhesion molecules can be
obtained using standard recombinant DNA techniques, as described
herein. In one aspect, the antigen binding portions are complete
domains or pairs of complete domains.
[0032] The phrase "human interleukin 12" (abbreviated herein as
hIL-12, or IL-12), as used herein, includes a human cytokine that
is secreted primarily by macrophages and dendritic cells. The term
includes a heterodimeric protein comprising a 35 kD subunit (p35)
and a 40 kD subunit (p40) which are linked together with a
disulfide bridge. The heterodimeric protein is referred to as a
"p70 subunit". The structure of human IL-12 is described further
in, e.g., Kobayashi, et al. (1989) J. Exp Med. 170:827-845; Seder,
et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 90:10188-10192; Ling, et al.
(1995) J. Exp Med. 154:116-127; Podlaski, et al. (1992) Arch.
Biochem. Biophys. 294:230-237, the entire teachings of which are
incorporated herein by reference. The nucleic acid encoding IL-12
is available as GenBank Accession No. NM.sub.--000882 and the
polypeptide sequence is available as GenBank Accession No.
NP.sub.--000873.2. The term human IL-12 is intended to include
recombinant human IL-12 (rh IL-12), which can be prepared by
standard recombinant expression methods.
[0033] The phrase "human interleukin 18" (abbreviated herein as
hIL-18, or IL-18), as used herein, includes a human cytokine that
is initially synthesized as biologically inactive 193 amino acid
precursor protein as well as the 156 amino acid mature protein
produced by, for example, but not by way of limitation, cleavage of
the precursor protein, e.g., by caspase-1 or caspase-4, which
exhibits biological activities that include the co-stimulation of T
cell proliferation, the enhancement of NK cell cytotoxicity, the
induction of IFN-.gamma. production by T cells and NK cells, and
the potentiation of T helper type 1 (Th1) differentiation. The
nucleic acid encoding IL-18 is available as GenBank Accession No.
NM.sub.--001562 and the polypeptide sequence is available as
GenBank Accession No. NP.sub.--001553. The term human IL-18 is
intended to include recombinant human IL-18 (rh IL-18), which can
be prepared by standard recombinant expression methods.
[0034] The phrase "human Tumor necrosis factor-.alpha."
(abbreviated herein as hTNF.alpha. or TNF.alpha.) is a
multifunctional pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted predominantly by
monocytes/macrophages that has effects on lipid metabolism,
coagulation, insulin resistance, and endothelial function.
TNF.alpha. is a soluble homotrimer of 17 kD protein subunits. A
membrane-bound 26 kD precursor form of TNF.alpha. also exists. It
is found in synovial cells and macrophages in tissues. Cells other
than monocytes or macrophages also produce TNF.alpha.. For example,
human non-monocytic tumor cell lines produce TNF.alpha. as well as
CD4+ and CD8+ peripheral blood T lymphocytes and some cultured T
and B cell lines produce TNF.alpha.. The nucleic acid encoding
TNF.alpha. is available as GenBank Accession No. X02910 and the
polypeptide sequence is available as GenBank Accession No.
CAA26669. The term human TNF.alpha. is intended to include
recombinant human TNF.alpha. (rh TNF.alpha.), which can be prepared
by standard recombinant expression methods.
[0035] The terms "Kabat numbering", "Kabat definitions" and "Kabat
labeling" are used interchangeably herein. These terms, which are
recognized in the art, refer to a system of numbering amino acid
residues which are more variable (i.e., hypervariable) than other
amino acid residues in the heavy and light chain variable regions
of an antibody, or an antigen binding portion thereof (Kabat et al.
(1971) Ann. NY Acad, Sci. 190:382-391 and, Kabat, E. A., et al.
(1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth
Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH
Publication No. 91-3242, the entire teachings of which are
incorporated herein by reference). For the heavy chain variable
region, the hypervariable region ranges from amino acid positions
31 to 35 for CDR1, amino acid positions 50 to 65 for CDR2, and
amino acid positions 95 to 102 for CDR3. For the light chain
variable region, the hypervariable region ranges from amino acid
positions 24 to 34 for CDR1, amino acid positions 50 to 56 for
CDR2, and amino acid positions 89 to 97 for CDR3.
[0036] The term "human antibody" includes antibodies having
variable and constant regions corresponding to human germline
immunoglobulin sequences as described by Kabat et al. (See Kabat,
et al. (1991) Sequences of proteins of Immunological Interest,
Fifth Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH
Publication No. 91-3242). The human antibodies of the invention may
include amino acid residues not encoded by human germline
immunoglobulin sequences (e.g., mutations introduced by random or
site-specific mutagenesis in vitro or by somatic mutation in vivo),
e.g., in the CDRs and in particular CDR3. The mutations can be
introduced using the "selective mutagenesis approach." The human
antibody can have at least one position replaced with an amino acid
residue, e.g., an activity enhancing amino acid residue which is
not encoded by the human germline immunoglobulin sequence. The
human antibody can have up to twenty positions replaced with amino
acid residues which are not part of the human germline
immunoglobulin sequence. In other embodiments, up to ten, up to
five, up to three or up to two positions are replaced. In one
embodiment, these replacements are within the CDR regions. However,
the term "human antibody", as used herein, is not intended to
include antibodies in which CDR sequences derived from the germline
of another mammalian species, such as a mouse, have been grafted
onto human framework sequences.
[0037] The phrase "selective mutagenesis approach" includes a
method of improving the activity of an antibody by selecting and
individually mutating CDR amino acids at least one suitable
selective mutagenesis position, hypermutation, and/or contact
position. A "selectively mutated" human antibody is an antibody
which comprises a mutation at a position selected using a selective
mutagenesis approach. In another aspect, the selective mutagenesis
approach is intended to provide a method of preferentially mutating
selected individual amino acid residues in the CDR1, CDR2 or CDR3
of the heavy chain variable region (hereinafter H1, H2, and H3,
respectively), or the CDR1, CDR2 or CDR3 of the light chain
variable region (hereinafter referred to as L1, L2, and L3,
respectively) of an antibody. Amino acid residues may be selected
from selective mutagenesis positions, contact positions, or
hypermutation positions. Individual amino acids are selected based
on their position in the light or heavy chain variable region. It
should be understood that a hypermutation position can also be a
contact position. In one aspect, the selective mutagenesis approach
is a "targeted approach". The language "targeted approach" is
intended to include a method of mutating selected individual amino
acid residues in the CDR1, CDR2 or CDR3 of the heavy chain variable
region or the CDR1, CDR2 or CDR3 of the light chain variable region
of an antibody in a targeted manner, e.g., a "Group-wise targeted
approach" or "CDR-wise targeted approach". In the "Group-wise
targeted approach", individual amino acid residues in particular
groups are targeted for selective mutations including groups I
(including L3 and H3), II (including H2 and L1) and III (including
L2 and H1), the groups being listed in order of preference for
targeting. In the "CDR-wise targeted approach", individual amino
acid residues in particular CDRs are targeted for selective
mutations with the order of preference for targeting as follows:
H3, L3, H2, L1, H1 and L2. The selected amino acid residue is
mutated, e.g., to at least two other amino acid residues, and the
effect of the mutation on the activity of the antibody is
determined. Activity is measured as a change in the binding
specificity/affinity of the antibody, and/or neutralization potency
of the antibody. It should be understood that the selective
mutagenesis approach can be used for the optimization of any
antibody derived from any source including phage display,
transgenic animals with human IgG germline genes, human antibodies
isolated from human B-cells. The selective mutagenesis approach can
be used on antibodies which can not be optimized further using
phage display technology. It should be understood that antibodies
from any source including phage display, transgenic animals with
human IgG germline genes, human antibodies isolated from human
B-cells can be subject to back-mutation prior to or after the
selective mutagenesis approach.
[0038] The phrase "recombinant human antibody" includes human
antibodies that are prepared, expressed, created or isolated by
recombinant means, such as antibodies expressed using a recombinant
expression vector transfected into a host cell, antibodies isolated
from a recombinant, combinatorial human antibody library,
antibodies isolated from an animal (e.g., a mouse) that is
transgenic for human immunoglobulin genes (see, e.g., Taylor, L.
D., et al. (1992) Nucl. Acids Res. 20:6287-6295, the entire
teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference) or
antibodies prepared, expressed, created or isolated by any other
means that involves splicing of human immunoglobulin gene sequences
to other DNA sequences. Such recombinant human antibodies have
variable and constant regions derived from human germline
immunoglobulin sequences (see, Kabat, E. A., et al. (1991)
Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No.
91-3242). In certain embodiments, however, such recombinant human
antibodies are subjected to in vitro mutagenesis (or, when an
animal transgenic for human Ig sequences is used, in vivo somatic
mutagenesis) and thus the amino acid sequences of the VH and VL
regions of the recombinant antibodies are sequences that, while
derived from and related to human germline VH and VL sequences, may
not naturally exist within the human antibody germline repertoire
in vivo. In certain embodiments, however, such recombinant
antibodies are the result of selective mutagenesis approach or
back-mutation or both.
[0039] An "isolated antibody" includes an antibody that is
substantially free of other antibodies having different antigenic
specificities (e.g., an isolated antibody that specifically binds
hIL-12 is substantially free of antibodies that specifically bind
antigens other than hIL-12). An isolated antibody that specifically
binds hIL-12 may bind IL-12 molecules from other species. Moreover,
an isolated antibody may be substantially free of other cellular
material and/or chemicals. Suitable anti-IL-12 antibodies that may
be purified in the context of the instant invention are disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,914,128 (which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety) including, but not limited to the
anti-IL-12 antibody identified in that patent as J695, and which
has subsequently been identified as ABT-874. Suitable anti-IL-18
antibodies that may be purified and isolated in the context of the
instant invention are disclosed in U.S. Ser. Nos. 09/780,035 and
10/988,360, including, the antibody that has subsequently been
identified as ABT-325. A suitable anti-TNF.alpha. antibody is
Adalimumab (Abbott Laboratories).
[0040] A "neutralizing antibody" (or an "antibody that neutralized
hIL-12 activity") includes an antibody whose binding to hIL-12
results in inhibition of the biological activity of hIL-12. This
inhibition of the biological activity of hIL-12 can be assessed by
measuring one or more indicators of hIL-12 biological activity,
such as inhibition of human phytohemagglutinin blast proliferation
in a phytohemagglutinin blast proliferation assay (PHA), or
inhibition of receptor binding in a human IL-12 receptor binding
assay. These indicators of hIL-12 biological activity can be
assessed by one or more of several standard in vitro or in vivo
assays known in the art.
[0041] A "neutralizing antibody" (or an "antibody that neutralized
hIL-18 activity") includes an antibody whose binding to hIL-18
results in inhibition of the biological activity of hIL-18. This
inhibition of the biological activity of hIL-18 can be assessed by
measuring one or more indicators of hIL-18 biological activity,
such as induction of IFN.gamma. production by T cells or NK cells,
or inhibition of IL-18 receptor binding in a human IL-18 receptor
binding assay. These indicators of hIL-18 biological activity can
be assessed by one or more of several standard in vitro or in vivo
assays known in the art.
[0042] The term "activity" includes activities such as the binding
specificity/affinity of an antibody for an antigen, e.g., an
anti-hIL-12 antibody that binds to an IL-12 antigen and/or the
neutralizing potency of an antibody, e.g., an anti-hIL-12 antibody
whose binding to hIL-12 inhibits the biological activity of hIL-12,
e.g., inhibition of PHA blast proliferation or inhibition of
receptor binding in a human IL-12 receptor binding assay. The term
"activity" also includes activities such as the binding
specificity/affinity of an anti-IL-18 antibody for its antigen,
e.g., an anti-hIL-18 antibody that binds to an IL-18 antigen and/or
the neutralizing potency of an antibody, e.g., an anti-hIL-18
antibody whose binding to hIL-18 inhibits the biological activity
of hIL-18. The term "activity" also includes activities such as the
binding specificity/affinity of an anti-TNF.alpha. antibody for its
antigen, e.g., an anti-TNF.alpha. antibody that binds to a
TNF.alpha. antigen and/or the neutralizing potency of an antibody,
e.g., an anti-TNF.alpha. antibody whose binding to hTNF.alpha.
inhibits the biological activity of hTNF.alpha..
[0043] The phrase "surface plasmon resonance" includes an optical
phenomenon that allows for the analysis of real-time biospecific
interactions by detection of alterations in protein concentrations
within a biosensor matrix, e.g., using the BIAcore system
(Pharmacia Biosensor AB, Uppsala, Sweden and Piscataway, N.J.). For
further descriptions, see Jonsson, U., et al. (1993) Ann. Biol.
Clin. 51:19-26; Jonsson, U., et al. (1991) Biotechniques
11:620-627; Johnsson, B., el al. (1995) J. Mol. Recognit.
8:125-131; and Johnnson, B., et al. (1991) Anal. Biochem.
198:268-277, the entire teachings of which are incorporated
herein.
[0044] The term "Koff", as used herein, is intended to refer to the
off rate constant for dissociation of an antibody from the
antibody/antigen complex.
[0045] The term "Kd", as used herein, is intended to refer to the
dissociation constant of a particular antibody-antigen
interaction.
[0046] The phrase "nucleic acid molecule" includes DNA molecules
and RNA molecules. A nucleic acid molecule may be single-stranded
or double-stranded, but in one aspect is double-stranded DNA.
[0047] The phrase "isolated nucleic acid molecule," as used herein
in reference to nucleic acids encoding antibodies or antibody
portions (e.g., VH, VL, CDR3), e.g. those that bind hIL-12,
hTNF.alpha., or hIL-18, and includes a nucleic acid molecule in
which the nucleotide sequences encoding the antibody or antibody
portion are free of other nucleotide sequences encoding antibodies
or antibody portions that bind antigens other than hIL-12,
hTNF.alpha., or hIL-18, which other sequences may naturally flank
the nucleic acid in human genomic DNA. Thus, e.g., an isolated
nucleic acid of the invention encoding a VH region of an
anti-IL-12h, anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-hIL-18 antibody contains no
other sequences encoding other VH regions that bind antigens other
than, for example, IL-12, hTNF.alpha., or hIL-18. The phrase
"isolated nucleic acid molecule" is also intended to include
sequences encoding bivalent, bispecific antibodies, such as
diabodies in which VH and VL regions contain no other sequences
other than the sequences of the diabody.
[0048] The phrase "recombinant host cell" (or simply "host cell")
includes a cell into which a recombinant expression vector has been
introduced. It should be understood that such terms are intended to
refer not only to the particular subject cell but to the progeny of
such a cell. Because certain modifications may occur in succeeding
generations due to either mutation or environmental influences,
such progeny may not, in fact, be identical to the parent cell, but
are still included within the scope of the term "host cell" as used
herein.
[0049] The term "modifying", as used herein, is intended to refer
to changing one or more amino acids in the antibodies or
antigen-binding portions thereof. The change can be produced by
adding, substituting or deleting an amino acid at one or more
positions. The change can be produced using known techniques, such
as PCR mutagenesis.
[0050] The term "about", as used herein, is intended to refer to
ranges of approximately 10-20% greater than or less than the
referenced value. In certain circumstances, one of skill in the art
will recognize that, due to the nature of the referenced value, the
term "about" can mean more or less than a 10-20% deviation from
that value.
[0051] The phrase "viral reduction/inactivation", as used herein,
is intended to refer to a decrease in the number of viral particles
in a particular sample ("reduction"), as well as a decrease in the
activity, for example, but not limited to, the infectivity or
ability to replicate, of viral particles in a particular sample
("inactivation"). Such decreases in the number and/or activity of
viral particles can be on the order of about 1% to about 99%,
preferably of about 20% to about 99%, more preferably of about 30%
to about 99%, more preferably of about 40% to about 99%, even more
preferably of about 50% to about 99%, even more preferably of about
60% to about 99%, yet more preferably of about 70% to about 99%,
yet more preferably of about 80% to 99%, and yet more preferably of
about 90% to about 99%. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the
amount of virus, if any, in the purified antibody product is less
than the ID50 (the amount of virus that will infect 50 percent of a
target population) for that virus, preferably at least 10-fold less
than the ID50 for that virus, more preferably at least 100-fold
less than the ID50 for that virus, and still more preferably at
least 1000-fold less than the ID50 for that virus.
[0052] The phrase "contact position" includes an amino acid
position in the CDR1, CDR2 or CDR3 of the heavy chain variable
region or the light chain variable region of an antibody which is
occupied by an amino acid that contacts antigen in one of the
twenty-six known antibody-antigen structures. If a CDR amino acid
in any of the twenty-six known solved structures of
antibody-antigen complexes contacts the antigen, then that amino
acid can be considered to occupy a contact position. Contact
positions have a higher probability of being occupied by an amino
acid which contact antigens than in a non-contact position. In one
aspect, a contact position is a CDR position which contains an
amino acid that contacts antigen in greater than 3 of the 26
structures (>1.5%). In another aspect, a contact position is a
CDR position which contains an amino acid that contacts antigen in
greater than 8 of the 25 structures (>32%).
2. Antibody Generation
[0053] The term "antibody" as used in this section refers to an
intact antibody or an antigen binding fragment thereof.
[0054] The antibodies of the present disclosure can be generated by
a variety of techniques, including immunization of an animal with
the antigen of interest followed by conventional monoclonal
antibody methodologies e.g., the standard somatic cell
hybridization technique of Kohler and Milstein (1975) Nature 256:
495. Although somatic cell hybridization procedures are preferred,
in principle, other techniques for producing monoclonal antibody
can be employed e.g., viral or oncogenic transformation of B
lymphocytes.
[0055] One preferred animal system for preparing hybridomas is the
murine system. Hybridoma production is a very well-established
procedure. Immunization protocols and techniques for isolation of
immunized splenocytes for fusion are known in the art. Fusion
partners (e.g., murine myeloma cells) and fusion procedures are
also known.
[0056] An antibody preferably can be a human, a chimeric, or a
humanized antibody. Chimeric or humanized antibodies of the present
disclosure can be prepared based on the sequence of a non-human
monoclonal antibody prepared as described above. DNA encoding the
heavy and light chain immunoglobulins can be obtained from the
non-human hybridoma of interest and engineered to contain
non-murine (e.g., human) immunoglobulin sequences using standard
molecular biology techniques. For example, to create a chimeric
antibody, murine variable regions can be linked to human constant
regions using methods known in the art (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
4,816,567 to Cabilly et al.). To create a humanized antibody,
murine CDR regions can be inserted into a human framework using
methods known in the art (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,539 to
Winter, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,530,101; 5,585,089; 5,693,762 and
6,180,370 to Queen et al.).
[0057] In one non-limiting embodiment, the antibodies of this
disclosure are human monoclonal antibodies. Such human monoclonal
antibodies directed against IL-12, hTNF.alpha., or IL-18 can be
generated using transgenic or transchromosomic mice carrying parts
of the human immune system rather than the mouse system. These
transgenic and transchromosomic mice include mice referred to
herein as the HuMAb Mouse.RTM. (Medarex, Inc.), KM Mouse.RTM.
(Medarex, Inc.), and XenoMouse.RTM. (Amgen).
[0058] Moreover, alternative transchromosomic animal systems
expressing human immunoglobulin genes are available in the art and
can be used to raise antibodies of the disclosure, such as
anti-IL-12, anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-IL-18 antibodies. For example,
mice carrying both a human heavy chain transchromosome and a human
light chain tranchromosome, referred to as "TC mice" can be used;
such mice are described in Tomizuka et al. (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA 97:722-727. Furthermore, cows carrying human heavy and
light chain transchromosomes have been described in the art (e.g.,
Kuroiwa et al. (2002) Nature Biotechnology 20:889-894 and PCT
application No. WO 2002/092812) and can be used to raise
anti-IL-12, anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-IL18 antibodies of this
disclosure.
[0059] Recombinant human antibodies of the invention, including,
but not limited to, anti-IL-12, anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-IL-18
antibodies or an antigen binding portion thereof, or
anti-IL-12-related, anti-TNF.alpha.-related, or anti-IL-18-related
antibodies disclosed herein can be isolated by screening of a
recombinant combinatorial antibody library, e.g., a scFv phage
display library, prepared using human VL and VH cDNAs prepared from
mRNA derived from human lymphocytes. Methodologies for preparing
and screening such libraries are known in the art. In addition to
commercially available kits for generating phage display libraries
(e.g., the Pharmacia Recombinant Phage Antibody System, catalog no.
27-9400-01; and the Stratagene SurfZAP.TM. phage display kit,
catalog no. 240612, the entire teachings of which are incorporated
herein), examples of methods and reagents particularly amenable for
use in generating and screening antibody display libraries can be
found in, e.g., Ladner et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,409; Kang et al.
PCT Publication No. WO 92/18619; Dower et al. PCT Publication No.
WO 91/17271; Winter et al. PCT Publication No. WO 92/20791;
Markland et al. PCT Publication No. WO 92/15679; Breitling et al.
PCT Publication No. WO 93/01288; McCafferty et al. PCT Publication
No. WO 92/01047; Garrard et al. PCT Publication No. WO 92/09690;
Fuchs et al. (1991) Bio/Technology 9:1370-1372; Hay et al. (1992)
Hum Antibod Hybridomas 3:81-85; Huse et al. (1989) Science
246:1275-1281; McCafferty et al., Nature (1990) 348:552-554;
Griffiths et al. (1993) EMBO J 12:725-734; Hawkins et al. (1992) J
Mol Biol 226:889-896; Clackson et al. (1991) Nature 352:624-628;
Gram et al. (1992) PNAS 89:3576-3580; Garrard et al. (1991)
Bio/Technology 9:1373-1377; Hoogenboom et al. (1991) Nuc Acid Res
19:4133-4137; and Barbas et al. (1991) PNAS 88:7978-7982; the
entire teachings of which are incorporated herein.
[0060] Human monoclonal antibodies of this disclosure can also be
prepared using SCID mice into which human immune cells have been
reconstituted such that a human antibody response can be generated
upon immunization. Such mice are described in, for example, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,476,996 and 5,698,767 to Wilson et al.
[0061] In certain embodiments, the methods of the invention include
anti-IL-12, anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-IL-18 antibodies and antibody
portions, anti-IL-12-related, anti-TNF.alpha.-related, or
anti-IL-18-related antibodies and antibody portions, and human
antibodies and antibody portions with equivalent properties to
anti-IL-12, anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-IL-18 antibodies, such as high
affinity binding to hIL-12, hTNF.alpha., or hIL-18 with low
dissociation kinetics and high neutralizing capacity. In one
aspect, the invention provides treatment with an isolated human
antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof, that dissociates
from hIL-12, hTNF.alpha., or hIL-18 with a Kd of about 1.times.10-8
M or less and a Koff rate constant of 1.times.10-3 s-1 or less,
both determined by surface plasmon resonance. In specific
non-limiting embodiments, an anti-IL12 antibody purified according
to the invention competitively inhibits binding of ABT-874 to IL 12
under physiological conditions. In specific non-limiting
embodiments, an anti-IL-18 antibody purified according to the
invention competitively inhibits binding of ABT-325 to IL-18 under
physiological conditions. In specific non-limiting embodiments, an
anti-TNF.alpha. antibody purified according to the invention
competitively inhibits binding of Adalimumab to TNF.alpha. under
physiological conditions.
[0062] In yet another embodiment of the invention, antibodies or
fragments thereof, such as but not limited to anti-IL-12,
anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-IL-18 antibodies or fragments thereof, can
be altered wherein the constant region of the antibody is modified
to reduce at least one constant region-mediated biological effector
function relative to an unmodified antibody. To modify an antibody
of the invention such that it exhibits reduced binding to the Fc
receptor, the immunoglobulin constant region segment of the
antibody can be mutated at particular regions necessary for Fc
receptor (FcR) interactions (see, e.g., Canfield and Morrison
(1991) J. Exp. Med. 173:1483-1491; and Lund et al. (1991) J. of
Immunol. 147:2657-2662, the entire teachings of which are
incorporated herein). Reduction in FcR binding ability of the
antibody may also reduce other effector functions which rely on FcR
interactions, such as opsonization and phagocytosis and
antigen-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.
3. Antibody Production
[0063] To express an antibody of the invention, DNAs encoding
partial or full-length light and heavy chains are inserted into one
or more expression vector such that the genes are operatively
linked to transcriptional and translational control sequences.
(See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,914,128, the entire teaching of which
is incorporated herein by reference.) In this context, the term
"operatively linked" is intended to mean that an antibody gene is
ligated into a vector such that transcriptional and translational
control sequences within the vector serve their intended function
of regulating the transcription and translation of the antibody
gene. The expression vector and expression control sequences are
chosen to be compatible with the expression host cell used. The
antibody light chain gene and the antibody heavy chain gene can be
inserted into a separate vector or, more typically, both genes are
inserted into the same expression vector. The antibody genes are
inserted into an expression vector by standard methods (e.g.,
ligation of complementary restriction sites on the antibody gene
fragment and vector, or blunt end ligation if no restriction sites
are present). Prior to insertion of the antibody or
antibody-related light or heavy chain sequences, the expression
vector may already carry antibody constant region sequences. For
example, one approach to converting the anti-IL-12,
anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-IL-18 antibody or anti-IL-12,
anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-IL-18 antibody-related VH and VL sequences
to full-length antibody genes is to insert them into expression
vectors already encoding heavy chain constant and light chain
constant regions, respectively, such that the VH segment is
operatively linked to the CH segment(s) within the vector and the
VL segment is operatively linked to the CL segment within the
vector. Additionally or alternatively, the recombinant expression
vector can encode a signal peptide that facilitates secretion of
the antibody chain from a host cell. The antibody chain gene can be
cloned into the vector such that the signal peptide is linked
in-frame to the amino terminus of the antibody chain gene. The
signal peptide can be an immunoglobulin signal peptide or a
heterologous signal peptide (i.e., a signal peptide from a
non-immunoglobulin protein).
[0064] In addition to the antibody chain genes, a recombinant
expression vector of the invention can carry one or more regulatory
sequence that controls the expression of the antibody chain genes
in a host cell. The term "regulatory sequence" is intended to
include promoters, enhancers and other expression control elements
(e.g., polyadenylation signals) that control the transcription or
translation of the antibody chain genes. Such regulatory sequences
are described, e.g., in Goeddel; Gene Expression Technology:
Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif.
(1990), the entire teaching of which is incorporated herein by
reference. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
the design of the expression vector, including the selection of
regulatory sequences may depend on such factors as the choice of
the host cell to be transformed, the level of expression of protein
desired, etc. Suitable regulatory sequences for mammalian host cell
expression include viral elements that direct high levels of
protein expression in mammalian cells, such as promoters and/or
enhancers derived from cytomegalovirus (CMV) (such as the CMV
promoter/enhancer), Simian Virus 40 (SV40) (such as the SV40
promoter/enhancer), adenovirus, (e.g., the adenovirus major late
promoter (AdMLP)) and polyoma. For further description of viral
regulatory elements, and sequences thereof, see, e.g., U.S. Pat.
No. 5,168,062 by Stinski, U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,245 by Bell et al.
and U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,615 by Schaffner et al., the entire
teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0065] In addition to the antibody chain genes and regulatory
sequences, a recombinant expression vector of the invention may
carry one or more additional sequences, such as a sequence that
regulates replication of the vector in host cells (e.g., origins of
replication) and/or a selectable marker gene. The selectable marker
gene facilitates selection of host cells into which the vector has
been introduced (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,399,216, 4,634,665 and
5,179,017, all by Axel et al., the entire teachings of which are
incorporated herein by reference). For example, typically the
selectable marker gene confers resistance to drugs, such as G418,
hygromycin or methotrexate, on a host cell into which the vector
has been introduced. Suitable selectable marker genes include the
dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene (for use in dhfr- host cells
with methotrexate selection/amplification) and the neo gene (for
G418 selection).
[0066] An antibody, or antibody portion, of the invention can be
prepared by recombinant expression of immunoglobulin light and
heavy chain genes in a host cell. To express an antibody
recombinantly, a host cell is transfected with one or more
recombinant expression vectors carrying DNA fragments encoding the
immunoglobulin light and heavy chains of the antibody such that the
light and heavy chains are expressed in the host cell and secreted
into the medium in which the host cells are cultured, from which
medium the antibodies can be recovered. Standard recombinant DNA
methodologies are used to obtain antibody heavy and light chain
genes, incorporate these genes into recombinant expression vectors
and introduce the vectors into host cells, such as those described
in Sambrook, Fritsch and Maniatis (eds), Molecular Cloning; A
Laboratory Manual, Second Edition, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.,
(1989), Ausubel et al. (eds.) Current Protocols in Molecular
Biology, Greene Publishing Associates, (1989) and in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,816,397 & 6,914,128, the entire teachings of which are
incorporated herein.
[0067] For expression of the light and heavy chains, the expression
vector(s) encoding the heavy and light chains is (are) transfected
into a host cell by standard techniques. The various forms of the
term "transfection" are intended to encompass a wide variety of
techniques commonly used for the introduction of exogenous DNA into
a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cell, e.g., electroporation,
calcium-phosphate precipitation, DEAE-dextran transfection and the
like. Although it is theoretically possible to express the
antibodies of the invention in either prokaryotic or eukaryotic
host cells, expression of antibodies in eukaryotic cells, such as
mammalian host cells, is suitable because such eukaryotic cells,
and in particular mammalian cells, are more likely than prokaryotic
cells to assemble and secrete a properly folded and immunologically
active antibody. Prokaryotic expression of antibody genes has been
reported to be ineffective for production of high yields of active
antibody (Boss and Wood (1985) Immunology Today 6:12-13, the entire
teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference).
[0068] Suitable host cells for cloning or expressing the DNA in the
vectors herein are the prokaryote, yeast, or higher eukaryote cells
described above. Suitable prokaryotes for this purpose include
eubacteria, such as Gram-negative or Gram-positive organisms, e.g.,
Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia, e.g., E. coli,
Enterobacter, Erwinia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Salmonella, e.g.,
Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia, e.g., Serratia marcescans, and
Shigella, as well as Bacilli such as B. subtilis and B.
licheniformis (e.g., B. licheniformis 41P disclosed in DD 266,710
published Apr. 12, 1989), Pseudomonas such as P. aeruginosa, and
Streptomyces. One suitable E. coli cloning host is E. coli 294
(ATCC 31,446), although other strains such as E. coli B, E. coli
X1776 (ATCC 31,537), and E. coli W3110 (ATCC 27,325) are suitable.
These examples are illustrative rather than limiting.
[0069] In addition to prokaryotes, eukaryotic microbes such as
filamentous fungi or yeast are suitable cloning or expression hosts
for polypeptide encoding vectors. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or
common baker's yeast, is the most commonly used among lower
eukaryotic host microorganisms. However, a number of other genera,
species, and strains are commonly available and useful herein, such
as Schizosaccharomyces pombe; Kluyveromyces hosts such as, e.g., K.
lactis, K. fragilis (ATCC 12,424), K. bulgaricus (ATCC 16,045), K.
wickeramii (ATCC 24,178), K. waltii (ATCC 56,500), K. drosophilarum
(ATCC 36,906), K. thermotolerans, and K. marxianus; yarrowia (EP
402,226); Pichia pastoris (EP 183,070); Candida; Trichoderma reesia
(EP 244,234); Neurospora crassa; Schwanniomyces such as
Schwanniomyces occidentalis; and filamentous fungi such as, e.g.,
Neurospora, Penicillium, Tolypocladium, and Aspergillus hosts such
as A. nidulans and A. niger.
[0070] Suitable host cells for the expression of glycosylated
antibodies are derived from multicellular organisms. Examples of
invertebrate cells include plant and insect cells. Numerous
baculoviral strains and variants and corresponding permissive
insect host cells from hosts such as Spodoptera frugiperda
(caterpillar), Aedes aegypti (mosquito), Aedes albopictus
(mosquito), Drosophila melanogaster (fruitfly), and Bombyx mori
have been identified. A variety of viral strains for transfection
are publicly available, e.g., the L-1 variant of Autographa
californica NPV and the Bm-5 strain of Bombyx mori NPV, and such
viruses may be used as the virus herein according to the present
invention, particularly for transfection of Spodoptera frugiperda
cells. Plant cell cultures of cotton, corn, potato, soybean,
petunia, tomato, and tobacco can also be utilized as hosts.
[0071] Suitable mammalian host cells for expressing the recombinant
antibodies of the invention include Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO
cells) (including dhfr- CHO cells, described in Urlaub and Chasin,
(1980) PNAS USA 77:4216-4220, used with a DHFR selectable marker,
e.g., as described in Kaufman and Sharp (1982) Mol. Biol.
159:601-621, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein
by reference), NS0 myeloma cells, COS cells and SP2 cells. When
recombinant expression vectors encoding antibody genes are
introduced into mammalian host cells, the antibodies are produced
by culturing the host cells for a period of time sufficient to
allow for expression of the antibody in the host cells or secretion
of the antibody into the culture medium in which the host cells are
grown. Other examples of useful mammalian host cell lines are
monkey kidney CV1 line transformed by SV40 (COS-7, ATCC CRL 1651);
human embryonic kidney line (293 or 293 cells subcloned for growth
in suspension culture, Graham et al., J. Gen Virol. 36:59 (1977));
baby hamster kidney cells (BHK, ATCC CCL 10); Chinese hamster ovary
cells/-DHFR (CHO, Urlaub et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:4216
(1980)); mouse sertoli cells (TM4, Mather, Biol. Reprod. 23:243-251
(1980)); monkey kidney cells (CV1 ATCC CCL 70); African green
monkey kidney cells (VERO-76, ATCC CRL-1587); human cervical
carcinoma cells (HELA, ATCC CCL 2); canine kidney cells (MDCK, ATCC
CCL 34); buffalo rat liver cells (BRL 3A, ATCC CRL 1442); human
lung cells (W138, ATCC CCL 75); human liver cells (Hep G2, HB
8065); mouse mammary tumor (MMT 060562, ATCC CCL51); TRI cells
(Mather et al., Annals N.Y. Acad. Sci. 383:44-68 (1982)); MRC 5
cells; FS4 cells; and a human hepatoma line (Hep G2), the entire
teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0072] Host cells are transformed with the above-described
expression or cloning vectors for antibody production and cultured
in conventional nutrient media modified as appropriate for inducing
promoters, selecting transformants, or amplifying the genes
encoding the desired sequences.
[0073] The host cells used to produce an antibody may be cultured
in a variety of media. Commercially available media such as Ham's
F10.TM. (Sigma), Minimal Essential Medium.TM. ((MEM), (Sigma),
RPMI-1640 (Sigma), and Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium.TM.
((DMEM), Sigma) are suitable for culturing the host cells. In
addition, any of the media described in Ham et al., Meth. Enz.
58:44 (1979), Barnes et al., Anal. Biochem. 102:255 (1980), U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,767,704; 4,657,866; 4,927,762; 4,560,655; or 5,122,469;
WO 90/03430; WO 87/00195; or U.S. Pat. No. Re. 30,985 may be used
as culture media for the host cells, the entire teachings of which
are incorporated herein by reference. Any of these media may be
supplemented as necessary with hormones and/or other growth factors
(such as insulin, transferrin, or epidermal growth factor), salts
(such as sodium chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate),
buffers (such as HEPES), nucleotides (such as adenosine and
thymidine), antibiotics (such as gentamycin drug), trace elements
(defined as inorganic compounds usually present at final
concentrations in the micromolar range), and glucose or an
equivalent energy source. Any other necessary supplements may also
be included at appropriate concentrations that would be known to
those skilled in the art. The culture conditions, such as
temperature, pH, and the like, are those previously used with the
host cell selected for expression, and will be apparent to the
ordinarily skilled artisan.
[0074] Host cells can also be used to produce portions of intact
antibodies, such as Fab fragments or scFv molecules. It is
understood that variations on the above procedure are within the
scope of the present invention. For example, in certain embodiments
it may be desirable to transfect a host cell with DNA encoding
either the light chain or the heavy chain (but not both) of an
antibody of this invention. Recombinant DNA technology may also be
used to remove some or all of the DNA encoding either or both of
the light and heavy chains that is not necessary for binding to
IL-12, specifically hIL-12, in the context of anti-IL-12 antibodies
or that DNA not necessary for binding to IL-18, specifically
hIL-18, in the context of anti-IL-18 antibodies, or that DNA not
necessary for binding to TNF.alpha., specifically hTNF.alpha., in
the context of anti-TNF.alpha. antibodies. The molecules expressed
from such truncated DNA molecules are also encompassed by the
antibodies of the invention. In addition, bifunctional antibodies
may be produced in which one heavy and one light chain are an
antibody of the invention and the other heavy and light chain are
specific for an antigen other than IL-12, TNF.alpha., or IL-18,
depending on the specificity of the antibody of the invention, by
crosslinking an antibody of the invention to a second antibody by
standard chemical crosslinking methods.
[0075] In a suitable system for recombinant expression of an
antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, of the invention, a
recombinant expression vector encoding both the antibody heavy
chain and the antibody light chain is introduced into dhfr-CHO
cells by calcium phosphate-mediated transfection. Within the
recombinant expression vector, the antibody heavy and light chain
genes are each operatively linked to CMV enhancer/AdMLP promoter
regulatory elements to drive high levels of transcription of the
genes. The recombinant expression vector also carries a DHFR gene,
which allows for selection of CHO cells that have been transfected
with the vector using methotrexate selection/amplification. The
selected transformant host cells are cultured to allow for
expression of the antibody heavy and light chains and intact
antibody is recovered from the culture medium. Standard molecular
biology techniques are used to prepare the recombinant expression
vector, transfect the host cells, select for transformants, culture
the host cells and recover the antibody from the culture
medium.
[0076] When using recombinant techniques, the antibody can be
produced intracellularly, in the periplasmic space, or directly
secreted into the medium. In one aspect, if the antibody is
produced intracellularly, as a first step, the particulate debris,
either host cells or lysed cells (e.g., resulting from
homogenization), can be removed, e.g., by centrifugation or
ultrafiltration. Where the antibody is secreted into the medium,
supernatants from such expression systems can be first concentrated
using a commercially available protein concentration filter, e.g.,
an Amicon.TM. or Millipore Pellicon.TM. ultrafiltration unit.
[0077] Prior to the process of the invention, procedures for
purification of antibodies from cell debris initially depend on the
site of expression of the antibody. Some antibodies can be secreted
directly from the cell into the surrounding growth media; others
are made intracellularly. For the latter antibodies, the first step
of a purification process typically involves: lysis of the cell,
which can be done by a variety of methods, including mechanical
shear, osmotic shock, or enzymatic treatments. Such disruption
releases the entire contents of the cell into the homogenate, and
in addition produces subcellular fragments that are difficult to
remove due to their small size. These are generally removed by
differential centrifugation or by filtration. Where the antibody is
secreted, supernatants from such expression systems are generally
first concentrated using a commercially available protein
concentration filter, e.g., an Amicon.TM. or Millipore Pellicon.TM.
ultrafiltration unit. Where the antibody is secreted into the
medium, the recombinant host cells can also be separated from the
cell culture medium, e.g., by tangential flow filtration.
Antibodies can be further recovered from the culture medium using
the antibody purification methods of the invention.
4. Antibody Purification
[0078] 4.1 Antibody Purification Generally
[0079] The invention provides a method for producing a purified (or
"HCP-reduced") antibody preparation from a mixture comprising an
antibody and at least one HCP. The purification process of the
invention begins at the separation step when the antibody has been
produced using methods described above and conventional methods in
the art. Table 1 summarizes one embodiment of a purification
scheme. Variations of this scheme, including, but not limited to,
variations where the Protein A affinity chromatography step is
omitted or the order of the ion exchange steps is reversed, are
envisaged and are within the scope of this invention.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Purification steps with their associated
purpose Purification step Purpose Primary recovery clarification of
sample matrix Affinity chromatography antibody capture, host cell
protein and associated impurity reduction Cation exchange antibody
capture, host cell protein and chromatography associated impurity
reduction ultrafiltration/diafiltration concentration and buffer
exchange Anion exchange reduction of host cell proteins and DNA
chromatography Phenyl Sepharose .TM. HP reduction of antibody
aggregates and host chromatography cell proteins Viral filtration
removal of large viruses, if present Final
ultrafiltration/diafiltration concentrate and formulate
antibody
[0080] Once a clarified solution or mixture comprising the antibody
has been obtained, separation of the antibody from the other
proteins produced by the cell, such as HCPs, is performed using a
combination of different purification techniques, including ion
exchange separation step(s) and hydrophobic interaction separation
step(s). The separation steps separate mixtures of proteins on the
basis of their charge, degree of hydrophobicity, or size. In one
aspect of the invention, separation is performed using
chromatography, including cationic, anionic, and hydrophobic
interaction. Several different chromatography resins are available
for each of these techniques, allowing accurate tailoring of the
purification scheme to the particular protein involved. The essence
of each of the separation methods is that proteins can be caused
either to traverse at different rates down a column, achieving a
physical separation that increases as they pass further down the
column, or to adhere selectively to the separation medium, being
then differentially eluted by different solvents. In some cases,
the antibody is separated from impurities when the impurities
specifically adhere to the column and the antibody does not, i.e.,
the antibody is present in the flow through.
[0081] As noted above, accurate tailoring of a purification scheme
relies on consideration of the protein to be purified. In certain
embodiments, the separation steps of the instant invention are
employed to separate an antibody from one or more HCPs. Antibodies
that can be successfully purified using the methods described
herein include, but are not limited to, human IgA.sub.1, IgA.sub.2,
IgD, IgE, IgG.sub.1, IgG.sub.2, IgG.sub.3, IgG.sub.4, and IgM
antibodies. In certain embodiments, the purification strategies of
the instant invention exclude the use of Protein A affinity
chromatography, for example purification of IgG.sub.3 antibodies,
as IgG.sub.3 antibodies bind to Protein A inefficiently. Other
factors that allow for specific tailoring of a purification scheme
include, but are not limited to: the presence or absence of an Fc
region (e.g., in the context of full length antibody as compared to
an Fab fragment thereof) because Protein A binds to the Fc region;
the particular germline sequences employed in generating to
antibody of interest; and the amino acid composition of the
antibody (e.g., the primary sequence of the antibody as well as the
overall charge/hydrophobicity of the molecule). Antibodies sharing
one or more characteristic can be purified using purification
strategies tailored to take advantage of that characteristic.
[0082] 4.2 Primary Recovery
[0083] The initial steps of the purification methods of the present
invention involve the first phase of clarification and primary
recovery of antibody from a sample matrix. In addition, the primary
recovery process can also be a point at which to inactivate viruses
that can be present in the sample matrix. For example, any one or
more of a variety of methods of viral inactivation can be used
during the primary recovery phase of purification including heat
inactivation (pasteurization), pH inactivation, solvent/detergent
treatment, UV and .gamma.-ray irradiation and the addition of
certain chemical inactivating agents such as .beta.-propiolactone
or e.g., copper phenanthroline as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,972, the
entire teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference. In
certain embodiments of the present invention, the sample matrix is
exposed to pH viral inactivation during the primary recovery
phase.
[0084] Methods of pH viral inactivation include, but are not
limited to, incubating the mixture for a period of time at low pH,
and subsequently neutralizing the pH and removing particulates by
filtration. In certain embodiments the mixture will be incubated at
a pH of between about 2 and 5, preferably at a pH of between about
3 and 4, and more preferably at a pH of about 3.5. The pH of the
sample mixture may be lowered by any suitable acid including, but
not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, caprylic acid, or other
suitable acids. The choice of pH level largely depends on the
stability profile of the antibody product and buffer components. It
is known that the quality of the target antibody during low pH
virus inactivation is affected by pH and the duration of the low pH
incubation. In certain embodiments the duration of the low pH
incubation will be from 0.5 hr to two 2 hr, preferably 0.5 hr to
1.5 hr, and more preferably the duration will be 1 hr. Virus
inactivation is dependent on these same parameters in addition to
protein concentration, which may reduce inactivation at high
concentrations. Thus, the proper parameters of protein
concentration, pH, and duration of inactivation can be selected to
achieve the desired level of viral inactivation.
[0085] In certain embodiments viral inactivation can be achieved
via the use of suitable filters. A non-limiting example of a
suitable filter is the Ultipor DV50.TM. filter from Pall
Corporation. Although certain embodiments of the present invention
employ such filtration during the primary recovery phase, in other
embodiments it is employed at other phases of the purification
process, including as either the penultimate or final step of
purification. In certain embodiments, alternative filters are
employed for viral inactivation, such as, but not limited to,
Viresolve.TM. filters (Millipore, Billerica, Mass.); Zeta Plus
VR.TM. filters (CUNO; Meriden, Conn.); and Planova.TM. filters
(Asahi Kasei Pharma, Planova Division, Buffalo Grove, Ill.).
[0086] In those embodiments where viral inactivation is employed,
the sample mixture can be adjusted, as needed, for further
purification steps. For example, following low pH viral
inactivation the pH of the sample mixture is typically adjusted to
a more neutral pH, e.g., from about 4.5 to about 8.5, preferably
about 4.9, prior to continuing the purification process.
Additionally, the mixture may be flushed with water for injection
(WFI) to obtain a desired conductivity.
[0087] In certain embodiments, the primary recovery will include
one or more centrifugation steps to further clarify the sample
matrix and thereby aid in purifying the anti-IL-12,
anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-IL-18 antibodies. Centrifugation of the
sample can be run at, for example, but not by way of limitation,
7,000.times.g to approximately 12,750.times.g. In the context of
large scale purification, such centrifugation can occur on-line
with a flow rate set to achieve, for example, but not by way of
limitation, a turbidity level of 150 NTU in the resulting
supernatant. Such supernatant can then be collected for further
purification.
[0088] In certain embodiments, the primary recovery will include
the use of one or more depth filtration steps to further clarify
the sample matrix and thereby aid in purifying the anti-IL-12,
anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-IL-18 antibodies. Depth filters contain
filtration media having a graded density. Such graded density
allows larger particles to be trapped near the surface of the
filter while smaller particles penetrate the larger open areas at
the surface of the filter, only to be trapped in the smaller
openings nearer to the center of the filter. In certain embodiments
the depth filtration step can be a delipid depth filtration step.
Although certain embodiments employ depth filtration steps only
during the primary recovery phase, other embodiments employ depth
filters, including delipid depth filters, during one or more
additional phases of purification. Non-limiting examples of depth
filters that can be used in the context of the instant invention
include the Cuno.TM. model 30/60ZA depth filters (3M Corp.), and
0.45/0.2 .mu.m Sartopore.TM. bi-layer filter cartridges.
[0089] 4.3 Affinity Chromatography
[0090] In certain embodiments, the primary recovery sample is
subjected to affinity chromatography to further purify the antibody
of interest away from HCPs. In certain embodiments the
chromatographic material is capable of selectively or specifically
binding to the antibody of interest. Non-limiting examples of such
chromatographic material include: Protein A, Protein G,
chromatographic material comprising the antigen bound by the
antibody of interest, and chromatographic material comprising an Fc
binding protein. In specific embodiments, the affinity
chromatography step involves subjecting the primary recovery sample
to a column comprising a suitable Protein A resin. Protein A resin
is useful for affinity purification and isolation of a variety
antibody isotypes, particularly IgG.sub.1, IgG.sub.2, and
IgG.sub.4. Protein A is a bacterial cell wall protein that binds to
mammalian IgGs primarily through their Fc regions. In its native
state, Protein A has five IgG binding domains as well as other
domains of unknown function.
[0091] There are several commercial sources for Protein A resin.
One suitable resin is MabSelect.TM. from GE Healthcare. A
non-limiting example of a suitable column packed with MabSelect.TM.
is an about 1.0 cm diameter.times.about 21.6 cm long column
(.about.17 mL bed volume). This size column can be used for small
scale purifications and can be compared with other columns used for
scale ups. For example, a 20 cm.times.21 cm column whose bed volume
is about 6.6 L can be used for larger purifications. Regardless of
the column, the column can be packed using a suitable resin such as
MabSelect.TM..
[0092] In certain embodiments it will be advantageous to identify
the dynamic binding capacity (DBC) of the Protein A resin in order
to tailor the purification to the particular antibody of interest.
For example, but not by way of limitation, the DBC of a
MabSelect.TM. column can be determined either by a single flow rate
load or dual-flow load strategy. The single flow rate load can be
evaluated at a velocity of about 300 cm/hr throughout the entire
loading period. The dual-flow rate load strategy can be determined
by loading the column up to about 35 mg protein/mL resin at a
linear velocity of about 300 cm/hr, then reducing the linear
velocity by half to allow longer residence time for the last
portion of the load.
[0093] In certain embodiments, the Protein A column can be
equilibrated with a suitable buffer prior to sample loading. A
non-limiting example of a suitable buffer is a Tris/NaCl buffer, pH
of about 7.2. A non-limiting example of suitable equilibration
conditions is 25 mM Tris, 100 mM NaCl, pH of about 7.2. Following
this equilibration, the sample can be loaded onto the column.
Following the loading of the column, the column can be washed one
or multiple times using, e.g., the equilibrating buffer. Other
washes, including washes employing different buffers, can be
employed prior to eluting the column. For example, the column can
be washed using one or more column volumes of 20 mM citric
acid/sodium citrate, 0.5 M NaCl at pH of about 6.0. This wash can
optionally be followed by one or more washes using the
equilibrating buffer. The Protein A column can then be eluted using
an appropriate elution buffer. A non-limiting example of a suitable
elution buffer is an acetic acid/NaCl buffer, pH of about 3.5.
Suitable conditions are, e.g., 0.1 M acetic acid, pH of about 3.5.
The eluate can be monitored using techniques well known to those
skilled in the art. For example, the absorbance at OD.sub.280 can
be followed. Column eluate can be collected starting with an
initial deflection of about 0.5 AU to a reading of about 0.5 AU at
the trailing edge of the elution peak. The elution fraction(s) of
interest can then be prepared for further processing. For example,
the collected sample can be titrated to a pH of about 5.0 using
Tris (e.g., 1.0 M) at a pH of about 10. Optionally, this titrated
sample can be filtered and further processed.
[0094] 4.4 Ion Exchange Chromatography
[0095] In certain embodiments, the instant invention provides
methods for producing a HCP-reduced antibody preparation from a
mixture comprising an antibody and at least one HCP by subjecting
the mixture to at least one ion exchange separation step such that
an eluate comprising the antibody is obtained. Ion exchange
separation includes any method by which two substances are
separated based on the difference in their respective ionic
charges, and can employ either cationic exchange material or
anionic exchange material.
[0096] The use of a cationic exchange material versus an anionic
exchange material is based on the overall charge of the protein.
Therefore, it is within the scope of this invention to employ an
anionic exchange step prior to the use of a cationic exchange step,
or a cationic exchange step prior to the use of an anionic exchange
step. Furthermore, it is within the scope of this invention to
employ only a cationic exchange step, only an anionic exchange
step, or any serial combination of the two.
[0097] In performing the separation, the initial antibody mixture
can be contacted with the ion exchange material by using any of a
variety of techniques, e.g., using a batch purification technique
or a chromatographic technique.
[0098] For example, in the context of batch purification, ion
exchange material is prepared in, or equilibrated to, the desired
starting buffer. Upon preparation, or equilibration, a slurry of
the ion exchange material is obtained. The antibody solution is
contacted with the slurry to adsorb the antibody to be separated to
the ion exchange material. The solution comprising the HCP(s) that
do not bind to the ion exchange material is separated from the
slurry, e.g., by allowing the slurry to settle and removing the
supernatant. The slurry can be subjected to one or more wash steps.
If desired, the slurry can be contacted with a solution of higher
conductivity to desorb HCPs that have bound to the ion exchange
material. In order to elute bound polypeptides, the salt
concentration of the buffer can be increased.
[0099] Ion exchange chromatography may also be used as an ion
exchange separation technique. Ion exchange chromatography
separates molecules based on differences between the overall charge
of the molecules. For the purification of an antibody, the antibody
must have a charge opposite to that of the functional group
attached to the ion exchange material, e.g., resin, in order to
bind. For example, antibodies, which generally have an overall
positive charge in the buffer pH below its pI, will bind well to
cation exchange material, which contain negatively charged
functional groups.
[0100] In ion exchange chromatography, charged patches on the
surface of the solute are attracted by opposite charges attached to
a chromatography matrix, provided the ionic strength of the
surrounding buffer is low. Elution is generally achieved by
increasing the ionic strength (i.e., conductivity) of the buffer to
compete with the solute for the charged sites of the ion exchange
matrix. Changing the pH and thereby altering the charge of the
solute is another way to achieve elution of the solute. The change
in conductivity or pH may be gradual (gradient elution) or stepwise
(step elution).
[0101] Anionic or cationic substituents may be attached to matrices
in order to form anionic or cationic supports for chromatography.
Non-limiting examples of anionic exchange substituents include
diethylaminoethyl (DEAE), quaternary aminoethyl(QAE) and quaternary
amine(Q) groups. Cationic substitutents include carboxymethyl (CM),
sulfoethyl(SE), sulfopropyl(SP), phosphate(P) and sulfonate(S).
Cellulose ion exchange resins such as DE23.TM., DE32.TM., DE52.TM.,
CM-23.TM., CM-32.TM., and CM-52.TM. are available from Whatman Ltd.
Maidstone, Kent, U.K. SEPHADEX.RTM.-based and -locross-linked ion
exchangers are also known. For example, DEAE-, QAE-, CM-, and
SP-SEPHADEX.RTM. and DEAE-, Q-, CM- and S-SEPHAROSE.RTM. and
SEPHAROSE.RTM. Fast Flow are all available from Pharmacia AB.
Further, both DEAE and CM derivitized ethylene glycol-methacrylate
copolymer such as TOYOPEARL.TM. DEAE-650S or M and TOYOPEARL.TM.
CM-650S or M are available from Toso Haas Co., Philadelphia,
Pa.
[0102] A mixture comprising an antibody and impurities, e.g.,
HCP(s), is loaded onto an ion exchange column, such as a cation
exchange column. For example, but not by way of limitation, the
mixture can be loaded at a load of about 80 g protein/L resin
depending upon the column used. An example of a suitable cation
exchange column is a 80 cm diameter.times.23 cm long column whose
bed volume is about 116 L. The mixture loaded onto this cation
column can subsequently washed with wash buffer (equilibration
buffer). The antibody is then eluted from the column, and a first
eluate is obtained.
[0103] This ion exchange step facilitates the capture of the
antibody of interest while reducing impurities such as HCPs. In
certain aspects, the ion exchange column is a cation exchange
column. For example, but not by way of limitation, a suitable resin
for such a cation exchange column is CM HyperDF resin. These resins
are available from commercial sources such as Pall Corporation.
This cation exchange procedure can be carried out at or around room
temperature.
[0104] 4.5 Ultrafiltration/Diafiltration
[0105] Certain embodiments of the present invention employ
ultrafiltration and/or diafiltration steps to further purify and
concentrate the antibody sample. Ultrafiltration is described in
detail in: Microfiltration and Ultrafiltration: Principles and
Applications, L. Zeman and A. Zydney (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New
York, N.Y., 1996); and in: Ultrafiltration Handbook, Munir Cheryan
(Technomic Publishing, 1986; ISBN No. 87762-456-9). A preferred
filtration process is Tangential Flow Filtration as described in
the Millipore catalogue entitled "Pharmaceutical Process Filtration
Catalogue" pp. 177-202 (Bedford, Mass., 1995/96). Ultrafiltration
is generally considered to mean filtration using filters with a
pore size of smaller than 0.1 .mu.m. By employing filters having
such small pore size, the volume of the sample can be reduced
through permeation of the sample buffer through the filter while
antibodies are retained behind the filter.
[0106] Diafiltration is a method of using ultrafilters to remove
and exchange salts, sugars, and non-aqueous solvents, to separate
free from bound species, to remove low molecular-weight material,
and/or to cause the rapid change of ionic and/or pH environments.
Microsolutes are removed most efficiently by adding solvent to the
solution being ultrafiltered at a rate approximately equal to the
ultratfiltration rate. This washes microspecies from the solution
at a constant volume, effectively purifying the retained antibody.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, a diafiltration
step is employed to exchange the various buffers used in connection
with the instant invention, optionally prior to further
chromatography or other purification steps, as well as to remove
impurities from the antibody preparations.
[0107] 4.6 Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography
[0108] The present invention also features methods for producing a
HCP-reduced antibody preparation from a mixture comprising an
antibody and at least one HCP further comprising a hydrophobic
interaction separation step. For example, a first eluate obtained
from an ion exchange column can be subjected to a hydrophobic
interaction material such that a second eluate having a reduced
level of HCP is obtained. Hydrophobic interaction chromatography
steps, such as those disclosed herein, are generally performed to
remove protein aggregates, such as antibody aggregates, and
process-related impurities.
[0109] In performing the separation, the sample mixture is
contacted with the HIC material, e.g., using a batch purification
technique or using a column. Prior to HIC purification it may be
desirable to remove any chaotropic agents or very hydrophobic
substances, e.g., by passing the mixture through a pre-column.
[0110] For example, in the context of batch purification, HIC
material is prepared in or equilibrated to the desired
equilibration buffer. A slurry of the HIC material is obtained. The
antibody solution is contacted with the slurry to adsorb the
antibody to be separated to the HIC material. The solution
comprising the HCPs that do not bind to the HIC material is
separated from the slurry, e.g., by allowing the slurry to settle
and removing the supernatant. The slurry can be subjected to one or
more washing steps. If desired, the slurry can be contacted with a
solution of lower conductivity to desorb antibodies that have bound
to the HIC material. In order to elute bound antibodies, the salt
concentration can be decreased.
[0111] Whereas ion exchange chromatography relies on the charges of
the antibodies to isolate them, hydrophobic interaction
chromatography uses the hydrophobic properties of the antibodies.
Hydrophobic groups on the antibody interact with hydrophobic groups
on the column. The more hydrophobic a protein is the stronger it
will interact with the column. Thus the HIC step removes host cell
derived impurities (e.g., DNA and other high and low molecular
weight product-related species).
[0112] Hydrophobic interactions are strongest at high ionic
strength, therefore, this form of separation is conveniently
performed following salt precipitations or ion exchange procedures.
Adsorption of the antibody to a HIC column is favored by high salt
concentrations, but the actual concentrations can vary over a wide
range depending on the nature of the antibody and the particular
HIC ligand chosen. Various ions can be arranged in a so-called
soluphobic series depending on whether they promote hydrophobic
interactions (salting-out effects) or disrupt the structure of
water (chaotropic effect) and lead to the weakening of the
hydrophobic interaction. Cations are ranked in terms of increasing
salting out effect as Ba++; Ca++; Mg++; Li+; Cs+; Na+; K+; Rb+;
NH4+, while anions may be ranked in terms of increasing chaotropic
effect as P0---; S04--; CH3CO3-; Cl--; Br--; NO3-; ClO4-; I--;
SCN--.
[0113] In general, Na, K or NH4 sulfates effectively promote
ligand-protein interaction in HIC. Salts may be formulated that
influence the strength of the interaction as given by the following
relationship:
(NH4)2SO4>Na2SO4>NaCl>NH4C1>NaBr>NaSCN. In general,
salt concentrations of between about 0.75 and about 2 M ammonium
sulfate or between about 1 and 4 M NaCl are useful.
[0114] HIC columns normally comprise a base matrix (e.g.,
cross-linked agarose or synthetic copolymer material) to which
hydrobobic ligands (e.g., alkyl or aryl groups) are coupled. A
suitable HIC column comprises an agarose resin substituted with
phenyl groups (e.g., a Phenyl Sepharose.TM. column). Many HIC
columns are available commercially. Examples include, but are not
limited to, Phenyl Sepharose.TM. 6 Fast Flow column with low or
high substitution (Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology, AB, Sweden); Phenyl
Sepharose.TM. High Performance column (Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology,
AB, Sweden); Octyl Sepharose.TM. High Performance column (Pharmacia
LKB Biotechnology, AB, Sweden); Fractogel.TM. EMD Propyl or
Fractogel.TM. EMD Phenyl columns (E. Merck, Germany);
Macro-Prep.TM. Mehyl or Macro-Prep.TM. t-Butyl Supports (Bio-Rad,
California); WP HI-Propyl (C3).TM. column (J. T. Baker, New
Jersey); and Toyopearl.TM. ether, phenyl or butyl columns
(TosoHaas, Pa.)
[0115] 4.7 Exemplary Purification Strategies
[0116] In certain embodiments, primary recovery can proceed by
sequentially employing pH reduction, centrifugation, and filtration
steps to remove cells and cell debris (including HCPs) from the
production bioreactor harvest. For example, but not by way of
limitation, a culture comprising antibodies, media, and cells can
be subjected to pH-mediated virus inactivation using an acid pH of
about 3.5 for approximately 1 hour. The pH reduction can be
facilitated using known acid preparations such as citric acid,
e.g., 3 M citric acid. Exposure to acid pH reduces, if not
completely eliminates, pH sensitive viral contaminants and
precipitates some media/cell contaminants. Following this viral
reduction/inactivation step, the pH is adjusted to about 4.9 or 5.0
using a base such as sodium hydroxide, e.g., 3 M sodium hydroxide,
for about twenty to about forty minutes. This adjustment can occur
at around 20.degree. C. In certain embodiments, the pH adjusted
culture then centrifuged at approximately 7000.times.g to
approximately 11,000.times.g. In certain embodiments, the resulting
sample supernatant is then passed through a filter train comprising
multiple depth filters. In certain embodiments, the filter train
comprises around twelve 16-inch Cuno.TM. model 30/60ZA depth
filters (3M Corp.) and around three round filter housings fitted
with three 30-inch 0.45/0.2 .mu.m Sartopore.TM. 2 filter cartridges
(Sartorius). The clarified supernatant is collected in a vessel
such as a pre-sterilized harvest vessel and held at approximately
8.degree. C. This temperature is then adjusted to approximately
20.degree. C. prior to the capture chromatography step or steps
outlined below. It should be noted that one skilled in the art may
vary the conditions recited above and still be within the scope of
the present invention.
[0117] In certain embodiments, primary recovery will be followed by
affinity chromatography using Protein A resin. There are several
commercial sources for Protein A resin. One suitable resin is
MabSelect.TM. from GE Healthcare. An example of a suitable column
packed with MabSelect.TM. is a column of about 1.0 cm
diameter.times.about 21.6 cm long (.about.17 mL bed volume). This
size column can be used for bench scale. This can be compared with
other columns used for scale ups. For example, a 20 cm.times.21 cm
column whose bed volume is about 6.6 L can be used for scale up.
Regardless of the column, the column can be packed using a suitable
resin such as MabSelect.TM..
[0118] In other embodiments clarified supernatant is further
purified using a cation exchange column. In certain embodiments,
the equilibrating buffer used in the cation exchange column is a
buffer having a pH of about 5.0. An example of a suitable buffer is
about 210 mM sodium acetate, pH 5.0. Following equilibration, the
column is loaded with sample prepared from the primary recovery
step above. The column is packed with a cation exchange resin, such
as CM Sepharose.TM. Fast Flow from GE Healthcare. The column is
then washed using the equilibrating buffer. The column is next
subjected to an elution step using a buffer having a greater ionic
strength as compared to the equilibrating or wash buffer. For
example, a suitable elution buffer can be about 790 mM sodium
acetate, pH 5.0. The antibodies will be eluted and can be monitored
using a UV spectrophotometer set at OD280 nm. In a particular
example, elution collection can be from upside 3 OD280 nm to
downside 8 OD280 nm. It should be understood that one skilled in
the art may vary the conditions and yet still be within the scope
of the invention
[0119] In certain embodiments the clarified supernatant obtained
from the primary recovery is instead further purified using an
anion exchange column. A non-limiting example of a suitable column
for this step is a 60 cm diameter.times.30 cm long column whose bed
volume is about 85 L. The column is packed with an anion exchange
resin, such as Q Sepharose.TM. Fast Flow from GE Healthcare. The
column can be equilibrated using about seven column volumes of an
appropriate buffer such as Tris/sodium chloride. An example of
suitable conditions are 25 mM Tris, 50 mM sodium chloride at pH
8.0. A skilled artisan may vary the conditions but still be within
the scope of the present invention. The column is loaded with the
collected sample from the primary recovery step outlined above. In
another aspect, the column is loaded from the eluate collected
during cation exchange. Following the loading of the column, the
column is washed with the equilibration buffer (e.g., the
Tris/sodium chloride buffer). The flow-through comprising the
antibodies can be monitored using a UV spectrophotometer at
OD.sub.280nm. This anion exchange step reduces process related
impurities such as nucleic acids like DNA, and host cell proteins.
The separation occurs due to the fact that the antibodies of
interest do not substantially interact with nor bind to the solid
phase of the column, e.g., to the Q Sepharose.TM., but many
impurities do interact with and bind to the column's solid phase.
The anion exchange can be performed at about 12.degree. C.
[0120] In certain embodiments, the cation exchange or anion
exchange eluate, depending on which ion exchange step is employed
first, is next filtered using, e.g., a 16 inch Cuno.TM. delipid
filter. This filtration, using the delipid filter, can be followed
by, e.g., a 30-inch 0.45/0.2 .mu.m Sartopore.TM. bi-layer filter
cartridge. The ion exchange elution buffer can be used to flush the
residual volume remaining in the filters and prepared for
ultrafiltration/diafiltration.
[0121] In order to accomplish the ultratfiltration/diafiltration
step, the filtration media is prepared in a suitable buffer, e.g.,
20 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0. A salt such as sodium chloride can
be added to increase the ionic strength, e.g., 100 mM sodium
chloride. This ultrafiltration/diafiltration step serves to
concentrate the anti-IL-12, anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-IL-18
antibodies, remove the sodium acetate and adjust the pH. Commercial
filters are available to effectuate this step. For example,
Millipore manufactures a 30 kD molecular weight cut-off (MWCO)
cellulose ultrafilter membrane cassette. This filtration procedure
can be conducted at or around room temperature.
[0122] In certain embodiments, the sample from the capture
filtration step above is subjected to a second ion exchange
separation step. Preferably this second ion exchange separation
will involve separation based on the opposite charge of the first
ion exchange separation. For example, if an anion exchange step is
employed after primary recovery, the second ion exchange
chromatographic step may be a cation exchange step. Conversely, if
the primary recovery step was followed by a cation exchange step,
that step would be followed by an anion exchange step. In certain
embodiments the first ion exchange eluate can be subjected directly
to the second ion exchange chromatographic step where the first ion
exchange eluate is adjusted to the appropriate buffer conditions.
Suitable anionic and cationic separation materials and conditions
are described above.
[0123] In certain embodiments of the instant invention the sample
containing antibodies will be further processed using a hydrophobic
interaction separation step. A non-limiting example of a suitable
column for such a step is an 80 cm diameter.times.15 cm long column
whose bed volume is about 75 L, which is packed with an appropriate
resin used for HIC such as, but not limited to, Phenyl HP
Sepharose.TM. from Amersham Biosciences, Upsala, Sweden. The
flow-through preparation obtained from the previous anion exchange
chromatography step comprising the antibodies of interest can be
diluted with an equal volume of around 1.7 M ammonium sulfate, 50
mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0. This then can be subjected to
filtration using a 0.45/0.2 .mu.m Sartopore.TM. 2 bi-layer filter,
or its equivalent. In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic
chromatography procedure involves two or more cycles.
[0124] In certain embodiments, the HIC column is first equilibrated
using a suitable buffer. A non-limiting example of a suitable
buffer is 0.85 M ammonium sulfate, 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0.
One skilled in the art can vary the equilibrating buffer and still
be within the scope of the present invention by altering the
concentrations of the buffering agents and/or by substituting
equivalent buffers. In certain embodiments the column is then
loaded with an anion exchange flow-through sample and washed
multiple times, e.g., three times, with an appropriate buffer
system such as ammonium sulfate/sodium phosphate. An example of a
suitable buffer system includes 1.1 M ammonium sulfate, 50 mM
sodium phosphate buffer with a pH of around 7.0. Optionally, the
column can undergo further wash cycles. For example, a second wash
cycle can include multiple column washes, e.g., one to seven times,
using an appropriate buffer system. A non-limiting example of a
suitable buffer system includes 0.85 M ammonium sulfate, 50 mM
sodium phosphate, pH 7.0. In one aspect, the loaded column
undergoes yet a third wash using an appropriate buffer system. The
column can be washed multiple times, e.g., one to three times,
using a buffer system such as 1.1 M ammonium sulfate, 50 mM sodium
phosphate at a pH around 7.0. Again, one skilled in the art can
vary the buffering conditions and still be within the scope of the
present invention.
[0125] The column is eluted using an appropriate elution buffer. A
suitable example of such an elution buffer is 0.5 M ammonium
sulfate, 15 mM sodium phosphate at a pH around 7.0. The antibodies
of interest can be detected and collected using a conventional
spectrophotometer from the upside at 3 OD.sub.280 nm to downside of
peak at 3 OD.sub.280 nm.
[0126] In certain aspects of the invention, the eluate from the
hydrophobic chromatography step is subjected to filtration for the
removal of viral particles, including intact viruses, if present. A
non-limiting example of a suitable filter is the Ultipor DV50.TM.
filter from Pall Corporation. Other viral filters can be used in
this filtration step and are well known to those skilled in the
art. The HIC eluate is passed through a pre-wetted filter of about
0.1 .mu.m and a 2.times.30-inch Ultipor DV50.TM. filter train at
around 34 psig. In certain embodiments, following the filtration
process, the filter is washed using, e.g., the HIC elution buffer
in order to remove any antibodies retained in the filter housing.
The filtrate can be stored in a pre-sterilized container at around
12.degree. C.
[0127] In a certain embodiments, the filtrate from the above is
again subjected to ultrafiltration/diafiltration. This step is
important if a practitioner's end point is to use the antibody in
a, e.g., pharmaceutical formulation. This process, if employed, can
facilitate the concentration of antibody, removal of buffering
salts previously used and replace it with a particular formulation
buffer. In certain embodiments, continuous diafiltration with
multiple volumes, e.g., two volumes, of a formulation buffer is
performed. A non-limiting example of a suitable formulation buffer
is 5 mM methionine, 2% mannitol, 0.5% sucrose, pH 5.9 buffer (no
Tween). Upon completion of this diavolume exchange the antibodies
are concentrated. Once a predetermined concentration of antibody
has been achieved, then a practitioner can calculate the amount of
10% Tween that should be added to arrive at a final Tween
concentration of about 0.005% (v/v).
[0128] Certain embodiments of the present invention will include
further purification steps. Examples of additional purification
procedures which can be performed prior to, during, or following
the ion exchange chromatography method include ethanol
precipitation, isoelectric focusing, reverse phase HPLC,
chromatography on silica, chromatography on heparin Sepharose.TM.,
further anion exchange chromatography and/or further cation
exchange chromatography, chromatofocusing, SDS-PAGE, ammonium
sulfate precipitation, hydroxylapatite chromatography, gel
electrophoresis, dialysis, and affinity chromatography (e.g., using
protein A, protein G, an antibody, a specific substrate, ligand or
antigen as the capture reagent).
[0129] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the
anti-IL-12 antibody is an IgA.sub.1, IgA.sub.2, IgD, IgE,
IgG.sub.1, IgG.sub.2, IgG.sub.3, IgG.sub.4, or IgM isotype antibody
comprising the heavy and light chain variable region sequences
outlined in FIG. 1. In preferred embodiments, the anti-IL-12
antibody is an IgG.sub.1, IgG.sub.2, IgG.sub.3 or IgG.sub.4 isotype
antibody comprising the heavy and light chain variable region
sequences outlined in FIG. 1, more preferably the anti-IL-12
antibody is an IgG.sub.1 isotype antibody comprising the heavy and
light chain variable region sequences outlined in FIG. 1. In
certain embodiments of the present invention, the anti-TNF.alpha.
antibody is an IgA.sub.1, IgA.sub.2, IgD, IgE, IgG.sub.1,
IgG.sub.2, IgG.sub.3, IgG.sub.4, or IgM isotype antibody comprising
the heavy and light chain variable region sequences outlined in
FIG. 3. In preferred embodiments, the anti-TNF.alpha. antibody is
an IgG.sub.1, IgG.sub.2, IgG.sub.3 or IgG.sub.4 isotype antibody
comprising the heavy and light chain variable region sequences
outlined in FIG. 3, more preferably the anti-TNF.alpha. antibody is
an IgG.sub.1 isotype antibody comprising the heavy and light chain
variable region sequences outlined in FIG. 3.
5. Methods of Assaying Sample Purity
[0130] 5.1 Assaying Host Cell Protein
[0131] The present invention also provides methods for determining
the residual levels of host cell protein (HCP) concentration in the
isolated/purified antibody composition. As described above, HCPs
are desirably excluded from the final target substance product,
e.g., the anti-IL-12, anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-IL-18 antibody.
Exemplary HCPs include proteins originating from the source of the
antibody production. Failure to identify and sufficiently remove
HCPs from the target antibody may lead to reduced efficacy and/or
adverse subject reactions.
[0132] As used herein, the term "HCP ELISA" refers to an ELISA
where the second antibody used in the assay is specific to the HCPs
produced from cells, e.g., CHO cells, used to generate the antibody
(e.g., anti-IL-12, anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-IL-18 antibody). The
second antibody may be produced according to conventional methods
known to those of skill in the art. For example, the second
antibody may be produced using HCPs obtained by sham production and
purification runs, i.e., the same cell line used to produce the
antibody of interest is used, but the cell line is not transfected
with antibody DNA. In an exemplary embodiment, the second antibody
is produced using HPCs similar to those expressed in the cell
expression system of choice, i.e., the cell expression system used
to produce the target antibody.
[0133] Generally, HCP ELISA comprises sandwiching a liquid sample
comprising HCPs between two layers of antibodies, i.e., a first
antibody and a second antibody. The sample is incubated during
which time the HCPs in the sample are captured by the first
antibody, for example, but not limited to goat anti-CHO, affinity
purified (Cygnus). A labeled second antibody, or blend of
antibodies, specific to the HCPs produced from the cells used to
generate the antibody, e.g., anti-CHO HCP Biotinylated, is added,
and binds to the HCPs within the sample. In certain embodiments the
first and second antibodies are polyclonal antibodies. In certain
aspects the first and second antibodies are blends of polyclonal
antibodies raised against HCPs, for example, but not limited to
Biotinylated goat anti Host Cell Protein Mixture 599/626/748. The
amount of HCP contained in the sample is determined using the
appropriate test based on the label of the second antibody.
[0134] HCP ELISA may be used for determining the level of HCPs in
an antibody composition, such as an eluate or flow-through obtained
using the process described above. The present invention also
provides a composition comprising an antibody, wherein the
composition has no detectable level of HCPs as determined by an HCP
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ("ELISA").
[0135] 5.2 Assaying Affinity Chromatographic Material
[0136] In certain embodiments, the present invention also provides
methods for determining the residual levels of affinity
chromatographic material in the isolated/purified antibody
composition. In certain contexts such material leaches into the
antibody composition during the purification process. In certain
embodiments, an assay for identifying the concentration of Protein
A in the isolated/purified antibody composition is employed. As
used herein, the term "Protein A ELISA" refers to an ELISA where
the second antibody used in the assay is specific to the Protein A
employed to purify the antibody of interest, e.g., an anti-IL-12,
anti-TNF.alpha., or anti-IL-18 antibody. The second antibody may be
produced according to conventional methods known to those of skill
in the art. For example, the second antibody may be produced using
naturally occurring or recombinant Protein A in the context of
conventional methods for antibody generation and production.
[0137] Generally, Protein A ELISA comprises sandwiching a liquid
sample comprising Protein A (or possibly containing Protein A)
between two layers of anti-Protein A antibodies, i.e., a first
anti-Protein A antibody and a second anti-Protein A antibody. The
sample is exosed to a first layer of anti-Protein A antibody, for
example, but not limited to polyclonal antibodies or blends of
polyclonal antibodies, and incubated for a time sufficient for
Protein A in the sample to be captured by the first antibody. A
labeled second antibody, for example, but not limited to polyclonal
antibodies or blends of polyclonal antibodies, specific to the
Protein A is then added, and binds to the captured Protein A within
the sample. Additional non-limiting examples of anti-Protein A
antibodies useful in the context of the instant invention include
chicken anti-Protein A and biotinylated anti-Protein A antibodies.
The amount of Protein A contained in the sample is determined using
the appropriate test based on the label of the second antibody.
Similar assays can be employed to identify the concentration of
alternative affinity chromatographic materials.
[0138] Protein A ELISA may be used for determining the level of
Protein A in an antibody composition, such as an eluate or
flow-through obtained using the process described in above. The
present invention also provides a composition comprising an
antibody, wherein the composition has no detectable level of
Protein A as determined by an Protein A Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent
Assay ("ELISA").
6. Further Modifications
[0139] The antibodies of the present invention can be modified. In
some embodiments, the antibodies or antigen binding fragments
thereof, are chemically modified to provide a desired effect. For
example, pegylation of antibodies or antibody fragments of the
invention may be carried out by any of the pegylation reactions
known in the art, as described, e.g., in the following references:
Focus on Growth Factors 3:4-10 (1992); EP 0 154 316; and EP 0 401
384, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety. In one aspect, the pegylation is carried out via an
acylation reaction or an alkylation reaction with a reactive
polyethylene glycol molecule (or an analogous reactive
water-soluble polymer). A suitable water-soluble polymer for
pegylation of the antibodies and antibody fragments of the
invention is polyethylene glycol (PEG). As used herein,
"polyethylene glycol" is meant to encompass any of the forms of PEG
that have been used to derivatize other proteins, such as mono
(Cl-ClO) alkoxy- or aryloxy-polyethylene glycol.
[0140] Methods for preparing pegylated antibodies and antibody
fragments of the invention will generally comprise the steps of (a)
reacting the antibody or antibody fragment with polyethylene
glycol, such as a reactive ester or aldehyde derivative of PEG,
under suitable conditions whereby the antibody or antibody fragment
becomes attached to one or more PEG groups, and (b) obtaining the
reaction products. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in
the art to select the optimal reaction conditions or the acylation
reactions based on known parameters and the desired result.
[0141] Pegylated antibodies and antibody fragments specific for
IL-12, TNF.alpha., or IL-18 may generally be used to treat
IL-12-related, TNF.alpha.-related, or IL-18-related disorders of
the invention by administration of the anti-IL-12, anti-TNF.alpha.
or anti-IL-18 antibodies and antibody fragments described herein.
Generally the pegylated antibodies and antibody fragments have
increased half-life, as compared to the nonpegylated antibodies and
antibody fragments. The pegylated antibodies and antibody fragments
may be employed alone, together, or in combination with other
pharmaceutical compositions.
[0142] An antibody or antibody portion of the invention can be
derivatized or linked to another functional molecule (e.g., another
peptide or protein). Accordingly, the antibodies and antibody
portions of the invention are intended to include derivatized and
otherwise modified forms of the human anti-hIL-12, anti-TNF.alpha.,
or anti-hIL-18 antibodies described herein, including
immunoadhesion molecules. For example, an antibody or antibody
portion of the invention can be functionally linked (by chemical
coupling, genetic fusion, noncovalent association or otherwise) to
one or more other molecular entities, such as another antibody
(e.g., a bispecific antibody or a diabody), a detectable agent, a
cytotoxic agent, a pharmaceutical agent, and/or a protein or
peptide that can mediate associate of the antibody or antibody
portion with another molecule (such as a streptavidin core region
or a polyhistidine tag).
[0143] One type of derivatized antibody is produced by crosslinking
two or more antibodies (of the same type or of different types,
e.g., to create bispecific antibodies). Suitable crosslinkers
include those that are heterobifunctional, having two distinctly
reactive groups separated by an appropriate spacer (e.g.,
m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester) or homobifunctional
(e.g., disuccinimidyl suberate). Such linkers are available from
Pierce Chemical Company, Rockford, Ill.
[0144] Useful detectable agents with which an antibody or antibody
portion of the invention may be derivatized include fluorescent
compounds. Exemplary fluorescent detectable agents include
fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine,
5-dimethylamine-1-napthalenesulfonyl chloride, phycoerythrin and
the like. An antibody may also be derivatized with detectable
enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase, horseradish peroxidase,
glucose oxidase and the like. When an antibody is derivatized with
a detectable enzyme, it is detected by adding additional reagents
that the enzyme uses to produce a detectable reaction product. For
example, when the detectable agent horseradish peroxidase is
present, the addition of hydrogen peroxide and diaminobenzidine
leads to a colored reaction product, which is detectable. An
antibody may also be derivatized with biotin, and detected through
indirect measurement of avidin or streptavidin binding.
7. Pharmaceutical Compositions
[0145] The antibodies and antibody-portions of the invention can be
incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions suitable for
administration to a subject. Typically, the pharmaceutical
composition comprises an antibody or antibody portion of the
invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. As used
herein, "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" includes any and all
solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal
agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like that
are physiologically compatible. Examples of pharmaceutically
acceptable carriers include one or more of water, saline, phosphate
buffered saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol and the like, as well
as combinations thereof. In many cases, it is desirable to include
isotonic agents, e.g., sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol,
sorbitol, or sodium chloride in the composition. Pharmaceutically
acceptable carriers may further comprise minor amounts of auxiliary
substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, preservatives or
buffers, which enhance the shelf life or effectiveness of the
antibody or antibody portion.
[0146] The antibodies and antibody-portions of the invention can be
incorporated into a pharmaceutical composition suitable for
parenteral administration. The antibody or antibody-portions can be
prepared as an injectable solution containing, e.g., 0.1-250 mg/mL
antibody. The injectable solution can be composed of either a
liquid or lyophilized dosage form in a flint or amber vial, ampule
or pre-filled syringe. The buffer can be L-histidine approximately
1-50 mM, (optimally 5-10 mM), at pH 5.0 to 7.0 (optimally pH 6.0).
Other suitable buffers include but are not limited to sodium
succinate, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate or potassium phosphate.
Sodium chloride can be used to modify the toxicity of the solution
at a concentration of 0-300 mM (optimally 150 mM for a liquid
dosage form). Cryoprotectants can be included for a lyophilized
dosage form, principally 0-10% sucrose (optimally 0.5-1.0%). Other
suitable cryoprotectants include trehalose and lactose. Bulking
agents can be included for a lyophilized dosage form, principally
1-10% mannitol (optimally 24%). Stabilizers can be used in both
liquid and lyophilized dosage forms, principally 1-50 mM
L-methionine (optimally 5-10 mM). Other suitable bulking agents
include glycine, arginine, can be included as 0-0.05%
polysorbate-80 (optimally 0.005-0.01%). Additional surfactants
include but are not limited to polysorbate 20 and BRIJ
surfactants.
[0147] In one aspect, the pharmaceutical composition includes the
antibody at a dosage of about 0.01 mg/kg-10 mg/kg. In another
aspect, the dosages of the antibody include approximately 1 mg/kg
administered every other week, or approximately 0.3 mg/kg
administered weekly. A skilled practitioner can ascertain the
proper dosage and regime for administering to a subject.
[0148] The compositions of this invention may be in a variety of
forms. These include, e.g., liquid, semi-solid and solid dosage
forms, such as liquid solutions (e.g., injectable and infusible
solutions), dispersions or suspensions, tablets, pills, powders,
liposomes and suppositories. The form depends on, e.g., the
intended mode of administration and therapeutic application.
Typical compositions are in the form of injectable or infusible
solutions, such as compositions similar to those used for passive
immunization of humans with other antibodies. One mode of
administration is parenteral (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous,
intraperitoneal, intramuscular). In one aspect, the antibody is
administered by intravenous infusion or injection. In another
aspect, the antibody is administered by intramuscular or
subcutaneous injection.
[0149] Therapeutic compositions typically must be sterile and
stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage. The
composition can be formulated as a solution, microemulsion,
dispersion, liposome, or other ordered structure suitable to high
drug concentration. Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by
incorporating the active compound (i.e., antibody or antibody
portion) in the required amount in an appropriate solvent with one
or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, as required,
followed by filtered sterilization. Generally, dispersions are
prepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile
vehicle that contains a basic dispersion medium and the required
other ingredients from those enumerated above. In the case of
sterile, lyophilized powders for the preparation of sterile
injectable solutions, the methods of preparation are vacuum drying
and spray-drying that yields a powder of the active ingredient plus
any additional desired ingredient from a previously
sterile-filtered solution thereof. The proper fluidity of a
solution can be maintained, e.g., by the use of a coating such as
lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the
case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants. Prolonged
absorption of injectable compositions can be brought about by
including in the composition an agent that delays absorption, e.g.,
monostearate salts and gelatin.
[0150] The antibodies and antibody-portions of the present
invention can be administered by a variety of methods known in the
art, one route/mode of administration is subcutaneous injection,
intravenous injection or infusion. As will be appreciated by the
skilled artisan, the route and/or mode of administration will vary
depending upon the desired results. In certain embodiments, the
active compound may be prepared with a carrier that will protect
the compound against rapid release, such as a controlled release
formulation, including implants, transdermal patches, and
microencapsulated delivery systems. Biodegradable, biocompatible
polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate,
polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and
polylactic acid. Many methods for the preparation of such
formulations are patented or generally known to those skilled in
the art. See, e.g., Sustained and Controlled Release Drug Delivery
Systems, J. R. Robinson, ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1978,
the entire teaching of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0151] In certain aspects, an antibody or antibody portion of the
invention may be orally administered, e.g., with an inert diluent
or an assimilable edible carrier. The compound (and other
ingredients, if desired) may also be enclosed in a hard or soft
shell gelatin capsule, compressed into tablets, or incorporated
directly into the subject's diet. For oral therapeutic
administration, the compounds may be incorporated with excipients
and used in the form of ingestible tablets, buccal tablets,
troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, and the
like. To administer a compound of the invention by other than
parenteral administration, it may be necessary to coat the compound
with, or co-administer the compound with, a material to prevent its
inactivation.
[0152] Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporated into
the compositions. In certain aspects, an antibody or antibody
portion of the invention is co-formulated with and/or
co-administered with one or more additional therapeutic agents that
are useful for treating disorders in which IL-12, TNF.alpha., or
IL-18 activity is detrimental. For example, an anti-hIL-12,
anti-TNF.alpha. or anti-IL-18 antibody or antibody portion of the
invention may be co-formulated and/or co-administered with one or
more additional antibodies that bind other targets (e.g.,
antibodies that bind other cytokines or that bind cell surface
molecules). Furthermore, one or more antibodies of the invention
may be used in combination with two or more of the foregoing
therapeutic agents. Such combination therapies may advantageously
utilize lower dosages of the administered therapeutic agents, thus
avoiding possible toxicities or complications associated with the
various monotherapies. It will be appreciated by the skilled
practitioner that when the antibodies of the invention are used as
part of a combination therapy, a lower dosage of antibody may be
desirable than when the antibody alone is administered to a subject
(e.g., a synergistic therapeutic effect may be achieved through the
use of combination therapy which, in turn, permits use of a lower
dose of the antibody to achieve the desired therapeutic
effect).
[0153] It should be understood that the antibodies of the invention
or antigen binding portion thereof can be used alone or in
combination with an additional agent, e.g., a therapeutic agent,
said additional agent being selected by the skilled artisan for its
intended purpose. For example, the additional agent can be a
therapeutic agent art-recognized as being useful to treat the
disease or condition being treated by the antibody of the present
invention. The additional agent also can be an agent which imparts
a beneficial attribute to the therapeutic composition, e.g., an
agent which effects the viscosity of the composition.
[0154] It should further be understood that the combinations which
are to be included within this invention are those combinations
useful for their intended purpose. The agents set forth below are
illustrative and not intended to be limited. The combinations which
are part of this invention can be the antibodies of the present
invention and at least one additional agent selected from the lists
below. The combination can also include more than one additional
agent, e.g., two or three additional agents if the combination is
such that the formed composition can perform its intended
function.
[0155] Some combinations are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drug(s) also referred to as NSAIDS which include drugs like
ibuprofen. Other combinations are corticosteroids including
prednisolone; the well known side-effects of steroid use can be
reduced or even eliminated by tapering the steroid dose required
when treating patients in combination with the anti-IL-12
antibodies of this invention. Non-limiting examples of therapeutic
agents for rheumatoid arthritis with which an antibody, or antibody
portion, of the invention can be combined to include the following:
cytokine suppressive anti-inflammatory drug(s) (CSAIDs); antibodies
to or antagonists of other human cytokines or growth factors, for
example, TNF, LT, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-15, IL-16,
IL-18, EMAP-II, GM-CSF, FGF, and PDGF. Antibodies of the invention,
or antigen binding portions thereof, can be combined with
antibodies to cell surface molecules such as CD2, CD3, CD4, CD8,
CD25, CD28, CD30, CD40, CD45, CD69, CD80 (B7.1), CD86 (B7.2), CD90,
or their ligands including CD 154 (gp39 or CD40L).
[0156] Some combinations of therapeutic agents may interfere at
different points in the autoimmune and subsequent inflammatory
cascade; examples include TNF antagonists like chimeric, humanized
or human TNF antibodies, D2E7, (U.S. application Ser. No.
08/599,226 filed Feb. 9, 1996, the entire teaching of which is
incorporated herein by reference), cA2 (Remicade.TM.), CDP 571,
anti-TNF antibody fragments (e.g., CDP870), and soluble p55 or p75
TNF receptors, derivatives thereof, (p75TNFRIgG (Enbrel.TM.) or
p55TNFR1gG (Lenercept), soluble IL-13 receptor (sIL-13), and also
TNF.alpha. converting enzyme (TACE) inhibitors; similarly IL-1
inhibitors (e.g., Interleukin-1-converting enzyme inhibitors, such
as Vx740, or IL-1RA, etc.) may be effective for the same reason.
Other combinations include Interleukin 11, anti-P7s and p-selectin
glycoprotein ligand (PSGL). Yet other combinations involve other
key players of the autoimmune response which may act parallel to,
dependent on or in concert with IL-12 function; especially included
are IL-18 antagonists including IL-18 antibodies or soluble IL-18
receptors, or IL-18 binding proteins. It has been shown that IL-12
and IL-18 have overlapping but distinct functions and a combination
of antagonists to both may be most effective. Yet another
combination includes non-depleting anti-CD4 inhibitors. Yet other
combinations include antagonists of the co-stimulatory pathway CD80
(B7.1) or CD86 (B7.2) including antibodies, soluble receptors or
antagonistic ligands.
[0157] The antibodies of the invention, or antigen binding portions
thereof, may also be combined with agents, such as methotrexate,
6-MP, azathioprine sulphasalazine, mesalazine, olsalazine
chloroquinine/hydroxychloroquine, pencillamine, aurothiomalate
(intramuscular and oral), azathioprine, cochicine, corticosteroids
(oral, inhaled and local injection), .beta.-2 adrenoreceptor
agonists (salbutamol, terbutaline, salmeteral), xanthines
(theophylline, aminophylline), cromoglycate, nedocromil, ketotifen,
ipratropium and oxitropium, cyclosporin, FK506, rapamycin,
mycophenolate mofetil, leflunomide, NSAIDs, for example, ibuprofen,
corticosteroids such as prednisolone, phosphodiesterase inhibitors,
adensosine agonists, antithrombotic agents, complement inhibitors,
adrenergic agents, agents which interfere with signalling by
proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF.alpha. or IL-1 (e.g., IRAK,
NIK, IKK, p38 or MAP kinase inhibitors), IL-1.beta. converting
enzyme inhibitors (e.g., Vx740), anti-P7s, p-selectin glycoprotein
ligand (PSGL), TNF.alpha. converting enzyme (TACE) inhibitors,
T-cell signaling inhibitors such as kinase inhibitors,
metalloproteinase inhibitors, sulfasalazine, azathioprine,
6-mercaptopurines, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors,
soluble cytokine receptors and derivatives thereof (e.g., soluble
p55 or p75 TNF receptors and the derivatives p75TNFRIgG
(Enbrel.TM.) and p55TNFRIgG (Lenercept), sIL-1 RI, sIL-1RII,
sIL-6R, soluble IL-13 receptor (sIL-13)) and anti-inflammatory
cytokines (e.g., IL-4, IL-10, IL-11, IL-13 and TGF.beta.). Some
combinations include methotrexate or leflunomide and in moderate or
severe rheumatoid arthritis cases, cyclosporine.
[0158] Non-limiting examples of therapeutic agents for inflammatory
bowel disease with which an antibody, or antibody portion, of the
invention can be combined include the following: budenoside,
epidermal growth factor, corticosteroids, cyclosporin,
sulfasalazine, aminosalicylates, 6-mercaptopurine, azathioprine,
metronidazole, lipoxygenase inhibitors, mesalamine, olsalazine,
balsalazide, antioxidants, thromboxane inhibitors, IL-1 receptor
antagonists, anti-IL-1a monoclonal antibodies, anti-IL-6 monoclonal
antibodies, growth factors, elastase inhibitors,
pyridinyl-imidazole compounds, antibodies to or antagonists of
other human cytokines or growth factors, e.g., TNF, LT, IL-1, IL-2,
IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-15, IL-16, IL-18, EMAP-II, GM-CSF, FGF, and
PDGF. Antibodies of the invention, or antigen binding portions
thereof, can be combined with antibodies to cell surface molecules
such as CD2, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25, CD28, CD30, CD40, CD45, CD69,
CD90 or their ligands. The antibodies of the invention, or antigen
binding portions thereof, may also be combined with agents, such as
methotrexate, cyclosporin, FK506, rapamycin, mycophenolate mofetil,
leflunomide, NSAIDs, e.g., ibuprofen, corticosteroids such as
prednisolone, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, adenosine agonists,
antithrombotic agents, complement inhibitors, adrenergic agents,
agents which interfere with signaling by proinflammatory cytokines
such as TNF.alpha. or IL-1 (e.g., IRAK, NIK, IKK, p38 or MAP kinase
inhibitors), IL-1(3 converting enzyme inhibitors (e.g., Vx740),
anti-P7s, p-selectin glycoprotein ligand (PSGL), TNF.alpha.
converting enzyme inhibitors, T-cell signaling inhibitors such as
kinase inhibitors, metalloproteinase inhibitors, sulfasalazine,
azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurines, angiotensin converting enzyme
inhibitors, soluble cytokine receptors and derivatives thereof
(e.g., soluble p55 or p75 TNF receptors, sIL-1RI, sIL-1RII, sIL-6R,
soluble IL-13 receptor (sIL-13)) and anti-inflammatory cytokines
(e.g., IL-4, IL-10, IL-11, IL-13 and TGF.beta.).
[0159] Examples of therapeutic agents for Crohn's disease in which
an antibody or an antigen binding portion can be combined include
the following: TNF antagonists, e.g., anti-TNF antibodies, D2E7
(U.S. application Ser. No. 08/599,226, filed Feb. 9, 1996, the
entire teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference), cA2
(Remicade.TM.), CDP 571, anti-TNF antibody fragments (e.g.,
CDP870), TNFR-Ig constructs(p75TNFRIgG (Enbrel.TM.) and p55TNFRIgG
(Lenercept)), anti-P7s, p-selectin glycoprotein ligand (PSGL),
soluble IL-13 receptor (sIL-13), and PDE4 inhibitors. Antibodies of
the invention or antigen binding portions thereof, can be combined
with corticosteroids, e.g., budenoside and dexamethasone.
Antibodies of the invention or antigen binding portions thereof,
may also be combined with agents such as sulfasalazine,
5-aminosalicylic acid and olsalazine, and agents which interfere
with synthesis or action of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1,
e.g., IL-1 converting enzyme inhibitors (e.g., Vx740) and IL-1ra.
Antibodies of the invention or antigen binding portion thereof may
also be used with T cell signaling inhibitors, e.g., tyrosine
kinase inhibitors 6-mercaptopurines. Antibodies of the invention or
antigen binding portions thereof, can be combined with IL-11.
[0160] Non-limiting examples of therapeutic agents for multiple
sclerosis with which an antibody, or antibody portion, of the
invention can be combined include the following: corticosteroids,
prednisolone, methylprednisolone, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide,
cyclosporine, methotrexate, 4-aminopyridine, tizanidine,
IFN.beta.1a (Avonex; Biogen), IFN.beta.1b (Betaseron;
Chiron/Berlex), Copolymer 1 (Cop-1, Copaxone, Teva Pharmaceutical
Industries, Inc.), hyperbaric oxygen, intravenous immunoglobulin,
clabribine, antibodies to or antagonists of other human cytokines
or growth factors, e.g., TNF, LT, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8,
IL-15, IL-16, IL-18, EMAP-II, GM-CSF, FGF, and PDGF. Antibodies of
the invention, or antigen binding portions thereof, can be combined
with antibodies to cell surface molecules such as CD2, CD3, CD4,
CD8, CD25, CD28, CD30, CD40, CD45, CD69, CD80, CD86, CD90 or their
ligands. The antibodies of the invention, or antigen binding
portions thereof, may also be combined with agents, such as
methotrexate, cyclosporine, FK506, rapamycin, mycophenolate
mofetil, leflunomide, NSAIDs, e.g., ibuprofen, corticosteroids such
as prednisolone, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, adensosine agonists,
antithrombotic agents, complement inhibitors, adrenergic agents,
agents which interfere with signaling by proinflammatory cytokines
such as TNF.alpha. or IL-1 (e.g., IRAK, NIK, IKK, p38 or MAP kinase
inhibitors), IL-1.beta. converting enzyme inhibitors (e.g., Vx740),
anti-P7s, p-selectin glycoprotein ligand (PSGL), TACE inhibitors,
T-cell signaling inhibitors such as kinase inhibitors,
metalloproteinase inhibitors, sulfasalazine, azathioprine,
6-mercaptopurines, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors,
soluble cytokine receptors and derivatives thereof (e.g., soluble
p55 or p75 TNF receptors, sIL-1 RI, sIL-1 RII, sIL-6R, soluble
IL-13 receptor (sIL-13)) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g.,
IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 and TGF.beta.).
[0161] Examples of therapeutic agents for multiple sclerosis in
which the antibody or antigen binding portion thereof can be
combined to include IFN.beta., e.g., IFN.beta.1a and IFN.beta.1b,
copaxone, corticosteroids, IL-1 inhibitors, TNF inhibitors, and
antibodies to CD40 ligand and CD80.
[0162] The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may include
a "therapeutically effective amount" or a "prophylactically
effective amount" of an antibody or antibody portion of the
invention. A "therapeutically effective amount" refers to an amount
effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve
the desired therapeutic result. A therapeutically effective amount
of the antibody or antibody portion may vary according to factors
such as the disease state, age, sex, and weight of the individual,
and the ability of the antibody or antibody portion to elicit a
desired response in the individual. A therapeutically effective
amount is also one in which any toxic or detrimental effects of the
antibody or antibody portion are outweighed by the therapeutically
beneficial effects. A "prophylactically effective amount" refers to
an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary,
to achieve the desired prophylactic result. Typically, since a
prophylactic dose is used in subjects prior to or at an earlier
stage of disease, the prophylactically effective amount will be
less than the therapeutically effective amount.
[0163] Dosage regimens may be adjusted to provide the optimum
desired response (e.g., a therapeutic or prophylactic response).
For example, a single bolus may be administered, several divided
doses may be administered over time or the dose may be
proportionally reduced or increased as indicated by the exigencies
of the therapeutic situation. In certain embodiments it is
especially advantageous to formulate parenteral compositions in
dosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of
dosage. Dosage unit form as used herein refers to physically
discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the mammalian subjects
to be treated; each unit comprising a predetermined quantity of
active compound calculated to produce the desired therapeutic
effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier. The
specification for the dosage unit forms of the invention are
dictated by and directly dependent on (a) the unique
characteristics of the active compound and the particular
therapeutic or prophylactic effect to be achieved, and (b) the
limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an active
compound for the treatment of sensitivity in individuals.
[0164] An exemplary, non-limiting range for a therapeutically or
prophylactically effective amount of an antibody or antibody
portion of the invention is 0.01-20 mg/kg, or 1-10 mg/kg, or 0.3-1
mg/kg. It is to be noted that dosage values may vary with the type
and severity of the condition to be alleviated. It is to be further
understood that for any particular subject, specific dosage
regimens should be adjusted over time according to the individual
need and the professional judgment of the person administering or
supervising the administration of the compositions, and that dosage
ranges set forth herein are exemplary only and are not intended to
limit the scope or practice of the claimed composition.
8. Uses of the Antibodies of the Invention
[0165] 8.1. Anti-IL-12 Antibody Uses Generally
[0166] Given their ability to bind to IL-12, the anti-IL-12
antibodies, or portions thereof, of the invention can be used to
detect IL-12, in one aspect, hIL-12 (e.g., in a sample matrix, in
one aspect, a biological sample, such as serum or plasma), using a
conventional immunoassay, such as an enzyme linked immunosorbent
assays (ELISA), an radioimmunoassay (RIA) or tissue
immunohistochemistry. The invention provides a method for detecting
IL-12 in a biological sample comprising contacting a sample with an
antibody, or antibody portion, of the invention and detecting
either the antibody (or antibody portion) bound to IL-12 or unbound
antibody (or antibody portion), to thereby detect IL-12 in the
sample. The antibody is directly or indirectly labeled with a
detectable substance to facilitate detection of the bound or
unbound antibody. Suitable detectable substances include various
enzymes, prosthetic groups, fluorescent materials, luminescent
materials and radioactive materials. Examples of suitable enzymes
include horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase,
J3-galactosidase, or acetylcholinesterase; examples of suitable
prosthetic group complexes include streptavidin/biotin and
avidin/biotin; examples of suitable fluorescent materials include
umbelliferone, fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine,
dichlorotriazinylamine fluorescein, dansyl chloride or
phycoerythrin; an example of a luminescent material includes
luminol; and examples of suitable radioactive material include
125I, 131I, 35S, or 3H. Detection of IL-12 in a sample may be
useful in a diagnostic context, for example in the diagnosis of a
condition associated with increased IL-12, and/or may be useful in
identifying a subject who may benefit from treatment with an
anti-IL-12 antibody.
[0167] Alternative to labeling the antibody, IL-12 can be assayed
in a sample by a competition immunoassay utilizing, e.g., rhIL-12
standards labeled with a detectable substance and an unlabeled
anti-IL-12 antibody, such as an anti-hIL-12 antibody. In this
assay, the sample, the labeled rhIL-12 standards, and the
anti-hIL-12 antibody are combined and the amount of labeled rhIL-12
standard bound to the unlabeled antibody is determined. The amount
of hIL-12 in the sample is inversely proportional to the amount of
labeled rhIL-12 standard bound to the anti-hIL-12 antibody.
[0168] The antibodies and antibody portions of the invention are
capable of neutralizing IL-12 activity in vitro and in vivo, in one
aspect, a hIL-12 activity. Accordingly, the antibodies and antibody
portions of the invention can be used to inhibit IL-12 activity,
e.g., in a cell culture containing IL-12, in human subjects or in
other mammalian subjects having IL-12 with which an antibody of the
invention cross-reacts (e.g., primates such as baboon, cynomolgus
and rhesus). In a one aspect, the invention provides an isolated
human antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, that
neutralizes the activity of human IL-12, and at least one
additional primate IL-12 selected from the group consisting of
baboon IL-12, marmoset IL-12, chimpanzee IL-12, cynomolgus IL-12
and rhesus IL-12, but which does not neutralize the activity of the
mouse IL-12. In one aspect, the IL-12 is human IL-12. For example,
in a cell culture containing, or suspected of containing hIL-12, an
antibody or antibody portion of the invention can be added to the
culture medium to inhibit hIL-12 activity in the culture.
[0169] In another aspect, the invention provides a method for
inhibiting IL-12 activity in a subject suffering from a disorder in
which IL-12 activity is detrimental. IL-12 has been implicated in
the pathophysiology of a wide variety of disorders (Windhagen et
al., (1995) J. Exp. Med. 182: 1985-1996; Morita et al. (1998)
Arthritis and Rheumatism. 41: 306-314; Bucht et al., (1996) Clin.
Exp. Immunol. 103: 347-367; Fais et al. (1994) J. Interferon Res.
14:235-238; Pyrronchi et al., (1997) Am. J. Path. 150:823-832;
Monteleone et al., (1997) Gastroenterology. 112:1169-1178, and
Berrebi et al., (1998) Am. J. Path 152:667-672; Pyrronchi et al.
(1997) Am. J. Path. 150:823-832, the entire teachings of which are
incorporated herein by reference). The invention provides methods
for inhibiting IL-12 activity in a subject suffering from such a
disorder, which method comprises administering to the subject an
antibody or antibody portion of the invention such that IL-12
activity in the subject is inhibited. In one aspect, the IL-12 is
human IL-12 and the subject is a human subject. Alternatively, the
subject can be a mammal expressing IL-12 with which an antibody of
the invention cross-reacts. Still further the subject can be a
mammal into which has been introduced hIL-12 (e.g., by
administration of hIL-12 or by expression of an hIL-12 transgene).
An antibody of the invention can be administered to a human subject
for therapeutic purposes. Moreover, an antibody of the invention
can be administered to a non-human mammal expressing a IL-12 with
which the antibody cross-reacts for veterinary purposes or as an
animal model of human disease. Regarding the latter, such animal
models may be useful for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of
antibodies of the invention (e.g., testing of dosages and time
courses of administration).
[0170] As used herein, the phrase "a disorder in which IL-12
activity is detrimental" is intended to include diseases and other
disorders in which the presence of IL-12 in a subject suffering
from the disorder has been shown to be or is suspected of being
either responsible for the pathophysiology of the disorder or a
factor that contributes to a worsening of the disorder.
Accordingly, a disorder in which IL-12 activity is detrimental is a
disorder in which inhibition of IL-12 activity is expected to
alleviate the symptoms and/or progression of the disorder. Such
disorders may be evidenced, e.g., by an increase in the
concentration of IL-12 in a biological fluid of a subject suffering
from the disorder (e.g., an increase in the concentration of IL-12
in serum, plasma, synovial fluid, etc. of the subject), which can
be detected, e.g., using an anti-IL-12 antibody as described above.
There are numerous examples of disorders in which IL-12 activity is
detrimental. In one aspect, the antibodies or antigen binding
portions thereof, can be used in therapy to treat the diseases or
disorders described herein. In another aspect, the antibodies or
antigen binding portions thereof, can be used for the manufacture
of a medicine for treating the diseases or disorders described
herein. The use of the antibodies and antibody portions of the
invention in the treatment of a few non-limiting specific disorders
is discussed further below.
[0171] Interleukin 12 plays a critical role in the pathology
associated with a variety of diseases involving immune and
inflammatory elements. These diseases include, but are not limited
to, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile chronic
arthritis, Lyme arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis,
spondyloarthropathy, systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn's disease,
ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, insulin dependent
diabetes mellitus, thyroiditis, asthma, allergic diseases,
psoriasis, dermatitis scleroderma, atopic dermatitis, graft versus
host disease, organ transplant rejection, acute or chronic immune
disease associated with organ transplantation, sarcoidosis,
atherosclerosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, Kawasaki's
disease, Grave's disease, nephrotic syndrome, chronic fatigue
syndrome, Wegener's granulomatosis, Henoch-Schoenlein purpurea,
microscopic vasculitis of the kidneys, chronic active hepatitis,
uveitis, septic shock, toxic shock syndrome, sepsis syndrome,
cachexia, infectious diseases, parasitic diseases, acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome, acute transverse myelitis, Huntington's
chorea, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, primary
biliary cirrhosis, hemolytic anemia, malignancies, heart failure,
myocardial infarction, Addison's disease, sporadic, polyglandular
deficiency type I and polyglandular deficiency type II, Schmidt's
syndrome, adult (acute) respiratory distress syndrome, alopecia,
alopecia areata, seronegative arthopathy, arthropathy, Reiter's
disease, psoriatic arthropathy, ulcerative colitic arthropathy,
enteropathic synovitis, chlamydia, yersinia and salmonella
associated arthropathy, spondyloarthopathy, atheromatous
disease/arteriosclerosis, atopic allergy, autoimmune bullous
disease, pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigoid,
linear IgA disease, autoimmune haemolytic anemia, Coombs positive
haemolytic anaemia, acquired pernicious anemia, juvenile pernicious
anaemia, myalgic encephalitis/Royal Free Disease, chronic
mucocutaneous candidiasis, giant cell arteritis, primary sclerosing
hepatitis, cryptogenic autoimmune hepatitis, Acquired
Immunodeficiency Disease Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency
Related Diseases, Hepatitis C, common varied immunodeficiency
(common variable hypogammaglobulinaemia), dilated cardiomyopathy,
female infertility, ovarian failure, premature ovarian failure,
fibrotic lung disease, cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis,
post-inflammatory interstitial lung disease, interstitial
pneumonitis, connective tissue disease associated interstitial lung
disease, mixed connective tissue disease associated lung disease,
systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease, rheumatoid
arthritis associated interstitial lung disease, systemic lupus
erythematosus associated lung disease, dermatomyositis/polymyositis
associated lung disease, Sjodgren's disease associated lung
disease, ankylosing spondylitis associated lung disease, vasculitic
diffuse lung disease, haemosiderosis associated lung disease,
drug-induced interstitial lung disease, radiation fibrosis,
bronchiolitis obliterans, chronic eosinophilic pneumonia,
lymphocytic infiltrative lung disease, postinfectious interstitial
lung disease, gouty arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, type-1
autoimmune hepatitis (classical autoimmune or lupoid hepatitis),
type-2 autoimmune hepatitis (anti-LKM antibody hepatitis),
autoimmune mediated hypoglycemia, type B insulin resistance with
acanthosis nigricans, hypoparathyroidism, acute immune disease
associated with organ transplantation, chronic immune disease
associated with organ transplantation, osteoarthrosis, primary
sclerosing cholangitis, idiopathic leucopenia, autoimmune
neutropenia, renal disease NOS, glomerulonephritides, microscopic
vasulitis of the kidneys, lyme disease, discoid lupus
erythematosus, male infertility idiopathic or NOS, sperm
autoimmunity, multiple sclerosis (all subtypes), insulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus, sympathetic ophthalmia, pulmonary hypertension
secondary to connective tissue disease, Goodpasture's syndrome,
pulmonary manifestation of polyarteritis nodosa, acute rheumatic
fever, rheumatoid spondylitis, Still's disease, systemic sclerosis,
Takayasu's disease/arteritis, autoimmune thrombocytopenia,
idiopathic thrombocytopenia, autoimmune thyroid disease,
hyperthyroidism, goitrous autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's
disease), atrophic autoimmune hypothyroidism, primary myxoedema,
phacogenic uveitis, primary vasculitis and vitiligo. The human
antibodies, and antibody portions of the invention can be used to
treat autoimmune diseases, in particular those associated with
inflammation, including, rheumatoid spondylitis, allergy,
autoimmune diabetes, and autoimmune uveitis.
[0172] In certain aspects, the antibodies of the invention or
antigen-binding portions thereof, are used to treat rheumatoid
arthritis, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, insulin dependent
diabetes mellitus and psoriasis.
[0173] 8.2 Use of Anti-IL-12 Antibody in Rheumatoid Arthritis
[0174] Interleukin-12 has been implicated in playing a role in
inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Inducible
IL-12p40 message has been detected in synovia from rheumatoid
arthritis patients and IL-12 has been shown to be present in the
synovial fluids from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (see, e.g.,
Morita et al., (1998) Arthritis and Rheumatism 41: 306-314, the
entire teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference).
IL-12 positive cells have been found to be present in the sublining
layer of the rheumatoid arthritis synovium. The human antibodies,
and antibody portions of the invention can be used to treat, e.g.,
rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme
arthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, osteoarthritis and gouty
arthritis. Typically, the antibody, or antibody portion, is
administered systemically, although for certain disorders, local
administration of the antibody or antibody portion may be
beneficial. An antibody, or antibody portion, of the invention also
can be administered with one or more additional therapeutic agents
useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
[0175] In the collagen induced arthritis (CIA) murine model for
rheumatoid arthritis, treatment of mice with an anti-IL-12 mAb (rat
anti-mouse IL-12 monoclonal antibody, C17.15) prior to arthritis
profoundly suppressed the onset, and reduced the incidence and
severity of disease. Treatment with the anti-IL-12 mAb early after
onset of arthritis reduced severity, but later treatment of the
mice with the anti-IL-12 mAb after the onset of disease had minimal
effect on disease severity.
[0176] 8.3 Use of Anti-IL-12 Antibody in Crohn's Disease
[0177] Interleukin-12 also plays a role in the inflammatory bowel
disease, Crohn's disease. Increased expression of IFN-.gamma. and
IL-12 occurs in the intestinal mucosa of patients with Crohn's
disease (see, e.g., Fais et al., (1994) J. Interferon Res. 14:
235-238; Pyrronchi et al., (1997) Amer. J. Pathol. 150: 823-832;
Monteleone et al., (1997) Gastroenterology 112: 1169-1178; Berrebi
et al., (1998) Amer. J. Pathol. 152: 667-672, the entire teachings
of which are incorporated herein by reference). Anti-IL-12
antibodies have been shown to suppress disease in mouse models of
colitis, e.g., TNBS induced colitis IL-2 knockout mice, and
recently in IL-10 knock-out mice. Accordingly, the antibodies, and
antibody portions, of the invention, can be used in the treatment
of inflammatory bowel diseases.
[0178] 8.4 Use of Anti-IL-12 Antibody in Multiple Sclerosis
[0179] Interleukin-12 has been implicated as a key mediator of
multiple sclerosis. Expression of the inducible IL-12 p40 message
or IL-12 itself can be demonstrated in lesions of patients with
multiple sclerosis (Windhagen et al., (1995) J. Exp. Med 182:
1985-1996, Drulovic et al., (1997) J. Neurol. Sci. 147:145-150, the
entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference).
Chronic progressive patients with multiple sclerosis have elevated
circulating levels of IL-12. Investigations with T-cells and
antigen presenting cells (APCs) from patients with multiple
sclerosis revealed a self-perpetuating series of immune
interactions as the basis of progressive multiple sclerosis leading
to a Th1-type immune response. Increased secretion of IFN-.gamma.
from the T cells led to increased IL-12 production by APCs, which
perpetuated the cycle leading to a chronic state of a Th1-type
immune activation and disease (Balashov et al., (1997) Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. 94: 599-603, the entire teaching of which is
incorporated herein by reference). The role of IL-12 in multiple
sclerosis has been investigated using mouse and rat experimental
allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) models of multiple sclerosis. In a
relapsing-remitting EAE model of multiple sclerosis in mice,
pretreatment with anti-IL-12 mAb delayed paralysis and reduced
clinical scores. Treatment with anti-IL-12 mAb at the peak of
paralysis or during the subsequent remission period reduced
clinical scores. Accordingly, the antibodies or antigen binding
portions thereof of the invention nay serve to alleviate symptoms
associated with multiple sclerosis in humans.
[0180] 8.5 Use of Anti-IL-12 Antibody in Insulin-Dependent Diabetes
Mellitus
[0181] Interleukin-12 has been implicated as an important mediator
of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). IDDM was induced in
NOD mice by administration of IL-12, and anti-IL-12 antibodies were
protective in an adoptive transfer model of IDDM. Early onset IDDM
patients often experience a so-called "honeymoon period" during
which some residual islet cell function is maintained. These
residual islet cells produce insulin and regulate blood glucose
levels better than administered insulin. Treatment of these early
onset patients with an anti-IL-12 antibody may prevent further
destruction of islet cells, thereby maintaining an endogenous
source of insulin.
[0182] 8.6 Use of Anti-IL-12 Antibody in Psoriasis
[0183] Interleukin-12 has been implicated as a key mediator in
psoriasis. Psoriasis involves acute and chronic skin lesions that
are associated with a TH 1-type cytokine expression profile. (Hamid
et al. (1996) J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 1:225-231; Turka et al.
(1995) Mol. Med. 1:690-699, the entire teachings of which are
incorporated herein by reference). IL-12 p35 and p40 mRNAs were
detected in diseased human skin samples. Accordingly, the
antibodies or antigen binding portions thereof of the invention may
serve to alleviate chronic skin disorders such psoriasis.
[0184] 8.7 Uses of Anti-IL-18 Antibody Generally
[0185] Given their ability to bind to IL-18, the anti-IL-18
antibodies, or portions thereof, of the invention can be used to
detect IL-18, in one aspect, hIL-18 (e.g., in a sample matrix, in
one aspect, a biological sample, such as serum or plasma), using a
conventional immunoassay, such as an enzyme linked immunosorbent
assays (ELISA), an radioimmunoassay (RIA) or tissue
immunohistochemistry. The invention provides a method for detecting
IL-18 in a biological sample comprising contacting a sample with an
antibody, or antibody portion, of the invention and detecting
either the antibody (or antibody portion) bound to IL-18 or unbound
antibody (or antibody portion), to thereby detect IL-18 in the
sample. The antibody is directly or indirectly labeled with a
detectable substance to facilitate detection of the bound or
unbound antibody. Suitable detectable substances include various
enzymes, prosthetic groups, fluorescent materials, luminescent
materials and radioactive materials. Examples of suitable enzymes
include horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase,
.beta.-galactosidase, or acetylcholinesterase; examples of suitable
prosthetic group complexes include streptavidin/biotin and
avidin/biotin; examples of suitable fluorescent materials include
umbelliferone, fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine,
dichlorotriazinylamine fluorescein, dansyl chloride or
phycoerythrin; an example of a luminescent material includes
luminol; and examples of suitable radioactive material include
.sup.125I, .sup.131I, .sup.35S, or .sup.3H. Detection of IL-18 in a
sample may be useful in a diagnostic context, for example in the
diagnosis of a condition associated with increased IL-18, and/or
may be useful in identifying a subject who may benefit from
treatment with an anti-IL-18 antibody.
[0186] Alternative to labeling the antibody, IL-18 can be assayed
in a sample by a competition immunoassay utilizing, e.g., rhIL-18
standards labeled with a detectable substance and an unlabeled
anti-IL-18 antibody, such as an anti-hIL-18 antibody. In this
assay, the sample, the labeled rhIL-18 standards, and the
anti-hIL-18 antibody are combined and the amount of labeled rhIL-18
standard bound to the unlabeled antibody is determined. The amount
of hIL-18 in the sample is inversely proportional to the amount of
labeled rhIL-18 standard bound to the anti-hIL-18 antibody.
[0187] The antibodies and antibody portions of the invention are
capable of neutralizing IL-18 activity in vitro and in vivo, in one
aspect, a hIL-18 activity. Accordingly, the antibodies and antibody
portions of the invention can be used to inhibit IL-18 activity,
e.g., in a cell culture containing IL-18, in human subjects or in
other mammalian subjects having IL-18 with which an antibody of the
invention cross-reacts (e.g., primates such as baboon, cynomolgus
and rhesus). In a one aspect, the invention provides an isolated
human antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, that
neutralizes the activity of human IL-18, and at least one
additional primate IL-18 selected from the group consisting of
baboon IL-18, marmoset IL-18, chimpanzee IL-18, cynomolgus IL-18
and rhesus IL-18, but which does not neutralize the activity of the
mouse IL-18. In one aspect, the IL-18 is human IL-18. For example,
in a cell culture containing, or suspected of containing hIL-18, an
antibody or antibody portion of the invention can be added to the
culture medium to inhibit hIL-18 activity in the culture.
[0188] In another aspect, the invention provides a method for
inhibiting IL-18 activity in a subject suffering from a disorder in
which IL-18 activity is detrimental. Interleukin 18 plays a
critical role in the pathology associated with a variety of
diseases involving immune and inflammatory elements.
[0189] As used herein, the phrase "a disorder in which IL-18
activity is detrimental" is intended to include diseases and other
disorders in which the presence of IL-18 in a subject suffering
from the disorder has been shown to be or is suspected of being
either responsible for the pathophysiology of the disorder or a
factor that contributes to a worsening of the disorder.
Accordingly, a disorder in which IL-18 activity is detrimental is a
disorder in which inhibition of IL-18 activity is expected to
alleviate the symptoms and/or progression of the disorder. Such
disorders may be evidenced, e.g., by an increase in the
concentration of IL-18 in a biological fluid of a subject suffering
from the disorder (e.g., an increase in the concentration of IL-18
in serum, plasma, synovial fluid, etc. of the subject), which can
be detected, e.g., using an anti-IL-18 antibody as described above.
There are numerous examples of disorders in which IL-18 activity is
detrimental. In one aspect, the antibodies or antigen binding
portions thereof, can be used in therapy to treat the diseases or
disorders described herein. In another aspect, the antibodies or
antigen binding portions thereof, can be used for the manufacture
of a medicine for treating the diseases or disorders described
herein. The use of the antibodies and antibody portions of the
invention in the treatment of a few non-limiting specific disorders
is discussed further below.
[0190] The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for the
treatment of diseases or conditions which require modulation of
IL-18 activity. These diseases or conditions include autoimmune
diseases, type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, graft rejections,
inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, multiple sclerosis, ischemic
heart diseases (including heart attacks), ischemic brain injury,
chronic hepatitis, psoriasis, chronic pancreatitis, acute
pancreatitis and the like.
[0191] Accordingly, anti-IL-18 antibodies or antigen-binding
portions thereof, or vectors expressing same in vivo are indicated
for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, Type I diabetes,
rheumatoid arthritis, graft rejections, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, multiple sclerosis, ischemic heart disease including acute
heart attacks, ischemic brain injury, chronic hepatitis, psoriasis,
chronic pancreatitis and acute pancreatitis and similar diseases,
in which there is an aberrant expression of IL-18, leading to an
excess of IL-18 or in cases of complications due to exogenously
administered IL-18.
[0192] 8.8 Use Anti-IL-18 Antibody in Liver Injury
[0193] One aspect of the present invention is to provide for a
novel means for treating and/or preventing liver injury. It has
been found that an IL-18 inhibitor is effective in the prevention
and treatment of liver damages. The invention therefore also
relates to the use of an IL-18 inhibitor for the manufacture of a
medicament for treatment and/or prevention of liver injury. More
specifically, the invention relates to the treatment and/or
prevention of liver injuries caused by alcoholic hepatitis, viral
hepatitis, immune hepatitis, fulminant hepatitis, liver cirrhosis,
and primary biliary cirrhosis.
[0194] 8.9 Use Anti-IL-18 Antibody in Arthritis
[0195] It has also been found in accordance with the present
invention that an inhibitor of IL-18 is effective in the therapy of
arthritis. The therapeutic effect includes decreasing the severity
of the disease, as well as preventing the spreading of the disease.
The invention therefore relates to the use of an inhibitor of IL-18
for treatment and/or prevention of arthritis. This finding is
unexpected, since from the state of the art outlined above, it
could not have been concluded that a blockade of one specific
factor involved in arthritis, namely interleukin IL-18, would lead
to the alleviation of arthritis or even the curing of a diseased
arthritic joint.
[0196] The term "arthritis" includes all different types of
arthritis and arthritic conditions, both acute and chronic
arthritis, as defined for example in the Homepage of the Department
of Orthopaedics of the University of Washington on Arthritis.
Examples for arthritic conditions are ankylosing spondylitis, back
pain, carpal deposition syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos-Syndrome, gout,
juvenile arthritis, lupus erythematosus, myositis, osteogenesis
imperfecta, osteoporosis, polyartheritis, polymyositis, psoriatic
arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, scleroderma, arthritis with bowel
disease, Behcets's disease, children's arthritis, degenerative
joint disease, fibromyalgia, infectious arthritis, Lyme disease,
Marfan syndrome, osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, Pagets Disease,
Polymyalgia rheumatica, pseudogout, reflex sympathetic dystrophy,
rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, Sjogren's syndrome, familial
adenomatous polyposis and the like.
[0197] Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes inflammation in the lining
of the joints (the synovial membrane, a one cell layer epithelium)
and/or internal organs. The disease tends to persist for many
years, typically affects many different joints throughout the body
and ultimately can cause damage to cartilage, bone, tendons, and
ligaments. The joints that may be affected by RA are the joints
located in the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, wrists, hands, knees,
ankles and feet, for example. In many cases, the joints are
inflamed in a symmetrical pattern in RA.
[0198] RA is prevalent in about 1% of the population in the United
States, being distributed within all ethnic groups and ages. It
occurs all over the world, and women outnumber men by 3 to 1 among
those having RA.
[0199] It has been found that the administration of an IL-18
inhibitor significantly diminishes cartilage erosion in a murine
model of arthritis. The present invention thus also relates to the
use of an inhibitor of IL-18 in the manufacture of a medicament for
treatment and/or prevention of cartilage destruction.
[0200] 8.10 Use of anti-TNF.alpha. Antibody Generally
[0201] Tumor necrosis factor-.alpha. is a multifunctional
pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted predominantly by
monocytes/macrophages that has effects on lipid metabolism,
coagulation, insulin resistance, and endothelial function.
TNF.alpha. is a soluble homotrimer of 17 kD protein subunits. A
membrane-bound 26 kD precursor form of TNF.alpha. also exists. It
is found in synovial cells and macrophages in tissues. Cells other
than monocytes or macrophages also produce TNF.alpha.. For example,
human non-monocytic tumor cell lines produce TNF.alpha. as well as
CD4.sup.+ and CD8.sup.+ peripheral blood T lymphocytes and some
cultured T and B cell lines produce TNF.alpha.. It is involved in,
but not unique to, rheumatoid arthritis, and occurs in many
inflammatory diseases. Receptors for TNF.alpha. are on several
mononuclear cells, in the synovial membrane, as well as the
peripheral blood and synovial fluid. TNF.alpha. is a critical
inflammatory mediator in rheumatoid arthritis, and may therefore be
a useful target for specific immunotherapy.
[0202] TNF.alpha. causes pro-inflammatory actions which result in
tissue injury, such as degradation of cartilage and bone, induction
of adhesion molecules, inducing pro-coagulant activity on vascular
endothelial cells, increasing the adherence of neutrophils and
lymphocytes, and stimulating the release of platelet activating
factor from macrophages, neutrophils and vascular endothelial
cells. Recent evidence associates TNF.alpha. with infections,
immune disorders, neoplastic pathologies, autoimmune pathologies
and graft-versus-host pathologies.
[0203] TNF.alpha. is believed to play a central role in
gram-negative sepsis and endotoxic shock, including fever, malaise,
anorexia, and cachexia. Endotoxin strongly activates
monocyte/macrophage production and secretion of TNF.alpha. and
other cytokines. TNF.alpha. and other monocyte-derived cytokines
mediate the metabolic and neurohormonal responses to endotoxin.
Endotoxin administration to human volunteers produces acute illness
with flu-like symptoms including fever, tachycardia, increased
metabolic rate and stress hormone release. Circulating TNF.alpha.
increases in patients suffering from gram-negative sepsis.
[0204] Thus, TNF.alpha. has been implicated in inflammatory
diseases, autoimmune diseases, viral, bacterial and parasitic
infections, malignancies, and/or neurodegenerative diseases and is
a useful target for specific biological therapy in diseases, such
as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Beneficial effects in
open-label trials with a chimeric monoclonal antibody to TNF.alpha.
have been reported with suppression of inflammation and with
successful re-treatment after relapse in rheumatoid arthritis and
in Crohn's disease.
[0205] Neutralizing antisera or mAbs to TNF.alpha. have been shown
in mammals to abrogate adverse physiological changes and prevent
death after lethal challenge in experimental endotoxemia and
bacteremia. Adalimumab (also known by its trademark HUMIRA.RTM.
available from Abbott Laboratories) is a recombinant human
monoclonal antibody specific for TNF.alpha.. This monoclonal
antibody binds to TNF.alpha. and blocks its interaction with the
p55 and p75 cell-surface TNF.alpha. receptors. This monoclonal
antibody is quite specific for TNF.alpha. as it appears not to
inhibit the activity of TNF.beta.. In the presence of complement,
adalimumab lyses the surface of cells expressing TNF.alpha..
EXAMPLES
1. Viral Clearance During Purification and Isolation of Anti-IL-18
Antibodies
[0206] The objective of this study was to evaluate the viral
clearance effectiveness of the purification process for anti-IL-18,
antibodies. Steps evaluated include low pH inactivation, cation
exchange capture chromatography (Fractogel.TM. EMD S03-resin),
anion exchange chromatography (Q-Sepharose.TM. FF resin) and
hydrophobic interaction chromatography (Phenyl Sepharose.TM. HP
resin) fine purification chromatography. This study meets the ICH
guidelines regarding viral clearance by orthogonal methods during
drug manufacturing.
[0207] The study covered the clearance of two viruses, Xenotropic
Murine Leukemia Retrovirus (X-MuLV or X-MLV) and Minute Virus of
Mouse (MVM, or MMV). Following ICH guidelines, the two viruses were
chosen "to resemble viruses which may contaminate the product and
to represent a wide range of physico-chemical properties in order
to test the ability of the system to eliminate viruses in general."
(See, "Q5A Viral Safety Evaluation of Biotechnology Products
Derived From Cell Lines of Human or Animal Original," published in
Federal Register/Vol. 63, No. 185/Thursday, Sep. 24, 1998/Notices
(http://www.fds.gove/cber/gdlns/virsafe.pdf, the entire teaching of
which is incorporated herein by reference.) The properties of the
two viruses are presented in Table 2. X-MLV, a retrovirus, was
chosen as a specific model virus because non-infectious
retrovirus-like particles are often found in cell lines of rodent
origin such as Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, including the CHO
cell line used to produce antibodies such as anti-IL-18 antibodies.
MVM, which is highly resistant to physico-chemical inactivation,
can be considered a relevant virus because several reports indicate
its presence in several lots of CHO cell culture supernatant (R. L.
Garnick, Dev. Biol. Stand., 88, pp. 49-56 (1996)). MVM is
synonymous with Murine Minute Virus, MMV.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Virus characteristics ICH Virus Size
Physico- Virus Family Category Genome Env? (nm) chemical Xenotropic
Retro Specific ss RNA Yes 80-110 Low Murine Spec Leukemia model
Virus (X-MuLV) Minute Parvo Relevant ss DNA No 20-35 Very high
Virus of Mice (MVM)
[0208] 1.1 Methods
[0209] This study was performed according to protocol outlined in
FIG. 4. Each process step was challenged with a concentrated virus
spike in the feed stream (viral spike volumes 1-7.1% v/v). Load,
product and hold control streams were assayed for virus counts, and
log reduction factors for each step determined.
[0210] Each process step (see FIG. 4) was run in duplicate. The
chromatography resins were challenged in scale-down models of
normal manufacturing operating conditions, as shown in Table 4. All
of the 1 cm I.D. columns met the acceptable range for the column
asymmetry factor (0.5-2.0). The allowable bed height range of each
scaled down column was the same as the manufacturing columns.
Summary of the operating conditions are in Table 3.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Operating conditions for the purification
procedure antibody Samples Solution (mglmL) Low pH Inactivation
Centrifuged harvest 1 Fractogel SO.sub.3 Harvest diluted 0.42
column load pH 4.9 .+-. 0.1 Fractogel SO.sub.3 300 mM NaCl, 20 mM
citrate/citric 20 column elution pH 5 .+-. 0.1 Q-Seph column load
50 mM NaCl, 7 mM NaPhos, 8 25 mM trolamine Q-Seph column FTW 50 mM
NaCl, 7 mM NaPhos, 6 25 mM trolamine Phenyl HP column 1.1M Ammonium
sulfate, 3 load 20 mM Na Phosphate Phenyl HP column 0.3M Ammonium
sufate, 17 elution 9 mM Na Phosphate
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Target operating conditions for process
steps Process step Operating Virus Clearance Manufacturing Low pH
pH pH 3.5 + 0.1 pH 3.5 + 0.1 Scale factor 1 BA: 160,700 Fractogel
.TM. Column load 27 g/L, Load 527 g/L Load EMD Equilibration 190
crn/hr 190 cm/hr flow rate Load flow rate 180 cm/hr 180 cm/hr Wash
flow rate 190 cm/hr 190 cm/fir Elution flow rate 120 cm/hr 120
cm/hr Eluate Peak OD of 3.0 to an OD of 3.0 to an Collection OD OD
Column height 20 cm 20 cm Scale factor 1 BA: 6465 Q Column load 60
g/L Load 60 g/L Load Sepharose .TM. Flow rate 150 cm/hr 150 cm/hr
FF Eluate Peak OD of 0.4 to an OD of 0.4 to an Collection OD OD
Column height 30 cm 30 cm Scale factor 1 BA: 2020 Phenyl Column
load 40 g/L Load 540 g/L Load Sepharose .TM. Equilibration, 75
cm/hr 75 cm/hr HP load and Elution flow rate 38 cm/hr 38 cm/hr
Eluate Peak OD of 1.0 to an OD of 1.0 to an Collection OD OD Column
height 15 cm 15 cm Scale factor 1 2025 Nanofiltration 30-35 psi 120
L @ 17 g/L 100 L @ 17 g/L DV50/DV20 .TM. ABT- Scale factor 1 BA:
1160
[0211] 1.2 Buffer Toxicity/Interference Results
[0212] As part of the virus clearance study, samples and buffers
were tested to determine whether any were toxic to the virus cell
lines used in the assay. Samples and buffers were also evaluated
for their effect on the ability of the chosen viruses to infect the
indicator cell lines. No significant reduction of viral infectivity
was detected for any of the buffers tested, when results were
compared against the relevant positive control. As a result of this
testing, buffers used in the purification process were approved for
re-suspension of the virus preparations, after ultra
centrifugation, for use in the challenge tests for the
chromatography and nanofiltration steps.
[0213] 1.3 Virus Clearance Study Results
[0214] The effectiveness of each process step in reducing virus
titers was determined by calculating the log reduction factor (LRF)
according to the equation:
LRF = log 10 [ Virus amount loaded Virus amount in product stream ]
##EQU00001##
[0215] The viral log reduction data is summarized and presented in
Table 5. Results presented as low limits (e.g., LRF.gtoreq.4.54)
indicate that the virus was present at levels below the limit of
quantitation.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Virus log reduction factors Process Step
X-MLV X-MLV MMV MMV Low pH .gtoreq.4.54 .+-. 0.30 .gtoreq.5.07 .+-.
0.32 ND* ND* Fractogel .TM. EMD SO3 5.78 .+-. 0.32 5.22 .+-. 0.36
1.39 .+-. 0.48 1.33 .+-. 0.42 Q Sepharose .TM. .gtoreq.5.51 .+-.
0.30 .gtoreq.5.59 .+-. 0.31 .gtoreq.7.04 .+-. 0.33 .gtoreq.7.04
.+-. 0.42 Phenyl Sepharose .TM. HP 2.45 .+-. 0.45 2.03 .+-. 0.41
0.49 .+-. 0.47 0.96 .+-. 0.45 Ultipor DV50 .TM. .gtoreq.4.95 .+-.
0.24 .gtoreq.4.61 .+-. 0.30 ND* ND* Ultipor DV20 .TM. ND* ND* 2.92
.+-. 0.43 4.88 .+-. 0.32 *Not done
[0216] The low pH inactivation step was only performed on X-MLV,
since MMV is known to be highly resistant to low pH inactivation.
High levels of reduction were achieved at the zero time point. At
the 15-minute time point, no viral infectivity was observed. Bulk
inoculation was used for the 60-minute time point sample to
increase assay sensitivity and resulted in reduction factors of
.gtoreq.4.54 log.sub.10 and .gtoreq.5.07 log.sub.10 for the
duplicate runs. The rate of viral inactivation for X-MLV was rapid;
regardless of the fact that clarified harvest contains
approximately 0.5% residual cells from the centrifuge clarification
process and high concentrations of proteins from the culture media
components.
[0217] The Fractogel.TM. S0.sub.3.sup.- chromatography step was
performed on Fractogel.TM. S0.sub.3.sup.- load material spiked with
either X-MLV or MMV in Fractogel.TM. S0.sub.3.sup.- equilibration
buffer. Infectious virus was observed in the eluate fractions from
the Fractogel.TM. columns for both viruses tested. Reduction
factors observed for X-MLV were 5.78 log.sub.10 and 5.22 log.sub.10
for the duplicate runs. For MMV, the reduction factors were of
.gtoreq.1.39 log.sub.10 and .gtoreq.1.33 log.sub.10.
[0218] The Q-Sepharose.TM. chromatography step was performed on
Q-load material spiked with either X-MLV or MMV in Q-Sepharose.TM.
equilibration buffer. No infectious virus was observed in the
flow-through eluate samples from the Q-Sepharose.TM. columns for
either virus tested, with the minimum limit of the assay being
reached in both cases. Reduction factors observed for X-MLV were
.gtoreq.5.51 log.sub.10 and .gtoreq.5.59 log.sub.10 for the
duplicate runs; the reduction factor for MMV was 7.04 log.sub.10 in
both runs.
[0219] The Phenyl Sepharose.TM. HP chromatography step was
performed on Phenyl load material spiked with either X-MLV or MMV
in Phenyl Sepharose.TM. HP equilibration buffer. Infectious virus
was observed in the eluate fractions from the Phenyl Sepharose.TM.
HP columns for both viruses tested. Reduction factors observed for
X-MLV were 2.45 log.sub.10 and 2.03 log.sub.10 for the duplicate
runs. This process step was less robust for MMV, with reduction
factors of 0.49 log.sub.10 and 0.96 log.sub.10.
[0220] Pall DV50.TM. nanofilters were used for the virus challenge
experiments using X-MLV. Pall DV20.TM. filters were used for
filtration experiments using MMV. Both viruses were resuspended in
Phenyl Sepharose.TM. HP elution buffer prior to addition to Phenyl
Sepharose.TM. HP eluate material. DV20.TM. filters were chosen for
clearance performance with MMV. No infectious virus was observed in
the filtrate samples for X-MLV using the DV50 filter. Reduction
factors observed for X-MLV were .gtoreq.4.95 log.sub.10 and
.gtoreq.4.61 log.sub.10 for the duplicate runs. Infectious virus
was observed in the filtrate samples for MMV using the DV20 filter.
Reduction factors observed for MMV were .gtoreq.2.98 log.sub.10 and
.gtoreq.4.88 log.sub.10 for the duplicate runs. The disparity in
results between the two DV20 runs could not be explained by
differences in operating conditions for each filter or the viral
spike titer since these parameters met pre-determined
specifications. However, the disparity may be attributable to the
assembly of the filter devices prior to operation. Membrane filters
were pre-wetted and autoclaved; while the filter housing was steam
sterilized separately. Immediately prior to operation, the filter
housing was disassembled and a membrane was placed in the housing
and re-assembled. Tightening of the O-ring fitted end pieces prior
to reassembly may have lead to the less than optimum performance of
the membrane placed into the filter housings.
[0221] The viral inactivation/clearance data (Table 6) demonstrates
that the antibody purification process is capable of removing a
minimum of 21.91 log.sub.10 units of X-MLV using a DV50
nanfiltration membrane. The total reduction factor for MMV,
exclusive of the DV50 membrane, is a minimum of 8.37 log.sub.10. If
a DV20 membrane were to be implemented in the antibody purification
process, the total reduction factor for MMV increases to a minimum
11.29 log.sub.10. These data demonstrate that the purification
process ensures the viral safety of the antibody drug substance
(e.g., anti-IL-18 antibody).
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Overall viral clearance LRFs Process Step
X-MLV MMV pH Inactivation 4.54 .+-. 0.30 ND* Fractogel .TM. column
5.22 .+-. 0.36 1.33 .+-. 0.42 Q Sepharose .TM. column 5.51 .+-.
0.30 7.04 .+-. 0.42 Phenyl Sepharose HP .TM. column 2.03 .+-. 0.41
0.49** .+-. 0.47 Ultipor DV50 .TM. 4.6 .+-. 0.30 ND* Ultipor DV20
.TM. ND* 2.92 .+-. 0.43 OVERALL 21.91 .+-. 0.75 11.29 .+-. 0.73 *ND
= Not done; **Not included in overall LRFs; ***Clearance through
Phenyl Sepharose .TM. HP chromatography prior to DV20 .TM.
[0222] The cell culture harvest comprising anti-IL-18 antibodies
was clarified by centrifugation (3000.times.g) and 0.2 .mu.m
filtration. Clarified harvest was adjusted using 1 M citric acid
and held at room temperature. Precipitated proteins were separated
from the soluble proteins by centrifugation (16,000.times.g).
Samples of soluble and insoluble proteins were heat treated at
60.degree. C. for 30 min in the presence of SDS and analyzed by
polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
[0223] From the electrophoresis gel (FIG. 5), it is evident that
the antibody molecule remains in solution, upon lowering the pH of
the clarified culture medium, which also contains host cell related
proteins and medium components. At the lower pH's, the host cell
proteins are differentially precipitated and can be removed by
centrifugation. Maximal precipitation is seen in a pH 4 to pH 3.5
range.
[0224] The effect of load pH on binding capacity for anti-IL-18
antibodies by cation exchange (CEX) chromatography was determined.
(See Table 7.) The pH of the cell culture harvest was adjusted by
the addition of citric acid. After a 1 h hold at room temperature
the harvest was centrifuged and subjected to 0.2 .mu.m filtration.
The conductivity was then adjusted to 10 mS with water. Test
articles were loaded onto a 0.5.times.5 cm CEX column. The dynamic
binding capacities were determined during loading at a linear
velocity of 200 cm/h. A quantitative analytical protein A HPLC
assay was used to measure antibody titers in the column
flow-through samples to determine 5% breakthrough during the
load.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Effect of pH on binding capacity Load pH
Load Conductivity binds? Dynamic binding capacity 7 10 no 0 7 5 no
0 6 10 no 0 5.5 10 weak 7.5 5 10 yes 38
[0225] The isoelectric point (pI) of anti-IL-18 antibody is 8.43.
In solution at 1 pH unit lower than the pI, the antibody molecule
should be positively charged and bind to the negatively charged
cation exchange resin at low conductivities. However, as seen in
Table 1 above, the antibody did not bind at all at a neutral pH of
7.0, well below 1 pH unit from the pI of 8.43, but as the pH was
lowered the binding capacity of the capture resin was enhanced.
Titrating the pH of the harvest has other consequences in that
precipitation events occur. However this is beneficial because
there is selective precipitation of host cell related proteins and
nucleic acids.
[0226] Cell viability. An aliquot of cell culture was removed from
a two-liter bioreactor; at the end of the production stage at high
viability. The harvest culture was acidified with 3 M citric acid
first to pH 5.0, then to pH 3.5 and held for 1 hour at ambient
temperature. After the one-hour hold period, the culture was
adjusted to pH 4.8 with 3 M NaOH. Samples were removed and cell
counts and viabilities of the treated culture were measured. See,
Table 8 for the results.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Effect of acidification on cell viability
Sample Cell density (cells/mL) Treatment Viable cells Nonviable
cells Total cells Viability Control 5.06E+06 4.00E+05 5.46E+06
92.8% pH 5.0 4.68E+06 4.50E+05 5.13E+06 91.2% pH 3.5 for 1 h-
3.56E+06 1.21E+06 4.77E+06 74.6% titrate to pH 5.0 pH 3.5 for 1 h-
3.09E+06 1.18E+06 4.27E+06 72.4% titrate to pH 5.0
[0227] There is a modest 19.6% drop in viability (92.8% vs 74.6%)
after the 1 hour exposure of the cell culture to pH 3.5. The
overall cell density declined 12.4% (5.46.times.106 vs
4.77.times.106).
[0228] Holding the acidified culture at pH 5 and at a temperature
of 4.degree. C. overnight, resulted in a small incremental
reduction in viability (3%-74.6% vs 72.4%) and cell density
(10.5%-4.77.times.10.sup.6 vs 4.27.times.10.sup.6). Accurate
measurements of cell densities and viabilities are difficult due to
the turbidity increases from the precipitation of host cell
proteins and nucleic acids. However, there is no evidence for any
large scale lysis of cells based on macroscopic observation.
[0229] Antibody recovery. Cell cultures were obtained from
production bioreactors at the end of the fermentation process.
Cells were removed from one of the aliquots by centrifugation at
7000.times.g. Samples were acidified using 3 M citric acid and held
for a period of 1 hour at ambient temperature. After the 1 hour
hold period, the cultures were adjusted to pH 4.9 with 3 M NaOH.
Acidified samples were clarified by centrifugation at
11,000.times.g and 0.2 .mu.m filtration. A quantitative analytical
protein A HPLC assay was used to measure antibody titers. Titers,
post acidification/clarification were compared to the starting
titers of the control to determine the percent recovery. Samples
were assayed both after neutralization to pH 5 and after an
additional overnight hold at 4.degree. C.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Effect of low pH acidification/clarification
on antibody recovery Post Acid/Base Dilution Titer acidification
acidification Dilution Corrected relative to Sample ID pH Final pH
hold time Titer (g/L) Factor Titer (g/L) control (%) Cell free
culture (control) NA* NA* Overnight 0.900 NA* NA.* NA.* Sample 1
3.5 4.9 Overnight 0.792 1.064 0.843 93.60/6 Sample 2 3.7 4.9
Overnight 0.824 1.049 0.864 96.00/6 Sample 3 3.9 4.9 Overnight
0.858 1.036 0.889 98.80/6 Raw Culture (control) NA* NA* Overnight
0.741 1.000 0.741 100.00/6 Sample 1 3.5 4.9 1 h 0.670 1.070 0.717
96.70/6 Sample 2 3.5 4.9 Overnight 0.657 1.070 0.703 94.90/6 Sample
3 3.7 4.9 1 h 0.709 1.050 0.744 100.50/6 Sample 4 3.7 4.9 Overnight
0.706 1.050 0.741 100.00/6 Sample 5 3.8 4.9 1 h 0.732 1.042 0.763
102.90/6 Sample 6 3.8 4.9 Overnight 0.710 1.042 0.740 99.80/6
*NA--not applicable
[0230] As seen from the data in Table 9, the optimum pH, for
antibody titer recovery following acidification/clarification of
antibody harvest, was in a pH range of 3.7 to 3.9. At pH 3.5, a
small decrease in antibody titer was observed (5.1 to-6.4%). This
small loss in titer was observed in cultures acidified with and
without cells. The pH optimum will be different based on the
biochemical and physical properties of the particular antibody
molecule.
[0231] Antibody function. Bioreactor culture was acidified using 3M
citric acid at pH 3.5 and held for 1-hour at ambient temperature.
The acidified harvest was then titrated to pH 5 with 3M NaOH and
clarified by centrifugation and 0.2 .mu.m filtration. Antibody from
the acidified/clarified harvest was purified further by cation
exchange chromatography. Non-acidified bioreactor culture was
clarified by centrifugation and 0.2 .mu.m filtration and the
antibody was purified by Protein A affinity chromatography. Binding
kinetics of antibody purified, from acidified and non-acidified
harvest, were determined for the target antigen. See, Table 10.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Effect of low pH
acidification/clarification on antibody function Sample ID On-rate
(M.sup.-1s.sup.-1) Off-rate (s.sup.-1) Kd (M) Antibody purified
from 4.10 .times. 10.sup.-5 8.04 .times. 10.sup.-5 1.96 .times.
10.sup.-10 acidified harvest Antibody purified 3.31 .times.
10.sup.-5 6.94 .times. 10.sup.-5 2.10 .times. 10.sup.-10 from
non-acidified
[0232] The data demonstrates that for the antibody, the
acidification of the bioreactor has little effect on antibody
functionality following purification.
[0233] Effect of acid type on antibody recovery. Cell cultures were
obtained from production bioreactor at the end of the fermentation
process. Samples were slowly acidified using 3M citric acid, 3M
phosphoric acid or 3M Hydrochloric acid and held for a period of
1-hour at ambient temperature. After the one-hour hold period, the
cultures were adjusted to pH 5.0 with 3M NaOH. Acidified samples
were clarified by centrifugation at 11,000.times.g and 0.2 .mu.m
filtration. A quantitative analytical protein A HPLC assay was used
to measure antibody titers. Titers, post
acidification/clarification were compared to the starting titers of
the control to determine the percent recovery. See Table 11.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Effect of acid type on antibody recovery
after low pH acidification/clarification Acid/Base Dilution Titer
relative Acid llsed for Acidification Final Dilution Corrected to
Sample ID Acidifcation pH pH Titer (g/L) Factor Titer (g/L) control
(%) Harvest Control None NA'' NA'' 3.421 NA'' NA'' NA'' Harvest
Sample 1 3M Citric Acid 3.8 5.0 3.240 1.071 3.471 101.5% Harvest
Sample 2 3M Citric Acid 3.5 5.0 3.006 1.114 3.349 97.9% Harvest
Sample 3 3M Phosphoric 3.8 5.0 3.279 1.047 3.431 100.3% Acid
Harvest Sample 4 3M Phosphoric 3.5 5.0 3.198 1.059 3.385 99.0% Acid
Harvest Sample 5 3M HCl 3.8 5.0 3.131 1.041 3.260 95.3% Harvest
Sample 6 3M HCl 3.5 5.0 2.982 1.059 3.157 92.3% NA''--not
applicable
[0234] As seen from the data in Table 11, antibody titer recovery
was optimum when using either citric or phosphoric acid for the low
pH acidification/clarification of antibody harvest. As observed
before using 3M citric acid, adjusting the culture to a slightly
higher pH resulted in better antibody recoveries. At pH 3.5, a
small decrease in antibody titer was observed (2.1% for 3M citric
acid, 1% for 3M phosphoric acid and 7.7% for 3 M hydrochloric
acid).
2. Determination of Host Cell Protein Concentration in Anti-IL-12
Antibody Compositions
[0235] This procedure describes the testing methodology for the
determination of residual Host Cell Protein concentration in
anti-IL-12 antibody samples. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay
(ELISA) is used to sandwich the Host Cell Protein (Antigens)
between two layers of specific antibodies. This is followed by the
blocking of non-specific sites with Casein. The Host Cell Proteins
are then incubated during which time the antigen molecules are
captured by the first antibody (Coating Antibody). A second
antibody (anti-Host Cell Protein Biotinylated) is then added which
fixes to the antigen (Host Cell Proteins). Neutravidin
HRP-conjugated is added which binds to the Biotinylated anti-Host
Cell Protein. This is followed by the addition of K blue substrate.
The chromogenic substrate is hydrolyzed by the bound enzyme
conjugated antibody, producing a blue color. Reaction is stopped
with 2M H.sub.3PO.sub.4, changing color to yellow. Color intensity
is directly proportional to the amount of antigen bound in the
well.
[0236] Preparation of 50 mM Sodium Bicarbonate (Coating Buffer), pH
9.4. To a 1 L beaker add: 900 mL Milli-Q water; 4.20 g.+-.0.01 g
Sodium Bicarbonate. Stir until completely dissolved. Adjust pH to
9.4 with 1 N NaOH. Transfer to a 1 L volumetric flask and bring to
volume with Milli-Q water. Mix by inversion until homogeneous.
Filter through a 0.22 .mu.m sterile filter unit. Store at nominal
4.degree. C. for up to 7 days from the date of preparation.
[0237] Preparation of 0.104 M Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4*7H.sub.2O, 1.37 M
NaCl, 0.027 M KCl, 0.0176 M KH.sub.2PO.sub.4, pH=6.8-6.9
(10.times.PBS). Add approximately 400 mL of Milli-Q water to a
glass beaker. Add 13.94 g.+-.0.01 g of
Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4.times.7H.sub.2O. Add 40.0 g.+-.0.1 g of NaCl. Add
1.00 g 0.01 g of KCl. Add 1.20 g.+-.0.01 g of KH.sub.2PO.sub.4.
Stir until homogeneous. Transfer to a 500 mL volumetric flask. QS
to 500 mL volume with Milli-Q water. Mix by inversion. Filter
through a 0.2 .mu.m sterile filter unit. Store at room temperature
for up to 7 days.
[0238] Preparation of 1.times.PBS+0.1% Triton X-100, pH 7.40:
(Plate Wash Buffer). In a 4 L graduated cylinder, mix 400 mL
10.times.PBS (step 5.2) with 3500 mL Milli-Q Water. Check pH, and
adjust if necessary to 7.40.+-.0.05 with 1 N HCl or 1 N NaOH. Bring
to volume with Milli-Q water. Tightly parafilm the cylinder and mix
by inversion until homogeneous. Transfer to a 4 L bottle. Remove 4
mL of the 1.times.PBS and discard. Add 4 mL of triton X-100 to the
3996 mL of 1.times.PBS. Place on stir plate and stir to completely
dissolve. Filter the amount of plate wash buffer needed for
dilution buffer preparation through a 0.22 .mu.M sterile filter
unit. Store at room temperature for up to 7 days.
[0239] Preparation of Coating Antibody Mixture: goat anti CHO
599/626/748 (lot # G11201 @ 1.534 mg/mL), affinity purified: NOTE:
Stocks stored at nominal -80.degree. C. in vials. Prepare aliquots.
Take out one aliquot per plate at time of use. Immediately before
use: Dilute antibody mixture to have a final concentration of 4
.mu.g/mL in cold 50 mM Sodium Bicarbonate as follows. For example:
add 31 .mu.Ls coating antibody mixture to 11969 .mu.Ls cold coating
buffer. Mix gently by inversion.
[0240] Preparation of Biotinylated goat anti Host Cell Protein
Mixture, 599/626/748 (lot# G11202 @ 0.822 mg/mL): NOTE: Stocks
stored at nominal -80.degree. C. in vials. Prepare aliquots. Take
out one aliquot per plate at time of use. Immediately before use:
dilute biotinylated antibody mixture to have a final concentration
of 1 .mu.g/mL in 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. Casein as follows.
For example: add 14.6 .mu.Ls biotinylated antibody mixture to 11985
.mu.Ls 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. Casein. Mix gently by
inversion.
[0241] Preparation of Neutravidin-HRP. Reconstitute new lots (2
mg/vial) to 1 mg/mL as follows: Add 4004 of Milli-Q water to the
vial, then add 1600 .mu.L 1.times.PBS, for a total of 2 mL. Vortex
gently to mix. Store at nominal -20.degree. C. Prepare aliquots
with desired volume so that 1 aliqout per plate is used. Prepare in
polypropylene tube. Qualify new lots to determine working
concentration. Assign expiry of 6 months from the date of
preparation. For example, if the working concentration was
determined to be 0.2 .mu.g/mL then prepare as follows. Immediately
before use: thaw an aliquot of Neutravidin-HRP at room temperature.
Dilute the 1 mg/mL Neutravidin solution to 0.1 mg/mL (100 .mu.g/mL)
with 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. Casein. For example: Dilute
.times.10, add 504 of neutravidin to 450 .mu.L of Casein. Vortex
gently to mix. Further dilute the 100 .mu.g/mL solution to 0.2
.mu.g/mL with 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. Casein. For example:
Dilute .times.500, add 24 .mu.L neutravidin (100 .mu.g/mL) to
119764 of Casein. Vortex gently to mix.
[0242] Preparation of 5.7 2M Phosphoric Acid (Stop Solution).
Prepare a 2 M Phosphoric acid solution from concentrated phosphoric
acid as follows. From the % phosphoric acid stated on the label,
density (1.685 g/mL) and formula weight (98 g/mole), calculate the
volume of concentrated phosphoric acid needed to prepare 500 mL of
2M phosphoric acid. Add the volume of concentrated phosphoric acid
calculated above to the flask. Bring to volume with Milli-Q water
and mix by inversion until homogeneous. Store at ambient
temperature for up to 6 months from the date of preparation.
[0243] Preparation of Dilution Buffer (Casein diluted .times.100 in
1.times.PBS+0.1% Triton .times.100, pH 7.4). Dilute 37.degree.
C..+-.2.degree. C. Casein X100 in 0.22 .mu.m sterile filtered
1.times.PBS+0.1% Triton .times.100, pH 7.4 (from above). For
example: Add 1 mL of 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. Casein to 99 mL
0.22 .mu.m sterile filtered 1.times.PBS+0.1% Triton .times.100, pH
7.4. Mix well. Prepare fresh for each use.
[0244] Preparation of Standards. Host cell Protein Standards
(Antigen Standards) (lot # G11203 @ 1.218 mg/mL): NOTE: Stocks
stored at nominal -80.degree. C. in 70 .mu.L aliquots. Thaw an
aliquot at room temperature. Perform serial dilutions in
polypropylene tubes using Dilution buffer.
[0245] Preparation of Samples. In polypropylene tubes, dilute final
bulk samples to 24 mg/mL in Dilution Buffer. Record concentration.
NOTE: use the solutions below to prepare spiked samples and to
prepare the 12 mg/mL solutions referenced below. In polypropylene
microtubes, further dilute the 24 mg/mL solutions to 12 mg/mL in
Dilution Buffer. Load triplicate wells for each of the 12 mg/mL
solutions on the plate for a total of 6 wells.
[0246] Preparation of Spike. In a polypropylene microtube, prepare
a 10 ng/mL Host Cell Protein spike from the 20 ng/mL standard
prepared above by diluting it 2.times. with Dilution Buffer. Load
three wells for the 10 ng/mL spike solution onto the plate. Use the
20 ng/mL standard solution from step 6.1 for spiking samples.
[0247] Preparation of Spiked Samples. In polypropylene microtubes,
spike 300 tit of each 24 mg/mL final bulk solution with 300 .mu.L
of the 20 ng/mL spike solution (6.1). Load triplicate wells for
each spiked sample solution for a total of 6 wells.
[0248] Preparation of Control. A control range must be set for
every new control stock solution, before use in routine testing.
Control Stock: Prepare 150 .mu.L aliquots of a batch of ABT-874
Drug Substance Concentrate and store frozen at nominal -80.degree.
C. for up to three years.
[0249] Preparation of Working Control. Thaw an aliquot of control
at room temperature. In polypropylene tubes, dilute control to 24
mg/mL with Dilution Buffer. In polypropylene microtubes, further
dilute the 24 mg/mL control solution with dilution buffer to 12
mg/mL. Prepare a single dilution and load control into 3 wells of
the plate.
[0250] ELISA procedures. Fill plate wash bottle with plate wash
buffer (refer to step 5.3, 1.times.PBS+0.1% Triton X-100). Prime
plate washer. Check the following parameters: Parameters should be
set to: Plate Type: 1 For each Cycle (a total of 5 cycles): Volume:
400 Os; Soak Time: 10 seconds; Asp. Time: 4 seconds.
[0251] Assay Procedure. Coat plates with 100 .mu.L/well of 4
.mu.g/mL goat coating antibody mixture in cold 50 mM Sodium
Bicarbonate. Tap the side of the plate until the coating solution
covers the bottom of the wells uniformly, cover with sealing tape
and incubate at nominal 4.degree. C. while shaking on plate shaker
(or equivalent) at speed 3 for 18 hours.+-.1 hour. After overnight
incubation, remove plate from refrigerator and allow to equilibrate
to room temperature. Shake out coating. Blot plate on paper towels.
Block with 300 .mu.L/well of 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. Casein,
cover with sealing tape and incubate at 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree.
C. while shaking on Lab-line Environ plate shaker (or equivalent)
at 80 rpm.+-.5 rpm for 1 hour. Prepare standard, sample, control,
spike, and spiked samples during blocking incubation. Wash the
plate 5 times with Wash Buffer. Blot plate on paper towels. Using
an 8-channel pipette, pipet 100 .mu.L/well of standards, samples,
spikes, spiked samples, and control into triplicate wells of the
plate. Pipette 100 .mu.L/well of Dilution Buffer into all empty
wells of the plate to serve as blanks. Cover with sealing tape and
incubate at 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. while shaking on Lab-line
Environ plate shaker (or equivalent) at 80 rpm.+-.5 rpm for 1 hour.
Fill out a template to use as a guide when loading plate.
[0252] Plate Reader Set-Up. Set up template, entering
concentrations for standards. Do not enter dilution factors for
samples, control, spike, or spiked samples. Assign the wells
containing diluent as blanks to be subtracted from all wells. Wash
the plate 5 times with Wash Buffer. Blot plate on paper towels. Add
100 .mu.L/well biotinylated goat antibody. Cover with sealing tape
and incubate at 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. while shaking on
Lab-line Environ plate shaker (or equivalent) at 80 rpm.+-.5 rpm
for 1 hour. Wash the plate 5 times with Wash Buffer. Blot plate on
paper towels. Add 100 .mu.L/well Neutravidin-HRP conjugate
solution. Cover with sealing tape and incubate at 37.degree.
C..+-.2.degree. C. while shaking on Lab-line Environ plate shaker
(or equivalent) at 80 rpm.+-.5 rpm for 1 hour. Wash the plate 5
times with Wash Buffer. Blot plate on paper towels. Add 100
.mu.L/well cold K-Blue substrate, cover with sealing tape and
incubate at room temperature for 10 minutes (start timer as soon as
substrate is added to first row), while shaking speed 3 on Lab-line
titer plate shaker (or equivalent). Stop the reaction by adding 100
.mu.L/well 2M Phosphoric Acid (Step 5.7). Place plate on a plate
shaker at speed 3 for 3-5 minutes. Read plate at 450 nm.
[0253] Data Analysis and Calculations. NOTE: only samples, spikes,
spiked samples, and control, with optical densities falling within
the practical quantitation limit (2.5 ng/mL standard) of the
standard curve and meeting the % CV or % difference criteria stated
below, are accepted. If sample OD's fall below the 2.5 ng/mL
standard, result should be reported as less than 2.5 ng/mL. This
value should then be divided by the diluted sample concentration
(12 mg/mL) to report value in ng/mg. If sample is high in host cell
concentration causing the non-spiked and/or the spiked sample to be
above standard curve, report value as >100 ng/mL. This value
should then be divided by the diluted sample concentration (12
mg/mL) to report value in ng/mg. Consider sample value zero for
spike recovery calculations when the sample is below the 2.5 ng/mL
standard.
[0254] Standard Curve. Standard concentrations should be entered
into the protocol template. A quadratic curve fit is used.
Coefficient of determination must be=0.99 and the % CV between
triplicate wells must be=20%. If this criteria is not met: One
standard (1 level, 3 wells) may be dropped. If the 1.25 ng/mL is
dropped, only samples and spiked samples with optical densities
falling within the 2.5 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL (the remaining standard
curve points) optical densities are acceptable. Additionally, for
the triplicates of each standard level, if a single well is clearly
contaminated or shows low binding, it may be dropped. If a well is
dropped from a standard level, the remaining replicates must have a
% difference=20%. The % CV for the lowest standard, which shows OD
values close to the background (blanks) of the plate, should
be=30%. If one well is dropped, the % difference for the remaining
replicates must be=35%. If the lowest standard is dropped, only
samples and spiked samples with optical densities falling within
the remaining standard curve level optical densities are
acceptable.
[0255] Samples. % CV should be=20% between triplicate wells. Report
% CV between triplicate wells. One well from each sample dilution
may be dropped. The remaining replicates must have a % difference
of =20%. Note: if non-spiked sample OD is below the 2.5 ng/mL
standard OD the % difference criteria does not apply to the
non-spiked results. Refer to calculation above.
[0256] Calculate actual Host Cell Concentration in ng/mg from the
mean (ng/mL) value as follows: CHO Host Cell Protein (ng/mg)=Mean
"Non-spiked sample result (ng/mL)".sub.-- Diluted sample
concentration (12 mg/mL).
[0257] Spikes. % CV should be=20% between triplicate wells. Record
% CV. One well from the spike may be dropped. The remaining points
must have a % difference=20%. Refer to calculation in above. Report
host cell concentration in ng/mL. This result will be used in spike
recovery calculations. The resulting concentration for the spike
(ng/mL) must be .+-.20% of the theoretical spike concentration.
Record result and indicate Pass or Fail. If the spike result is not
within 20% of theoretical, the assay must be repeated. Mean Spike
Concentration (ng/mL).times.100=must be 100%.+-.20% 10 ng/mL.
[0258] Spiked Samples. % CV should be=20% between triplicate wells.
Record % CV between triplicate wells. One well from each spiked
sample dilution may be dropped. The remaining replicates must have
a % difference of =20%. Refer to calculation above. Report "Spiked
sample result" for each dilution in ng/mL. Record % difference
between duplicate dilutions. The % difference between dilutions
should be=25%. These results will be used in the spike recovery
calculations.
[0259] Calculate % Spike Recovery for each dilution set using the
formula below: % Spike Recovery=Spiked sample value--Non-Spiked
Sample Value X 100 Spike Value. NOTE: (1) If non-spiked sample
value OD's fall below the 2.5 ng/mL standard consider value as zero
in % spike recovery calculation. % Spike recovery must be
100%.+-.50% (50%-150%) for each dilution for each sample. Record
results and Pass/Fail.
[0260] Control. % CV should be=20% between triplicate wells. Record
% CV result. One well from the control may be dropped. The
remaining replicates must have a % difference of =20%. Refer to
calculation above. Report Host Cell concentration in the control in
ng/mL. Calculate Host Cell concentration in ng/mg as follows: Host
Cell Protein (ng/mg)=Control Host Cell Protein result in ng/mL.
3. Determination of Protein A Concentration in Anti-IL-12 Antibody
Compositions
[0261] In this ELISA, plates are coated with Chicken Anti-Protein A
and incubated. Non-specific sites are blocked with casein in PBS.
Plates are washed in 1.times.PBS+0.1% Triton X-100 to remove
unbound material. Samples and Cys-rprotein A standards are diluted
in 1.times.PBS+4.1% Triton X+10% Casein. The solutions are
denatured by heating at 95.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C., separating
Protein A from ABT-874. The solutions are then added to the plate
and incubated. Unbound material is washed off with 1.times.PBS+0.1%
Triton X-100. Biotinylated Chicken Anti-Protein A is added to the
microtiter plate and incubated. The plate is washed to remove
unbound material and Neutravidin--Peroxidase conjugate is
added.
[0262] The Neutravidin will bind to the Biotinylated Chicken
Anti-Protein A that has bound to the wells. The plate is washed
again to remove the unbound Neutravidin and K-Blue
(tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)) substrate is added to the plate. The
substrate is hydrolyzed by the bound Neutravidin producing a blue
color. The reaction is stopped with Phosphoric Acid, changing color
to yellow. The intensity of the yellow color in the wells is
directly proportional to the concentration of Protein A present in
the wells.
[0263] Preparation of Reagents and Solutions Casein bottles must be
warmed to 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C.; sonicated for 2 minutes,
and aliquoted. Aliquots are to be stored at nominal 4.degree. C.
When assay is to be run, the number of casein aliquots needed,
should be placed at 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. The coating
buffer and substrate are used cold (taken from nominal 4.degree. C.
right before use).
[0264] 50 mM Sodium Bicarbonate (Coating Buffer), pH 9.4. To a 1 L
beaker add: 900 mL Milli-Q water 4.20 g.+-.0.01 g Sodium
Bicarbonate. Stir until completely dissolved. Adjust pH to 9.4 with
1 N NaOH. Transfer to a 1 L volumetric flask and bring to volume
with Milli-Q water. Mix by inversion until homogeneous. Filter
through a 0.22 CA .mu.m sterile filter unit. Store at nominal
4.degree. C. for up to 7 days from the date of preparation.
[0265] 104 M Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4*7H2O, 1.37 M NaCl, 0.027 M KCl,
0.0176 M KH.sub.2PO.sub.4, pH=6.8-6.9. (10.times.PBS): Add
approximately 400 mL of Milli-Q water to a glass beaker. Add 13.94
g.+-.0.01 g of Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4.times.7H2O. Add 40.0 g.+-.0.1 g of
NaCl. Add 1.00 g.+-.0.01 g of KCL Add 1.20 g.+-.0.01 g of
KH.sub.2PO.sub.4. Stir until homogeneous. Transfer to a 500 mL
volumetric flask. QS to 500 mL volume with Milli-Q water. Mix by
inversion. Filter through a 0.2 CA .mu.m sterile filter unit. Store
at room temperature for up to 7 days.
[0266] 1.times.PBS+0.1% Triton X-100, pH 7.40: (Plate Wash Buffer).
In a 4 L graduated cylinder, mix 400 mL 10.times.PBS (see above)
with 3500 mL Milli-Q Water. Check pH, and adjust if necessary to
7.40.+-.0.05 with 1 N HCl or 1 N NaOH. Bring to volume with Milli-Q
water. Tightly parafilm the cylinder and mix by inversion until
homogeneous. Transfer to a 4 L bottle. Remove 4 mL of the
1.times.PBS and discard. Add 4 mL of triton X-100 to the 3996 mL of
1.times.PBS. Place on stir plate and stir to completely dissolve.
Store at room temperature for up to 7 days.
[0267] Chicken Anti-Protein A Coating Antibody. Take out one
aliquot of antibody per plate at time of use. To qualify new lots
of Chicken Anti-Protein A, it may be necessary to use and qualify
Chicken Anti-Protein A-Biotin Conjugated (prepared from the same
lot of coating) together. Immediately before use: Dilute antibody
mixture in cold 50 mM Sodium Bicarbonate to the concentration
determined during coating qualification. For example: If during
qualification the concentration of coating to load on the plate was
determined to be 6 .mu.g/mL and if the stock concentration is 3000
.mu.g/mL, then add 24 .mu.Ls coating antibody to 11976 .mu.Ls cold
coating buffer. Mix gently by inversion.
[0268] Biotinylated Chicken anti Protein A. Take out one aliquot of
antibody per plate at time of use. To qualify new lots of Chicken
Anti-Protein A-Biotin Conjugated, it may be necessary to use and
qualify it with the same lot of Chicken Anti-Protein A it was
prepared from. Immediately before use: Dilute biotinylated antibody
in 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. Casein to the concentration
determined during biotinylated antibody qualification. For example:
If during qualification the concentration of biotinylated antibody
to load on the plate was determined to be 4 .mu.g/mL and if the
stock concentration is 1000 .mu.g/mL, then add 48 .mu.Ls
biotinylated antibody to 11952 .mu.Ls 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C.
Casein. Mix gently by inversion.
[0269] Neutravidin-HRP. Reconstitute new lots (2 mg/vial) to 1
mg/mL as follows: Add 400 .mu.L of Milli-Q water to the vial, then
add 1600 .mu.L 1.times.PBS, for a total of 2 mL. Vortex gently to
mix. Store at nominal -80.degree. C. Prepare aliquots with desired
volume so that 1 aliqout per plate is used. Prepare in
polypropylene tube. Assign expiration date of 6 months from the
date of preparation. For example, if the working concentration was
determined to be 0.1 .mu.g/mL then prepare as follows. Immediately
before use, thaw an aliquot of Neutravidin-HRP at room temperature.
Dilute the 1 mg/mL Neutravidin solution to 0.01 mg/mL (10 .mu.g/mL)
with 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. Casein. For example: Dilute
.times.10, add 50 .mu.L of neutravidin to 450 .mu.L of Casein.
Vortex gently to mix, .times.10 again, add 100 .mu.L of .times.10
neutravidin to 900 .mu.L of Casein. Vortex gently to mix. Further
dilute the 10 .mu.g/mL solution to 0.1 .mu.g/mL with 37.degree.
C..+-.2.degree. C. Casein. For example: Dilute .times.100, add 120
.mu.L neutravidin (10 .mu.g/mL) to 11880 .mu.L of Casein. Invert
several times gently to mix.
[0270] Stop Solution (Purchased 1 N Phosphoric Acid is used.) Store
at ambient temperature for up to 1 year from the date of receipt.
Dilution Buffer (1.times.PBS+4.1% Triton .times.100+10% Casein, pH
7.4). Add 86 mL of 1.times.PBS+0.1% Triton .times.100, pH 7.4 (from
Step 5.3) to a beaker or flask, add 4 mL of Triton X-100, and 10 mL
of Blocker Casein in PBS, and stir to dissolve/mix. It may take 20
to 30 minutes to dissolve triton. This equals a 1.times.PBS+4.1%
Triton .times.100+10% Casein, pH 7.4 solution. Filter through a
0.22 CA .mu.m sterile filter unit. Prepare fresh for each use. This
is enough for 1 plate.
[0271] Protein A Standards (Antigen Standards). NOTE: Stocks stored
at nominal--20.degree. C. in 70 .mu.L aliquots. Thaw an aliquot on
ice. Perform serial dilutions according to the examples in the
table below polypropylene tubes using Dilution buffer (see above)
using the concentration stated on the manufacturers COA: For
example if COA states stock concentration is 2.1 mg/mL (2100000
ng/mL) then: Thaw samples on ice. In polypropylene microcentrifuge
tubes, dilute final bulk samples to 20 mg/mL in Dilution Buffer
(above). Perform 2 separate dilutions. Record concentration. Use
the solutions below to prepare spiked samples and to prepare the 10
mg/mL solutions. For example: Conc. (mg/mL) Vol. 4 of X mg/mL
solution Vol. of diluent (.mu.L) Serial Dilution From 120 stock
sample. In polypropylene microcentrifuge tubes, further dilute the
20 mg/mL solutions to 10 mg/mL in Dilution Buffer.
[0272] Preparation of Spike. In a polypropylene microcentrifuge
tube, prepare a 0.296 ng/mL Protein A spike from the 0.593 ng/mL
standard prepared above in Step 6.1 by diluting it 2.times. with
Dilution Buffer. Perform a single dilution. Triplicate wells for
the 0.296 ng/mL spike solution will be loaded onto the plate. Use
the 0.593 ng/mL standard solution from Step 6.1 for spiking
samples.
[0273] Preparation of Spiked Samples. In polypropylene
microcentrifuge tubes, spike 500 .mu.L of each 20 mg/mL final bulk
solution with 500 .mu.L of the 0.593 ng/mL spike solution. Hold for
denaturation. Triplicate wells for each spiked sample solution will
be loaded on the plate for a total of 6 wells.
[0274] Preparation of Control. Obtain a lot of ABT-874 Drug
Substance. Prepare 150 aliquots and store frozen at nominal
-80.degree. C. for three years from the date aliquoted.
[0275] Working Control: Thaw an aliquot of control on ice. In a
polypropylene microcentrifuge tube, dilute control to 10 mg/mL with
Dilution Buffer to have a final volume of 1000 .mu.Ls. Prepare a
single dilution. Hold for denaturation. Triplicate wells of control
will be loaded onto the plate.
[0276] Denaturation. For plate blanks, add 1000 .mu.Ls of dilution
buffer to microcentrifuge tubes equal to the number of blanks that
will be run on the plate. The caps of the tubes may be parafilmed
to prevent them from popping open during heating or a second rack
may be placed on top of them to keep caps closed. Heat standards,
non-spiked samples, spiked samples, spike, blanks, and control, at
95.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. for 15 minutes. Remove parafilm from
tubes during cooling, if used. Allow to cool for 15 minutes, and
centrifuge for 5 minutes at approximately 10000 rpm. Transfer 700
.mu.Ls of the supernatant into microtubes to load on plate. Be
careful not to disturb the triton/protein pellet.
[0277] Plate Washer Instructions and Waterbath Set-Up. Fill plate
wash bottle with plate wash buffer (refer to Step 5.3,
1.times.PBS+0.1% Triton X-100). Prime plate washer. Check the
following parameters: Parameters should be set to: Plate Type: 1
For each Cycle (a total of 4 cycles): Asp speed: 10 mm/s; Volume:
400 .mu.Ls; Soak Time: 5 seconds; Asp. Time: 6 seconds. Turn on
waterbath and set to 95.degree. C. Allow waterbath temperature to
equilibrate to 95.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. for at least 30
minutes.
[0278] Assay Procedure: A Checklist can be used as a guide by
checking off steps as they are completed. Additionally, record all
equipment used during the assay. The amount of Casein aliquots to
be used for each day the assay will be run must be placed at
37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. The coating Buffer and substrate are
used cold. Prepare standard, sample, control, spike, and spiked
samples prior to and during blocking incubation. It may take longer
than the 1 hour block incubation to prepare dilutions, transfer to
eppendorf tubes, denature for 15 minutes, cool for 15 minutes,
centrifuge for 5 minutes, and to transfer to microtubes. Allow at
least 40 minutes prior to blocking plates. Samples, Spiked Samples,
Standards, Control, Assay Spike, and Blanks, are loaded on the
plate horizontally from rows B through G using a 12 channel
pipette. Standards are loaded from high to low concentration. Plate
coating, biotin addition, neutravidin addition, substrate addition,
and stop solution addition are done vertically from columns 2
through 11.
[0279] Coat plates with 100 .mu.L/well of coating antibody in cold
50 mM Sodium Bicarbonate. Tap the side of the plate until the
coating solution covers the bottom of the wells uniformly, cover
with sealing tape and incubate at nominal 4.degree. C. while
shaking on plate shaker (or equivalent) at speed 3.
[0280] After overnight incubation, remove plate from refrigerator
and allow to equilibrate to room temperature. Shake out coating.
Blot plate on paper towels. Block with 300 .mu.L/well of 37.degree.
C..+-.2.degree. C. Casein, cover with sealing tape and incubate at
37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. while shaking on Lab-line Environ
plate shaker (or equivalent) at 80 rpm.+-.5 rpm for 1 hour.+-.10
minutes.
[0281] Prepare standard, sample, control, spike, and spiked samples
prior to and during blocking incubation. Wash the plate 4 times
with Wash Buffer. Blot plate on paper towels. Using an 8-channel
pipette, pipet 100 .mu.L/well of denatured standards, samples,
spikes, spiked samples, blanks, and control into triplicate wells
of the plate. The outside wells of the plate are not used, add
non-treated dilution buffer to these wells. Cover with sealing tape
and incubate at 37.degree. C..+-.2 C while shaking on Lab-line
Environ plate shaker (or equivalent) at 80 rpm.+-.5 rpm for 2
hours. Fill out a template to use as a guide when loading
plate.
[0282] Plate Reader Set-Up. Wash the plate 4 times with Wash
Buffer. Blot plate on paper towels. Add 100 .mu.L/well biotinylated
antibody. Cover with sealing tape and incubate at 37.degree.
C..+-.2.degree. C. while shaking on Lab-line Environ plate shaker
(or equivalent) at 80 rpm.+-.5 rpm for 1 hour.
[0283] Wash the plate 4 times with Wash Buffer. Blot plate on paper
towels. Add 100 .mu.L/well Neutravidin-HRP conjugate solution.
Start timer as soon as neutravidin is added to the last row. Cover
with sealing tape and incubate at 37.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C.
while shaking on Lab-line Environ plate shaker (or equivalent) at
80 rpm.+-.5 rpm for 30 minutes. Wash the plate 4 times with Wash
Buffer. Blot plate on paper towels. Add 100 .mu.L/well cold K-Blue
substrate, cover with sealing tape and incubate at room temperature
for 10 minutes (start timer as soon as substrate is added to first
row), while shaking speed 3 on Lab-line titer plate shaker (or
equivalent). Stop the reaction by adding 100 .mu.L/well 1 N
Phosphoric Acid. Place plate on a plate shaker at speed 3 for 3
minutes. Read plate at 450 nm.
[0284] Data Analysis and Calculations NOTE: Only samples, spikes,
spiked samples, and control, with optical densities falling within
the practical quantitation limit of the standard curve and meeting
the % CV or % difference criteria stated below, are accepted. If
sample OD's fall below standard curve, result should be reported as
less than 0.18 ng/mL (assay LOQ). This value should then be divided
by the diluted sample concentration (10 mg/mL) to report value in
ng/mg. If the sample is high in Protein A concentration causing the
non-spiked and/or the spiked sample to be above standard curve (2
ng/mL), then dilute further to be within the standard curve. This
value should then be divided by the diluted sample concentration to
report value in ng/mg. For spike recovery calculations, subtract
non-spiked sample value (ng/mL) from spiked sample value (ng/mL)
even when the non-spiked sample value (ng/mL) is below the curve.
If value is negative or `range` is obtained then consider
non-spiked sample as zero for spike recovery calculations.
[0285] Standard Curve. Standard concentrations should be entered
into the protocol template. A quadratic curve fit is used.
Coefficient of determination must be=0.99 and the % CV between
triplicate wells must be=20%. If this criteria is not met: One
standard (1 level, 3 wells) may be dropped. If the 0.18 ng/mL is
dropped, only samples and spiked samples with optical densities
falling within the 0.26 ng/mL and 2 ng/mL (the remaining standard
curve points) optical densities are acceptable. Additionally, for
the triplicates of each standard level, if a single well is clearly
contaminated or shows low binding, it may be dropped. If a well is
dropped from a standard level, the remaining replicates must have a
% difference=20%. The % CV for the lowest standard, which shows OD
values close to the background (blanks) of the plate, should
be=30%. If one well is dropped, the % difference for the remaining
replicates must be=35%. If the lowest standard is dropped, only
samples and spiked samples with optical densities falling within
the remaining standard curve level optical densities are
acceptable.
[0286] Calculate % Difference as follows: % Difference=(Abs.
(result dilution 1-result dilution 2)/mean value).times.100%. The
assay must be repeated if the standards do not meet the above
criteria. Report % CV and/or % difference values and standard Curve
Coefficient of determination results.
[0287] Samples. % CV should be=20% between triplicate wells. Report
% CV between triplicate wells. One well from each sample dilution
may be dropped. The remaining replicates must have a % difference
of =20%. Note: If non-spiked sample OD is below lowest standard OD
the % difference criteria does not apply to the non-spiked results.
Refer to calculation above.
[0288] Report "Non-spiked sample result" for each dilution in
ng/mL. These values will be used in spike recovery calculations.
Calculate the mean "Non-spiked sample result (ng/mL)" and the %
difference between dilutions. Report results. % Difference between
dilutions must be=25%. Calculate actual Protein A Concentration in
ng/mg from the mean (ng/mL) value as follows: Protein A
(ng/mg)=Mean "Non-spiked sample result (ng/mL)" Diluted sample
concentration (10 mg/mL). Record result.
[0289] Spikes. % CV should be=20% between triplicate wells. Record
% CV. One well from the spike may be dropped. The remaining points
must have a % difference=20%. Refer to calculation above. Report
protein A concentration in ng/mL. This result will be used in spike
recovery calculations. The resulting concentration for the spike
(ng/mL) must be .+-.20% of the theoretical spike concentration.
Record result and indicate Pass or Fail. If the spike result is not
within 20% of theoretical, the assay must be repeated. Mean Spike
Concentration (ng/mL).times.100=must be 100%.+-.20% 0.296 ng/mL
[0290] Spiked Samples. % CV should be=20% between triplicate wells.
Record % CV between triplicate wells. One well from each spiked
sample dilution may be dropped. The remaining replicates must have
a % difference of =20%. Refer to calculation above. Report "Spiked
sample result" for each dilution in ng/mL. Record % difference
between duplicate dilutions. The % difference between dilutions
should be=25%. These results will be used in the spike recovery
calculations. Calculate % Spike Recovery for each dilution set
using the formula below: % Spike Recovery=Spiked sample
value--Non-Spiked Sample Value X 100. Spike Value NOTE: For spike
recovery calculations, subtract non-spiked sample value (ng/mL)
from spiked sample value (ng/mL) even when the non-spiked sample
value (ng/mL) is below the curve. If value is negative or `range`
is obtained then consider non-spiked sample as zero for spike
recovery calculations. % Spike recovery must be 100%.+-.50%
(50%-150%) for each dilution for each sample. Record results and
Pass/Fail.
[0291] Control. % CV should be=20% between triplicate wells. Record
% CV result. One well from the control may be dropped. The
remaining replicates must have a % difference of =20%.
[0292] Various publications are cited herein, the contents of which
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
Sequence CWU 1
1
61115PRTArtificial sequenceSynthetic polypeptide 1Gln Val Gln Leu
Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Val Val Gln Pro Gly Arg 1 5 10 15 Ser Leu
Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30
Gly Met His Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Gln Val 35
40 45 Ala Phe Ile Arg Tyr Asp Gly Ser Asn Lys Tyr Tyr Ala Asp Ser
Val 50 55 60 Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn
Thr Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80 Leu Gln Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr
Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Lys Thr His Gly Ser His Asp Asn Trp
Gly Gln Gly Thr Met Val Thr 100 105 110 Val Ser Ser 115
2112PRTArtificial sequenceSynthetic polypeptide 2Gln Ser Val Leu
Thr Gln Pro Pro Ser Val Ser Gly Ala Pro Gly Gln 1 5 10 15 Arg Val
Thr Ile Ser Cys Ser Gly Ser Arg Ser Asn Ile Gly Ser Asn 20 25 30
Thr Val Lys Trp Tyr Gln Gln Leu Pro Gly Thr Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu 35
40 45 Ile Tyr Tyr Gly Asn Asp Gln Arg Pro Ser Gly Val Pro Asp Arg
Phe 50 55 60 Ser Gly Ser Lys Gly Thr Ser Ala Ser Leu Ala Ile Thr
Gly Val Gln 65 70 75 80 Ala Glu Asp Glu Ala Asp Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Ser
Tyr Asp Arg Tyr Thr 85 90 95 His Pro Ala Leu Leu Phe Gly Thr Gly
Thr Lys Val Thr Val Leu Gly 100 105 110 3223PRTArtificial
sequenceSynthetic polypeptide 3Glu Val Gln Leu Val Gln Ser Gly Thr
Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Glu 1 5 10 15 Ser Leu Lys Ile Ser Cys Lys
Gly Ser Gly Tyr Thr Val Thr Ser Tyr 20 25 30 Trp Ile Gly Trp Val
Arg Gln Met Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Met 35 40 45 Gly Phe Ile
Tyr Pro Gly Asp Ser Glu Thr Arg Tyr Ser Pro Thr Phe 50 55 60 Gln
Gly Gln Val Thr Ile Ser Ala Asp Lys Ser Phe Asn Thr Ala Phe 65 70
75 80 Leu Gln Trp Ser Ser Leu Lys Ala Ser Asp Thr Ala Met Tyr Tyr
Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Val Gly Ser Gly Trp Tyr Pro Tyr Thr Phe Asp
Ile Trp Gly 100 105 110 Gln Gly Thr Met Val Thr Val Ser Ser Ala Ser
Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser 115 120 125 Val Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro Ser Ser Lys
Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala 130 135 140 Ala Leu Gly Cys Leu Val Lys
Asp Tyr Phe Pro Glu Pro Val Thr Val 145 150 155 160 Ser Trp Asn Ser
Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser Gly Val His Thr Phe Pro Ala 165 170 175 Val Leu
Gln Ser Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser Leu Ser Ser Val Val Thr Val 180 185 190
Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln Thr Tyr Ile Cys Asn Val Asn His 195
200 205 Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr Lys Val Asp Lys Lys Val Glu Pro Lys Ser
210 215 220 4214PRTArtificial sequenceSynthetic polypeptide 4Glu
Ile Val Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Ala Thr Leu Ser Val Ser Pro Gly 1 5 10
15 Glu Arg Ala Thr Leu Ser Cys Arg Ala Ser Glu Ser Ile Ser Ser Asn
20 25 30 Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln Ala Pro Arg Leu
Phe Ile 35 40 45 Tyr Thr Ala Ser Thr Arg Ala Thr Asp Ile Pro Ala
Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55 60 Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Glu Phe Thr Leu Thr
Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Ser 65 70 75 80 Glu Asp Phe Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys
Gln Gln Tyr Asn Asn Trp Pro Ser 85 90 95 Ile Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly
Thr Arg Leu Glu Ile Lys Arg Thr Val Ala 100 105 110 Ala Pro Ser Val
Phe Ile Phe Pro Pro Ser Asp Glu Gln Leu Lys Ser 115 120 125 Gly Thr
Ala Ser Val Val Cys Leu Leu Asn Asn Phe Tyr Pro Arg Glu 130 135 140
Ala Lys Val Gln Trp Lys Val Asp Asn Ala Leu Gln Ser Gly Asn Ser 145
150 155 160 Gln Glu Ser Val Thr Glu Gln Asp Ser Lys Asp Ser Thr Tyr
Ser Leu 165 170 175 Ser Ser Thr Leu Thr Leu Ser Lys Ala Asp Tyr Glu
Lys His Lys Val 180 185 190 Tyr Ala Cys Glu Val Thr His Gln Gly Leu
Ser Ser Pro Val Thr Lys 195 200 205 Ser Phe Asn Arg Gly Glu 210
5121PRTArtificial sequenceSynthetic polypeptide 5Glu Val Gln Leu
Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Arg 1 5 10 15 Ser Leu
Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Asp Asp Tyr 20 25 30
Ala Met His Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35
40 45 Ser Ala Ile Thr Trp Asn Ser Gly His Ile Asp Tyr Ala Asp Ser
Val 50 55 60 Glu Gly Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Lys Asn
Ser Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80 Leu Gln Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr
Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Lys Val Ser Tyr Leu Ser Thr Ala
Ser Ser Leu Asp Tyr Trp Gly 100 105 110 Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val
Ser Ser 115 120 6107PRTArtificial sequenceSynthetic polypeptide
6Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu Ser Ala Ser Val Gly 1
5 10 15 Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Gly Ile Arg Asn
Tyr 20 25 30 Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys
Leu Leu Ile 35 40 45 Tyr Ala Ala Ser Thr Leu Gln Ser Gly Val Pro
Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55 60 Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu
Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80 Glu Asp Val Ala Thr Tyr Tyr
Cys Gln Arg Tyr Asn Arg Ala Pro Tyr 85 90 95 Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly
Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys 100 105
* * * * *
References